September has come around so quickly!  At least we are still enjoying some sunshine – although some rain would be quite welcome!

I am back from holiday feeling refreshed and bursting with new ideas!  September is always a good time to try something new – so if you haven’t yet taken the plunge you could test the water with a taster session or even dip your toe into Nordic Walking and Paddleboarding or Forest Bathing (see below for details)!

I have made a few changes to the schedule this month so see the attachment for a summary of what a “normal” week will look like! Also please note that from now on I do need at least 3 people per walk to make it viable.  I will let you know no later than 7pm the day before, if I need to cancel a walk due to low numbers.

September is “Charity Month” at Nordic Walking Tonbridge.  I am pleased to be supporting the Walk Tonbridge Festival again this year and running free taster sessions (donations to Sustain Food Bank are welcome!) – these are on 14 and 24 September and can be booked via my website or the Walk Tonbridge Festival website.

A group of us are also doing the Walk Tonbridge Festival Marathon on Sunday 18^th September.  The route starts in Tonbridge and takes us to many of the surrounding villages before ending back in Tonbridge.  We have been training hard so wish us luck!

I am also planning a MacMillan Cancer World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on 30 September – so please join me at my home for a coffee and piece of cake (register so I know how many to expect) and if you are an early riser, you could also join us for a Well-Being Walk at 8:30am (these are for all – with or without poles)!

Other upcoming events:

Nordic Walking and Paddleboarding day on 10 September –at Cuckmere Haven –a lovely coastal walk followed by paddleboarding on the calm inland waters (not the sea!)……..no Nordic Walking or Paddleboarding experience necessary and all equipment will be provided!

Nordic Walking and Forest Bathing on 23 September – taking place in lovely ancient woodland near Speldhurs, this will be a half day mini retreat starting with a Nordic Walk and leading into an immersive Forest Bathing Experience (no swimsuit required!), lead by Kate Beynon (Kate is an accredited Breathworks Mindfulness Teacher and Forest Therapy Guide).  This simple yet deeply nourishing practice has been scientifically proven to be effective in lowering stress hormones, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, improving concentration and memory and is also a powerful way to boost the immune system.  During a Forest Bathing Experience you have time to immerse yourself deeply in your sensory experience of nature.  Through sensory awareness and simple mindfulness invitations, the volume of your thoughts quietens as you gently connect to the forest and its wildlife.  The morning will end with a traditional Forest Bathing Tea Ceremony of herbal or foraged teas and healthy snacks giving you a chance to share your experience with others in the group should you want to.  Again, no previous Nordic Walking or Forest Bathing experience necessary!

As always do let me know if you have any questions and hope to see you soon!

JOSINE BAINES

Lead Instructor and Business Owner

NORDIC WALKING TONBRIDGE