Interviewed by  Brianna Fitzgerald / photos by Emma O’Brien

Brianna: How long have you lived in your area?
Geraldine: 64 years

Brianna: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Geraldine: Watching my kids grow up in the same community I grew up in and seeing how things have changed throughout the years.

Brianna: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Geraldine: Yes, I’ve seen how hard things were through the recession and how hard of a country we fought to get through it.

Brianna: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Geraldine: Having my family live so close and being able to hear their voices even if it was through a phone and now being able to see them face to face.

Brianna: What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family and what does community mean to you?
Geraldine: Baking with my grandchildren and gardening with my neighbour. Checking in on older people to make sure they’re ok.

Brianna: What message do you want to leave for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Geraldine: When we all come together we can get through anything.

Brianna baked Geraldine a batch of chocolate chip cookies and included a selfie of the pair alongside them to capture their connection. See photos of her creative response below alongside portraits of Christine, taken by Emma O’Brien.

Geraldine Poynton