UEA'S LOCKDOWN ARCHIVE

Lockdown care package - Harry Barnett Hall (staff; Learning and Teaching Service): “Having not panic bought pasta, we found to our cost that not only could we not get macaroni in one supermarket, but also five others we visited that same day. After venting on Facebook, some days later a box arrived; we were reminded friendship and small gestures meant a great deal.”

Cinema Cristina - Nuria Ortega (staff; Estates): "This was the 2nd day of lockdown. I lived with my sixth-form daughter before she left home for university in September 2020. We tried since the first day of lockdown to have some quality time, making the most of our last months living together, trying to avoid any mental health problems; we succeeded!"

Lockdown liberation - Shaun Canon (staff; Faculty of Science): "This is our Bailey who, believe it or not, will grow into a very large Doberman. He was born on Monday 23 March 2020, lockdown day, and joined a family which sadly lost its patriarch to COVID-19 in February 2021. He will be one on the anniversary day."

A view from a bridge - Anna Douglas (staff; Research and Innovation Network): "Evoking mixed emotion, this picture is of my son and I (our shadows) as we walked into the city, two weeks into lockdown. There was relief of his safe return from university in Leeds but a sadness that he had to finish his degree at home. Norwich was eerily silent - no cars, no people but the sun was shining. It felt post-apocalyptic despite the city looking beautiful."

Stay Positive - Kirsty Webb (staff; Human Resources Division): "Early in lockdown, we wandered the eerily quiet and deserted streets of Norwich and the enormity of the situation hit us. Rounding a corner, we came across this newly painted graffiti which stopped us in our tracks; it practically shouted at us to ‘Stay Positive!’ It’s been our lockdown motto ever since."

Ice cream during an Exec - Mimi Foreman (staff; Faculty of Science): "I never thought I’d have the pleasure of eating a Mr Whippy covered in marshmallows during an Executive Committee meeting. One ticked off the bucket list and lots of jealous members."

Hot in Cleveland Cav - Alex Lee (student; School of Art, Media and American Studies): "Laptops, staying home, and streaming shows, defined lockdown for many. One benefit of so many months at home was spending more time with my cat Cav (who I miss when I am away at UEA). Here he was watching Hot In Cleveland with me, a show I binged during lockdown."

A busy day at the office - Martyn Reason (staff; IT and Computing Services)

Birthday on the water - Alice Ladbrooke (staff; Physical Education and Sport): "I have had my paddleboard for a number of years but COVID-19 really made me make the most of time outdoors. When exercising became unlimited again in 2020, it kicked off a summer of enjoying being on the water with as many friends as the guidelines allowed."

Exploration - Anne Patton (staff; Careers Service): "It reflects how lockdown gave me the opportunity to discover great walks and green spaces on my doorstep, which I didn’t even realise existed (and I’ve lived in my home for seven years!). This photo was taken after a walk on Mousehold Heath."

Sarah Crowe (student; School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing): "This photograph was taken the week before Lockdown 1 ended (10 June 2020). It was taken at Greggs in Norwich on White Lion Street. I wanted to capture one aspect of lockdown and I knew that the signs put up in shop windows about when they would reopen would only be there temporarily. So I decided to photograph the more interesting ones."

Saudade - Krsna Mohani (student; School of Medicine): "This picture, taken during a lockdown walk, doesn’t look like much, but means everything. 'Saudade' describes 'love that remains' for something absent, and I think that’s what this has all been about; a nostalgic state knocking on all our doors, a longing for our families, friends and whole lives pre-COVID."

It doesn't matter if it's raining and dark. The sun is shining above the clouds - Hugh Braidwood (staff; Physical Education and Sport): "Our Reverend gave us a blessing in June when we were supposed to marry. Though we are not yet married, we spent so much time together, helping each other get through this year."

BLM in Eaton Park - Laura Potts (staff; Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing): "We’ve strictly followed the guidelines around staying home and social distancing, so when the Black Lives Matter movement started, we were conflicted. We decided to see whether it was possible to safely lend our support and learn from the event at Eaton Park, and we’re so glad we did."  

