Arlesey princess charity fun afternoon

Mental Health Matters - Joli Loach

Green open spaces

With Solstice disappearing in the distance behind us, the long, light days are in decline. Whilst attempts at holidays have been a mixed affair this year with all the chaos within Airports, there is still time to make the most of that great, free, calming resource of nature itself, right here on our doorstep.

Research abounds around the calming powers of being outside, grounded and connected to the natural world beyond our own whether walking amidst forests or fields, cycling or even wild swimming. Having recently participated in a colour course, it was no great surprise to hear the colour green is officially one of healing! We are incredibly fortunate in Arlesey to be surrounded by heaps of green, open spaces, rivers and even lagoons.

Looking after our mental and emotional health isn’t only about what we think or feel or about examining our previously unexamined internal worlds within a therapy room (as much as I advocate this!) but it equally involves getting in to our bodies, being active and getting outside. Sometimes the most soothing, grounding, relaxing way to de-stress can be by simply observing the natural rhythms, seasons, cycles and changes in the external world that can remind us that it is equally natural to experience these within our internal worlds.

By proactively getting out in to open, green spaces, we can open up an internal space to breathe deeply, reflect, gain perspective, peace and new vision. This can be a huge help especially when we find ourselves stuck, lost or unable to see the wood from the trees! The days are indeed drawing in but for now at least there is still time to get out to observe, enjoy and simply be, amongst the great, green gift of large open spaces.

Dear Editor,

I refer to the picture featured at the back of the July issue of the Arlesey News Magazine with the ladies lined up in the beauty parade. I have some of the names (some of which may not be correct as I am doing them from memory.) I believe the photo is from early 1950’s.

L to R: 1.? 2. Pamela King 3. Barbara Webster, 4.?, 5.

- Albon, 6,?, 7. Gladys Lemon, 8. Barbara Ratcliffe, 9. Beryl Leggett, 10. - Cooper, 11. Barbara Pitcher, 12. ? 13. Barbara Allan 14. ?,

Carl Houghton

Your Letters

Dear Editor,

We are delighted to announce the return of the Stotfold Creative Fair, this time with the Summer Edition. We were completely overwhelmed with how successful the Christmas event was, we knew we had to bring it back!

Expect to see some amazing local creatives showcasing their talents, along with some delicious food and drink!! Free entry and fun for all the family. See our advert on the opposite page for further details.

Samantha & Kristi

Editor’s note: Congratulations to both Samantha & Arlesey resident Kristi, for such a hugely succesful event last year - We cannot wait for the Summer fair!

Editors note: Can anyone help with the remaining names?? We’d love to be able to fill in the gaps!