Surbitonians were invited to sum up their coronavirus thoughts and experiences in 100 words, with the resulting scrapbook of entries being turned into an online flipbook by the web team at the cornerHOUSE arts centre in Douglas Road, Tolworth.

This submission was written by Simon Hancock, summing up the contradiction of between being able to hear birdsong and enjoy the quiet with the knowledge that so many were suffering at the height of the pandemic.

“While this moment in history is shared, our experience and feelings are personal,” said Nicky Newberry, who coordinated the project. “Our communities became our epicentres, valuing connections with one another.”

Now everyone can thumb through 60 pages of contributions, ranging from poetry to prose, fears to memories, quirky incidents to heartwarming experiences. You can read the Covid-19 Lockdown 100 book at www.thecornerhouse.org 

The arts centre at the corner of Ravenscar Road has been locked down since March, but is slowly reopening with social distancing, a 30-seat limit and other restrictions.

There are film and poetry evenings this month, but with advance booking rules in place. See the cornerHOUSE website for further details, or subscribe to the regular newsletter updates HERE.