Life in Lockdown – Stories of Change and Reflection

Marking the Anniversary that is March 23rd 2020.

In this episode, we take a personal look back at life during lockdown through the voices of those who lived it. From the eerie quiet of empty streets to the surreal rituals of wiping down shopping and Zoom quizzes, our guests share their memories of an unprecedented time.

We hear about the fear and uncertainty of the first announcements, the loneliness of separation, and the unexpected moments of joy—gardens becoming sanctuaries, rediscovering local nature, and communities pulling together. But we also confront the realities of loss, the emotional weight of social distancing, and the lessons learned as the world began to reopen.

How did the pandemic change us? Were we kinder? Did we truly appreciate what we had? And, perhaps most importantly, have we already started to forget?

Join us for a heartfelt reflection on the strangeness, struggles, and surprising silver linings of life in lockdown.

Join Justine and Paul for another episode of the Voices from the North East Podcast. Join us as we further explore Northumberland’s connection to the famous Gunpowder Plot, from secret worshiping to the dramatic conclusion of the plot itself! #Northumberland #Voicesfromthenortheast #gunpowderplot

In Episode 1 of our special mini-series on The Gunpowder Plot, we dive into one of England’s most infamous conspiracies – and this time, we’re peeling back the layers to reveal a surprising twist. Everyone knows the name Guy Fawkes, but few realise the deep connections that tie this explosive plot to Northumberland. Join hosts Paul and Justine as they uncover the hidden story of Thomas Percy, a Northumbrian noble at the center of the plot, and the powerful Percy family’s role in a Catholic rebellion against the crown. We’ll set the scene in the tense, religiously divided England of 1605 and discover why Northumberland played a crucial part in a plan that could have changed British history forever.

In this episode, we introduce to you a little known tale of the ghostly miner of Ashington. - only a handful of stories of this ghost exist - and one of those was from my own Grandfather. So we share this with you for your enjoyment ... and you never know, more folks might come forward with a tale or two of a spirit walking the colliery rows of the once great mining town!

In another chilling short episode of our ‘Haunted Northumberland’ from The Voices from the North East Podcast, we introduce you to the haunting tale of the Blue Boy at Chillingham Castle. Known as one of Northumberland’s most famous ghost stories

Guests report hearing faint cries echoing through the stone walls, only to see a mysterious blue glow appear in the dead of night. Join Paul and Justine as they share some of the tragic history behind this spectral figure.

Welcome to the first episode in our Haunted Northumberland special series! In this chilling debut, we introduce you to the eerie legend of the White Lady of Cresswell Pele Tower.

Set on the mist-laden shores of Northumberland, this tale takes us to Cresswell Beach, where a lone figure dressed in flowing white is said to wander the sands, searching for something—or someone—lost to time.

Locals and visitors alike have reported sightings of her ghostly presence, blending with the fog that rolls in from the sea.

Join us for the White Lady of Cresswell Pele Tower - after you listen we’re sure you’ll want to visit for yourself. https://linktr.ee/Voicesfromthenortheast

Sylvia returns to share another unsettling tale of wickedness and horror from the North East. This time it’s not only a tale of murder, but also life after death, not for the victim, but for the murderer! Settle in and put your headphones on for another Halloween treat of an episode! Make sure you’re subscribed so you can enjoy the upcoming ‘Haunted Northumberland’ episodes which will follow on from this!