If you go down to the woods today, you are in for a big surprise…  On Sunday there is the annual Rhododendron round-up going on in the Surrey Downs.  This is a great opportunity to get out of London, see the beautiful British countryside, and do your bit for the environment.  Entitled jovially, the Rhody Mega-Bash, over a 100 volunteers will be helping clear Banstead wood of the overgrowing Rhododendrons. 

If you would like to get involved, the volunteers are meeting in Holly Lane Car Park, Banstead at 10am this Sunday (4 February).  It is highly advisable to bring strong shoes (boots or Wellingtons), and outdoor clothing.  There will be a lunchtime barbecue for all Volunteers.  For language students this is a great chance to see some of the surrounding woodlands, meet people, practise English, make friends and of course have fun in the country!  What more could you want?

I’m planning on taking a group down on Sunday.  We will be meeting at Victoria at 8:00 am aiming to catch the 08:34 train to Chipstead, via Purley.  If you would like to get come along and Rhody Bash, please e-mail me: james@answerenglish.com or call: 020 7402 8651.

For more information on Rhododendrons, go to: http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/rhododen.htm

Not quite as flexible as you used to be?  Waking up in the morning feeling like you’ve been run over by a bus?  Perhaps it’s time to do something about it.  Have you considered doing Pilates?  Pilates builds core strength and improves flexibility to create a great posture and long, lean muscles.  I know I could do with a bit of that. 

A good friend of mine Eleanor has just started her own company Positively Pilates down in the Richmond, Twickenham and St. Margaret’s areas.  She offers Group classes at very reasonable prices: £60 for 8 sessions.  Or if you are really getting into it you can arrange individual classes as well.  You can join Eleanor on Thursday nights for a beginners or intermediate class at the ETNA Community Centre from 7:30 or on Friday lunchtimes at the Royal Hollow University.

If you are interested in more information or to book up your Pilates course, contact Eleanor either by phone: 07855 451 722, e-mail: info@Positively-Pilates.co.uk or check out her website: www.positively-pilates.co.uk

Best of luck!