So we thought we would raid our photo archives to remind you just how much South Tyneside loves having a laugh – and we hope it won’t be too long before we will all do so again.
1. Smiles galore
Hebburn Lakes Primary School head Tony Watson is surrounded by pupils as he retires in 2019. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Braveheart spirit
Many of us could do with the Braveheart spirit shown by these fundraisers at the Cancer Connections Boxing Day Dip, at Littlehaven Beach, South Shields, in 2015. Photo: Stu Norton
3. In tune
The South Tyneside Summer Festival concerts in Bents Park, South Shields, always cheer people up - and we are sure they will do so again. Photo: Tim Richardson
4. Ell of a time
Ella Ogden, aged three and from Jarrow, enjoys the 2015 April sunshine at Sandhaven Beach with dog Belle. Photo: Stu Norton