It’s been almost six months since the UK went into lockdown- and a lot has changed since then.

Brits have experienced furlough, claps for carers and toilet paper shortages, just to name a few.

For Cumbrians, many days have felt frightening and uncertain. However, many people have used the time for positive reasons and have created some memories they can cherish for a lifetime.

Let’s take a look back at some of the most notable Cumbrian headlines of the previous months- how many do you remember?

We ran out of toilet paper

When coronavirus cases began to surge and greater lockdown restrictions were imposed in March, Brits started to stockpile supplies.

Pasta and toilet roll were some of the most sought after items and shelves in supermarkets across the country were often stripped of these items as people stockpiled.

(Facebook/ Penrith Young Farmers)

However, one group of young farmers from Carlisle tried to bring some humour to the situation.

They participated in the humorous ‘toilet roll challenge’ video, which became a hit on social media.

Young farmer, Abi Marston, collected and edited all of the videos.

Speaking to the News and Star, she said: “Through these sad and desperate times it is often felt farmers are forgotten about as essential workers.

“Therefore we wanted to put a smile on fellow farmers’ faces and remind them how thankful we are and what an amazing job them and all other essential workers are doing.”

The return of McDonald’s

News and Star: A gridlocked McDonald's in Kingstown Industrial EstateA gridlocked McDonald's in Kingstown Industrial Estate
During lockdown, many of us were deprived of our fast food treats after the restaurants were forced to close their doors.

Re-opening day in June couldn’t come soon enough for many Cumbrians who flocked to McDonald’s on opening day.

Pictures showed a gridlocked McDonalds, with dozens of cars queuing to get their meal.

One parent outside the Kingstown branch said: “If it keeps my child happy, I’m getting her a happy meal.

“She’s been going mad for one.”

Cumbrians raised money for the NHS

 

99-year-old Tom Moore raised over £32 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps around his garden.

He wasn’t the only Brit with good intentions- many people across the UK decided to follow in his footsteps and begin their own fundraiser.

A firefighter from Workington decided to raise money for the NHS by walking over 22 miles in full fire and rescue uniform- he managed to raise over £1600 for the cause.

We clapped for carers

News and Star: Clap for Carers took place every Thursday at 8pm (Photo: PA)Clap for Carers took place every Thursday at 8pm (Photo: PA)

Did you clap for carers at 8pm on Thursday during lockdown?

This heart-warming event took place in March and people across the UK clapped on their doorsteps and gardens as a symbol of their support to care staff and NHS frontline workers.

The final clap for carers took place at the end of May and the people of Cumbria shared their experience with The News and Star.

Lindsey Winterton from Carlisle said clap for carers “brought a lovely community feeling and helped us all express our thanks.”

The pubs re-opened

The Dutch Uncle, Carlisle (Facebook/@dutchunclecarlisle)

Pub goers were delighted when the UK government announced that pubs could re-open on 4th July.

They had been closed for months, leaving Brits unable to enjoy a pint of cold draught beer.

Sam Norman, who owns Carlisle pubs Dutch Uncle and Maggie Elliott & the Three Pillars, spoke to The News and Star about the re-opening- he talked about the safety measures in place at his pubs.