| Good evening, As we passed the milestone of 365 days since the country was first put into lockdown, it was right that we should all take a moment to reflect. None of us could have imagined that we would ever be forced to stay in our homes with the threat of fines over our heads for disobedience. That is the kind of thing which does not normally happen in a democratic country. But happen it did and certainly in the first lockdown, the vast majority stuck rigidly to the rules in order to ensure our local hospitals could cope and to save the lives of those around us. That first lockdown also brought out the best in many of us. While we may have struggled with isolation, many of us got to know our neighbours for the first time and became involved in long-lasting community projects. As we emerge from the latest lockdown, we are in a stronger position, with half the adult population vaccinated against the virus and so we can start to look forward. But we should never forget that community spirit which brought us all together nor those we have lost in the past year. Until next time, take care, Gillian Parkinson Editor Contact me via email at [email protected] I would like to ask if those of you who do not yet subscribe to www.lep.co.uk or www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk would consider taking out a digital subscription. By doing so, you are supporting local, community journalism and helping to ensure that it survives and thrives. A subscription gives you unlimited access to the site, for all the news and sport you need - and more, including our newly-launched Puzzles section. You can subscribe here: https://www.lep.co.uk/subscriptions for the Post and here https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/subscriptions for the Gazette. And thank you. | 
