Mansfield's Big Switch On

Thank you to everyone who read my first blog and thanks again for coming back. Don't forget to share it with your friends!

In this post I tell you all about Mansfield's Big Switch On.

It was a relief that the rain held off on Sunday. Although it was quite cold, so I did feel for Tinkerbell in her tiny dress.

Earlier in the day we saw The Red Hot Band 'Swing into Christmas', face painting, a circus skills workshop, and of course Santa's Grotto. Plus the food market and much more.

The main stage show, presented by Mansfield 103.2, was opened by the Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, who told us about the great year Mansfield has had, including getting 10 Green Flag Awards.

We met paralympic athletes Ollie Hynd MBE and Charlotte Henshaw, sporting their medals, and we heard how special it was going from early morning training sessions together at Water Meadows to racing in Rio. Mansfield has also awarded them the Freedom of the Town, which is given to 'persons who have rendered eminent services to the borough'. What an honor.

The cast of Peter Pan took some time out from rehearsing to perform some tricks with little Jamie and Ebony. It was a bit of a let down after shouting 'Faith, trust and fairy dust' several times, the firework failed to go off. But they promised to deliver at the pantomime which is on at Mansfield Palace Theatre from 26th November to 31st December. 83% of tickets had already been sold by then so I'd imagine you're out of luck by now.

We were musically entertained by five piece cover band Soul Rhythm, who got us all into the Christmas spirit with George Michael's Last Christmas, and young Millie and Jasmine singing Snowman's Walking in the Air.

But the highlight for me was listening to Katie Markham singing Christmas classics such as All I Want for Christmas is You. She was handpicked by Adele herself to tour UK theatres recreating a selection of songs. So book your tickets now at http://m.atgtickets.com/shows/someone-like-you-the-adele-songbook

The show ended with a bang when the 34ft Christmas tree lit up and fireworks filled the sky. It was a brilliant event with lots of talent and excited smiling faces. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.

If you attended, don't forget to complete the online survey. Tell them what you thought and you could win a £30 voucher.

Thanks to the supporting partners:

• Mansfield District Council
• Mansfield Palace Palace Theatre
• Mansfield and Ashfield Chad
• Mansfield 103.2
• Mansfield BID
• Mansfield 2020
• Four Seasons Shopping Centre
• Razzmatazz
• Funky Studios
• 6 Five 2's Taxis

Last week's task

What are the things I'm most passionate about?

It's really important to do the things that make you happy. This sounds so obvious. But often we can find ourselves going through life thinking we have so much time, and then before we know it, years have gone by and we're still thinking about the same old things. That's why I'm thinking more and more about my future.

I am most passionate about reading and writing and music. As I've got older I have stopped getting involved in all three. But now I have started reading. I work on my blog most nights. I have been using the internet to research tips on how to improve my writing. I'm looking up local book and music events.There's so much out there to get involved in. I just need to get out there and do it. There's no excuses anymore. I want to be able to say 'I am' rather than 'I wish'.

This week's task

Choose one of the things you are most passionate about and begin learning everything you can about it or an aspect of it. I have decided to learn all I can about interview techniques, and I'll show you what I have learnt in a later post by interviewing a family member.

My progress

Through the week I have been making an effort to think positively. Every time a negative thought pops in my head, I let myself think it, and then I let it go. Like swiping onto the next picture on my phone. Or if I'm having a difficult moment, I count to ten. If I think positive, then positive things will happen.

On the 23rd November I went back to work after four months off. I was a little bit nervous, but I soon settled back into it like I had never been away. So thanks to my work colleagues for making me feel welcome again.

I recently bought another book from a charity shop and started to read again. The bus ride to and from work gives me the perfect opportunity, and it makes the journey go so much faster. I'll be doing a practice review of this particular book in a future blog. So keep an eye out.

I have also been sending lots of emails to various different places enquiring about volunteering, reading and writing groups, and training courses. I have found a crime reading group at Mansfield Library, which meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.

And another positive note, my partner Joe has just got himself a Christmas job! Things are looking up.

Book Events 2017

January

Costa Book Awards is on at West Bridgford Library on Thursday 19th January 2017 at 7.30pm. Booking is essential at £5 per person.