Space Invader - Ann Nicholls (staff; Postgraduate Research Office): "Working remotely, I have found it incredibly calming to have a large cat with a very loud purr sharing my workspace. I say 'my workspace' but it's actually where he has always spent a lot of his time. So, the question is: who is the space invader? Him or me?"

An Actual Meeting - Mark Covell (staff; Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing): "This picture reflects pandemic family life in 2020 - when 13-year-old grandson could finally meet 80-year-old granddad after months of lockdown - outside, no hugging, and not allowed to stay overnight. Like two spies they were able to talk a while among the summer flowers."

Jumara Stone (staff; Student Services): "We were only 12 hours away from getting married when the PM made his lockdown announcement on 22 March at 8pm. We unpacked our suitcases, put our wedding clothes back in the wardrobe and just waited. Keeping it a secret from the rest of our world, we eloped on 11 July! We headed down to London and finally got married in Kensington with our best friends as the two witnesses, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Our wedding party will be on our one year anniversary and hopefully we can finally celebrate with our loved ones. It wasn’t the day we had planned but surpassed any expectations we had in the best way possible."

Freddie Reynolds (staff; Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing): "A moment midway through the filming of the 2020 graduation video. The square was illuminated, the sun with setting, and a drone was hovering overhead, capturing footage for the final film. Very few of us were there for the filming - and fewer still have returned to campus since."

The family sunflower competition - Bryony Porter (staff; School of Health Sciences): "Mum sent us a packet of sunflower seeds. The family, separated across the country, were connected in sunflower competition. My Mum died unexpectedly in February 2021 and the first time the family was together again was for Mum’s funeral. This picture reminds me of the hope, love and kindness that my Mum shared with us all, bringing us together, despite being apart."  

Frappe and Latte - Richard Delahaye (staff; Faculty of Humanities): "The look of peace and contentment on Frappé’s face is indicative of how we feel, when we hold either him or his brother, Latte, regardless of any frustrations we have had in our virtual office or school. The mental wellbeing strength of these two small bundles of joy is immeasurable."

My first ever Marmande tomato - Suzanna Long (staff; School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing): "My first ever Marmande tomato grown in 2020. I was very pleased with the size! This sums up lockdown for me - spending time in my allotment, growing my own produce, feeling very grateful to be in this position and to be safe at home." 

The Escape - Daniel Salliss (staff; School of Environmental Sciences): "This photo was taken on a short break, in the time between lockdowns when short breaks were allowed. My two-year-old son is looking out at the sea from Fowey, Cornwall, seemingly plotting the next escape, as I’m sure all of us have been over the last year."

Light in Lockdown - Helen McSparron (staff; IT and Computing Services): "Campus was near deserted – a stark contrast to the busy start-of-term we’re used to. But what a very pretty sight to see the Ziggurats and Spiegel tent popping out of the darkness - a little bit of hope that there was fun to be had!" 

Hope - Vicky Christoforatou (staff; School of Education): "This photo captures the beauty of the UEA campus as the centre of academic, cultural and social life for both staff and students. The photo was taken at a time when the prospect of returning to campus remained distant and uncertain. The rainbow reminded me that we can still hope for the way of living and working that the UEA stands for."

Tranquility - Yumiko Ono (student; Norwich Business School): "I was walking around the campus after the rain. This photo seems like the tranquility after the storm, which has made me feel nostalgic. Everyone expects to have a peaceful life like this photo. The pathway is twisting and turning seemingly endlessly, but there is also a ray of hope."

Double rainbow in the sky over Norwich - Wing Yee Lai (student; School of Pharmacy): "Undoubtedly, 2020 has been a tough year for every one of us but we should never lose hope. Sometimes the darkest rainstorms bring the most beautiful rainbows. Always remember the storm will pass, the rainbow will come and you will find all of your efforts worthwhile."

Our Rock - Charlotte James (student; School of Environmental Sciences): "Hetty has been mine and Mum's rock, being there for us through lockdown. We became the closest we ever have been: having countless naps, cuddles and walks. Hetty said goodbye to us and the world and peacefully passed away on 8 March. We couldn’t have done this last year without her. Thank you Hetty." 

