Reaching 70 is a milestone on life – and yet I always think I am speaking about someone else. The physical body changes the inner heart and soul stays exactly the same – the wrinkles and laughter lines appear . Do we erase them and wish we look younger ? . No . These lines to me prove a life lived .

The future is all based in A I – how do you know this image of me is actually real ? I can assure you dear viewer this is really me – I am 70 and my name is Joy. Today in March 2026 war is raging in the Middle East and I realise that in even in my birth year of 1955 it was the same there was the Suez Crisis and The Cyprus Emergency.

The world is changing- but some things just stay the same .

I shower every morning but still feel fast asleep. My joints are no longer active as the cream doesn’t work. My eyes are dimming. So is my brain. As I thought it couldn’t get any worse, my SMART TV answers me back. No doc for me as I don’t have the App. Politics leave me cold , they tax and freeze me. The world is in turmoil but opportunities are aplenty for an octogenarian to engage. We have the Living Later Well projects, Chair exercise Tuesday and Friday plus guitar club on Thursday.

People think I’m a dinosaur, but I have them fooled with a look, a word and a wry grin, life is good.

I’m a serial volunteer! I believe that giving back to the community in which you live is a benefit to the giver, though it can be tiring, even a strain at times if people treat you as a paid employee! When I was the Mayor of Beverley over a decade ago, I tried to celebrate all those who gave their time and energy in this way and I still believe it aids community cohesion. Don’t forget to thank them for all they do in your town or village.

I’m Mary and I like to think that I look on the positive side of Life.

Working with young people for most of my, now 71 years, has helped me to do this. I loved my job – hard work and all. I try to be active in standing up for what I feel is right.

I’m lucky because family has been a blessing.  Moving here from the Manchester, thirty-four years ago, was a challenge and an opportunity.  Retirement and older age with husband Simon, has been fantastic up to now.

I am 65, I retired five years ago. My retirement has been marked by two pairs of positive and negative experiences.

In 2023 I was treated for bowel cancer. Later that year my first grandchild, Lily was born.

In 2025 I was treated for lung cancer. Later that year, Lily’s sister, Margot was born.

I am now cancer free and I am enjoying life with my two little beacons of light.

I never found true love so life can be a bit lonely at times, however I am living life to the full. I work full time with SEND children and am close to my twenty year mark with St John Ambulance so now I can add MStJ to my signature.

Recently I have found a friendly dance group and acting on a Wednesday evening. Dance is important although some groups do not want guys to attend sadly. My biggest surprise is finding Burlesque by accident and performing under my stage name, Amorous Andy, so from outdated negative attitudes can come real welcoming and inclusiveness. As Spock advises “Live Long and Prosper “.    

It’s a strange, fascinating time to be alive. A world of stark contrasts: extreme wealth living alongside deep poverty, rising divisions fuelled by noise and hate, wars and sheer resilience. Technology blurs reality, making it harder to find the truth, yet I see, every day, that we are also capable of such profound generosity. Being alive today is about choosing where to look. It’s an exhausting battle for balance, but I’m choosing to be the person who shines a light on the human spirit, bridging the gap between the chaos and the kindness that still holds us together.

I like music from the 80’s and 90’s. I like coming to Case to see my friends and teachers. I have an 18-year-old son. I visit Park Street Performing Arts where I’m learning to sing and dance.

I’ve lost the ground under my feet, so I have learned to walk in the air.

I feel that technology, AI, and social media are a challenge to society by reducing real human contact, which is dominated by digital communication systems.  The relentless 24/7 news cycle turns politicians into dramatic clowns focused on visibility over effective governance.  To escape this modern chaos, I find solace in nature, embracing trees, animals, and the changing weather.  My sanctuary is the local woods.  Moving along soft paths filled with dappled light and natural sounds brings a unique quiet where I can truly ‘be’.

Nowadays we have information at our fingertips via phones, tablet and computers and if you look around, you will see everyone is engrossed in this. Social interaction is becoming harder as people no longer speak to each other.

Without social interaction, it’s difficult to learn what the correct words are to use. People take offence at absolutely everything. It’s difficult to navigate when no harm, no foul is meant.

I wish we could go back to the days when people cared more about talking to real people and listening to the interesting things they have to say.

“Just Be Kind.”

 ‘My Idea of Fun’ Wingnut Dishwashers Union (extract) 

We’re building a new world, all of my friends and me 

It’s not an exact science yet, but we have the technology 

Now all we need is an economy 

Where everybody finally will get enough to eat 

Even the suburbs know power’s getting too crooked 

To stand on its own feet for much longer than it has 

So I don’t want to kill a cop 

What I want is neighborhoods where they don’t have to get called 

When the shit goes down 

 ‘Cause our friends, they are enough, and our neighbors have enough

I am twenty years old and I view life with multiple disabilities including medical. I enjoy spending time at Case Training with my friends. I live an independent life and make others feel included and understood, no matter who they are, what they are or where they are from. My favourite thing to do is text friends and family members so I can meet up with them.

At work there was always a daily job list. In retirement there was always a hope of escape from that. But no, it’s just a different list. See (Kim – 68) ….You’ve guessed – my wife…

I started working for the Council in 1975. I worked by myself and in a team. I helped design and specify systems. I also wrote computer programme specifications, tested and implemented the systems. One system was a payroll system which had 70,000 employees and pensioners and paid around 45,000 people on a regular basis. My last job was at a university where I managed a team of analyst/programmers. We wrote and implemented interfaces between package computer systems (e.g. Student management and finance). Now retired I spend my time volunteering for organisations like VHEY and the Freedom Festival Arts Trust.

Hi, I live in East Hull. I love socialising with my friends in my spare time. I love being happy and going on holidays with family and friends’ makes me happy. I have worked doing the same job as a hygienist for the past 20 years and love it. I love to play Bingo and win. I love to go out for a drink. I am a friendly sociable person who loves relaxing on a weekend and enjoying life.

For me the Seventies was the best decade. The Sixties were black and white and foggy and lots of people died, but the Seventies were a relief, a relief of colour, technicolor and  sunshine despite strikes and power cuts, but that was politics and politics didn’t matter to a teenager. I was too busy enjoying the great sport with proper football and legendary boxers. Great television with Morcambe & Wise, Steptoe and Parkinson. Great films, Cuckoos Nest, Taxi Driver, Apocalypse Now and great music from Hendrix to Glam Rock to Punk. Fantastic! I revelled in it all and soaked it up. I loved the Seventies.

What does it mean to be alive. Life is a journey that we all share with passion, however life is also a challenge which we should complete no matter the result because to be alive means living and walking on the path on which every single life has an unique journey.

“It is a serious thing just to be alive
on this fresh morning in this broken world.

I slept, though not as dead, but as a dreamer
awakened to another chapter
of bright and shivering stars.

I lean my ear to a whisper of green leaves.
The birds are singing their little hearts out.
Each note a tiny, brilliant hammer
building a cathedral in the air.

And I am alive, here in this space,
between the shadows and the light,
with my two feet upon the grass,
breathing in the breath of life.”

By Mary Oliver

Life lately feels like a strange mix of survival and growth. Some days feel like progress; others feel like I’m simply learning how to carry myself through the weight of things quietly. I thought growth would feel triumphant, but mostly it feels subtle — changing my mind, setting boundaries, outgrowing old versions of myself, and learning to sit with silence without needing to fill it. Life doesn’t pause while you figure yourself out; it keeps moving, asking you to move with it. So here I am: still becoming, still hopeful, still learning how to live as the person I’m turning into.

As a recently approached adulthood, by legal classification at least, life has thus far been defined by a journey of learning.

With the more I come to know and learn about the world I get to realise how little I do know, and rather than shrinking from the size at how much my scope needs to widen.

I’m inspired by the challenge that awaits and the world I’ll come to know.