February

Killer Women at Mansfield Library on Saturday 25th February 2017 at 2.00pm. Author Kate Rhodes and others discuss whether the female is deadlier than the male in crime fiction.

Next week's post - Mansfield Museum.

Remember: You'll never have this day again so make it count!

Deciding To Make A Change

In this post I introduce myself and share my personal experience. 

Do you ever look back on your life and wish that you had done more to make you truly happy? Well, it is never too late. Have you been struggling to figure out what your life passion might be? Now is the time. Everyday is a second chance.

It has been a difficult year having lost my daughter, and taking some time out from work. Through this awful experience I have been made brutally aware that every day is a gift. I have to live my life to the fullest for my little girl. So I have been encouraged by my family to make each day count. To stop existing and start living. To ask myself if what I'm doing today is getting me closer to where I want to be tomorrow.

My name is Kirsty and I was born on 6th December 1988 at Lincoln County Hospital. I live in Mansfield with my partner Joe, and have lived in the area since I was about four years old. 

As a child I was quite content being on my own in my bedroom reading or writing. I loved to write. English was by far my favourite subject at school. My uncle would always read my stories and every time I saw him he would ask if I had written anything new. I was very shy, (and still am a bit) and so when I went to secondary school I didn't make any real friends. As a result I didn't enjoy my time there and couldn't wait for it to end. 

When my GCSE's were approaching I didn't study at all and made little effort, knowing but not caring, that it would affect my future. And so, the highest grade I got was a C in English. I left school not knowing what I wanted to do with my life and with no qualifications. I felt so lost. 

As I got older I stopped writing as much due to lack confidence and low self-esteem, and then I stopped altogether. My uncle stopped asking me if I had written anything he could read. I stopped doing what made me happy, and started comparing myself to everyone else.

After school I managed to enrol at New College Nottingham on a Music Performance course for a year as a singer. I come from a family of singers and musicians so it has always been a big part of my life. I completed the course and enrolled on the next one, but decided part way through that it wasn't giving me as much excitement as I thought it would. It was a good experience and I love music. But it didn't make me the happiest I can be. 

I was then unemployed for a couple of years, applying for any job I could, until eventually I was offered an apprenticeship in Business Administration at a local charity. I have now worked there for six and a half years and have a Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration. 

I really do enjoy my job and the people I work with make it even better. To think of what I have achieved since leaving school does make me proud, but it's not my dream job. And I have always known that. It was the only opportunity I had at the time and I had to take it. But now I am older and I feel more confident in my abilities. I want to work as hard as I can so that when I am older, I can look back on my life with no regrets. 

So I have been motivated into thinking my future and my love for writing. About the excitement I used to feel when I finished a short story or poem and watched someone read it with pride. That is how I want to feel again. 

I am not sure which area of writing I want to pursue so I have decided to start a blog to get me thinking. I will also be sharing my journey with you as a way of inspiring others and to keep me focused. I have started making a list of steps I can take, big or small, to help me get back on the path I veered off a long time ago.

I am going to publish a post each week which will feature a variety of different topics. They will include:

• Reviews on events and literature etc;
• Essays on topics from my point of view;
• Short stories;
• Poems;
• Recipes;
• Tasks that you can do at home;
• Updates on my progress, and more. 

Task this week.

Get a notepad and write the following question at the top of the page. 'What are the things I'm most passionate about?' In your own time and in your own way, write about the things that make you feel excited. If you have been thinking about making positive changes in your life, then this is a good place to start to get you thinking about your future. I will share my answer to this question in my next post. 

My progress so far:

This week so far I have emailed Mansfield and Ashfield Chad Newspaper enquiring about whether there are any volunteering opportunities to start gaining some experience. I have ordered an Adult Course Guide 2016/17 from West Nottinghamshire College to see if there are any evening writing courses I could enrol on. I have gone for a run (albeit a short one) for the first time in over a year. I have also bought some more notepads and a new book to read.

Next week's post I will be talking about The Big Switch On in Mansfield which I will be attending this Sunday 20th November 2016.

Remember: Success begins with one step outside of your comfort zone!