Wellbeing

International trio of young artists from Russia, Australia and Great Britain to perform in Stockbridge

To open Stockbridge Music’s post-pandemic summer / autumn season, we are thrilled to welcome one of the most exciting ensembles on the international music scene - Russian accordionist Iosif Purits, British cellist Cecilia Bignall (who make up Duo Bayanello), and Australian-Russian guitarist Andrey Lebedev. Together they are performers, collaborators, arrangers and composers who cross musical boundaries with virtuosity and flair. Iosif, Cecilia and Andrey are all international artists in their own rights and no strangers to the most celebrated concert platforms across the world. As a trio they recently completed a 22-date tour across Russia and Siberia, and Duo Bayanello has broadcast live from the Southbank Centre on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ and featured on BBC2 Proms Extra.

This concert is an exciting excursion into new territory for Stockbridge Music, and we are looking forward to showcasing the trio’s exciting and varied programme. They bring a broad spectrum of genres and styles, ranging from Tango, Gypsy, Folk and Classical, and featuring works by composers, such as Piazzolla and de Falla, from all corners of the globe.

This promises to be an evening of music-making of the highest order, a fitting celebration of the return of live performance to Stockbridge. Tickets cost £18, refundable if the event has to be cancelled due to any changes in government restrictions. To book, please head to https://www.stockbridgemusic.uk/buy-tickets/.

Duo Bayanello (Iosif Purits, Accordion & Cecilia Bignall, Cello) with Andrey Lebedev, Guitar Saturday 7th August 2021, 7:30pm St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge SO20 6HE

Why has wild swimming become our latest craze?

Lockdown has prompted us to look outside our usual routines and lifestyle to find alternative ways to exercise, entertain and take care of ourselves, and there has been a boom in wild swimming. It offers a pretty exhilarating experience and it’s not surprising therefore that after dipping a toe in just the once, many people quickly become hooked!

It seems that swimming and being outdoors is not just beneficial to our physical health, but also for our mental health too.

A study published in British Medical Journal Case Reports provided the first case report that cold water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression. The theory behind this is that one form of stress – ie the shock of cold water – adapts the body for another, in this case the stress response associated with depression and anxiety. As a complete convert to the screaming, gasping, breath-taking joys of wild swimming, I can highly recommend it! You can’t help but forget all your aches, pains and worries. It is a totally ‘in the moment’, focussed and whole-body present experience. Gone are the worries of what has happened in the past or the concerns of what might be in the future, all you can think of is the grounding sensation of connection with water, wildlife and your breath. Bliss! Tempted? Now is the time to try it, as water and air temperatures begin to rise and we are allowed to travel to the perfect spot, give it a go! It's a simple, low-cost hobby with minimal gear needs. Getting involved can be as easy as downloading the map of the best wild swimming places in the UK, grabbing a cossie and heading off. Many new and veteran open swimmers joined open-water swimming groups, and there are even organised trips to favourite swimming spots along the UK's extensive coastline. If you’re new to wild swimming there might be a few safety considerations for you: • swim in a group or with a buddy • check the location for currents, depth and underwater obstacles • consider a wetsuit, swim cap, gloves, goggles and booties to swim in • acclimatise slowly by getting in gradually and focus on controlling your breathing • bring plenty of towels, hats, jumpers and hot drinks to warm up quickly afterwards

Cold water has been proven to boost your immune system, improve your circulation and give you a natural hit of endorphins. There’s nothing like the feeling of emerging from a river, lake or the sea with tingling skin and a clear mind, but be warned – wild swimming is seriously addictive.

Emma Wightman www.the-sop.com

STOCKBRIDGE

OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE

Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy

Emma Wightman, registered osteopath and antenatal teacher. A gentle, hands on approach for newborns through to adulthood and in pregnancy. Also Massage Therapy Pilates, 1 to 1 and small group Homeopathy Naturopathy

Online Bookings available for Osteopathy and Massage via the website

Tel: 01264 810028

www.the-SOP.com reception@the-SOP.com

STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE - HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, SO20 6HF • McTimoney Chiropractic • Sports Therapy • Allergy Testing • Hypnotherapy • Homeopathy • Counselling • Nutrition

Chiros Clinic has close links to Andover Osteopathy, for more information contact Mark on 01264 580280

36 East Street, Andover, SP10 1ES