The Salvation Army is set to launch a music education programme for people with learning disabilities this week.
The Music Man sessions, which start on Friday 28 February, will teach students to sing, play instruments and perform, with the aim of “building confidence, inspiring creativity, and bringing people together.”
The Histon sessions are part of a national project in Salvation Army churches across the UK, founded by disability rights campaigner and composer, David Stanley. To date, the programme has featured special events, workshops and even a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
Community together
Major Georgina Symons, one of the leaders of The Salvation Army in Histon said: “For almost 10 years now I have been part of The Salvation Army’s enabled community and have grown to love being part of this beautiful community of people.
“I have received so much more in blessings than I could ever give. Music is a huge part of my life, and being able to share in music making in this way brings a huge smile to my face and my heart.”
Music Man sessions take place from 10.30am-12pm on Fridays at The Salvation Army, Impington Lane, Histon. The charge is £5 per session, with no charge for carers. For information or to book, call 07792 324647 or email devonhorn@icloud.com
With the excitement of Christmas and new year celebrations behind us, and the cold, dark reality of January sinking in, the first month of the year can be a little on the depressing side. Here’s our top ten local blues-busting activities to give you a much needed new year boost.
1.Blooming marvellous
If there’s a Christmas tree-shaped hole in your home, consider treating yourself to a bunch of flowers to brighten the space and your mood. Local florists Gin House Flowers have beautiful blooms available by the stem and gorgeous plants galore. Alternatively, if your own house plants have been multiplying recently, trim off a few spider plant babies – or similar – and pot them up around your home.
2.Get out and about
Winter in Long Meadow. Photo Guy Richardson
We are lucky to be surrounded by lots of green space that is free and accessible such as Abbey Fields and Croft Close Nature Reserve. Walk across fields to Girton or Westwick, or follow the village sculpture trail through our parks and open spaces. Alternatively take photos on a wildlife walk or borrow a dog for all-weather walks.
3. Budget shopping fix
If you’re in need of a therapeutic post-Christmas shopping spree, many of our local shops and garden centres have January sales on. Head to Topiary Tree where you’ll find Christmas stock and ‘Chalk’ clothing half price, or hit the sales in central Cambridge via the number 8, or guided buses for £2 each way.
4. Time for a catch up
Being sociable is a great way to banish the Winter blues, even if you have vowed to do dry January! H&I has no shortage of cafes and pubs to catch up in, and many of them are offering seasonal discounts, so your wallet will thank you!
Here’s just some of what’s on offer locally this January: The Boot has 50% off mains in January; The Red Lion is offering a three-course set menu for £22; The Royal British Legion club has reduced price beer on Sunday lunchtimes; The King Bill is open later on Thursday and Friday; or watch football on the Barley Mow’s big screen if it’s too cold to get along to the real match.
5.Get moving!
Dance the dark days away and get fit in the process. Why not try one of the fitness or dance classes available at the St Andrews Centre, the Methodist Church, the Legion or Holiday Inn – from modern jive and line dancing, to pilates and yoga and clubbercise.
Why not take up a new hobby or join a club for the new year? Visit Exercise and Hobbies | HI HUB for details on what’s happening locally – everything from scrabble club to watercolour group.
6.Out with the old
Bargains galore at the Salvation Army shop. Photo: Bridget Davidson
Have a clear-out and donate unwanted clean clothing, toys and homeware to the Salvation Army Care & Share shop, or look out for charity donation bags coming through your door. And if you want to refresh your wardrobe on a budget, pick up a bargain from the charity shop’s rails – with prices starting from 50p!
7. Hunker down at home
If you can’t face the cold weather and would rather stay warm at home, why not keep busy with a jigsaw or board game – and if your selection is looking a bit tired, pick up a new game or puzzle on local swapping sites such as Histon and Impington Swap and Share at Histon and Impington Swap and Share | Facebook.
8. Time for a treat?
Don’t let December have all the fun… January can be glamorous too! We have lots of salons and specialists locally to help us face 2025 looking and feeling our best. Take a look at the range of beauty and therapy options available in H&I here Beauty and Hairdressing | HI HUB .
9. Lose yourself in a book
Pick up a book on your winter walk
Our local library is a haven from the cold, and this Saturday 11 January at 10.30am, Cambridge Storytellers will be at Histon Library to celebrate winter and welcome the new year through stories and rhymes. The event is aimed at families, but everyone is welcome and it’s free to attend.
Plus look out for children’s books deposited throughout the village for reading and replacing. Find a book, read it and re-hide it or pass on to a friend.
10.Do nothing!
If all else fails and you can always opt to stay in and save the pennies, put your feet up with a film or one of those Christmas box sets you didn’t get round to watching in the flurry of festivities. Plus, you could always start to make a dent in that leftover cheese mountain…
For more information on local, events, activities and businesses visit What’s on | HI HUB
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