I love being alive at this time and spending it with my 2 grown up children and 3 grandchildren, but I do worry about the future for them, Social media, AI, world conflicts, global warming and their education are all a concern. Making memories is my priority and travelling whenever I can whilst I still have my health is what being alive is all about. 

At 63, I’m fuelled by optimism and a love of new challenges. As an ICT teacher, I help make technology less daunting and more enjoyable for my students. Away from work, you’ll usually find me lifting weights, practising yoga, or battling the never-ending invasion of garden weeds. My family lives in New Zealand, but they’re never far from my thoughts. I believe life is for living, learning, and becoming a little stronger every day.

Being alive today, for me, is about embracing life wholeheartedly. I’m often told I take on too much, but I find joy in keeping busy, surrounding myself with people, and being part of a strong sense of community. When the wider world can feel unsettling—with conflict, division, and environmental challenges—I choose to focus on the present and the connections close to me. I value experiencing new places through travel, gaining perspective along the way. Most importantly, I love my grown children unconditionally and am always here to support them as they navigate their own journeys. It’s their future after all.

In a world that often feels divided, fast-moving and uncertain, I find hope in the smallest moments. A rainbow breaking through dark clouds. A beautiful sunset on the drive home. A stranger’s smile on a difficult day. An unexpected gift that says, “I was thinking of you.” The sudden appearance of a fox, bird or butterfly reminding me that beauty still exists all around us. These moments are easy to miss, yet they quietly shape our lives. They remind me that kindness, connection and wonder are not found in grand gestures, but in the ordinary magic of everyday life.

We’ve been here before. Different faces, different targets, same playbook. And what always strikes me isn’t the anger itself, it’s what’s underneath it. The deliberate, cultivated decision not to understand another person. To look at someone who crossed a desert, someone working a double shift, someone who just wants to belong, and feel nothing.

That’s what the far right sells. Not strength. Numbness. The slow erosion of the instinct to ask: what’s your story? How did you get here?

Empathy isn’t soft. It’s the whole architecture. Lose it, and nothing else holds.”

Once born we begin a life of new adventure, and we gain knowledge and experience along the way. Life is a gift to treasure and being alive is not always easy to maintain, some of us are lucky and some are not.

One thing I enjoy is the power of the spoken word, be it poetry or conversation, or a way to heal or to comfort a friend or stranger. If you use it kindly that will make you stronger and a wiser human being. I’m happy to have lived six decades and plan to live many more.

In 2026,
We are still human, Quirky, unique, Some climb, some fall, Some strong, some weak
Colourful creatures, Wonky and weird, Hateful or kind, Loving or feared,
Believe the worst Or see the best, Follow the crowd Or solo quest,
Some of us care, Others forget, Empathise more, If we’ve met,
100 faces ,need to meet, Look eye to eye, Chat in a street
Climb over a hill, Dance with your hearts, Sing your own songs, Paint all the stars
Practise being human Not performing tricks
We are still human In 2026

I never found true love so life can be a bit lonely at times, however I am living life to the full. I work full time with SEND children and am close to my twenty year mark with St John Ambulance so now I can add MStJ to my signature.

Recently I have found a friendly dance group and acting on a Wednesday evening. Dance is important although some groups do not want guys to attend sadly. My biggest surprise is finding Burlesque by accident and performing under my stage name, Amorous Andy, so from outdated negative attitudes can come real welcoming and inclusiveness. As Spock advises “Live Long and Prosper “.    

I am lucky to live in a quiet corner of a country that is as safe and reasonable as it is possible to find on this increasingly crowded, environmentally at-risk, planet. 

I miss the gregarious world of my youth, which carried so much possibility.   I have made mistakes, but ploughed my own furrows successfully at times, if rarely in straight lines.

I live in hope that the future will offer great positive change for all the world’s creatures and regions, with generous rationality replacing authoritarian superstition.

Luck in life is not given or destined. It consists of opportunities, obstacles and choices made. Making bad decisions is not the worst thing, it opens up other opportunities. Once accepted it’s empowering. What really matters is family and friends with the mutual support we all give. Life is good and I love it. 

Be concerned, but don’t worry about things you cannot control or influence, life is too short. Enjoy the experience, love your family and friends and project positive thoughts and actions. Live happy

Today I am 58 years old. I’m a solo entrepreneur, who loves to travel the world independently, 180 days to Ecuador. I’m the very proud Mum to Michael and Joe and I’m Nain to two gorgeous granddaughters Ophelia is 2 and Winnie is 9 months old. I run my own business, I’m a Funeral Celebrant and I own The WeightLoss Company, supporting people to live healthier and happier lives. I volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society. I love gardening and crochet and I’m developing my psychic medium ability. I also support my Mum, God Mum and Mum In Law to live independently.

Creativity has always been part of my life, pet portraits, jewellery making and now Steampunk which started as a way to get out and meet more people.  We live in a strange time with global conflicts impacting the cost of living.  Steampunk is a way of escaping this and flinging caution to the wind with costume design, starting with a concept and making it a reality.  Both charity and online shops are a great source of clothing and textiles to convert. Lincoln Asylum is the epicentre and we’re looking forward to attending this year in costume for the first time.

I am the founder of HJZ Plumbing in Hull. I started this business with one simple belief: every home deserves honest, reliable, and respectful service. With over 20 years of hands on experience, I have learned that plumbing is not only about pipes, leaks, and bathrooms. It is about protecting people’s homes, reducing stress, and giving customers peace of mind. I built HJZ Plumbing through hard work, trust, and personal responsibility. Every job matters to me, whether small repair or full bathroom installation. My mission is to keep improving, serving better, and becoming the plumber people confidently recommend.

I have reached a time of personal transition.  I’ve recently become a grandmother and have much to look forward to. Around me the world is also in transition.  The acceleration of digital and AI presents a double-edged sword.  It may cut through global challenges, offering solutions. But the edge that cuts into human relationships is concerning – less contact, isolated working, dwindling social spaces and reducing creativity. As we rapidly hand over to machines, I hope that we keep on making a conscious effort to think, feel, touch, connect in real terms: that we retain the joy of being human.       

I am good to myself, I am happy with myself. I am good fun to be with. I am a friend to everyone. I love to attend Case where I learn how to be part of the community, learn independent living skills and do creative arts. I am a massive HULL KR rugby fan. I have a boyfriend and live with both my parents.

I feel so lucky to be alive today. Although I’m only in my twenties I’ve already seen our society change so much – thankfully often for the better. But there are still so many things that need to improve. I hope I’ll find a way to be a part of that positive change, helping to make our society kinder and more compassionate.

For me 2025 was a conflicted year, I was trying to get back into photography after feeling disillusioned, and not been happy with some of the images I was taking, I wanted to be free and express, what I wanted to see, not necessarily conform to things like Landscape, portrait, or street photography. I wanted to find my own path. The constant political turmoil created by President Trump in the US, the Israel/Gaza war and the rights outdated and misconceived British Patriotism, which died out with the ending of the British Empire caused me genuine anxiety.

I am nearly 30. I have a learning disability and an amazing ability. I can tell you what day of the week you were born on if you tell me your date of birth. I love going to music gigs, concerts and the cinema with my family.

I am a Retired Nurse of 40 years and am now working part time as a healthcare assistant . This role I really enjoy as I now have time to spend with patients which is so rewarding . I am the proud mother of two adult daughters both with good jobs. They took me to Rome for my 60th birthday which was a real treat. I enjoy choir, gym walking, history, churches and wildlife . I have two elderly rescue cats and have always had pets.  My Dad is 92 and I regularly visit him. Enjoy life and be kind.

It feels incredibly contradictory to be happy in the current state of the world. My personal life truly could not be better, yet there is a hanging cloud constantly above my head. There is a vast amount of hatred and fear everywhere; ICE separating families in America, climate change, the rise of AI, the continued occupation of Palestine, modern slavery. However, there is hope. Communities are coming together to support one another through some of the scariest times is truly a testament to human will, and it is inspiring.

