Almost a year after Lockdown Lines was published by Consett Rotary in conjunction with Firefly Media; a sold out Charity Presentation Evening took place on Saturday May 7th in St Patrick’s Hall Consett to acknowledge the success of the venture and to celebrate its achievements.

The book which contains twenty six poems, written during Lockdown by Lorraine Weightman and illustrated by Fr John Bagnall is a chronological account of how the pandemic affected everyday life for her, her family, and basically all of us in general. Written with humour, compassion and a little bit of ‘tongue in cheek’ poetic licence; it chronicles and reveals some of the feelings and coping strategies we all experienced during those challenging times.

The evening of celebration began with a presentation to the Umbrella Community Centre CIC, WillowBurn Hospice and St Mary’s Convent by the President of Consett Rotary, Lynne Ackland and Fr John Bagnall, parish priest of St Patrick’s in Consett. All three charities received £1,000 each.

This was followed by a splendid night of fun and dancing headed by the amazing Emerald Thieves; a band of fantastic musicians from Durham City. Food was prepared and served by Rotary members to guests, who were very generous in supporting the evening by buying Lockdown Lines Books, Bingo and Pick A Prize tickets. The licensee from the hall ran the busy bar with willing volunteers and Rotarians had acquired tempting wines and beers to sell to raise funds.

 

It is heartwarming to observe how a local community can join together like this in support of one another, to enhance the well being of those in need who will in turn benefit from
their efforts.

Lorraine who was interviewed on BBC Radio Tees earlier this year about the inspiration behind the book experienced one of her poems ‘One Potato, Two Potato’ being read out on air by Rachel Teate on the Upload part of her weekly programme. Rachel also arranged for the poem to be archived in The British Library as part of their Lockdown Upload Partnership.

All in all, the Lockdown Lines Finale turned out to be a brilliant night, with everyone enjoying a good old fashioned get together which was the culmination of a year of fundraising for our local community.

The books are still available to buy now in selected shops and venues in Consett* and can be purchased online for £4.99 + £1.00 p&p in the UK.

To request your copies – email: lorraine7556@gmail.com
PayPal Link: paypal.me/lorraineweightman and Lockdown Lines will be delivered to your door.

There is no reprint planned
so once they’re gone
they’re gone!
Where to buy your copy of Lockdown Lines now:

Consett Library
St Patrick’s Church Consett
Brooms Church Leadgate
Edward’s Coffee Shop and Eatery
Knitsley Farm Shop
Thackery’s Consett

Local Consett shops, businesses and places of worship supported the project, buying advertisement space, selling books in their establishments and donating prizes for the final event. A list of these benefactors can be seen below

Many thanks to the following for their support

Consett Rotary
Firefly New Media
St Patrick’s Church, Consett
Edward’s Coffee Shop and Eatery
Thackery’s, Consett
Steel Town Music
Specsure
Consett Library
Knitsley Farm Shop
St Pius Church, Moorside
Brooms Church, Leadgate
GreenKeepers
Henley Gardens Garage
The Flower Shop
DML Cars
Rendles
The Bathroom Shop

‘Mighty things from small beginnings grow.’
– John Dryden


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