Here’s a fun list of resolutions that you won’t feel like dropping by the end of the first week. Activities for mind, body and soul that are FUN, DO-ABLE and most importantly, stay LOCAL. Take a deep breath, stand firm and let’s get this 2019 show on the road!
1. MIND: Start the year with a new skill
Local printmakers, Mostly Flat, are offering workshops throughout January teaching the fundamentals of traditional letterpress printing. Spend a lovely day in Ludlow learning how to get inky! The workshops take place on the Burway Trading Estate in Ludlow and run from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Next available date: Friday 18th January 2019.
Or make a bespoke, hand-stitched bag at a leather workshop held in a converted 1850’s school. Williams Handmade, based in Bircher, between Ludlow and Leominster, offer a range of courses from 2-hour taster sessions to a full day of stitching. You can book a private group or join an open workshop. Prices begin at £50.
Spring is on the way and if flowers are your thing, why not book a flower arranging day with the wonderful Tammy at Wild Bunch Flowers. In her next course, Styling of the Seasons – Ephemeral Dance, Tammy will work with colours unique to Spring, like acid green foliage and sweeping sorbet colours to invigorate your senses. This workshop promises to be energising and stimulating, like throwing the windows open after a long winter. Dates to be announced after 14 January.
If you’re a writer, fuel your creativity at a cafe writing session ran by poet and children’s writer Jean Atkins. Jean specialises in a relaxed approach and promises prompts, ideas and encouragement. She will begin six weekly sessions for £55 at Ludlow Kitchen. The first session begins 30 January, contact Jean here.
2. BODY: make inroads with gentle beginnings
Ease your way in to fitness with Ludlow Runners’ popular Walk to Run course. Participants have gone from true beginners to running competitive races – you might even find yourself taking part in April’s Storm the Castle!
If group exercise is not your thing, you can try a personal trainer and there are many good choices in Ludlow through Teme Leisure. Other options are Andy Silvey of Andali Fitness or Nina of Future Family Fitness.
Nina offers personal training, country style with a workout that comes to you, indoors or out in the garden. She also offers MumMe Fitness, for both mums and babies.
Let’s dance! If you’re looking for something with a little more beat, why not try Ballroom and Latin dancing at Ludlow Mascall Centre. There is also a Learn to Jive every Tuesday from 7.30 to 8.30pm at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.
3. SOUL: Confidence boosters
Relieve January blues with a good confidence boost, local psychologist and leadership coach, Jess Baker has a 5-day online FREE Tame Your Inner Critic Challenge. It will deliver bite-sized training to help you achieve a specific goal, deal with anxiety and stress and boost your self-confidence.
Food is a balm for the soul too, tie on your apron on and sign up to the Winter Wellbeing Cookery Course at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. Join Milly Rees as she explores healthy, wholesome food in a hands-on session focusing on fighting the blues with vitamin boosts and happy food. You will create delicious breakfasts, lunches, suppers and snacks specially designed by Milly to support your immune system, boost your intestinal flora and recharge your batteries. Just £35 per person, booking essential.
Good Luck – let us know how you get on!