Being alive today means laughing while checking the pension still hasn’t arrived and retirement remains a distant rumour. It means carrying scars from the bike crash yet still diving into cold seas, reservoirs and waterfalls like a champ. It means cheering Hull City with optimism. It means children grown, grandchildren like expensive gifts to treasure. It means crochet, good books, campsites, music, mud, and fresh air. It means hating cruelty, racism and bullying, while mumbling at the government, doctors and waiting lists. Hoping, tomorrow is better than today. Living and enjoying life with humour intact.

I have recently taken early retirement from a job in the oil industry. A job I enjoyed and that took me to many beautiful and interesting countries, where the local people welcomed me and were proud to share their cultures and histories. Such as Russia, Iran, Yemen, Libya and the USA.

It is sad to see political ambition of right-wing ideologists and the rise religious intolerance result in so many of these countries being now either aggressors to other countries or on the receiving end of that aggression.

I’m from Hull. I’m a son, a brother, a cousin, a nephew, a friend, a colleague, a neighbour, an uncle, a husband and a father. I’m also an Art teacher working with adults with disabilities. I think creativity is hardwired into all people and can come out in many ways. It’s part of what makes us human. It helps us to make sense of the world and give meaning to our lives. It gives us the ability to create something that will have a life beyond ours and communicate with people we’ll never meet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

In 2026 we are more switched on and connected than ever before, we have more convenience than ever before, and yet we seem busier than ever.  Life seems always to be running in the fast lane with a half empty tank.  We have lost the ability to disconnect and just exist in the moment. In the time of same day online deliveries, we expect everything instantly and have lost the ability to wait and with that some of the joy of simplicity.

Personally, I am segueing into a new phase of life, filled with the joy of deep friendships and the ability to fully express myself, I feel complete and free. But 2026 requires a dichotomy of thought, a fencing off of emotions. Carefully managing intake and attention to avoid either ignorance and irresponsibility, or overwhelm and despair. I can’t help seeing the irony in my generation, arguably, being the first with the opportunity to live a fully mentally healthy life, free of societies expectations, whilst probably being the last to experience the institutions and culture which helped humanity achieve this.   

Looking back, I never imagined I would still need to work at 61 simply to make ends meet. When I was younger, my priority was raising my family and caring for my children while working part-time. I was never encouraged to pay into a pension or made aware of how important it would become for my future. Now, with bills, food and everyday costs constantly rising, financial security feels further away than ever. I also help care for my grandchildren so their parents can work. I often wonder how different my life might be now if I had received better advice when I was younger. 

I am thriving!

After years of monogamy and losing sight of who I really am, I’m becoming myself again. Making the most of new experiences, choosing freedom in relationships, happiness and fulfilment on my own terms.

I’m “going through the menopause” and survived some of the darkest times of my life, but I’ve come through the other side stronger than ever, joining many empowered independent middle-aged women who know their worth and living life for themselves. 

This is my time. And I intend to make the absolute most of it.

For me, living today is such a pleasure – I love all the moments. I love walking my dog in a morning, I love heading off to work, I love getting home to see my daughter. I am so happy to be alive in such a time where so many things have become easier but there are so many new challenges that have come with technology and our ever-changing world.

Hi. I’m Janet born in the 1950’s. This was a time of great change, coming from the austerity of war through to the roaring 60’s with the freedom it brought. Now with all the changing decades behind me I find life is definitely more difficult to understand. I do wonder how I would have coped growing up in this era. Fortunately I’ve learned to enjoy my life, surrounding myself with all that’s good in life and not what I’m told on social media.

I have worked as a nurse for 46 years and have been fully retired for the past 6 months. I have looked after everyone all my life and am a natural people pleaser. So at the ripe old age of 66 years I am now pleasing me!  I am finally free! 

So I dance, swim, go for lunch, read, garden, stay in bed, stay up late, eat cake ! Because I can ! When I wake up I can have the day I want, mostly happy, occasionally sad but that’s life. I am very blessed and enjoy life !

Balance is everything

Life is now

I have Down’s syndrome. I love life and especially coming to Case. I love to write stories using my imagination. I can dance, sing and sign using Makaton. I love fashion, beauty, and taking selfies on my mobile phone.

It’s 2026 and I’m loving life, don’t get me wrong there’s bad times but I got through them and found the real me again.

I have family and friends that are important in my life. As I get older I’m less worried about other people’s opinions, I won’t comprise on having the life I deserve. 

Volunteering has taken me out of my comfort zone, I’ve done things that I never imagined I would, the Sea of Hull in 2016 was a once in a lifetime experience. 

Here’s to lots more years of living life to the full and having fun. 

Here I am reaching 77+ years and wondering why. Why humans are acting like lemmings again ? Personally I believe there are too many people chasing too little food and too few houses and too few jobs. 77 years and very few if any lessons learnt. Maybe it is all about the human life cycle . We reach a certain point in development and ten destroy ourselves only to restart a new cycle ?  I’ve seen a great deal in my life. The best and the worst humans have to offer and yet still hoping for the best.

Life in 2026 is fast paced, exciting, full of new discoveries and technology. 

I feel content and have a positive outlook. I’m happy and have a lovely family two grown up sons and a job I enjoy.  I look forward to holidays and have lots of hobbies in my spare time; we also have 5 cats to keep us company.

There is currently some fear due to unrest in the world, as this may escalate into something bigger.  Current conflict is causing ripples around the world, in rising costs for food and fuel. I hope these tensions will resolve soon.

The world is in a terrible state. There is so much hate and poverty in the world. However, selfishly, my life is great. I have a great home, great job, great partner and great friends. The worst part of my life is the daily commute traffic. I am very lucky.

Behind every face is a story, and every story deserves to be heard. Throughout my career I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of people from every walk of life. They’ve taught me that beneath our differences we all long for the same things: to belong, to be valued and to know that someone genuinely cares. In a world that often feels hurried and divided, kindness remains one of the most powerful things we can give. If this portrait captures anything of who I am, I hope it simply says this: he cared about the people.

Have been lucky enough to have been born in the early fifties.  My generation where the lucky ones. Now I’m my seventies, the world is in turmoil and conflict. I find respite by supporting artists in there quest for success. 

This weekend when this photo was taken, I hung a body of work for a local artist in our Gallery and this is exactly what makes me happy and forget the bad that’s going around in this world today. 

It was a great success and I hope this artist I know will have the courage to go pro. We need more artists!!

One hundred words? That’s absurd…

54 years of love, laughter, tears

Pages, chapters, stories told

Seeing it all, being bold.

Eating life, slice by slice,

Being naughty, being nice 

Adventures deep, cultures rich,

Colours. Faces. Wild places.

World keeps turning. World keeps burning. 

Growing wiser? Eyes now wide.

What comes next?  You decide.

I feel most alive when I’m walking outside in natural surroundings. It could be the countryside, a park, along the cliff top or even a churchyard. Whatever the weather and wherever I am, on go my boots and I step out into the morning, feeling instantly connected to the rhythms of the seasons. Nature gives me time to slow down, clear my mind and process life.

Listening to birdsong, feeling fresh air and noticing the changing flora helps me feel grounded. I’m incredibly grateful for our natural world.  

Nature steadfastly adapts to change and this gives me hope for humanity. 

I have had such a lot happen in my life, that makes me who I am today. A strong, independent Women. I lost a beautiful mother when I was 13 years old. I was an un-married Mother, who had no support, gave my baby daughter up for adoption. I lost my home, because my husband drank and gambled. I came through so many brick walls, when and how I found strength to get to 86 yes old I don’t know. But I did, with all the lessons I have learnt. I love and admire the Woman I am today. 

When I began nurse training in the 1960’s the role of a nurse was very different to today. We learned through strict discipline, long hours on wards, and hands-on experience guided by senior nurses who expected excellence. Much of our work was physical, routine and task-focussed with limited technology and fewer medications than nurses rely on now. Over the years, I have watched nursing grow into a highly skilled, evidence based profession with advanced equipment, specialised roles, and greater professional recognition. Despite these changes, the heart of nursing remains the same: compassion, dedication, and the privilege of caring for people in their most vulnerable moments.

