insideKENT Magazine Issue 47 - February 2016 | Page 20

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
HOBBIES cont.

GEOCACHING
If you are looking for a new hobby that will not
only get your brain working, but will get you out
into the fresh air as well, then geocaching could
be exactly what you need. It’s an exciting, thrilling,
sometimes exasperating, always entertaining way
to explore not only new places, but your own
doorstep too, with the added bonus of that frisson
of adrenalin that comes with unearthing secret
caches that most people have been walking past
for years without ever knowing they were there.
It’s a worldwide treasure hunt that uses GPS
technology (through a mobile phone app or by
using a specialist GPS device) to allow people
to locate ‘caches’ that had been hidden by others.
It’s incredibly addictive, and it’s social too with
monthly cachers meets and walks arranged
throughout the year.
If you’re keen to get started you don’t need much
at all; sign up on the website
(www.geocaching.com) and download the app
(it’s free). Wherever you are, check the app and,
when you have a moment (perhaps it’s your lunch
break, or you’re early to meet someone for
example) you can add a new cache to your total.
If you have more time to spare, take on a caching
loop. Ranging from two to more than 10 miles,
these loops take you on a beautiful country
walk where you can pick up dozens of caches
as you go.

WOODWORKING

KNITTING

If the last time you tried woodworking was in school, perhaps it’s time you
picked up a chisel and tape measure once more. There is something
beautiful and relaxing about making something new out of a piece of wood,
and when it comes to getting involved and lowering your blood pressure,
woodworking has it all covered.

Knitting is a totally absorbing and soothing hobby that, unlike some others,
can easily be done at home. Plus the materials are inexpensive (wool and
needles, plus a pattern once you get going, and some of the patterns can
be downloaded free online), and there are dozens of ‘how to’ videos online
such as How to Knit: Absolute Beginners
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVQCK_-rKc).

There are lots of woodworking classes for both beginners and those who
know their way around a claw hammer including The Goodlife Centre in
London (www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk), Colin Searle in Kent
(www.routercourses.co.uk), and cabinet making with Marc Fish in Brighton
(www.marcfish.co.uk). Another good place to look is your local adult
education centre.

There are also many reference books that are very useful when it comes
to knitting including How to Knit: The Definitive Knitting Course by Debbie
Bliss (RRP £8.99). If you don’t want to purchase the book, ask at your local
library; while you’re there see if they have any knitting classes or groups
that meet there, as this is always a popular option.

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