Mr Macdonald, Biology
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
My wife has been at work for the whole period, so I have had to get creative in looking after my two daughters. Fortunately, the weather has been kind and we have spent a lot of time in the garden searching for insects, making dens and playing games. I have also managed to put myself out of my comfort zone and learn some new skills like laying a patio and dyeing my wife’s hair. We are still married.
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
I was fortunate to borrow a rower so have been alternating between that and running. I have been working toward doing a duathlon of sorts, but by doing a run and then rowing a marathon distance. Hopefully, I can raise some money for the Ichthyosis Support Group in completing this challenge, which is a charity close to my heart.
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
I signed up to the NHS Volunteer Responders programme when it was announced and have been able to meet some amazing people whilst running them to and from my local hospital. I’ve also mowed a few lawns for elderly neighbours, although if they were paying for it, I don’t think they would employ me again!
Mrs Gillow, English
Are you finding any creative ways to adapt to day to day life during this period of isolation?
Interesting question! As a family with two primary age children and two adults working full-time, it has been necessary to have a daily timetable. The girls have a full day of work sent through from their school every day, but I’m adding in some extras, like drama and music and making a small pond and a bug hotel. My husband and I take turns working and teaching the children. It’s very, very busy, but it’s working for us. The timetable means we still appreciate our weekends and holidays, when we can kick back and do what we like. Also, Noel Fielding runs an art club on Saturday afternoons so that’s always fun if we’re at a loose end. And over half term, we are going camping in our garden!
Are you managing to stay active? If so, how?
I am in the shielded group so I’m not allowed to go out to exercise, but I have a treadmill which has been super useful. The girls and my husband have been joining Joe Wicks each morning for PE, and we have been playing Just Dance when the weather is dull.
The ongoing pandemic is proving challenging for many, are you finding ways to help your community?
We are very lucky in that we have wonderful neighbours and we’re all very close. I introduced a one song disco daily at 11am when we take it turns to pick a song and all dance on our respective driveways, music blaring. It stops us going stir crazy! We’ve also been dropping off food for each other that we have made, and we dropped off cookies in red, white and blue to everyone for VE Day.