A great pleasure I have in life is helping people. I believe that’s why I qualified as a social worker.
My greatest opportunity to help was through supporting children with additional needs and their families particularly through Kids the charity in Hull.
I was delighted to be awarded an OBE for services to children and families through my earlier work managing a children’s trust with a focus on early help and support.
My pleasure in helping goes beyond my professional role and extends to my family life and beyond.

Every Mark Tells a Story

My laughter lines speak of joy.
My frown lines of thought and care.
My scars of what I’ve overcome.
In a world that seems to chase perfection, I don’t want a perfect face.
I want a face that tells a story.
Every mark is part of who I am, and I’m simply grateful to be here today.

Today I wonder how my children and grandchildren will fare in this world.  We get over one problem and there is another one around the corner!  Such is life! I love being surrounded by brilliant positive people, laughing and smiling, being busy and helping where I can. My life so far has had its ups and downs, but as I enter the last section of my life, I intend to enjoy myself to the full. Keep smiling.

Martyn. Using my Yew Spinning wheel. Knitting traditional Fair Isle Fisherman’s Keps. Anything creative, painting, lino printing, feltmaking, and cyanotypes. Riding pillion on my partners Royal Enfield motorbike on a sunny day in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Adding to my tattoo collection.

Walking in the woods with our 2 rescue dogs. Leonard Cohen, Jethro Tull, Runrig. My Studio cabin where chaos reigns and dogs sleep on the verandah. Wrens, Hares and Red Squirrels,  hoping the Reds may one day make a comeback. My 4 children and grandchildren may their futures be happy.  Finish knitting my temperature blanket from 2025.

I’m Dave, 41 years old and from Beverley. A huge part of my life revolves around football, particularly my involvement with Beverley Town Football Club. I enjoy volunteering my time to support the club and helping out on match days. One of my favourite roles is editing the matchday programme, which allows me to contribute to the club in a creative way. I rarely miss a game, following the team both home and away throughout the season. Being part of the Beverley Town community has given me great memories, great friendships, and sense of belonging I’ve not had for some time.

Being alive today is to live in a fast moving world of challenges and events. Nothing stays the same. We’re existing in a 24/7 news reel pushed from one disaster to another. Are they real? Are they imaginary? Are we supposed to feel or ignore?

At 60, I feel proud of the life I’ve built and the woman I’ve become. I’ve learned that independence is not about standing alone, but about knowing my strength and worth. As a wife, I’ve shared love, patience, and partnership through the years. As a mother, I’ve nurtured, guided, and watched my children grow into their own lives. My teaching career has been a true calling, shaping young minds and giving back to my community. Now, at this stage, I feel confident, fulfilled, and grateful, embracing each day with wisdom, resilience, and a deep sense of joy.

I am Maddison and I have Down syndrome. I am 21 years young and I love to dance and sing. My favourite song to sing is Abba’s “Dancing Queen”. I live with my dad and 2 sisters. I love my family very much and they all love me. Did I mention I also really like PAW PATROL! 

I went through a break-up last year. My first, but technically second – actually felt the heartbreak of this one – after 11 months, all hope seeming lost and broken, we’re discussing getting back together. Haven’t felt this happiness or peace in so long. I’m struggling to get used to it, we agree we don’t want to make the same mistakes. But I just know it’s the right thing. Feeling joy seeping in and returning after months of grief. I’m so glad to be close to a man I really love and proud to call him one of my best friends

I live with my mum, we love to go away together on holiday. I love to do drama, singing, music and acting. I love to perform on stage in front of people. I am a very good cook and love to cook for others. I love to help others and believe I am very friendly and kind. I love jewellery especially my bracelets and rings.

Living now is confusing, erratic, even scary

Full of joy and love, sunshine and hope

Then the clouds come, bombs are dropped,

Reality strikes, politics bites, now is hard.

Family pulls you through;

An uplifting chat with a daughter,

A hug from a son who can tuck you under his arm easily now,

Grandchildren yelling your name and racing to see you,

Your soulmate, simply there. 

Enough to bring back the smile.

History is full of turbulence.

Why should we be different.

Hold onto everyone you love and buckle down for the ride.

Living now is a wonder what happened; wonder what is happening; wonder what will happen next ? I’m curious.

Wonderment and curiosity fuel my thinking and this world is, at least, three dimensional.

I’m not online, don’t have a television or smartphone and rather dread lives being possessed by Artificial Intelligence. However it may be an unemotional AI algorithm that directs us to stop killing one another and destroying this planet on which all life depends.

I believe in something beyond my understanding and in love and a heaven – I heard the singing….. wonder full.

Hopeful. Hopeless.

Positive. Creative. Engaged.

Saddened. Demoralised. Confused.

Grateful. Mindful. Supported.

Alone. Powerless. Undermined.

Hopeful…

Life in 2026 makes me anxious. A general swing to the right across much of the world in the last 10 years, complete with vocal and divisive politics, wars, and AI are unsettling. I worry about the world my grandchildren are going to inherit. 

It’s not all doom and gloom, friends, family and David Attenborough exist!

I’ve lost the ground under my feet, so I have learned to walk in the air.

The Chinese Year of the Snake came to pass when the horoscopic forecast & life in motion collided with serendipitous accuracy. Life as I knew it was decimated. The veil had been forcibly lifted & the harsh reality of my blinkered life became inescapable. It was abundantly clear that buried truth had to be faced & old layers must be shed. I had to confront the version of myself that I had become in order to reclaim the fire that had been lost. The path of reflection towards increased awareness continues indefinitely, in the hope that my empowered self can never be lost sight of again.

I’m Amelia and I love helping others who need it and spreading positivity.  I like spending my free time with friends and family and love rugby, especially Hull KR. I enjoy the beach and collecting shells. My current job is supporting adults with a learning disability. I also help my little sister as she suffers from CRPS and a neurological disorder.

I was born a child of the Space Age, Pop Music and mass travel. Everything was exciting and new. In this day and age physical paper and coin money is in decline. I have just been all the way to New Zealand and only used my phone to pay for everything even coffee using contactless terminals. But I now find myself living in a new age of exciting AI Artificial Intelligence. This is more rapid and transformative than anything before. Already there are massive breakthroughs in healthcare, productivity and comes with immense promise. 

My photo was taken four days after the local elections in May 2026, when I lost my seat as a local councillor by 149 votes, a post which I had held for eight years. The days between these two events I went through an emotional adventure of very high, highs and very low, lows.

On reflection I’m thankful that I am still alive and excited about life and everything the future holds for my family, friends and myself.

To be alive today is to be connected to the whole world, and yet still feel alone sometimes. We wake to alarms, headlines, news media, mindless scrolling, messages, and endless choices. 

Yet people still plant flowers, fall in love, make time for each other, rescue dogs, show random acts of kindness, laugh and sing in supermarkets, and text “made it home safe” to those who care about them. Life now feels noisy, fast, and uncertain, but underneath it all is the same hope: to be seen, to matter, and to find small moments of peace before the day ends.

My first visit to Hull was in 2010, and it was an adventure for me, my first time being on a plane, a small island girl from St Lucia to visit a big country with my first vacation to Hull. I fell in love with my new family and Hull and will not change it for no other country, Hull is my home away from my St Lucian home, but now the UK Government is making it harder and more expensive to visit.

After 30 years in education I am happily retired. My first love is family, then my city but being a ‘serial volunteer’ comes a close third.  I am lucky enough to have the time to share between various charities from the Samaritans, HEY Children’s University and Back to Ours. My lifelong love of sport results in my volunteering at major events, the next one being the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July which I can’t wait to revisit from 2014.

So it’s 3 score years and 10!! Loving life and truly feel if you’ve got it, you should flaunt it and live every day.

