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Six Nations Rugby

The Six Nations Championship (known as the Guinness Six Nations for sponsorship reasons) is an annual international men's rugby union competition between the teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. England hold the record for outright wins with 29. Since the Six Nations era started in 2000, only Italy and Scotland have failed to win the Six Nations title.

World Thinking Day World thinking day was started in 1926 by the Girl Guides and Scouts. It was originally an opportunity for people to speak out about any worries or concerns they may have and to share thoughts and support each other. Do you have any worries that you would like to talk to someone about? It is proven that a positive mindset and positive thoughts can drive our day in a positive way and impact on the way we feel. What things make you feel happy? Think about the happiest memories you have from your life and why not share with a friend?

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National Embroidery MonthThis month is National Embroidery Month. Do you know how to embroider? Who taught you? Perhaps it was a friend or relative? Embroidery is a simple but really effective skill which can result in beautiful pieces of creativity. This wonderful art form can be seen on quilts, clothing, leather, bags and many other places. It is a task that can be taken with you easily and can be a quick project when needed. What things would you love to make from embroidery work? Perhaps you can teach someone or ask someone for lessons and set a goal to make a special piece of artwork.

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NationalWild BirdFeedingMonthBird-Feeding Month was established in 1994 by John Porter, a man who so cared about the health and welfare of the birds that he read a resolution into the Congressional record in the US. Porter strongly felt that February marks the introduction of spring, when birds need good nourishment after the long winter months. One way to support this is to make sure your bird-feeders are well loaded with all the good things that birds need to survive. Hanging a container of sunflower seeds in your garden is a great way to make sure that you have singing birds in your garden all year round. You may spot some squirrels too! See if you can hear bird song when spring begins. Birds are a huge part of our biodiversity, with latest research suggesting up to 18,000 different species.

26th February – Johnny Cash born (1922)

Johnny Cash is one of the most famous American singer-songwriters of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He is most fondly remembered for his country music but his work also spanned the folk, blue and even gospel genres. He was well known for his deep, calm voice and his backing band. He was famous for his all black stage wardrobe which earned him the nickname ‘The man in black’. Cash traditionally stated his concerts with “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash”, followed by his signature song “Folsom Prison Blues”. Cash sadly passed away, aged 71 in 2003 following complications with diabetes.

National Strawberry DayThese juicy, sweet berries can brighten up any dish and are delicious all on their own. Not only are they delicious, but they are also fragrant. One of the more aromatic fruits, they belong to the rose family. The origin of the name comes from the way berries would drop off the leaves

and become “strewn” about the plant. Overtime “strewn-berries” became “strawberries”. Strawberries are a little unusual as far as fruits go; they wear their seeds on the outside. There are over 600 varieties of strawberries. What foods do you like eating with strawberries?

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Music to listen to this week:` Thinking About

You Elvis

` Feed the Birds Mary Poppins

` Stand By Me Ben E King

` Strange Fruit Billie Holiday

` Flowers on The Wall The Statler Brothers

National Floral Design Day

For thousands of years, floral design has been an important cultural art form. This is the day we celebrate that art form. It may be in a bouquet, painting, in a textile, a garden or floral arrangement. Floral design is a multi-billion dollar industry that brightens our lives on a daily basis. From majestic, historic gardens to a bridal bouquet on that special day, floral designers have an eye for colour, style and perspective. Floral design can complete a space, complementing existing structures and bringing brightness and color to them. As with many arts, floral design has traditional roots harking back to Egyptian temple offerings to gods. The design changed from era to era, each having distinct customs and traditions.

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Why not spark up a conversation around: Getting Outside

Get acquainted: Make name badges and say hello.

Get chatting: What’s the weather like today? Which articles did you enjoy reading this week in The Digest?

Get singing: Enjoy a singalong to ‘Flowers on the Wall’

Get Playing: Soft ball catch. Say a name of a vegetable before passing the ball to someone in the group.

Get thinking:

` Why is it good to get outside?

` What outdoor activities can you enjoy?

` What stops us from getting outside more?

Keep up the conversation: How can you improve your outdoor area?

Digest Quiz

Who started World Thinking Day in 1926?

a) Einsteinb) Guides & Scoutsc) Danny Dyerd) Charlie Chaplin

What year did England and Scotland play their first ever international rugby match?

a) 1781b) 1871c) 1718d) 1817

How many species of birds are there in the world?

a) 10,000b) 70,000c) 18,000d) 800

What makes strawberries ‘unusual’ as far as fruits go?

a) They are sour and sweetb) They were considered medicinalc) Their seeds are on the outsided) They can bear several crops in a year

Floral design has traditional roots harking back to which Country?

a) Spainb) Egyptc) Scotlandd) Italy

Digestive

The perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea…

Quiz answers: 1)b, 2)b, 3)c, 4)c, 5)b