Window of Mind - Hongyan Gu (student; School of Art, Media and American Studies): "This is the only window in my room; From self-isolation after arriving in the UK to lockdown; Inside the window is my online class and daily life; Outside the window; Clouds are flowing, birds are singing, leaves are falling; I know all this is worth the wait; Because there is hope in my heart."

A walk down memory lane - Rowan Sims (student; School of Health Sciences): "It means a lot to me as this was the last time I saw my nan, we took a walk at her local beach before entering National Lockdown. I miss her dearly and look forward to seeing her again." 

Ethereal Beasts - Andrew Loveday (staff; School of Biological Sciences): "I work in BIO and enjoy walks around the campus most days. We are incredibly lucky to have amazing outside space to enjoy at UEA. The Sainsbury Centre always makes for exciting images and the morning mist was really atmospheric as if the statues were appearing from the mist."

Olivia Argo (staff; Learning and Teaching Service): "This is one of the new places we found over the last year while exploring interesting local dog walks. They have no idea what’s going on and they are absolutely loving life."

Outside the Drama Studio - Jeremy Noel-Tod (staff; School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing): "I was Acting Head of the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing in 2020. Lockdowns made me very aware of the importance of campus life to our students. I took this photo one autumn morning shortly before the wonderful final-year drama production, which I felt privileged to see in person."

Scenes from a lockdown park run - Megan Rees (student; School of Art, Media and American Studies): "Eaton Park has become an extension of my home. This scene was even more picturesque in person. Pausing my Strava (and making the most of my outdoor activity for that day), I marvelled at the moon’s reflection in the rippled water. This photo is a distinct memory of second lockdown."

Scenic Sunday Bike Ride - Catherine McLean (student; School of Art, Media and American Studies): "I had arranged to go cycling with a friend around Norwich city centre. This snap turned out to be the most picturesque out of all the photos I had taken. The river captured a fleeting moment and reflected on the calming sensations that both of us felt that morning."

Communication during a pandemic - Susan Stirling (staff; School of Medicine): "A picture I drew for my 90-year-old mum. Our son is a COVID tester - it's hard to describe when you are separated by a window, and the person you talk to is hard of hearing! We miss visiting mum but are forever grateful to all who care for her."

Reflection - Heather Nixey (student; School of Health Sciences): "I chose this photo because it showcases the natural beauty of campus and is a perfect example of what helped me cope with lockdown, which is walking. Walking helps me relax, clear my head and reflect on what has been going on in my life and the world in general."

Local Surfing - Celine Crowder (student; School of International Development): "Surfing is my favourite way of staying active. This year’s restrictions have prevented my friends and I from travelling the country to surf, so we’ve had to get creative. We might’ve had no waves to catch but experiencing the achingly cold water energised us for more surf trips to come."

Reflections - Jasmyn Gooding (student; School of Biological Sciences): "After the November lockdown lifted, a flatmate and I went on a walk in the afternoon around the lake. Within this past year many people have truly appreciated the beauty of nature as we break away from our computers and video calls. I think this picture captures that."

UEA Stroll - Jenna Helleur (student; School of Biological Sciences): "It was the daily strolls at UEA that kept me going over lockdown with the beautiful views and the wildlife to put a smile on my face."

Watching the sunset is the new going to the pub - Chloe Webb (student; School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies): "I'm very into walking, and clock up ten miles most days, but during lockdown I was limited to the routes straight from my house. I'd walk on Mousehold Heath every day, watching the sunset and noticing the little changes of the seasons. It reminded me that we're always moving forward and these times will pass."

Lone Sunset - Jahidul Hussain (student; School of Environmental Sciences): "In December, I was unfortunately unable to return home for the Christmas holidays. During this time, regular walks around the lake helped my mental health while being alone at UEA. I wanted to share my experience that day and show the beautiful colours of the Norwich sky."

