The coronavirus pandemic changed the world as we know it and living in the small market town of Bungay on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, our day to day lives bring new challenges not experienced before.

The numerous facilities we daily or weekly enjoy are closed including cafes, restaurants, sport facilities, hairdressers, beauty salons, gift, art and interior shops.

The library and churches are shut and outings, meetings and hobby sharing activities have become a thing of the past including family and friends’ celebrations.

Our much loved Fisher Theatre also has had to close its doors depriving us of a variety of productions as well as art exhibitions, meals, coffees and other activities.

Our quest for food supplies has become a priority as uncertainty for our future wellbeing drives us to act in a way not seen since WW2. Insecurity and loneliness has also kicked in for the vulnerable and those living alone as Government guide lines tell us ‘stay home’.

Daily exercise can be taken provided we do this from home and keeping two meters from others.

It was not long before a war time spirit overwhelmed us with gratitude as the more able offer to help in any way they can by doing our shopping, collecting medication and even telephoning the more vulnerable to offer friendship.

Local convenience stores have come into their own and smaller specialist food shops have now changed their services to include deliveries or collections at no extra charge.

It is no longer necessary to home cook seven days a week as some restaurants, now closed, offer a delivery service.

It is said that every picture paints a thousand words and these photographs show the changed landscape of Bungay.

No longer is the hustle and bustle of a busy market town with traffic driving through the narrow streets often having to give way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians attempting to cross the roads.

The noise of children playing in the school playground and teenagers larking around by the banks of the River Waveney are replaced by an array of bird songs

On a clear night the skies light up the town giving us an amazing view of the solar system and reminding us of the magnitude of the universe.

It is surprising how few residents are to be found walking the streets and along communal green spaces. The ones who do, offer a wide berth, following the government guide lines to the letter.

Even though immense financial hardships are being felt by some and none of us really know what our lives will be like in the future.

Others are experiencing illness and even bereavement. Living in such a beautiful area surrounded by a very caring community should offer comfort in these difficult times.