I am trying: A new mum, supportive wife, and working woman returning to a male-dominated industry. Aiming to stay health-conscious, eating well and exercising to feel confident and strong, while still finding time to socialise and practice self-care. My mind carries the mental load of keeping everything balanced — like a waitress balancing plates, fearing one more could tip them all. And beneath it all sits the overwhelming emotion of leaving my baby in childcare so I can maintain the life we’ve built.

Life is fast, conversations are often only half started and half finished, and many people seem to always be rushing to the next big thing. In my lifetime, I’ve gone from successfully meeting friends at lampposts at a pre agreed time and figuring the day out from there, with sometimes not even a wristwatch. To barely being able to gather friends, with access to instant communication and all the apps in the world, with all the places to go. It’s easy to get lonely, despite being so ‘well connected’. Keep talking and keep searching for whimsy in the world.

Through my days of boxing and army cadets, a short time in engineering and a lifetime of fun as a hairdresser, a great social life with Round Table, I’ve realised the value of community.

Humber rescue has thrived on community spirit. As a founder crew member, I look on with pride at my involvement and its success. Forever grateful I found the strength to serve so long and to change direction at just the right time. I did and was licensed to serve the Diocese of York as a lay Minister. Approaching fifty years of serving others is challenging but through community we discover a true sense of purpose. It’s funny how the wheels of time turn! 

Being alive today feels both terrifying and amazing. I am sad that as a human race we are not caring enough about the planet, and I worry that technology will overtake human skill and endeavour to our detriment. My hope and prayer are that we will all learn to live more gently on the earth and treat each other with greater kindness and compassion.

I love living in Barton. I have no family nearby, but the church and community her is full of lovely, friendly people and I feel very fortunate to have found my home here.

I am a 50 year old mum of 9 year old twins, juggling being a mum and private servant, a full time public servant and a healthy happy person. I live life with pride in who the boys are becoming, but also with awareness of time moving faster and being ultra-complicated. Managing societal expectations, whilst being steady, capable, and invisible. I feel like I juggle independence with immense responsibility, learning to let go while still being needed. My modern day life experience is a mix of resilience, nostalgia, and fierce love—watching two lives I shaped outgrow my orbit.

Working in today’s office environment means constantly adapting to rapid changes brought by AI. AI can improve efficiency, speed up tasks, and reduce repetitive work, but can also feel overwhelming and impersonal. The continual changes and system updates can frustrate and require patience and resilience. There are concerns about job security, losing the human touch in the workplace. Too much reliance on AI may be detrimental, for younger staff who risk depending on it instead of developing their own critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. AI is a useful tool, but it should never replace human judgement, experience, or creativity.

Haiku

Soft petals whisper,

In the stillness of springtime, 

Dreams drift on warm winds.

Born in 1976, I often struggle to understand the world today. I have witnessed many changes over my five decades and the future and present feel very uncertain. Science and technology advance rapidly, wars continue to be waged, and the natural world is in crisis. For me though, being alive now is a time of hope and a time of change. I have struggled with my mental health and who I am for many years, but I am finally starting to accept, enjoy and embrace me and feel optimistic about my future

The world is an uncertain place to be at the moment with conflicts going on all over it.

It is now spring and I look to the garden as it comes to life. New shoots are everywhere with leaves forming on the trees, bushes and plants that soon will have the colours of summer. It gives me and tranquil happiness within. I smile to myself as for a few moments I forget what is happening to this wonderful planet of ours. 

Retirement and growing old is not something people look forward to but it happens to everyone. I try to be independent but find it difficult to do many things now. I rely on others for assistance.

Keeping mobile is important and being involved with activities outside the home with people in a similar situation to me. Mobility is a problem but I am lucky to have a daughter who runs me around.

Growing old does bring on more aches and pains but it is important to me to stay positive and try to enjoy life at 92.

18:26 Mon 7 Sep: As I sit and write this, I hear the military planes, practising, I hope, overhead. It brings to my thoughts the horrors occurring in some parts of the world through geopolitics or natural disasters. It makes me aware of events that I can’t stop but will affect me in one way or another. Then I’m reminded that I can make a difference, and it might only be on the micro scale. But by simply being myself, by being kind, curious, and finding humour in everyday life, I can make the world around me a little better.

So lucky, so free, so privileged, so experientially enriched, so much variety and fulfilment, so many connections

so hilly, strenuous, stretching, puffed out, healthy

so full of sound – music, birds, chatter, clatter

so flavourful – cheese, liquorice, spices, culinary delights galore

so much art and creation – observing and making (however well or badly!)

so much more to do

So fortunate – this week I’m alive: not in a war zone, being bombed, buried in rubble, drowned at sea, exiled or tortured for my ideas, religion or gender, not at risk from a violent partner or regime

Still so hopeful

I have Down’s syndrome. I like Disney Princesses and stitch from Lilo and Stitch. My favourite colour is pink, and my best friend is called Penny who also comes to Case. I love art activities especially painting.

Born between 1946-1964, I am a baby boomer and life was so much simpler and slower in pace it seemed. The Internet was non- existent along with iPhones and iPads, and we had to communicate the old-fashioned way. Our society now demands instant and accessible messaging and the art of letter writing is no more. Postal charges have escalated and paper free correspondence is the going trend. QR code scanning creates a streamlined experience found in many sectors, showing that technology has no limits. Is the world a better place with gifs and emojis? Let’s wait and see!

Retirement: Year Two

Retired at last and busier than ever. Everyone said it would happen, and they were right.

My days now belong to things that matter. As a trustee of the Crowle Peatland Railway, I help preserve a small but significant piece of industrial heritage. As a local historian, I am deep into Vermuyden 400, marking four centuries since the drainage works that transformed this landscape and shaped our community, including working with the Crowle Entertainers to bring that history to life.

Being alive now means having the time, finally, to tend to the things worth tending.

2026: No flying cars or hoverboards, but clear echoes of famously dystopian tales are visible. The world has changed dramatically over the last 25 years. On the precipice of the millennium, I didn’t give much thought to life in 2026, never mind how being 50 might feel! I’m grateful to have witnessed innovation in technology, science and the creative arts. I have to say, I’m happy with my lot – I’m a full-time artist exploring my love of history and landscapes, married to a man I wish I’d met decades ago. Life is good – different – but good!

Being alive today is both a privilege and a challenge, much like in any other time in history. Each person is called to make the most of their own life by focusing on their potential and striving for constant improvement. The modern world offers extraordinary opportunities through globalisation and digitalisation, where knowledge, connections, and possibilities are only a few clicks away. Yet, these same forces can bring risks, such as isolation from reduced physical interaction and a fading sense of identity. Despite this, the path remains clear: focus on the positive, grow continuously, and shape a meaningful life from the opportunities available

I like to make a list of things to do. It’s just a shame that my husband (see Stephen – 72 ) doesn’t like to read them !

Living now feels like standing in two worlds at once. Technology is accelerating at a thrilling pace, especially AI, unlocking creativity and possibility. Yet beneath it sits a quiet unease. The environmental cost is real, and so is the human one, with jobs already disappearing. At the same time, I see a generational shift I admire. Younger people treat their bodies with more respect, while many of us still default to old habits. We chase youth too, through quick fixes and tweakments, myself included. Some help, some worry me. It all leaves me questioning what progress really means, and what we might be trading away.

I am lucky!

I am retired, enjoy reasonable health, and have a lovely wife, family, and friends.

I can’t complain.

But lowering my comfort visor I see a very different world.

I hear lonely people, struggling, often with mental health problems that society largely ignores.

I see a world with more things and less humanity.

I see a world that ignores how we treat the planet, animals and nature.

But I’m optimistic.

One day when life is turned upside down we will see things differently and recognise our true place in the world….and be all the better for it!

It’s 2026 and I’m loving life, don’t get me wrong there’s bad times but I got through them and found the real me again.

I have family and friends that are important in my life. As I get older I’m less worried about other people’s opinions, I won’t comprise on having the life I deserve. 

