6 minute read
NATURE CONNECT SESSIONS
IN ThE TOWN PARk
ature Connect sessions were run by EcoWild CIC in the new Midsomer Norton N Town Park every Monday in March 2021. the EcoWild team have been running naturebased wellbeing for several years and the approaches use active, contemplative and creative practices in inspiring living environments to support nature connection and improve both physical and mental health. in the sessions, participants could choose to sign up for Nordic walking or for Nature-based mindfulness with foraging walks and creative activities. in the absence of a shelter (or trees that could be used to erect one), they were fortunate to have 5 dry mondays. they also set up a camping toilet & tent with suitable sanitising arrangements as no public toilets were currently open. participants ranged in age from 30 - 76 years and came with a variety of health backgrounds such as arthritis, osteoporosis, recovering from cancer, recovering from operations, hip pain, heart problems, chronic fatigue, back ache, high blood pressure, hearing loss, diabetes and hypertension. mental health challenges included ptsD, ocD, depression and anxiety. people came hoping to “improve my mental health, spend time with like minded people” and “to gain a greater sense of a oneness with the natural world”, to be able to “socialise and exercise after the isolation of lockdown” and to “meet others in a non judgemental setting, and improve my well being” and for “Exercise, friendship, peace and revitalisation in nature”. this is a sample of what they said afterwards:
"The five Monday morning sessions exceeded my high expectations. Yvonne is an inspirational leader and coach who showed/encouraged us to practice the Nordic Walking techniques in an ever changing range of walks around the Midsomer Norton area. We had a great group who responded well to her encouragement and group facilitation skills. The Town Park is a wonderful resource for the local community. Thank you Emily for continuing to 'do your thing' and for organising such a wide range of opportunities for a wide range of folk to tap in to, enjoy, interact with others and feel better about oneself - all of it in a safe, comfortable and nurturing emotional and physical environment. Keep up the great work! Clive." “I loved being outside with nature. It felt relaxed and peaceful. I suffer from anxiety and agoraphobia so I really valued the stimulus encouragement and friendship to leave my house and meet new people, and get some exercise. I am overweight with high blood pressure so it really started me on a good road to fitness. March was a perfect time to start as I usually wouldn’t go out at all in March . Thank you.” "Absolutely brilliant course which really helped me meet new people which is what I really needed."
FULL SEASON AT cRIckET cLUb?
As the 2021 season gets under way, there are strong grounds for thinking that Midsomer Norton Cricket will enjoy a full season’s cricket – unlike 2020.
Weather permitting – a full schedule of cricket for the senior men’s and women’s teams and the youth teams is already underway. cricket sessions for the youngest are also taking place - all stars sessions for children aged 5-8 years old and Dynamos for children aged 9-11. the clubhouse had a complete refurbishment and the changing room facilities have been upgraded. the playing facilities – including the square – have been improved for the benefit of members and the somerset over 50 and over 60 teams that play at Withies Lane. the club continues to work closely with the local community and it is great to see that the facilities are being used by several local groups and voluntary organisations. We are delighted that somer Valley sports fc are again using the clubhouse as their base. if you think that your organisation may be able to make use of the facilities, please contact the club’s secretary alan Elkington on mnccsecretary@gmail.com. if you are interested in joining the club or want to find out more about us whether as a playing member, youth member (u6 to u15), or social member again please contact alan Elkington on mnccsecretary@gmail.
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77 High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DE Tel/Fax: 01761 418972 nortonsportsandcamping@hotmail.com
ThINGS ARE LOOkING hOPEFUL FOR RUGbY cLUb
fter the harsh lockdowns of winter, rugby is finally back at Norton Down to A much enthusiasm from members.
although there have been no senior matches since march 2020, large numbers have flocked to the return of senior training on tuesday evenings and the inter-club matches held every other saturday afternoons where the weather permits. With proper pre-season not due to start until July, the sessions on the ever immaculate pitches have been focussed on ‘touch’ games and it has been great to see club members of all ages back enjoying their sport and catching up with teammates. tuesday sessions begin at 6.45pm and are open to those of all abilities. meanwhile, the Junior section will continue to train throughout the summer on sunday mornings in line with rfU guidelines. the junior section has around 250 members and provides coaching, training and competitive games for boys and girls from 7 on sunday mornings. there are also teams for every age group from U13s to U18s. at the moment the clubhouse has remained closed, but the 17th may offers hope for the reopening of facilities ahead of what is hoped to be a busy summer! Volunteers have been working
hard behind the scenes to improve the club with improvements made to the changing rooms, a new boiler installation and terry crawford installing fantastic new gym facilities for members. plans are also afoot for redecoration of the clubhouse, ready to welcome visitors over the summer months for a variety of activities - including the upcoming Lions series and pre-season matches ahead of what everyone hopes is a full season of rugby. after a tough twelve months, light is at the end of the tunnel for the club and its members. those wishing to keep up to date with the club over the summer can head to the midsomer Norton rugby club facebook page, @mN_rfc on twitter or www.midsomernortonrfc.co.uk
EVENTS
20th June:
Fathers Day Steam Teas
2nd - 4th July:
Mixed Traffic Gala with an additional visiting steam engine
28th July and every Wednesday in August:
Wickham Wednesdays with Wickham Trolley rides
BOOK ONLINE AT www.sdjr.co.uk
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