FRIENDS REUNITED!
Sunshine heralds new easing of lockdown – and even a delayed Christmas celebration
WARM spring sunshine and the latest easing of lockdown rescrictions brought smiles to many faces yesterday.
Roberta Allgood, Lauren Game and Sarah Jones-Bierton, pictured, top, were at last able to exchange Christmas gifts as groups of up to six, or two households, were allowed to socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities reopened after the stay-at-home order ended.
A SUNNY day reflected the mood of the occasion as friends and family were once again able to enjoy each other’s company as lockdown restrictions were eased.
People basked in the sun across Southsea with temperatures hitting 15C as they were finally able to see fond and familiar faces in person once more.
The easing of restrictions meant groups of up to six, or two households, were allowed to socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities reopened after the stay-athome order ended.
The rule of six was first used to stop social gatherings of more than six people in September but has not been in place during both the second and third lockdowns.
It is hoped its reintroduction will help control the spread of coronavirus as the first step in the government’s roadmap to easing controls.
And while there was still concern about spreading the virus, people were thrilled to finally have that all important contact with each other.
One family unit who had not met together since October were delighted – especially with it marking a special day they missed out on last year during lockdown.
‘Last year it was my mum’s 50th birthday and we weren’t able to see her and celebrate so it’s been really nice to see her today,’ Kim Perry, 31, said of her mum Leanne Snowdown
It was all smiles as the Waterlooville mum and daughter were joined at Canoe Lake by Leanne’s daughter-inlaw Daisy Manchip, 28.
The party were also joined by Kim and Daisy’s babies Olivia and Ralph, adding to the excitement of the occasion.
‘We’ve not all been together since October so it is really good to finally meet up again,’ Leanne said.
‘We’re enjoying having a small party and will be having another party later with our partners, which will be really nice after all this time.
‘It’s not normal to not have any bodily contact with those you are close to. It’s good just to be here and see them.’
Kim admitted it had been a tough year overall. ‘The family have had two babies in lockdown with me and Daisy and my mum wasn’t able to meet Olivia for eight weeks,’ she said.
‘It has been a strange time but it’s much better now we can meet again, though I am still quite scared by coronavirus.’
Friends Betty Corbett and Karen Claeys were in good spirits after meeting after a three month hiatus. ‘It’s wonderful to see each other again after such a long time, which is even better with the lovely weather,’ Betty, 65, of Milton, said.
Karen, 58, of Southsea, added: ‘It was just before the last lockdown when we last met so it feels great to meet up again.’
Others said they were happy to see restrictions eased but urged caution.
Martin Hickton and his partner Beverley, both 60, were happy to be able to take Martin’s mum Jean, 90, out for a stroll in the sun.
‘It’s been nice, and a lovely day for restrictions to be eased. I’m sure a lot of people have been lonely,’ the couple said.
‘As long as people are sensible and take it slowly hopefully everything will be ok.’
Police and PCSO’s were seen out on patrols but no incidents were seen by The News.
Portsmouth district commander superintendent Clare Jenkins had warned of reprisals for blatant breaches. ‘Our officers will continue to engage, explain and encourage in the first instance, however enforcement action will be taken for blatant or repeated regulation breaches,’ she said.
In green spaces across the Havant area, small groups of people from different households are seeing each other face to face to catch up and soak up some sun.
Small groups of people were sitting on Havant park’s grass yesterday, enjoying a bright Monday lunchtime.
Jane Partridge visited the park along with her husband Barry, daughter Amanda, and granddaughter Millie.
She said: ‘It’s perfect weather to be outside and spending time with our lovely granddaughter.’
Dog walkers met with friends and family in Staunton Country Park to stretch their legs and take in the weather.
Verity Skates, who was out with her friend Kate Clifford and Kate’s dog Harley, said: ‘There are lots of people here at Staunton today enjoying the sunshine.
‘It’s so nice to be outside doing something.
‘Kate and I met years ago when our children were at school – it must be so hard for families of babies born during the pandemic.’
Although the ‘Rule of Six’ has come into play, many other restrictions remain in place — people must not socialise indoors with anyone they do not live with or have formed a support bubble with.
It has been a strange time but it’s much better now we can meet again.
Kim Perry