Rita

Interviewed by Grace Marshall / photos by Sharon Smith

Grace: How long have you lived in the area?
Rita: 30 years.

Grace: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Rita: A fond memory I have is of the parties and get-togethers that I would have with my friends and neighbours.

Grace: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Rita: Yes, now with Covid. I am currently witnessing my community come back from hard times, mostly due to Covid-19 and the lockdowns that followed.

Grace: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Rita: My neighbours and friends played a massive role during lockdown for me. While I couldn’t see my family, they supported me and kept me company.

Grace: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Rita: I enjoy visiting with friends and neighbours to have tea and biscuits. I especially enjoy being able to visit now that restrictions have lifted.

Grace: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Rita: Appreciate your good and kind neighbours.

Pictured below is a drawing of things Grace noticed during her interview with Rita. There are also other images from Rita’s shoot with photographer Sharon.

Rita

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Grace_Marshall_Creative_Response (1) RITA_JOHNSCOTUS_DLR_SHARONSMITH0 (1) RITA_JOHNSCOTUS_DLR_SHARONSMITH2 RITA_JOHNSCOTUS_DLR_SHARONSMITH4 (1) RITA_JOHNSCOTUS_DLR_SHARONSMITH4 RITA_JOHNSCOTUS_DLR_SHARONSMITH6 (1)