This week’s ‘Life in The Time of Corona Virus’ photo features local identity Annie Smithers, holding young ducks Willow and Buttercup, Susan, Hannah-Rose and Amelie, plus terriers Tommy and Misty on their driveway at Babbington Park in Lyonville.
Chef and restaurateur Annie runs du Fermier restaurant in Trentham. The restaurant was forced to close in mid-March until early June, and all cooking classes have been cancelled. Due to the latest lockdown it has closed again.
“Between the lockdown periods the restaurant was only allowed to seat 15 people, so was running at under half capacity,” Annie said.
“But we stayed open because in a small country town it’s incredibly important to keep the wheels of the economy going around.
“We understand the impact on small local farmers when orders stop coming in. As long as I don’t lose money, it’s important for me to stay open, for the mental health of both me and my staff.
“It’s been a difficult and incredibly stressful time. But there’s also been a sense of unknown opportunity that’s coming from being at home on the property seven days a week.
“There is a sense that this quiet time is an opportunity I’ll never get again. An opportunity of rest.”
Hannah-Rose, 19, said she was pretty upset.
“For years I’d been planning my gap year to Edinburgh and Europe. It was disappointing but there was nothing I could do about it. I just have to sit and wait.”
Sister Amelie doesn’t enjoy homeschooling during lockdown and had to give up her VCAL work experience.
But mum Susan said she’d enjoyed lockdown.
“It’s been lovely having the girls at home and no pressure of driving teenagers to the bus on time, after school activities, and weekend social outings,” Susan said.
“I’ve had extra help around the farm with the animals and firewood and daily chores and that’s been great.”
Interested in being part of this project to document Life in the Time of Corona Virus, or know someone who might be? Contact photographer Sandy Scheltema at www.sandyscheltema.com/contact or 0408 722 997 to book a portrait.
