Getting about

 That dash across the ground can cause me the odd cramp or twoif I'm out which I have been between the odd shower or two this week where grass has been mowed which does nothing for my hay fever but still you do it for the buzz you get from a sense of achieving something.

When you spent part your early life  in a wheelchair and struggled when upright, setting yourself a target and going the distance really means something even if I may need to rest for a short while afterwards.

Rest

 

Despite what the weather forecast said, actually it was quite pleasant to be out yesterday so after a few chores I was out taking a gentle stroll in our local green spaces taking in the fresh air and sun watching the hedge sparrows, pigeons, butterlies and odd bee about.

Beeston Castle, Cheshire

 You don't have to travel far around these parts to see some great sites or experience fantastic scenery on a good hike.

Beeston Castle is perched on a rocky sandstone crag 350 feet above the Cheshire Plain and boasting spectacular views that on a clear day stretch from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains you can discover the castle's 4,000-year history and explore the 40-acre woodland park.

It's popular with Guides and Scouts apart from school trips which I remember well being close to the Shropshire, Chester border.

At the Castle you can climb to the top of the castle and peer down into the spiraling well below.

One of the deepest castle wells in England, it is steeped in legend as the hiding place of Richard II's lost treasure has been missing for centuries and is thought it was buried in the Castle well in 1399, however, despite many attempts to find it, it remains missing.

Exploring

 

Spring is a time for exploring, ideally in a small group along paths and on to your destination with supplies well packed.

Just remember to have a map, compass, a fully charged mobile phone with all your important contacts entered and your senses fully on. 

Out and about

 

It's a bank holiday Monday here, a bit warmish but what are YOU doing?

I find being indoors especially if it involves staring for long hours at the Chromebooks screen isn't good for either getting to sleep later, my miagraines or general well being so I've been out to the tow path and adjacent countryside.

Apart from fresh air - and the tendency to burn things here results in bad air often - I find it helps to get to notice more gradual changes, the movements of birds, various species of butterfly hovering about apart from enjoying the meadows on what was a former industrial site.

Shooting up

 

Things are very much coming up here and things have been planted in the far edges of the area where moving from the built up to open countryside is abrupt, terracotta brick to greens.

It's a windy, rather warm day sat out enjoying the views and that conbination of what you get in vast conurbation and the access to green spaces, nay countryside makes for a good balence.

Erasmus+ is back!

 

When we left the European Union in 2020 following the 2019 General Election it had consequencies beyond trade and travel and one was the Erasmus program that allows for inter-Europe youth exchange programs to study and broaden depth of understanding between young people across the continent.

It didn't strictly speaking had to - arrangement to pay in could of been made - but politics and postering by interested parties put an end to that.

Fortunately there has been a change of heart and it is being restored.

This is great news for international movements like Scouting supporting international exchanges, joint projects and discussions that explore global issues. This aligns directly with Scouts Association strategy and ambition to be a place to belong, where young people feel connected not just locally, but globally too.

It also supports our commitment to helping young people engage with the world around them, understanding different cultures and their role in creating a better future.