Leanne Rhodes (staff; Faculty of Social Sciences): "My partner and our kids took a walk on the beach – this is Elia my eldest who was back for Christmas from her first year at Swansea University. She’s still here in Norwich and we’re hoping to go back to the beach very soon."

A beautiful winter sky - Sarah Harper (staff; Library): "I have replaced my daily commute with a morning walk around my village. It gives me time to clear my mind before I shift from a home to work mindset. It has been lovely to watch the seasons change, appreciate nature and wildlife and to witness some stunning sunrises."

Jamie Trindall (staff; Research and Innovation Network): "This was taken for our RIN festive photo competition. I’m entering this to show that even with lockdown and being stuck at home, it’s still possible to find some Christmas spirit - and make your teammates smile."

My story - Paul Everden (staff; Norwich Medical School): "As an NHS doctor for 40 years in the middle of the COVID pandemic I decided to ride 500km in five days between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. The juxtaposition between life’s challenges and nature's beauty. For the NHS I would like to donate nature’s gift of a rainbow to celebrate the gift that is health and life; nature’s most precious gift."

Man of Stones in Winter - Gordon Collins (staff; Student Services): "This year, my experience of the UEA I used to know is from walks around the lake and campus. We can’t go in the buildings and we can’t go within two metres of anyone. It’s always been this way for the Man of Stones."

Frozen Totoro - Ryan Bestre (student; School of International Development): "The pandemic and the lockdowns have made mundane days just drone on. But it was a pleasant surprise to wake up in the novelty of snow gently falling. It dragged me out to marvel at this white-covered scenery. I was able to befriend inanimate snow creatures too."

Claudiu Frunza (student; School of Mathematics): "On my brother's birthday we went to the mountains where I took the picture. We were literally in the clouds. I feel like this picture represents this whole situation as you cannot see too far. What fascinated me was that it looked like a painting everywhere you see."

Fairy door Michelle Carey (staff; Finance, Planning and Governance): "Fairy folk have moved into the woods! I love taking my dog here for a peaceful walk and admiring the local children's creativity and handiwork. I have found it really uplifting to spot the new arrivals and the first signs of spring, surrounded by beautiful woodland." 

Lunchtime walk - Helen Roberts (staff; IT and Computing Services): "Due to working from home, I'm able to enjoy this beautiful scene in winter when I wouldn't usually be able to do so from my office and it would be too dark when I got home. Being able to take a walk in the middle of the day felt like a luxury, now it feels like an essential part of my day."

Holly Woodrow (staff; Research and Innovation Network): "This picture represents the last year for me, because lockdown has pushed me to get outside for a walk whatever the weather – and I don’t usually like snow! Discovering new walks, exercising more and learning to value what we have on our doorstep."

Not all who wander are lost - David Downing (staff; IT and Computing Services): "I've entered it because it shows the exploratory nature of one of the many lockdown walks with my 18-month-old son."

Moments of Happiness - Jin Nee Ong (student; School of Law): "As someone who had never spent time abroad and never lived in a colder climate, my single wish was to experience snow. Although short lasting, I realised how precious every moment in life is. I have learnt to cherish the moments of happiness and to always look for the light."

Pure morning at UEA - Enkhbat Natsagdorj (student; School of Art, Media and American Studies): "It was snowing for five days consecutively in February in Norwich. One morning, I went out to have some fresh air whilst taking some photos. Then when I was walking around the Ziggurats, I shot this photo."

Nice to meet snow in UEA - Xioquan Wang (student; Norwich Business School): "A snowfall cannot be missed in Norwich, a memory cannot be forgot in UEA, a journey cannot be ignored in my life."

Wet meadow reflections - Rosalind Bark (staff; School of Environmental Sciences): "I took the photo while I was walking around UEA waiting to pick up my partner from minor injuries at the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital. The photo fills me with hope with the new beginnings from the flood waters and the view of the willow budding in the background."

Sunday Baking Sessions - Victoria Rawlins (staff; Student Services): "I have really missed sharing bakes with work colleagues, but have continued to use my weekends to try around 20 new recipes. Baking has been a mindful exercise throughout lockdown. When I’ve sent something homemade to friends who are isolating, it has reminded me how important community is in our lives." 

