GARDENING SOCIETY

APRIL 2022 WAS one of the driest on record for the UK, with only around one-third of the average expected rainfall. So much for April showers! No doubt we’ll catch up later in the year.

Despite the sunshine, much of the month was subject to a cool breeze from the north/ north east, caused by a series of blocking high pressure areas to the north of the UK, which took the edge off the temperature on many days. One of the advantages of the dry spell was that the spectacular displays from the cherry Two members eagerly anticipating the arrival of the tea blossoms lasted longer, and and cake at the recent social event! began to fall whilst still dry, so that my car didn’t have soggy blossom plastered all over it!

A social event was held in the afternoon of April 7th at the United Reformed Church. This was well attended by over 35 people, and included a quiz, with tea, cakes and scones provided. The event seemed to be well received, many attendees preferred having the meeting in the afternoon rather than the evening, and it was agreed that a further social event would be held on Thursday 9th June at 2pm at the same location. Many thanks to Joy Russell for procuring the food, and all the other helpers involved with setting up the tables, taking the food around to the tables, and washing up and clearing away afterwards, a real GGS event. Several people volunteered to help at the next event, which is appreciated.

One of the points discussed at the event was the feasibility of arranging a day trip by coach to a nearby garden attraction, to be partially subsidised from society funds. This is still in the planning stage, as is the possibility of a bench or stand of trees commemorating the society. More details at the next social event in June.

If any members of the society have any comments, suggestions or observations, please contact Helen Box in the first instance, via email at helen_box@hotmail.com.

Enjoy your garden when you can. Stay safe. Keith Poole

What 6000 steps a day can do for you

A RECENT STUDY has found that doing 6000 steps a day can reduce your risk of an early death, if you are aged over 60. People under the age of 60 should aim for between 8000 and 10,000 steps a day.

However, taking more than 8000 steps a day has no particular benefit, and the oft-repeated mantra that everyone should take 10,000 step a day has no grounding whatever in science. (The 10,000 steps idea came from a 1964 Japanese marketing drive to sell pedometers!)

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst point out that: “Steps are very simple to track, and there is a rapid growth of fitness-tracking devices.”

The major thing to remember is that there is a “lot of evidence suggesting that moving, even a little more, is beneficial, particularly for those who are doing very little activity.”

The Science of Living: 219 reasons to rethink your daily routine

By Dr Stuart Farrimond IS SLEEPING 8 hours a night good for optimum health? If I exercise every day, why am I not losing weight? Should I brush my teeth before or after breakfast? Is coffee good or bad for you?

These are all fundamental everyday questions explored throughout this wellness book, which combines popular science with practical self-improvement, factoring in the latest scientific research to debunk the common myths and provide easy-to-read and relatable content for every reader! The popular question and answer format brings an immediacy to the information provided, and the highly visually illustrations truly bring the science to life in a contemporary and accessible way.

From fitness tips to circadian rhythms, productivity to popular science, this allencompassing healthy lifestyle book truly does have it all.

What better way to redefine your routine and revitalise your life than gifting yourself a new you this New Years? This curated collection of self-improvement tips will teach you to become a better balanced version of yourself. So make 2022 the year of wellness and healing yourself!

Wanted

Pentax ME Super and MX Film Camera or similar.

Good condition and working, for student use Good price paid.

Tel 0116 222 5211 (Groby)