CHRISTMAS 2020

It was the strangest Christmas in living memory. We were unable to meet with loved-ones and get into the real Christmas spirit.

For many of us, Christmas 2020 was when the pandemic really hit home. It was a kick in the teeth for people who were praying to be back with the ones they care about. And it was a lockdown which lasted for months under a phased return to the ‘new normal’. Getting out of lockdown is mainly down to the Covid vaccine. As more and more people were jabbed by volunteers and health professionals, it became clearer there really was a light at the end of the tunnel.

After a number of other restrictions were dropped, Barnsley were finally able to bounce back from the pandemic and the worst couple of years in living memory. Looking back, it’s phenomenal how well everyone coped. In a time where we weren’t able to have fun in the usual way, we created new fun. In a time where we weren’t able to see our friends and family in person, we started to use Zoom.

The spirit and bravery shown by each and every one of us will live with us for the rest of our lives. The hurt we felt was shared. No one was left to struggle alone. And that’s what we should take from the lockdown periods - we came together and we will continue to do so for as long as there is a B in Barnsley.

A time we would usually relish, turned into a dark time - but Barnsley’s community spirit will never shine brighter.

Community groups from all across the borough made sure to do their level best to help those less fortunate and most vulnerable. From delivering Christmas dinners to elderly people, to donating presents for children to open on their big day - it turned out to be a day everyone should be proud of.

But less than two weeks after the festive period, cases began to skyrocket and the country was forced into its third and final lockdown.

ABOVE

August 2021