Online learning - Amanda Williams (staff; Norwich Business School): "This has kept me from getting overwhelmed by the events of the year. Each evening I made a couple of granny squares. I learnt to crochet from scratch on a brilliant online course run by @themercerie. I aspire to teach as well online as she does."

Nicole Noordhoek (student; School of Education and Lifelong Learning): "When the clouds parted, long beams of the day's last light streamed through the trees, casting the park in a pink and golden glow. Going on walks, watching the sunset, and being in nature gives me a sense of grounding and routine in a world full of challenges and uncertainty." 

After work walk at Eaton Park - Lisa Williams (staff; Vice Chancellor's Office): "This year of the pandemic I have been grateful for Norwich’s lovely parks and particularly this one. I visit in all weathers and times, sometimes for socially distanced walks or an after work stroll as a quick de-stress. I always see something new, including this view taken in late February 2021."

Grace in UEA 2020/21 - Qiufang Wang (student; Norwich Business School): "During February 2021, I joined the challenges in UEA+Moves, it kept me walking during a difficult time to keep healthy. To be honest, I am not a sporty person, but because the challenge is very interesting and I also had the chance to get a prize for my exercise, every day I kept walking for one to two hours. It really made me feel better mentally and physically and I got a prize! It's a pair of trainers and I personalised them to have my name and 'UEA' on the them. It's really wonderful, I will remember the experience in UEA forever!"

The Great ITCS Lockdown Bake Off - Callum Rhodes (staff; IT and Computing Services): "This competition became a staple of our weekly all-staff meetings for a period, it broke the monotony and meant we could involve all ITCS in the baking or voting. You would be amazed at what amazing creations came out of it." 

Early spring daffodils at Earlham Park - Nick Lewis (staff; Library): "I chose this photo of our King Charles Cavalier puppy Rory nestling down next to early daffodils. It was chosen to encapsulate hope and optimism as we come out of lockdown March 2021."

Good things can come out of unexpected places - Amy Palmer (staff; Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing): "This is a photo taken on one of my lunchtime walks. Whilst the past year has been difficult, there have been so many acts of kindness and support. This photo of the daffodils starting to bloom against the brambl, reminds me that good things can come from unexpected places."

Karitas Palsdottir (student; School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing): "On a walk by myself, noticing the small things in life."

Rachel Watkins (staff; Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing): "I've been helping to manage UEA’s Lateral Flow Testing Centre, where we’ve been testing students and staff for COVID-19 since the end of November. The test centre staff – including students and cleaners - bring such positivity and energy to the testing centre. I feel very lucky to have been able to meet such fantastic people during lockdown."

Reflections on my last year - Lola Gonzalez- Penades (student; School of Biological Sciences): "This picture tries to summarise how I have been keeping myself physically and mentally healthy and motivated during the last year. I’ve increased my weekly exercise; improved my gardening skills; learned new and colourful recipes; and read those books I wanted to read (and couldn’t find the time to!)."

We Couldn't Travel, So We Brought the World into Our Kitchen - Elena Nardi & Irene Biza (staff; School of Education): "The photo features twelve items we cooked at home because we were missing the flavours, smells and textures of the places we couldn’t travel to. Some (Cromer Crab Salad; Scottish Kedgeree) are close to home. Some (Homemade Filo Pastry Greek Spinach Pie; Kourambiedes/Greek Christmas Shortbread Cookies; Mediterranean Style Tiger Prawns) are from where we come from. The rest (Norwegian Jarlsberg Smoked Fish Gratin; New York Style Cheesecake; Senegalese Superkanja; Tunisian Grilled Sea Bream and Cous Cous; American Halloween Pumpkin Pie; Middle-Eastern Künefe; Homemade Italian pasta) are from where we couldn’t go."

UEA Teams Work On - Hope Against Hope - Sarah Housden (staff; School of Health Sciences): "This photo symbolises the strength of hope held by the UEA teams I have worked with over the past year, as well as that of our colleagues in practice in the world of health and social care, combined with my personal hope of a different future after having my vaccination."