In our April 2021 issue...![]() Did you know it was International Day of Happiness on 20 March? The United Nations is promoting happiness as a fundamental human goal and wants us all to practise habits that make us happy so we can spread our happiness to others.
So thank you Daniel Marosif for reminding us how nature can make us happy . . . we especially love the Japanese idea of ‘forest bathing’ as a route to happiness. Books can make us happy too . . . we’re delighted that John Roberts has shared his thoughts on the local literature he has read during lockdown. John’s contribution reminded us of the wonderful independent bookstores in our area and the service they provide. We invited each one to tell us how they’ve fared over the year and their plans for the future. Paul Jones-King’s account of opening a new bookshop, Chapter One Loftus, during lockdown is an example of what can be done against all the odds. As we look forward to the prospect of seeing friends and family (outdoors) and attending in-person events later in the summer, let’s hope some of the marvellous virtual offerings we’ve enjoyed through lockdown will continue. The National Park’s recent virtual Dark Skies festival was so successful in reaching audiences worldwide that future festivals are to retain some virtual elements . . . a sure recipe for success. Finally, in case you are missing Goth weekend, Chris Firth has saved the day with ‘The Goth and the Fairy’. Enjoy! Happy Spring, Nicola & Pascal |
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for the Esk Valley, North York Moors and Whitby area 'A very well produced magazine teeming with local information.' – Nicholas Rhea, whose books inspired the TV series Heartbeat
'... a slice of life in the Esk Valley, Whitby and North York Moors National Park' Reviews... |
Beginner's Guide To Video Calling![]() The social-distancing and self-isolation measures necessarily brought in to deal with the Coronavirus come with the risk of increased loneliness and psychological as well as physical isolation. That in itself can of course prove harmful, so it is fantastic that we live at a time when very simple technology can be harnessed to counter the potential negative effects of the anti-Coronavirus measures.
Staying in touch by Video Calls (known as Video Conferencing or VC) on your computer or smartphone is one way of helping to alleviate loneliness - no matter how far apart you are from friends and loved-ones. You may never have used such technology before, and fear that such technology is ‘beyond you’ or that you will be unable to make it work. Thankfully, there are Video Call platforms out there which are very simple to install, and intuitive to use. This article and the step-by-step guide will help you to get started. [ Read more ] April SkylightsMars continues to be the sole naked-eye planet visible in the west evening sky until the very end of the month, when both Mercury and Venus reappear. Jupiter and Saturn continue to be elusive objects in the dawn sky, not far above the ESE horizon. [ Read more from Mark Dawson ]
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