Remembrance Day 2015: We Will Remember Them

Tomorrow - 11th November at 11:00 - marks the anniversary of the end of World War 1. At 11am the country will go silent for two minutes, in respect and in memory of all who lost their lives.

I had the enormous privilege of singing at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday for the Festival of Remembrance.
As part of the events that mark the anniversary of the end of the First World War a concert is held at the Royal Albert Hall. The choir I sing with were asked to act as a chorus and backing vocals for the incredible and moving selection of music being performed. I have added some behind-the-scenes videos and pictures from the dress rehearsal, which I think show how amazing the event was.

It was an incredibly moving and emotional day; hearing the stories of survivors and the heartbreaking impact of injury, illness and bereavement.

It was also a day of celebration and thanksgiving; a chance to show the strength and resilience our forces have and say thank you to those who put their lives at risk.

On a personal note, it was an emotional day - tissues were needed at times! It also brought home to me the physical progress I have made in the last year. I performed last year in the same concerts, however, it is a very long day - starting at 06:30 and finishing at 22:00. It had been a real struggle to find the energy throughout the day last time around. However, this year, despite working a full week, my stamina held up and I thoroughly enjoyed each moment. It is moments and days like these that bring home and crystallise how far my recovery has come. Often, like on Saturday, I need to be reminded of how far I've come. So I must thank those who are closest to me for helping me digest and celebrate the progress of the last year. It never hurts to look back a little, take stock and appreciate how things can move onwards and upwards!

The efforts and dedication of our armed forces are often taken for granted. Sometimes their human stories are lost. To have the chance to not only see the talent, majesty and truth of these amazing people while being told some of their stories made for a day I will never forget.

In the words of John Maxwell Edmunds - "When you go Home, tell them of us and say, For your Tomorrow, we gave our Today”

We will remember them.

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Walking for your health: Suffolk in the sun

I spent a couple of days back in the county I grew up in last week and went for a much needed and desired country walk. I enjoyed the walk so much that I thought I would write a quick post about the different benefits that can be found through walking.

I have recently made my home in the city but was raised in a little village in the countryside so I do crave green, wide-open spaces to walk in or just 'be' sometimes. The gym is all well and good for working out more intensely but nothing can live up to breathing in fresh air, cocooning yourself in nature and exploring your surroundings. I think we should all try to incorporate a bit of a walk into our daily routines. Whether it be getting off the tube/bus/train one stop early, going to get your lunch at the shop further down the road or even going for a 20 minute stroll on your lunch break. It does (most) people a whole lot of good getting the body moving and it's also great for your psyche. I have found that, although I may feel more tired after a walk, I do feel more cheery and spritely. It can be a great way to switch off as well. By changing your environment you can also help to change your mindset and by paying attention and becoming more mindful of your new surroundings your brain will be able to let go more easily of what has been absorbing it beforehand.

Views from the Stour Valley: the raging river, Constable skies, village churches and country lanes.

From the sublime (clock-wise first three photos) to the ridiculous (getting stuck in the mud in the last photo.)

Wildlife out in force. From waterfowl to farm animals to hares...

For me, going on a proper 1-2 hour walk feels like a real indulgence especially when I'm in London as it can take some planning for me to think where would be a lovely place for a walk. However I have found so much pleasure and excitement from exploring the more built up areas of London just as much as taking a walk in one of the parks this city has to offer. I would imagine that those of you who also live in cities and bigger towns may feel the same way. The hustle and bustle of people, the mixture of the new and the old, the interesting and often surprising buildings that are waiting just around the corner, the hodgepodge of working and living spaces.

There can be beauty in graffiti just as there is beauty in a spray of cherry blossom. There can be pleasure in the sound of rain on pavements just as there's pleasure in birdsong. There are the delicious smells of cooking food which are as fragrant as the tang from fresh-cut grass and banks of flowers.  There is life in the people you pass on the streets just as there is life in the fields and hedges of the countryside.

Wherever you walk, however you walk and whoever you walk with, open your eyes and minds to what is before you. Not only may it surprise you but it will encourage you to continue walking towards that which you find attractive/energising/interesting/puzzling.

Walking isn't only good for the mind and the body but it's good for the soul too!