Community Matters: Plenty to be hopeful for this Spring

As I write this, the sun is shining, and it feels like spring is finally here.

I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people who feels so much better when the sun is out. I feel more motivated; I have more energy, and life feels better. When it is dark and wet, feeling motivated to do anything can sometimes be a struggle. So, I think that spring is probably my favourite time of year.

For me, it is a time of hope, a time to look forward to all the things that are possible in the next six months. There can be walks on the beach in the sunshine, paddling in the sea, and maybe this year will be the year I get round to swimming in the sea on a regular basis. I love to see all the flowers out and how green everything still is. Spring fills me with hope of good things to come.

Thanks to the new Mindful Photography group, which meets on a Monday at 11:30 (contact Si Langridge on 07821666322 or myself for more information), I have been spending some more time using my camera recently and focusing on nature. I took the photos that accompany this article on a recent trip to Cockington.

The great thing about this group is that you don’t need a fancy camera; the camera on your phone will do just fine, and you don’t need to have any skill in taking photos. There are people who will help you if you need it, or you can just enjoy being outdoors and taking the time to pause and enjoy the scenery.

On the subject of spending time outdoors, I hope to start a wellbeing walk around the bottom of the Willows soon; I am just waiting for a couple of things to happen before I start. It would be a short walk and can be adapted for any ability. If you are interested, contact me or keep an eye on social media and the Willows notice boards for more information.

I am also working on a community magazine for the Willows and would love for residents to be involved, so if you think that might interest you, please get in touch. The first edition should be coming through your doors at the beginning of June, and I am looking for volunteers to help me deliver it.

The other thing I have been working on is setting up a bereavement and loss support group. This will meet every Wednesday at 2pm in Barton Baptist Church and is open to anyone who has lost someone and wants to meet with other people who understand and are in a similar situation. This will be a very informal group, and the format will be guided by the people who attend. There will also be free tea and coffee.

If you are interested in being involved in any of the things that I have mentioned, then please get in touch. My contact details are – Beth Upham, Community Builder for the Willows. 07548704876 or bethupham@torbaycdt.org.uk