Volunteering has taken me out of my comfort zone, I’ve done things that I never imagined I would, the Sea of Hull in 2016 was a once in a lifetime experience. 

Here’s to lots more years of living life to the full and having fun. 

Three days before last Christmas, we unexpectedly lost the most wonderful Dad and Grandad. Amongst the shock and tears, there were so many messages from people, stories of kind gestures he had made quietly, without fuss and impacted their lives more than he ever knew.

He loved walking in the forest, animals (who loved him back), singing, feeding the birds and gardening. He was famous for his tomatoes and I have planted his last seeds in his honour this spring.

Today, and always, we need quiet kindness.  A twinkle in the eye.

And tomatoes.

When I was about 35, a lady artist asked me where I was from.  When I said Lincolnshire she said “Ah yes, you have Norman blood.  You will age well”.

What she didn’t say was that she was only referring to my face and that the rest of my body would not be immune from old age!  Hence the creaky knees, the general aches and pains, the intolerance for alcohol (unlike in my youth!) and the general slowing down.

Oh well, at least I can take comfort from being told I don’t look my age, even if I feel it!

“It’s no good looking back, I don’t live there anymore”, said someone famous. So daily I fill my lungs with salty, sea air, sometimes warm, oft-times icy, and treasure the land where I live.

Soon the sea will take it all; house, land, life, and I, and all who have lived here, horses, sheep, llamas, dogs, chickens et al, will cease to exist. Our tenure on earth lost. Photographs are our only past. What else could we leave when nothing remains, for those who cannot paint or sing, but loved the world no less.

Being alive today is a contradiction of amazing opportunity, possibility and a crushing depression of stress and responsibility. On one hand I am excited and hopeful about my future, an optimistic retirement with time to dance and enjoy the special people in my life and all the exciting developments that AI may offer. I am also devastated that my parents are poorly and aging. The effect on the family and stress is sometimes too hard to bear. None of us are here for a long time. It’s not a rehearsal. Dance like no one is watching.

I look at the girl in this picture and think “Yeh, she’s done alright” Hasn’t always been easy, there’s certainly been challenges and hiccups along the way. But I’m so happy now and wake up early to pack the most into every day.

MAN

SON

BROTHER

FRIEND

TEACHER

DAD

In this my 70th year I have decided to make the most of the opportunities available to me. I spent my early years, like many of my generation raising my 4 children and working to give them opportunities without considering myself. They have seen the world and tried many things that I have not, so now it’s my turn! Visiting places, learning new skills and not saying no is my goal for my future! The Chelsea flower show, Wimbledon, walking the 3 peaks, wild swimming and learning pickle ball are all on the list. Life is short!

I really like going on holidays to different countries and going shopping on days off work.

The exam is science.  I pick up exam papers for the classroom.  Students arrive, hand in phones and watches.  The exam starts. I walk round the room to ensure they have started.   At the end of the exam, I take the papers to the office, sign out, go home.

Sometimes I see shabby children, disruptive, or in distress.  I report this.  Some children are totally uninterested; others are ready for the exam; they want to learn and have ambitions.  They are friendly, polite, and helpful.  Invigilators are an interesting group, with a wealth of experience. We work together to achieve a successful Exam service.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius

“Melius dicere non potui ipse.” Anonymous

I have autism and hay fever. I live with my mum and stepdad in a 3 bedroomed house. We have a Kerry blue terrier called Angus. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters and a nana who is 85 years old. My favourite thing to do is play golf in the back field with my stepdad, uncle, cousin and brother.

As a child of the ’70s, the world feels very different now—both scary and wondrous in equal measure.

Technology gives us so much, yet we’ve lost some of the art of communication. We see people’s lives on social media and convince ourselves we truly see them.

Everything important takes effort. COVID taught us what’s easy and what works for us, but it also brought isolation, and some things will never be the same again.

But perhaps that’s not a bad thing. Change is inevitable. Adaptation is inevitable. And perhaps what matters most is how we choose to adapt.

This is me. Married at 21, became a mum at 23, believing I’d found my forever. Instead, I spent most of 2018 trapped in a loveless marriage before discovering my ex-husband had been unfaithful with the woman who is now his wife. I found happiness again with a co-worker, but life tested me further when I needed weight-loss surgery in 2024 after a blockage caused a dangerous amount of fluid to build up around my brain. After losing almost 60 kilograms, the man I loved for seven years, decided he no longer loves me for me. Today, I stand alone—stronger, happier, free, and finally choosing myself.

My name is Jamie-Leigh, but you can call me Jamie. I love maths, going on holidays, and shopping. I enjoy attending CASE training because it makes me happy. My mum and sister are very important to me and always make me feel safe and loved. After a busy day at CASE, I like to relax and listen to UB40. I exercise every day to improve my balance, and I hope to walk independently one day. My wish is to have a job that suits me and allows me to contribute.

There have been cold patches in my life — days when my health wobbled, work shifted, and the world felt too heavy to carry. You don’t see it at the time, but those moments shape you. They’ve made me sharper, braver, and more determined to do the things I love with the people who matter most. Now I chase what sparks excitement, the projects that make my heart sing. When you’ve stood in the dark and lost things you thought were certain, you realise there’s nothing left to lose. So you step forward anyway, and you choose to walk into the light.

I class myself as lucky being born post war, when man went to the moon, popular music exploded onto the scene, and we entered a Golden Age of medicine and technology.  I cannot however, help feeling apprehensive about how fast technology,  AI especially, has crept into our daily lives. In health, communication, the arts, social media, decision making….. What effect will this have on the future of the human race with vastly increasing algorithms becoming the norm, shaping our future selves? What about the environmental impact and the security risks in a volatile world ?  “Today’s science fiction is tomorrow’s science fact”. Isaac Asimov

My name is Magdalena and I am 23 years old. I love to wear sparkles and glittery clothes. I love to dance and sing. My favourite song is Whitney Houston’s “I wanna dance with somebody”.

Why does there seem to be so much hate in the world?  Misogyny, homophobia,racism, religious hate to name but a few.

I feel this is exacerbated due to misinformation online that spreads rapidly due to the reach of digital platforms. Misinformation is shared before being verified and appeals to emotions such as fear and anger. Algorithms then amplify this making the news more visible than accurate information, influencing public opinion and even international decisions.

What can be  done? I have no idea but hopefully goodwill will win through.

Honestly, being alive right now is a proper head-fry. One minute I’m paying for a meal deal with my watch, and the next I’m wondering if my boss’s email was written by a robot. We’ve got the whole world in our pockets, but half the time I just want to chuck my phone into the Humber.

It’s exhausting but brilliant. We’re standing right on the edge of something massive, navigating this wild tech explosion while just trying to get the tea sorted and not lose our marbles. It’s overwhelming, a bit mental, and completely unrepeatable

Today’s world is harsh, it’s fast paced, it’s full of rage and selfishness. Yet, if you look closely there’s a gentleness. I saw a ladybird shading underneath a weed growing in my plant pot earlier. How small and precious this creature was. I pulled another weed up and gave it more shelter; I was afraid it might die. I’m afraid we all might die; either from the impacts of global warming or from war. I hope for my son that things change. I believe in the goodness of humanity and pray we never lose it.

Every day is a new life. Sometimes I feel adrift, caught in a whirlpool spinning round and round. The next day I walk along the river and see swanlings bobbing along and my thoughts are all in a row. The world is a scary and beautiful place, so I think all I can do is live every new version of life that comes.

I reached retirement age last year  2025  instead of feeling lost and wondering how I am going to spend my time  I love it , being grateful for each day I get to wake up to get to decide what I want to do  socialising making memories with family and friends  I remember my dad saying make the most of the time you have as when you get older the time  seems to go quicker and until you reach retirement age I didn’t realise he was right .

