Walk This Way - The Benefits Of walking For Exercise Long Live the King - A Brief History Of Coronations

On May 6th King Charles’ coronation will take place, an event steeped in centuries of tradition and symbolism.

Coronations mark the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power, typically by the placing of a crown upon their head. They can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, with the first recorded coronation in Britain of King Egbert of Wessex in 802. However, it was not until the Norman Conquest in 1066 that the tradition of coronations as we know them today truly began. William the Conqueror's coronation at Westminster Abbey laid the foundation for the ceremonies that followed, and the Abbey has since served as the primary venue for all but two coronations.

Spring is in the air, so put at spring in your step too by getting out in the fresh air for a walk. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise as well as being FREE, good for these financially difficult times.

Improves Physical Health: Walking is low-impact exercise that increases your heart rate, strengthens your muscles, and helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Enhances Mood: Walking releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that improve your mood and help to reduce anxiety and depression. Walking outdoors in nature is particularly beneficial, as studies have shown that exposure to green spaces enhances the mental health benefits.

Increases Energy Levels: Walking helps to boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Regular walking can improve the quality of puzzle solutions: your sleep, increase your metabolism, and reduce sluggishness.

Boosts Cognitive Function: Walking has been proven help to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span. Regular walking has even been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Encourages Social Interaction: Walking with a group is social activity that encourages interaction with others. Walking with friends, family, or a regular walking group helps to increase motivation, accountability, and make walking a more enjoyable experience.

There are no downsides to walking. It’s kinder on the knees than running, requires no specialist equipment other than sturdy shoes and can be done at any time convenient for you, so, take a step towards better physical and mental health and start walking today!

By Cass Holton

The ceremony itself is a blend of religious, political, and cultural elements. Historically, the Archbishop of Canterbury has been responsible for presiding over the ceremony.

One of the most iconic aspects of the coronation is the anointing of the monarch with holy oil, symbolizing their consecration to God and their role as defender of the faith. The origins of this practice date back to biblical times, and the anointing of the kings of Israel. The oil used for the anointing is traditionally held in the Ampulla, a gold, eagle-shaped vessel, and applied using the Anointing Spoon, which dates back to the 12th Century.

The crowning of the monarch is the climax of the coronation ceremony. The crown is a symbol of the continuity of the British monarchy. Over the centuries, various crowns have been used, but the most famous is St. Edward's Crown which was originally used for the coronation of Charles ll in 1661, will be used to crown King Charles lll this month.

The ceremony also involves the presentation of other regalia, including the orb, sceptre, and ring. The Sovereign’s Orb is a golden globe surmounted by a cross to remind monarch that their power is derived from God. The sceptre represents the crown’s power and governance, and the ring is a symbol of royal dignity. The monarch takes an oath to uphold the laws of the land and to protect the Church of England. Following this, they are robed in coronation garments and seated on the Coronation Chair, also known as King Edward's Chair, which has been used for this purpose since the 14th century.

One of the most famous coronations in British history is that of Queen Elizabeth I in 1559, which followed a period of cultural and political change, and reflected the power and prestige of the Tudor dynasty.

The coronation of King Charles II in 1661, followed the restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War and the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

More recently, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was the first to be broadcast on television, allowing millions of people around the world to witness the historic occasion.

The coronation of King Charles lll will be a captivating blend of history, tradition, and pageantry, and I for one will be glued to the television.

By Kate McCarthy

Bombay Potatoes -

A spicy supper or side dish made with in season Jersey Royals

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:

Up to 20 mins for boiling potatoes, 10-12 minutes to fry.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

900g Jersey Royals

Thumb-sized piece of root ginger, peeled.

3 garlic cloves, peeled

2 large ripe tomatoes

4 tbsp vegetable oil

¾ tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 large onion, roughly chopped

2/3 tsp turmeric

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp garam masala

½-¾ tsp chilli powder

Large handful of chopped coriander leaves

Salt, to taste

Method

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the potatoes and boil until just tender, Allow to cool a little.

Quarter one tomato then blend together with the ginger and garlic. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, then add the cumin and mustard seeds. When the cumin starts to darken, add the onion. Cook for one minute then add the ginger and garlic mixture, the ground spices and salt. Sauté gently for one to two minutes until the garlic smells cooked but is not burnt.

Slice the second tomato into thin wedges and add them to the frying pan. Stir well and cook the mixture for three to four minutes. Tip the potatoes into the pan and cook for three to five minutes allow the flavours to be absorbed. Season to taste and finally stir in the chopped coriander before serving.