West Kirby Today #91
Third apartments scheme approved in Caldy | Remembrance Sunday service | Playing fields brought back into use | Overcoming fitness class fears | Register for Birkenhead School open events
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to our newsletter, with the latest news for West Kirby, Newton, Caldy, Hoylake, Meols and Thurstaston.
West Kirby Today is provided free of charge, and we hope you find it useful. We would be extremely grateful if you could contribute a small donation to help cover our running costs by buying us a virtual coffee here.
Thank you for reading.
Paul Johnston - Editor, West Kirby Today
Another apartments scheme green lit in Caldy
Plans have been approved for the demolition of a bungalow and its replacement with six apartments in Caldy, despite concerns about over development from local residents.
It brings to three the number of adjacent properties on Caldy Road bought up by Blueoak Estates and granted permission to become flats. Read more.
Remembrance Sunday service at war memorial
The annual Hoylake and District Remembrance Sunday service takes place on Grange Hill in West Kirby on 12 November.
Veterans and serving service personnel will be among those heading to the Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial at 10:30am for a 10.45am start, to remember those who lost their lives in conflicts. Read more.
Fireworks displays are sparkling success for lifeboats
Thousands of pounds was raised for the RNLI in West Kirby and Hoylake at firework displays.
Many people braved the weather at sailing clubs in Hoylake on Friday 3 November, and in West Kirby on Saturday 4 November, after the events were organised at short notice following their go-ahead by Wirral Council and Natural England. Read more.
Playing fields brought back into use
Work is under way to bring playing fields in Hoylake back into use.
The pitches, on Sandringham Avene, fell into disrepair several years ago due to collapsed drains. Read more.
COLUMN | Overcoming fitness class fears
Pauline Caswell, is the owner of Love Pilates Wirral. Pauline is a skilled 2nd Generation teacher with a direct lineage to Joseph Pilates. She’s also a qualified teacher of Education in Biology, Psychology, Science & Health. Her practice is about helping people to feel good about movement and the body they live in, whatever their lifestyle, age or ability.
Fitness class fears…
You walk through the door and scan the room…
Is there space at the back? Have I got here at the right time? Am I wearing the right gear? Am I doing this right? This was a mistake!
Group fitness classes can have a profound impact on our psychology. Can you remember the first time you tried one? Are you attending one already and still experiencing the same thoughts? Whether we sense it or not, attending group fitness classes creates differing levels of anxiety for everyone but when was the last time you heard: “Did you see that new person at Pilates last night? “They were so ‘NEW looking’ it was awful!” Chances are, everyone else in the class doesn’t care and your choice of leggings will have been forgotten within 10 seconds. However, your own senses stay heightened which then sets the tone for whether you are likely to return the following week.
If you continue returning, it’s likely to be well worth the effort, and the following explains why:
Accountability. Paying to join a group exercise class creates an immediate sense of commitment and a feeling of responsibility to turn up. You have expressed your commitment to a third party and they will notice if you don’t show up. The more often you attend, the stronger the sense of accountability grows and you’re more likely to make it a habit.
Perceived effort. It’s no wonder struggles are often referred to as “lonely”. Research suggests that people exercising within a group perceive their efforts to be less strenuous and more enjoyable than if they exercise alone. If we enjoy something and it doesn’t feel like too much effort, we are more likely to make it a habit.
Group support. Members of a group support one another which generates a sense of community and encouragement. You’re more likely to complete that last set of exercises when you are part of a group than being alone where no-one notices if you dart off early.
Motivation. When you are exercising within a group you are interacting socially. This boosts your motivation and generates feelings of camaraderie. Social interactions create a sense of community and belonging, integral aspects of our sense of identity, adding to the chances you are likely to commit to regular exercise, and you guessed it…habits!
Finally, and most importantly, the two biggest factors in whether your choice of fitness class will become that “ride or die” relationship, is the teacher and the environment that your teacher creates for the group. It’s not just about the atmosphere in the room and the interactions that happen in that space. A good fitness class teacher makes it about you, not them. They will make you feel included and valued.
Despite the 21st century digital lifestyle we all lead, homo sapiens have not quite lost their evolutionary instincts. If your instinct tells you everything is okay, this sends a signal to the nervous system that we are safe. It’s in these environments where we can really accomplish goals and gain all the benefits of a group fitness class. Trust your instincts and quiet the doubts whether your push up is right or wrong or your leggings were the right choice and instead, just enjoy it – because nobody else actually cares.
For further information, to join a community class or book a private studio session visit: www.lovepilateswirral.co.uk
The above content is a paid partnership.
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Karma Indian Food
When we heard that Karma in West Kirby had some new dishes on the menu, we had to pop along to try them.
And the experience has taught us not to be afraid to step out of our culinary comfort zone! Read more.
Register for Birkenhead School’s upcoming Open Days
A world of discovery awaits at Birkenhead School's upcoming Open Events.
You are warmly invited to Birkenhead School’s upcoming Open Mornings for Prep and Early Years entry. Experience what sets them apart from other schools in the area and witness first-hand how small class sizes create a nurturing and educational learning environment. Birkenhead School understands that every child has unique needs, strengths and passions, and with small class sizes they can tailor their teaching methods to cater to individual learning styles ensuring that each student receives the attention they deserve.
Prep Open Morning (Reception to Year 6) - Friday 17th November, 9.15am – 11.15am
Early Years & Infants Open Morning – Saturday 18th November, 10am – Midday (crafts and activities for children)
Play & Learn Session for Reception Entry – Monday 4th December.
Play & Learn Session for Year 1 Entry – Wednesday 24th January.
Taster Days (Year 2 to Year 6 Entry) are taking place between Wednesday 17th January – Wednesday 31st January 2024.
Reception places now available for September 2024.
To find out more or to register your attendance at an Open Event or Taster Day, please visit https://bit.ly/3PWtr4V
#ThereIsSomethingSpecialAboutThisSchool #IndependenceToInspire #FindYourNiche
The above content is a paid partnership.
Caldy Rugby Club secure their first win of the season
Caldy Rugby Club secured their first league win of the season last weekend.
It was a bonus point victory at home against bottom club London Scottish, to move up to mid table in the Championship. Read more.
Things to do - what’s on!
West Kirby handcrafted market returns to St Andrew’s Church on Saturday 11 November from 11am - 3pm.
West Kirby Christmas Lights switch-on takes place outside the Concourse, from 4pm on Saturday 18 November.
West Kirby Today’s latest numbers
Our readership figures for October 2023….
westkirby.todaynews.co.uk was visited by 11,000 people and had more than 26,000 page views. Our posts on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) reached 150,000 people, and we are also on Threads! More than 1,250 people now subscribe to this weekly newsletter.
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