By Kate Hodges
01st October 2020
DO Power Shower
Summer in the UK was so long, so warm, and so dry, we’ve almost forgotten how to play in the rain! Luckily, the excellent Mother Natured has 50 ideas for us. From mud angels to making a dam, raindrop races and taking your bath toys outside, these are fun, creative ideas to turn a grey day into a great day. Wrap up, wear good waterproofs, and get outside!
EVENT Earth Works
Gaia is an incredible artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, who previously created Museum of the Moon. This giant model of Earth is 7m in diameter, and uses hi-res NASA imagery to mind-blowing effect. After the events of 2020, it’s even more poignant. The installation is completed by a soundtrack by Dan Jones. This month, the replica of our planet is on show at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds (book online, voluntary donation) and in the nave of Gloucester Cathedral (book online, voluntary donation).
DO and RECIPE Purple Reign
October foraging brings sloes, rosehips, nuts and wild plums. We’re on a plum hunt this weekend. Find the late-season fruit in hedges, wood borders, scrub and sheltered spots (use the Woodland Trust’s excellent Tree ID app to help you track down a bush) . Why not use your haul (or even shop-bought fruits) to make Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s plum sorbet, salsa or chutney? Or whip up some jam; there are recipes for both barely ripe and fully juicy plums here.
EVENT Core Blimey
Apple Day isn’t until the 21st, but the celebrations of this very English fruit have already begun. This Sunday, Fulham Palace hold their celebrations in the walled garden, with folk music, beekeeping, green woodworking, garden tours, kids activities and much more. Bring your picnic blanket and get crunching and munching! Free, 11am–3pm
EVENT Welcome Artists
Journeys Festival International celebrates the talent of artists from sanctuary seeking backgrounds, and the shares experiences of refugee and asylum-seeking communities. Usually, events take place in Leicester, Portsmouth and Manchester, but this year, the celebration has gone digital. Join online art classes, view collaborative videos and art exhibitions and take part in hip hop workshops. More here
What we’ve been watching this week:
How limits can boost your creativity “Constraints can feel very… limiting. But experts believe they can actually be helpful for creativity - up to a point.” Watch this bite-sized BBC/Open University film here and scroll down to find more absorbing clips.
Found something inspirational to read that you’d like to share? Want to share your creations with us? Have an idea for things to do? We’d love to hear from you. Email Kate
