Last week, March 23, was the 'National Day of Reflection,' which marked the fourth anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown. So, we decided to see what was going on in Hexham at that time.

In spring 2020, work continued on building Hexham's new school despite the coronavirus lockdown.

Hexham Courant: A design of QEHS' new garden areaA design of QEHS' new garden area (Image: NQ)

The £36.1m project saw Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School transform.

Refurbishments of the Grade II listed Hydro building and Westfield House took place, with separate buildings for the middle school and high schools constructed to the south and north.

In July 2020, the Hexham Against Racism Action Group was formed by residents of the Tyne Valley following a contentious post on the Facebook page Hexham Matters.

Hexham Courant: Hexham Against Racism was launched in summer 2020Hexham Against Racism was launched in summer 2020 (Image: NQ)

In September 2020 after lockdown ended, owners of the popular Indian restaurant Zyka decided to refurbish their offering, to create a more spacious environment ahead of an eagerly anticipated relaunch. The business offered takeaway meals before fully reopening.

Hexham Courant: From left, Mashuk, Khaled and Rashid Miah, of the Zyka Indian restaurant in HexhamFrom left, Mashuk, Khaled and Rashid Miah, of the Zyka Indian restaurant in Hexham (Image: NQ)In May 2020, Hexham Book Festival teamed up with a North-East children's charity to launch its children's book festival online.

Hexham Book Festival was one of the victims of the Covid-19 lockdown, and was unable to go ahead as planned.

Hexham Courant: TV presenter Carol Malia, who read children’s stories for the online Hexham Book Festival, Story Space. TV presenter Carol Malia, who read children’s stories for the online Hexham Book Festival, Story Space. (Image: Els Baking Bible)

Hexham Book Festival had secured special funding from the Gillian Dickinson Trust to run a children’s festival for the first time, including building a specially commissioned Spiegeltent in Sele Park for the children’s events.

In November 2020 the Tui travel agent on Hexham's Fore Street was among 160 of the company’s stores to be axed nationwide.

Hexham Courant: The closed Tui shop on Fore Street, HexhamThe closed Tui shop on Fore Street, Hexham (Image: NQ)In November 2020 the Tui travel agent on Hexham's Fore Street was among 160 of the company’s stores to be axed nationwide.

Hexham Courant: Rt Rev. Graham Usher on Hadrian's Wall while serving as the Rector of HexhamRt Rev. Graham Usher on Hadrian's Wall while serving as the Rector of Hexham (Image: NQ)In January 2021 a former rector of Hexham Abbey expressed his concern over 'covid deniers'.

The Rt Rev. Graham Usher served at Hexham for a decade between 2004 and 2014, before becoming the Bishop of Dudley. 

A vulnerable 26-year-old man from Hexhamshire received his first Covid vaccine in January 2021.

Edward Common, a talented powerchair footballer, spent over 300 days in his specially-equipped bedroom since before the first national lockdown.

Hexham Courant: Edward Common pictured back home in his room after receiving a Covid vaccine Edward Common pictured back home in his room after receiving a Covid vaccine (Image: NQ)The sports fanatic suffers from the degenerating condition Muscular Dystrophy and has immunosuppression due to the steroids he relies on for his general health and well-being.