To be alive now is to stand at a hinge in history. In fifty years, I have watched media and communication remake themselves entirely, seen the internet arrive and rewire how we live, work and know one another. Yet none of it compares to what is unfolding around us today. The rise of artificial intelligence feels like the most profound shift since the Industrial Revolution, a change so deep that centuries may pass before the world sees its like again. I find that thought humbling. We are not merely witnesses to this moment. We are living inside it.

Well, may I just say I am more than grateful and happy to be alive today and functioning as a near as normal human being as is possible. This is due to medical research into cancer, the surgeons, doctors and nurses in the NHS who operated and treated me after being diagnosed with breast cancer almost 20 years ago. I am still alive and happy. due to them
That is what it’s like to be alive today

What is it like in the world today? It’s confusing and scary, some may say.

There’s civil un-rest, the government is failing,

and a lack of public funding, it’s not plain sailing.

I thrive in a multicultural society, yet others may not.

I long for inclusion, though I’m happy with my lot.

I’m a proud parent of someone, who has Tourette Syndrome, and stuff.

There’s still a lack of understanding, are we doing enough?

I wish to raise awareness, for that, education is key.

Today, that is what, is most important to me.

One hundred words? That’s absurd…

54 years of love, laughter, tears

Pages, chapters, stories told

Seeing it all, being bold.

Eating life, slice by slice,

Being naughty, being nice 

Adventures deep, cultures rich, Colours, Faces

Wild places. World keeps turning. World keeps burning 

Growing wiser? Eyes now wide. What comes next? 

You decide.

I have 4 brothers. I also have 2 personal assistants called Gemma and Kevin who is my brother too. I love to go to Cineworld to watch movies with my PA’S. I like to visit Ping Pong Club to play on Nintendo, PS5 and old play stations whilst having a beer and some crisps. My favourite colour is Red.

Like Parsifal, in my youth, I searched far and wide for answers to questions I could not ask, until years later,  I stumbled upon my own version of the Grail, my pathway to salvation. Now, in my twilight years, I recognise that I am unconcerned with the ‘whys?’ and am willing, instead, to embrace the ‘why nots?’ I am now aligned with both Epictetus’ contention that ‘Circumstances do not make a man, they reveal him,’ and Pascal’s belief that ‘The real voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.’

To me, I think there is a very big difference between the terms LIVING and being ALIVE. When I think about both, living is simply doing all those day to day things you need to live – going to work, 3 meals etc, whereas being alive looks at the things that make you feel something. To me that’s catching up with family, a drawing that goes well, the pub with friends or trying out a new recipe – all the things I look forward to doing.

As an almost 40-year old I’m glad that I grew up when I did. Millennials were the last generation to scrape through without the strong presence of social media and mobile phones! There is a lot of pressure on the younger generations and life is so fast paced now. AI isn’t my favourite thing and we are only just scratching the surface with it. We are all forced to use technology more than most people probably would want to nowadays. I can’t even imagine where humans will be in 100 years from now… 

I attend the Case Training Centre in Hull and have done so since 2008. I have a cat called Harry Potter, named after my favourite film character. I have been to the Harry Potter studios 9 times! I love to wash, prepare and cook food. I like to talk and feel like I am a very kind and caring person. I socialise lots and attend “Red” discos which are for adults like me with learning difficulties. I do struggle to read and write but love taking photographs.

February 2026. Visiting family in the East Riding.

Sadly remembering a first schooldays friend just gone. Being alive with that sadness but remembering fun; sad now with much else so wrong. Guildhall, Ropewalk, Bronze Age Boats, 4000 years in Humber mud. I touched that saturated wood. More Humber mud and rain today and I’m under that rain.

Aunt, sister, niece and stone. Shoes, boots, a new coat?, hammer, rasp. My dear love.

Are stone spotters Neanderthal kin? Carvers discussion. How to fit it all in?

Meeting Nigel and finding too old to care about being photographed-really???

On a global level I have concerns about the rise of far-right politics, although at the time of writing this appears to be diminishing. Global warming is another issue on which I have concerns. I think people should be made aware of both these things, the centre-left does not appear to be making a case for the alternative, moderate approach.

On a personal level I have issues with my mental health and photography is massive in terms of my therapy, along with the excellent professional help I am receiving.

I’m a bubbly blonde and a chatterbox queen

At 58, menopause keeps life interesting if you know what I mean

I beat cancer, got a stent, and still power through the day

Taking on new challenges, nothing stands in my way

I have 2 sons and a husband who deserve a medal or two

For keeping up with my antics when I say now what can I do?

By day I help adults with disabilities shine bright

By night I host at Hulls Arena with energy and delight

So, here’s to all humans, no matter what you are

Get up, get out, start shining brighter than a star.

To be alive at this time: is both cathartic and full:

incongruous with myself, ever changing; but never dull.

Threats from SO many places, subservient fools fail;

so many in pursuit of their own, holy grail.

A time to go inwards, to insightfully reflect,

before control locks in; takes full effect.

I cling to ever knowing, the free past I knew;

worrying daily, if those days are through.

The seasons seem muted, time speeding by;  

as we unlearn everything, that was simply a lie.

Trusting ourselves, is now all that matters,

Nature’s true gold, as the rest falls in tatters.

I have been retired for almost 3 years, and I am having the best time.  I enjoy spending more time with my husband and friends out and about having holidays, drinks, meals, looking after my 2 grandchildren. I enjoy going to the gym, singing in a choir, been a volunteer, performance in various local musical theatre groups. I have a passion for music and love lots of different type of music.  Writing to pen friends in the UK and aboard and email pen friends and more recently making cards.

US B52 bombers have recently been in the news evoking memories of the Vietnam War particularly in President Nixon’s era

– B52s raining bombs on the countryside, helicopter gunships firing on villages, victims of napalm and devastation by agent orange.

– The waves of protests and demonstrations against the War, across the campuses and outside the US Embassies around the world.

– The anti war songs, still meaningful today; Marvin Gaye – ‘Whats Going On’, Edwin Starr ‘War’, Joan Baez ‘We Shall Overcome’ and John and Oko ‘Give Peace A Chance’

Wars achieve absolutely nothing except death and destruction.

Life was better in the 80’s: I like motorcycles & music; back in the 80’s, people were more inclined to individualise, more self expression and character, in contrast to today’s world, that is sterile and less colourful. Money seemed to go an awful lot further and people were never short. Expectations were not so high. Life was more care free and easier, especially without social media etc. There seems to be more rules and regulations, to infringe on freedom and the way we live and express ourselves.

Modernity is the latest staging of the human drama. The costumes, sets and props change, but we are acting the same roles as those who came before, and those who are yet to come.

At 50, I feel incredibly lucky: a loving partner, a cosy home, a career as a nurse and two amazing sons, 21 and 18, finding their way in this wonderfully chaotic world.

Life is a funny balancing act. We panic when the Wi-Fi is slow while casually reading about the end of civilisation, try to eat more vegetables, pay bills we barely understand, and consider 9pm a late night.

Yet life is also full of adventure, new experiences and challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones. Surrounded by wonderful family and friends, my heart is full. I’m grateful for the laughter, love, chaos and everyday moments that make life extraordinary.

This is a good time to be alive, I just wish it was a good time to live for all people. Even though as a species we have made advances in technology and industry, we have not made the same advances in our humanity. It saddens me that there is still a lot of poverty and oppression in the world. We live in a beautiful world but it seems we are blatantly ignoring the signs of decline in nature. It gives me hope that good people are still building towards a better future for all, may we prevail.

Living with Tourette’s in today’s world means constantly navigating a society that often misunderstands what it cannot see or explain. My tics are part of my everyday life, shaping how I move through the world and how others sometimes perceive me. There are moments of frustration, resilience, humour, and strength. This photograph captures more than an image of me; it represents the reality of living with a neurological condition while continuing to pursue my goals, creativity, and identity. In a world that values fitting in, my experience has taught me the importance of visibility, acceptance, and being unapologetically myself.

