Today marks six months since the announcement of the UK lockdown to combat coronavirus.

It is hard to believe that Boris Johnson’s televised address to the nation on March 23 telling us to stay home was that long ago. 

Some have enoyed spending time with the family during lockdown while others have found it more challenging. 

Many of us have found ourselves with more time on our hands and we want to know how you have used the time.

Perhaps you got into baking, learning a new language or crafting?

You might have channelled your inner Nigella and got into cooking some delicious meals or taken up running and amazed yourself by reaching a level of fitness you never thought possible.

As for me personally, I've used the extra time to take up tennis in the park and have developed a real love of the sport and found it a fun way to keep fit. I've also had more time to go out cycling and have got creative on countryside walks in a bid to capture the perfect sunset.

Dorset Echo:

A sunset photo I took at Maiden Castle

Plenty of people performed acts of kindness - shopping for elderly neighbours, picking up the phone to provide a friendly ear for those shielding and collecting prescriptions. 

We want to hear from you. Tell us below your inspiring stories of which hobby you took up and what you achieved or who you helped in the six months since the start of lockdown.

Community answers

What have you achieved in the 6 months since lockdown began?

"Tell us about and send us photos of what you have achieved since lockdown started, whether it's a new hobby you've taken up or how you've helped people. We want to hear of your achievements!"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Community contributor

What is your response?I have been working all through Lockdown in my local Supermarket and on my days off I have taught myself to do Macrame, using YouTube tutorials. Love doing it and have now sold several pieces

Your pictures

Dorset Echo: Wall HangingWall Hanging
Dorset Echo: Pot HoldersPot Holders
Dorset Echo: Moon DreamcatcherMoon Dreamcatcher
Dorset Echo: Double Pot HolderDouble Pot Holder

From Debs Goddard

What is your response?I started an at home bakery sending cakes by post and hand delivery during lockdown. I contacted the council and registered. Took my online hygiene course to get started. I now do weekly cakes boxes and party cakes also supplying Blagdon Fruit Farm with weekly cakes and bakes.

Your pictures

Dorset Echo: Elevense Cake BoxElevense Cake Box
Dorset Echo: Celebration CakesCelebration Cakes
Dorset Echo: Me in my new baking apronMe in my new baking apron
Dorset Echo: Cream Tea Boxes for hand or postal deliveryCream Tea Boxes for hand or postal delivery

From Heidi Taylor

What is your response?Started our online business selling wonderful wellbeing items, like handmade soap, Bath bombs, yoga equipment and aromatherapy oils.

Your pictures

Dorset Echo: Our first day.Our first day.
Dorset Echo: Crystal TherapyCrystal Therapy
Dorset Echo: Mohdoh Play TherapyMohdoh Play Therapy
Dorset Echo: Aromatherapy OilsAromatherapy Oils

From Dawn Churchill

What is your response?I love wax melts and used to buy them then decided I was going to make my own and maybe start a little business because the fragrance oils are endless I melt wax add colour and fragrance maybe a bit of glitter then pour and set it really is that easy as long as the temperature is right if the wax there is a little science behind it and the best part is my house always smells lovely

Your pictures

Dorset Echo: Lollipop heartsLollipop hearts
Dorset Echo: Orange and cranberry snowmanOrange and cranberry snowman

From Isabel Sommers

What is your response?I lost my job at beginning of lockdown and was concerned that at my age I’d find it difficult to find work again. Some people may remember that I was Theo the bear who entertained the children on Portland. I decided that with some imagination I could use him in a new career. And so I signed up to an online learning centre and 12 diplomas later and now accredited by the complimentary medical association I have started my own therapy business. Theo will be used to help children over come trauma or to explain medical procedures as well as in some talking therapies. Alongside mindfulness, hypnotherapy, weight loss and stop smoking and other talking therapies for adults.

Your pictures

Dorset Echo: Business logoBusiness logo
Dorset Echo: Theo has his own page on the website that will be live in a few daysTheo has his own page on the website that will be live in a few days
Dorset Echo: Some of my diplomasSome of my diplomas
Dorset Echo: Theo and I at beginning of lockdownTheo and I at beginning of lockdown

From Georgina Rumble

What is your response?My mum, 8 year old daughter, and I completed the Couch 2 5k course throughout lockdown and graduated at the end of August. This time last year my mum, Sharon, was incredibly ill after having life saving surgery and we were told the muscles surrounding her lungs may not work properly again. She has not only defied every odd, she has gained an inspirational zest for life. Not only am I proud of her, and myself for completing this challenge and getting fitter, I am also incredibly proud of my daughter, Faith who never gave up on her runs despite a few falls and was our 'mini motivator'.

Your pictures

Dorset Echo: We had a great time on our runs despite the weatherWe had a great time on our runs despite the weather