Things to try in 2011

SoGlos.com’s things to try guide includes some New Year’s resolutions you might actually want to give a go, and is guaranteed to get 2011 off to a flying start in Gloucestershire.

Exercise regularly, save the pennies and cut down on the pies might be some of the resolutions highest up on your New Year’s list, and you’re not alone – with losing weight and saving money being the biggest priorities for more people living in the UK than anything else at this time of year.

But, for an even fresher start to 2011, see if any of SoGlos.com’s things to try in 2011 sound like a more novel New Year’s Resolution this January.

Whether you’ve always been meaning to learn a new skill, try a new sport, get out of your comfort zone or give something back, there has never been a better time to get started.

Get creative

David Attenborough fans can join in an exciting wildlife filmmaking course with BBC Bristol at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, pick up your pencils for the new life drawing course at Gloucester Guildhall, while botanical illustration and watercolour classes are set to be all the rage at Nature in Art.

Get outdoors

Take advantage of the county’s rolling countryside with a chance to make like Robin Hood at the Prescott Shooting archery have a go days, or give one of Westonbirt Arboretum's guided walks or magnificent seasonal trails a go.

Get volunteering

From selling ice cream at The Roses Theatre to bricklaying at the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal and marshalling at a Prescott Speed Hill Climb race, giving up some of your spare time promises interesting results in Gloucestershire.

Get relaxed

Try a fish pedicure – a popular pampering treatment in Thailand, that’s (ahem) making a big splash in the UK – promising smooth feet and a relaxed mind courtesy of the nibbling All Your Life Garra Rufa fish.

Get driving

Follow in the exhaust fumes of Stirling Moss tackling the prestigious racetrack with help from the Prescott Speed Hill Climb Driving School, spend a delectably dirty day driving a steam or diesel locomotive at Dean Forest Railway, or you can even lead a team of husky dogs with Arctic Quest.

Get sponsored

Whether you want to tackle a Race for Life run for Cancer Research UK or take part in some laps for Marie Curie Cancer Care's Swimathon, there’s plenty of time to train and get your sponsorship forms filled in for a variety of great causes in Gloucestershire this 2011.

Get out of breath

Try your hand, well and feet, at dynamic yoga at Gloucester Guildhall, there’s calorie-burning choreography at the popular Leisure@Cheltenham zumba classes, or pull some poses on the high-tech new Kinesis wall at Cowley Manor's C-Side Spa.

Get cheering

The atmosphere at a live sporting event is spectacular and cheering on Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm is a buzz for first-timers, families and lifelong fans alike. For a twist on the sideline action, Beaufort Polo promises some unique spectator opportunities come the new polo season.

Get high

With two fantastic airports here in the county – Gloucestershire Airport in Cheltenham and Cotswolds Airport near Cirencester – there’s no better place to take to the skies in 2011. Give a Gloucestershire flying school a go for the chance to learn to fly aeroplanes, helicopters and gliders.

Get wacky

If you have a hankering to do something truly memorable, and well a bit mad, Gloucestershire's whacky events are hard to beat. Fingers are crossed for the crazy cheese rolling to return to Gloucester this year, with woolsack racing, shin-kicking and the Severn Bore all dead certs for 2011 calendars across the county.

Michelle Byrne
4 January 2011