Castles, country estates, villages, gardens…
Britain is awash with inspirational historic places and getting out to experience them is always an enjoyable way to spend a morning.
If it’s a nice day you can pack up a picnic, or stop off on the way home for a bite of lunch to round off an interesting, educational morning.
Search using the National Trust’s website below to find an interesting place to visit in your area:Â Â Â
If you haven’t jogged before…
…or if the mere idea of it sends you running for a comforting snack (Quaker Oat Bar) , get started with just a ten minute gentle jog around the park.
Your heart, lungs and circulation will love you for it, and it’s never too late to begin.
If you are seriously overweight or suffer from any medical condition, it’s best to check with your GP before you start any form of exercise – just to get the A-okay.
Websites to visit:
There are few more enjoyable ways of getting your hands really dirty than squidging, pummelling and squeezing sticky wet clay between your fingers.
Many adult education centres and course organisers offer free pottery taster classes to give you a feel for it before you plunge in.
Use the websites below to find a class or course near you.
Websites:
Bingo on the pier, fish and chips for lunch, and a paddle in the sea.
Well, it might be a bit nippy for paddling, but it can still be invigorating to have a stroll along the promenade.
And if all that sea air works up and appetite, take along some of our delicious Brownie Oat Cookies.
Ingredients
85g all-purpose flour
135g white sugar
80g Quaker Oats
30g unsweetened cocoa powder
5g baking powder
2g salt
2 egg whites
80ml light corn syrup
5ml vanilla extract
Method
1. Spray the cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the egg whites, syrup, and vanilla. Drop spoonfuls on the prepared cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
4. Enjoy!!
Those of us who are lucky enough to enjoy full mobility quite often take it for granted and forget the many people around us who struggle with basic tasks such as shopping and cooking.
If you know of someone near to you who could use a little help, why not pop over there this morning and ask if you can do some shopping or cooking for them. If nothing else they may welcome the invitation, especially if they live alone.
The websites below can offer you further advice about giving up a little of your time to help others.         Â
Websites:
Take a gentle stroll at your own pace and raise funds for your favourite cause.  Â
To best way to get started is to decide which cause you’d like to help, then visit their website to find out when their next sponsored event is taking place.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll need to collect sponsorship money from friends and family. You can even set up your own webpage to raise funds – completely free, see the Just Giving website link below.
You’ll need to do bit of training in the run up to the event, and remember not to wear new shoes on the day!
Websites to visit:
www.justgiving.com       Â
Enjoy the company of man’s best friend without the hassle.
Walking can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a morning and there is no better companion to take crunching through woodlands than a dog.
But you don’t have to own a furry companion to enjoy a winter walk with one. Animal rescue centres around the country are always in need of volunteers to walk their dogs while they’re waiting to be rehomed.
You’ll need to contact the centre in advance and tell them a bit about yourself, you may need to undergo a short training session, and then you can pop along and choose a dog to take walking.
Dog walking volunteering is a great way to enjoy the fun and exuberance of a canine companion without the commitment and responsibility that goes with owning a dog.
Websites worth a look:
Great exercise and enjoyable company. Well, that’s how the experts sum it up.
If you thought it was just for the country set, think again.
There are golf driving ranges all over the country when you can pop along and have a bash at hitting balls.
It’s the best way to get a feel for the game, and then you can think about booking a few lessons to get your swing right, etc.
Use the websites below to get started:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
www.golflinks.co.uk/driving-ranges.php
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme… grow your own fresh herbs to enhance your cooking.Â
Herbs can be surprisingly easy to grow, indoors or out, and give off wonderful natural fragrances around the kitchen or garden.
The only rule you need to follow is to be sure that you choose herbs that will thrive in your environment. If you only have a kitchen windowsill, you’ll need to grow different herbs to those grown outdoors.
Use the websites below to find out more:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
www.recipes4us.co.uk/Growing%20Herbs.htm
Video:
www.videojug.com/film/how-to-plant-a-herb-pot
Spend a morning discovering the local ornithology.
You can do it in your back garden, or down at the local nature reserve or conservation area, anywhere that birds come and go in a natural environment.
It’s a good idea to do some research before you start, either online or with a good ornithology book, that way you’ll have a basic understanding of which species you are likely to see at different times of the year and in different areas.
It’s also useful to have a pair of binoculars, and a waterproof jacket if you intend to really take an interest in birdwatching.
Helpful websites:
www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/birds/top-tips/top-tips-for-birdwatching.html
*Of 146 people surveyed, 67 first felt hungry after 4 hours, 21 minutes.
Eat Quaker Oats as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
