Couple walking in poppy field Get fit – New Year resolutions needn’t include locking yourself into an expensive gym contract in a bid for some much needed exercise. For those wanting to learn golf, www.worldofgolf.co.uk is offering a free £60 six week golf beginners course at four locations; New Malden, Croydon, Glasgow and Sidcup on a first come, first served, basis. There are free tennis coaching sessions and free use of thousands of tennis courts across the UK through a scheme from charity www.tennisforfree.com. If you prefer something indoors, it is possible to get free swims by collecting Schweppes Abbey Well water bottle tops in a promotion which ends 02.02.11.
– New Year resolutions needn’t include locking yourself into an expensive gym contract in a bid for some much needed exercise. For those wanting to learn golf, is offering a free £60 six week golf beginners course at four locations; New Malden, Croydon, Glasgow and Sidcup on a first come, first served, basis. There are free tennis coaching sessions and free use of thousands of tennis courts across the UK through a scheme from charity . If you prefer something indoors, it is possible to get free swims by collecting Schweppes Abbey Well water bottle tops in a promotion which ends 02.02.11.
Get cultured - Organ music and keyboard enthusiasts should check out www.organfax.co.uk which lists numerous concerts throughout the UK. Don't forget too, that many museums and galleries are still offering free entry. For a list of the ones nearest to you, log on to www.culture.gov.uk
Get entertained - Fancy yourself as a budding film reviewer? There is a way for movie buffs to get into see new releases for free by signing up to film preview websites such as www.showfilmfirst.com, www.seefilmfirst.com, or www.momentumscreenings.co.uk. You may have to move fast to grab a seat, though.
It is also possible to sign up for recordings of TV shows, sitcoms, chat shows and comedies as TV companies are very keen to fill up their studios for live recordings. Many shows such as the Graham Norton Show, 8 out of 10 Cats are filmed in the South East, but some, such as Countdown are filmed in Manchester. Try individual websites for your favourite shows, or the main BBC site, or specialists such as www.applausestore.com or www.sroaudiences.com - many of the bigger shows do have a waiting list.
Get out – Don’t forget that walking is not just great exercise, but it is also always one of the best bargains around because it is free. For inspiration and information on trails and where you can get a good value pub lunch or cream tea along the way, get ideas from www.ramblers.org.uk, www.walkingbritain.com and www.nationaltrail.co.uk
For those that fancy something a little more 21st century, or who have bored children or grandchildren to entertain, add some interest with a high tech treasure hunt. You’ll need a GPS navigation device and www.geocaching.com will show you the location of all the hidden ‘geocaches’ in your area in spots such as parks and waterfalls. Geocaches are Tupperware boxes filled with tiny plastic treasures hidden by other geocache fans.
Written by Teena Lyons, this article was first published on December 22, 2010. Teena's opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional, financial advice.