Member News
A message from Serina, Just got back from a week’s annual leave I have not ventured abroad yet, I spent most of the time re-modelling my garden, I had purchased some meadow tuff in a small part of the lawn back in March and I must say I am really impressed with how it is developing and cannot wait to see more natural wildflowers coming out plus a bonus I only need to mow it twice a year. How nice has it been to see the sun out and shining, it gives you an instant feelgood factor and what’s more I can dose up on my vitamin D. The sun can give you more than just vitamin D yesterday I read an article from a website howstuffworks.com about how the sun can make you happy by Julia Layton. We all know the harmful effects of sun exposure but there is a good side to seeking out the sun which is associated with depression its known as seasonal affective disorder otherwise known as SAD. The disorder runs in cycles of depression and wellness that follow the seasons -- more specifically, the availability of sunlight. Someone with SAD might feel perfectly fine in spring and summer, and then experience a severe downturn in mood when autumn and winter hits. They'll stay that way through the winter, until the sun comes out again in full force. This is where exercise can also help when we talk about depression, we can also look at exercise how the mind-body connection is often cited as an integral component of happiness. Keeping the body fit through exercise has measurable effects on the mind, too. People who exercise generally have lower levels of anxiety and depression. But studies have also shown that the same genetic factors that motivate people to exercise might also make them less predisposed to being depressed, eliminating a causal connection. Exercising lowers the body's levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Depending on your stress level, you may need to alter your workout accordingly. If you're more stressed, it might take a longer, more rigorous workout to burn off cortisol and walk away feeling relaxed and refreshed. You may have heard of endorphins. Exercise causes the pituitary gland to release these powerful, mood-boosting chemicals. As with cortisol, the release of endorphins from exercise varies depending on the person and situation. Intense aerobic activities, such as running, are more likely to release endorphins than light weightlifting. Experts also recommend varying workout routines and activities as the body builds up a resistance to the strenuous activities you put it through. Listen to music while working out, try a new activity, try a new class, and above all, work hard, and that endorphin-produced "high" should come, along with many health benefits.
Coming soon to the R&R area As I have mentioned previously, we have new furniture on its way, including sun loungers and armchairs. We can’t wait to see the delivery of our new outdoor furniture. The Adirondack armchair and footrest are made from 100% recycled plastic milk cartons.
Our NEW SAUNA Is Coming Soon
Sven Saunas are refurbishing our sauna. Due to their current schedule and delivery time on materials this will be around September.
Thank you for your patience
Have your say! We are currently looking at the class timetable and have a few time slots we could possibly add in extra classes. If you would like to see a class on our timetable either early morning, lunch time or late afternoon/early evening then please let us know. You can either talk to me or Lisa next time you are in or email Lisa below:
Email Lisa
Lane Rope Restrictions Due to the popularity of aqua aerobics, we will be taking out a lane rope to accommodate the growing number of members who wish to participate in the daytime classes. This will only be for term time and not during school holidays. Please see downstairs TV or notice board for class timetable.
New Swim Instructor It’s sad to see Charlotte leave us after so many years as part of Birchwood Swim school, we wish her the very best of luck for the future. It is however exciting to see a new swimming instructor coming on board for the new summer term. Georgina comes to us with a wealth of swimming knowledge dating back to the 1990’s and will be teaching lessons from pre-school to adults. If you are interested in our swimming lessons, please contact s.tipping@birchwoodparkgc.co.uk Adults swimming lessons on a Tuesday 18.30 – 19.00
Jubilee Bank Holiday Opening Hours
Thursday 2nd June 07.00 – 20.00 Friday 3rd June 07.00 – 20.00 Please note adult only swim session will be between 12.00 – 14.00 Weekend normal opening hours
Summer Drink Recipe The Salty Dog Cocktail
Crisp, fruity, refreshing, perfectly balanced, and only three ingredients! The Salty Dog was born from another classic cocktail, The Greyhound, that became popular in the 1920s. The Greyhound is a blend of gin and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice over ice. The most held belief is that actor and entertainer George Jessel added salt to the rim of his Greyhound to tame the bitterness and bring out the sweetness in the grapefruit, and thus the Salty Dog was born. However, due to vodka’s rise in popularity in the 1950s, gin was swapped out, and vodka became the go-to choose for many classic gin drinks like gimlets and martinis. What kind of gin should I use? A Salty Dog truly has only three ingredients (including the salty rim), so choosing high-quality ingredients is crucial. Not all gins are created equally; choose a gin that you enjoy but won’t overpower the grapefruit juice. If you’re not a gin fan, it is perfectly okay to use vodka. What kind of grapefruit should I use? Using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice will make a noticeable difference. Reach for a Rio Red grapefruit if you can find it. They tend to be on the sweeter side but still with a bit of tartness to balance out the beverage. What kind of salt should I use? Right here is where you can play around a bit. We found that sea salt provided the best balance, but feel free to try Kosher salt, pink Himalayan salt, or even smoked salt, to make this drink your own. Avoid iodized table salt as it can be waaayyyy too salty for rimming a glass. If you’re having trouble getting the salt to stick, it could be too coarse. Blitz the salt in a spice grinder for a few seconds with the zest to break it down a bit and help it adhere to the rim. What else can I add to the rim? Try out different spices and dried herbs to help customize your salty dog. For dried herbs, give them a few pulses in a spice grinder to break them up a bit and help them stick to the rim of your glass. Try pulverized dried rosemary for an earthy touch or crushed juniper berries to complement the gin. Stuck with a super bitter grapefruit? Add some sugar to the salty rim when nobody is watching. You can also garnish with a section of grapefruit peel or a wedge of your favourite citrus.
MAGIC AT THE MOVIES Friday 10th June
Join us for a night full of magic and illusion whilst enjoying a delicious three-course meal, table magic, magic show & disco £40.00 PER ADULT
BOOK WITH THE EVENTS TEAM TODAY