In pictures: Reflecting on what was missed and lessons learned in the past year since Covid lockdown

As we look back at the past year of the pandemic, we asked our readers what they had missed during the lockdown, and what lessons had been learned.

By Rebecca Beardmore

Published 23rd Mar 2021, 15:45 BST

Today marks National Day of Reflection - the first anniversary of the Covid-19 lockdown.

People all over the country were thrown into uncharted territory, as parents became teachers and colleagues sat side-by-side in offices suddenly only saw each other through Zoom.

We asked our readers what they felt they had missed the most about their lives before the lockdown, and what it had taught them.

"I've missed my husband Dave, he's working overseas. He did 24 years in RAF and now works in civil aviation."

1. Jayne and Dave Morley

"I've missed my husband Dave, he's working overseas. He did 24 years in RAF and now works in civil aviation." Photo: Jayne Morley

"I go to a knit and natter group at St Wulstan's church hall in Fleetwood on a Tuesday, and some friends and I meet up once a week in our homes and do all kinds of crafts. It's been a year now since we met up."

2. Anne Williams

"I go to a knit and natter group at St Wulstan's church hall in Fleetwood on a Tuesday, and some friends and I meet up once a week in our homes and do all kinds of crafts. It's been a year now since we met up." Photo: Anne Williams

"I have missed my children and grandchildren who live in Oxford. I have one daughter, two sons and two granddaughters."

3. Amanda Cheetham

"I have missed my children and grandchildren who live in Oxford. I have one daughter, two sons and two granddaughters." Photo: Amanda Cheetham

"I've been amazed by how people have come together during the pandemic and shown empathy and compassion towards others. I've missed the fact we haven't been able to spend time together with friends and family."

4. Wayne Sanderson (right), founder of homeless charity The Albert Project

"I've been amazed by how people have come together during the pandemic and shown empathy and compassion towards others. I've missed the fact we haven't been able to spend time together with friends and family." Photo: Wayne Sanderson

"I definitely missed the freedom of meeting family and friends. I missed just getting in the car and visiting countryside. I’ve missed work as it used to be, rather than Zoom meetings. I’ve learned especially during my challenge for Blackpool's young carers, that if you smile or wave even to a stranger, they will most likely smile and wave back."

5. Paul Howlett, fundraiser for Blackpool Carers Centre and youth hostel manager

"I definitely missed the freedom of meeting family and friends. I missed just getting in the car and visiting countryside. I’ve missed work as it used to be, rather than Zoom meetings. I’ve learned especially during my challenge for Blackpool's young carers, that if you smile or wave even to a stranger, they will most likely smile and wave back." Photo: Daniel Martino/JPI Media

"I have learned that the high street still has a major part to play in peoples' lives, not only for purchases but for social interaction, especially in the older generations. Shops have become the youth club of the elderly to actually get to chat to someone face-to-face, especially in such pressing times. We have missed the bustling vibe in the town, peoples' smiles and the vast tourists from other parts of the country all leaving their little story of where they are from when you used to have a friendly chat whilst serving them."

6. Daniel Thornton, owner of Phillips Jewellers in Victoria Road West, Cleveleys

"I have learned that the high street still has a major part to play in peoples' lives, not only for purchases but for social interaction, especially in the older generations. Shops have become the youth club of the elderly to actually get to chat to someone face-to-face, especially in such pressing times. We have missed the bustling vibe in the town, peoples' smiles and the vast tourists from other parts of the country all leaving their little story of where they are from when you used to have a friendly chat whilst serving them." Photo: Daniel Martino /JPI Media