A RECORD of the way residents of Thurrock have coped with lockdown has been created by the Grays-based Creative Blast Company.

Led by Daryl Branch and Marcia Carr, the company was founded in 2009 and began life with a Theatre School and Agency and has now expanded into a range or other artistic endeavours.

From its studios in the Thameside Theatre in Grays, Creative Blast runs weekly classes offering a wide range Drama, Dance and Singing sessions as well as workshops and fitness programmes for all ages and abilities.

In June 2020, Creative Blast asked the people of Thurrock to let them know what they were doing to stay creative during the lockdown that started in March.

Creative Blast's general manager Mandy Wild says: "The people of Thurrock answered that call and we had a huge response – from gardening to baking, photography to crochet, song and dance to decorating, photos and videos were sent in.

"As part of the project poet Steve Lawes worked with local residents to share experiences and ideas to create an original piece entitled 'Keeping Distance'.

"The stories and photos collected form Thurrock's Creative Lockdown Time Capsule and you can see it in full, together with the finished poem by clicking to the entry page here."

Daryl Branch added: "We would like to thank Thurrock CVS VSDF Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund for giving us this opportunity by funding this project and local people for sharing their experiences. The amount of content that we have been able to put into the Time Capsule is astounding.

"For so much creativity to come out of Thurrock during this time has shown that we need to ensure in the future that Arts and Culture is accessible for all.

"We have also produced a physical exhibition that will be displayed across the Borough once spaces are re-opened and it is safe to do so. Keep a look out in your local library and community hub!

"As we come out of Lockdown 2.0, Thurrock's Creative Lockdown Time Capsule is very much a work in progress and we would like to continue building it. Please carry on sending us your photographs and videos to be added to the online exhibition."

Email [email protected] or check out the capsule Facebook page.