Results tagged “local” from Hilary King's Blog

Ellen Graubart a local artist who, incidentally, is familiar with the Alexander Technique, held a solo exhibition which was well worth going to see. You can read about Graubart and see some of her work if you visit the URL below. I'll let the photos of the paintings speak for themselves but will add that they are even better in reality. It was an exciting and vibrant exhibition.

 Art exhibitions are a time when many people end up with back ache, because they are standing for long periods without being aware of the way they are using their bodies. Looking up above eye level to see a painting, without awareness, can contribute to the problem if we contract our neck and the muscles in our lower back. This can create problems such as a hollow back, putting pressure onto the lumbar vertebrae and discs, which causes discomfort and even back pain.

So take yourself to art exhibitions and remember all you have learned in Alexander lessons; be aware of your use, look after your neck and back so that you remain freely poised and pain-free.



Sailing 2 - Ellen Graubart



http://www.millineryworks.co.uk/

Butterfield Green N16
www.shakespeareneighbourhood.org.uk

There was a bulb planting session held at Butterfield Green in which bluebells, daffodils and crocuses were added to this increasingly interesting green space. The local community have been instrumental in creating changes there and have even planted an orchard.

When you are involved in activities such as planting, digging and general garden work, remember what you have learnt in Alexander lessons, think about your use and give yourself directions. If you remind yourself not to pull your head back and freely hinge forwards from your hip joints, adapting the monkey position, you will look after yourself and avoid the back pain that so often happens after bending and digging.

Equally, take care when you have to look up and reach up to prune trees and bushes.  Make sure you allow your neck to freely maintain as much length as you can and undo any contracted muscles, once you have finished.

Enjoy your gardening and planting and look forward to a beautiful spring that you can enjoy, along with all the insects and other species that will appreciate having another food source early in the year.

This year, Newington Green has won the Green Flag Award for the second year running, plus the prestigious Green Heritage Site Award.

The photo shows Hilary King collecting both awards, on behalf of the Newington Green Action Group, a registered charity, along with Mark Rowe from Islington's Greenspace Team.

The Green Flag Award is given to sites that fulfil a set of criteria - they must have public access, be welcoming, safe and well maintained, must promote sustainability and the conservation of heritage, plus involve the local community.  Anyone who knows how the Green has been regenerated over the last few years will know how much it has changed so that it can once again be used and enjoyed by the community. This is all thanks to the efforts of the Greenspace Team and Islington Council, plus those of the Newington Green Action Group (NGAG) and is a good example of fruitful interaction and co-operation between a community group and a local authority.

The Green Heritage Award, which is sponsored by English Heritage, was awarded to just 31sites in England and Newington Green is the only site in Islington to be given the award. Selected sites must be of historical interest, either nationally or locally and to have already achieved Green Flag Award status. The award is given where the heritage value of the site is understood and shared, the heritage value conserved and where efforts are being made to help the local community appreciate and be aware of  their heritage.

 


















Islington Council have promised that the Heritage Award plaque, above, will be framed and hung on the Green so that the public may enjoy seeing it.










The Green Flag was raised on Newington Green by the Mayor of Islington, who is seen here with Nicky Southin, the chair of the Newington Green Action Group, at a ceremony on Newington Green on 6th October '07.