Objects that have sustained us during lockdown:

Lawrence: loaf. I run Hackney Bread Kitchen from home.

Helen: sewing machine. This is my first sewing machine, bought during lockdown.

Iris (aged 16): cat. The household is not complete without Mouse.

Stella (aged 11): patchwork. I’ve made this quilt with my mum, using her new sewing machine.

We’re all relieved that the bread shed for Hackney Bread Kitchen was finished just in time for lockdown and a HUGE increase in orders – there are now over 70 a week for country and wholemeal sourdough, rye and rugbrød, focaccia and cinnamon knots. Before that Lawrence operated from the family kitchen. Suddenly, everyone wants (or perhaps needs) to buy local. 

Stella, taking after her father, has participated in an online bake-off every weekend with her friends. Iris loves being in the garden, even for schoolwork. “It’s much nicer than doing it in a classroom and I’m thankful I’m not waking up early to go to school.”