I’m proud Zimbabwean with a big heart, a creative mind, and a love for bringing people together. You’ll find me in the kitchen cooking Zimbabwean favourites and sharing good food, I believe every meal tastes better when it’s enjoyed with others. I love art and finding creative ways to turn simple ideas into something beautiful. Helping people is a big part of who I am, I try to spread kindness wherever I go. Guided by faith, my culture, and a positive spirit, I’m always excited to learn, grow, and create memories. This is my story so far.

Life can be challenging. Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2018 changed my outlook on life. It reminded me to do the following: Live, Love, Laugh, Travel, Be Kind. Surround yourself with “Your Tribe”. Turn up for those who turn up for you. Let go of negativity. Do things that make you happy. Dance often.

I connect more, Volunteer more, dance more, gig more, travel and have adventures as often as I can. Embracing life keeps me grounded and grateful for the chances I am given.
(Kate Moore – You are Forever Remembered #Forever 53)

Don’t Forget to Live.  Lynne – Forever 56

After facing the worse news after feeling sick for sometime, I was told I had a tumour on my pituitary gland which is in the brain. At the time of surgery I was blind in both eyes as the tumour was so large had compacted my optic nerve. It was explained that I had a 10% chance of coming out of surgery. After 12 hours in surgery I woke up and could see. At this point I knew I could overcome it all. I have had a difficult time overcoming on going health issues but staying positive  has made me what I am today. 

Fearful. Elections are over, politics is the only topic I hear about lately – on the news, on social media, at work…

I try to push the fear aside. Spiralling, constantly thinking that we are going backwards in time, it makes me miserable and it burns me inside.

But… I refuse to let this fear rule me, I keep pushing through, I stand up for what I believe in – and who I believe in. Myself!

As a very special (and smelly) philosopher duo once said: Hakuna Matata.

Joan. Motorcycles. Lincolnshire Wolds. Spring sunshine. Fireside evenings. Northumberland. Holy Island sunrises and sunsets. September afternoons. Ice cream. Marmite. Radical politics. Buddhism. Paganism. Pets. Lindisfarne. Alan Hull. Winter Song. Emmylou Harris. Gram Parsons. The Byrds. Buddy Holly. Gene Vincent., Lemmy. John Shuttleworth. 1952 Vincent Black Lightning. Viz comic. Bollywood movies. Kareena Kapoor. Gregory’s Girl. Woodland walks. A good cup of tea. Coffee ditto. Film photography. My mate Caron. Peace, love, hippyshit. Fantasia Lindum. Eric Ravilious. Compassion. Selflessness. Consideration. Comfortable boots. Old oak furniture. Long case clocks. The smell of polish. Outdoor dried laundry. Home cooked chilli. Curry. Damon Runyon stories.

To live in 2026 is to live with a feeling of pending catastrophe. I’m a socialist feminist, but I have resigned myself to the fact that we’re living in the end days of capitalism.

A few white,old, billionaire men are controlling our world and letting it burn.

I avoid things now that are not in my control and find joy in simple things, my garden, allotment, listening to music and feeling gratitude for the things I have in my life.

I am privileged, I have a home, career, and a loving family.

In the end that’s all that matters-love.

This is where I’m at in 2026. Awake in the AM way before 6. Work and family stresses, worry least WARS are a BIG worry in the Middle East. My grandchildren I worry for, a hateful world to navigate. Caused by men with big egos they need to facilitate 

If the world had more women leaders like ME we’d have a world of joy and empathy 

Dump the Trump and put NAN in charge. Free money for all, so everyone could be living life LARGE!

Living in this area in 2026 means watching our industrial community change before our eyes. I worked as a maintenance planner before moving into health and safety completing my NEBOSH qualification in just nine days. Working in a male-dominated industry has brought challenges and sadly I have experienced misogyny first-hand. I then faced further uncertainty with the closure of our local oil refinery. Despite the difficult times every company I have worked for has given me lifelong friendships. I am now looking for somewhere I feel valued and respected. Through everything my partner has been my rock always supporting and believing in me.

When I turned 30, I began to care less about how I was perceived and more about how I felt and what I wanted in life. I try to find joy in the often overlooked moments,  and make time for myself in this fast-paced, often chaotic world. I’m still my own worst critic, and I’m slowly learning that being busy is not a personality trait. Here’s to doing your own thing and moving at your own pace to achieve your goals.

And of course, please continue to support the arts!

We are fragments, multiple pieces and parts,

Seeking connection of souls and hearts,

We’re droplets in rivers, in oceans, in clouds,

We’re voices in harmony, singing aloud,

They’ll tell you we’re different but we know the truth,

No matter the gender, nor old age or youth,

Nor pigment or pound sign, we all fall together

Like seasons each year, like time, like weather,

It’s difference that compliments all that we are,

Like the darkness of night to the bright shining star,

Let us all come together, with care and respect,

And live no more in fragments, let’s only connect.

I feel being alive now is like time has to rush ahead faster and faster. As though time doesn’t want to stay in the present.

Trying to make me feel there will be something better, more exciting, more hopeful and more fulfilling, around the corner of time. When actually I feel being alive in the future will be none of the above, but a world full of destruction caused by war or nature, less love, less kindness and more division of the human race.

I’d like to stay alive and try to help make the world a better place in any way I can!

Hi, I’m Olivia and I am 18 years old and Autistic. I love doing photography and attend Case Training in Hull where I pursue my love of taking photographs. I also love watching Teletubbies. I live with my mum and dad and am an only child. I do have 4 pets, 3 guinea pigs and 1 rabbit. My favourite colour is green. I love to tell people about me. I have lots of toys that I like to carry around with me in my backpack. My toys make me happy.

Being alive today can feel quite overwhelming at times, but I am also incredibly lucky. This weekend I had a solo art exhibition in Beverley. Painting offers a rare sense of mindfulness and calm, something that feels so important in such a busy, noisy world. I honestly would not be doing any of this without my mum. She gives me unwavering support, lifts me up, and gives me the confidence and encouragement to keep going and believing in myself every day.

Time passes quickly.
The world is big, yet small. It’s easier than ever to communicate but that seems to be something we do less.
It’s impossible to imagine what the future holds. I still have hope it can positive.
I hope the disposable lives we live will change and we will take more care and pride in our individual contribution to the world. We need to care for our planet and our animals.
2025: a year that changed me and how I feel about everything. I care less and more than ever before. It’s love and kindness that matter in the end.

My name is Claire, and at 65 years old, I am a proud mum to a son and daughter and grandmother to three wonderful children. Married to Jonathan for 45 years, I live and work in Beverley, where I serve as a parish councillor for Woodmansey. As a member of progressive Judaism, I am committed to fostering inclusivity and understanding within my community. My passions revolve around my family, human rights, and fairness. I am dedicated to standing up for my beliefs and ensuring truth through diligent fact checking. Championing justice and equality motivates me every day, and I strive to make a positive impact wherever I can.

As a cancer survivor I am simply grateful to still be here. The world has changed rapidly in the years since the 2020 pandemic. Some good, some bad, but mostly adding complexity to everything. Healthcare is changing towards including integrative medicine which is really good news. Stress is behind many illnesses and humanity has created things that exert huge stress on the environment. I hope that in the future people are kinder both to each other and the environment as we have a beautiful home here worth protecting. I hope to be around to enjoy it for years to come.

Today I have lived for 19,969 days.

This I have learnt:

I don’t have to be perfect,

To live every day with intense happiness.

Whether it’s a smooth or frayed moment,

I’m grateful to be joyously alive.

I’m me, here, now.

Content.

I am a retired drama teacher living in Beverley for the last 33 years.  I am the very proud father of four children and grandfather of three. Mary and I have been married for 48 years. My passions are folk music:  I play guitar, whistles and flutes and am usually the vocalist with whichever groups I am playing.. I love walking and cycling and living near such lovely countryside. My major concerns of the moment are about the acceptance of the rise of far-right wing rhetoric in political conversations. I was brought up in a spirit of fairness and positivity.