Listen to the ‘I Remember: Exeter’s Memory of the Covid-19 Pandemic’ audiobook:

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About the project:

‘I Remember: Exeter’s Memory of the Covid-19 Pandemic’ is an audiobook created by the University of Exeter in association with Exeter City Council and the Mayor’s Office. It was released in March 2025 to mark the fifth anniversary of the first lockdown, and draws together people’s varied pandemic experiences across the Exeter region. These include memories of social distancing, bereavement, impacts on mental health, disruptions to childcare, working in the NHS, gratefulness to keyworkers and volunteers, and many other issues. It is 28 minutes long and some of the contributions may be difficult to hear. But we think that it is vital for the diversity of these memories to be preserved. Though the audiobook incorporates many emotions and perspectives, in its final sections attention is ultimately focused on the experiences of loss.

The project is associated with the rededication of a Covid-19 pandemic memorial in Northernhay Gardens. A ceremony rededicating the memorial tree and plaque took place on Sunday 23 March 2025, led by the Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Kevin Mitchell.

‘I Remember: Exeter’s Memory of the Covid-19 Pandemic’ was created from over 200 short texts submitted by the public in January 2025 following a local media campaign. They were edited by David Tollerton, Associate Professor in Memory Studies at the University of Exeter. 113 submissions were chosen for inclusion, and on occasion these also had to be shortened so that the audiobook avoided repetitions and stayed under half an hour. We are grateful to all who sent in their memories.

The audiobook is read by Leah Lawford, a postgraduate student at the university. Leah grew up in Exeter, studying at St James School and Exeter College, and during the pandemic was officially designated as vulnerable due to a medical condition.

For supporting the project, special thanks go to Counsellor Catherine Rees, Emara Roth (Lord Mayor’s Support Officer), and Arts & Culture Exeter. ‘I Remember: Exeter’s Memory of the Covid-19 Pandemic’ follows a model devised by Alec Finlay and Joe Brainard for this pandemic memory project in Scotland, and we are grateful to Alec for allowing us to borrow and develop his approach.

If you have any questions about ‘I Remember: Exeter’s Memory of the Covid-19 Pandemic’ please contact Professor David Tollerton (email: d.c.tollerton@exeter.ac.uk).

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