Take up a new hobby in the Northern Districts
he start of a new year is a great opportunity to try something new, particularly if you have more time on your hands as a result of downsizing or retiring. There is a huge range of activities on offer locally here in the Northern Districts. Here are just a few suggestions to get you thinking. I was surprised at how much there is on offer once I started looking, and I’m sure you will be too.
Take up woodworking
Despite the name, the Hornsby Men’s Shed welcomes both men and women who are interested in working with wood. You’ll find a range of tools and machines for members to use. You can work on your own projects or help a local charity by making toys, furniture and nesting boxes, and learn from others.
hornsbymensshed.org.au
33A Sefton Road, Thornleigh
Try your hand at knitting
Knitting and crochet are experiencing a revival of late. In the Northern Districts we are seeing shops popping up selling a beautiful range of wools and yarns. As well as selling everything you need, the owner at Cherryhills Yarn runs occasional crochet groups and gives lots of advice and help. If you are a novice, this is a great place to start.
Cherryhills Yarn, Shop 7, The Pennant Arcade, 354 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
Start a book club
If you would like to do more reading this year, you can set up your own book club through the Hornsby Shire Council. For a small fee they will provide you with 10 copies of your chosen book for six weeks, plus reading notes. Items can be returned to any Hornsby Shire library, and there are more than 100 titles to choose from. A book club is a relaxed social event and a chance to read books you might otherwise not be drawn to.
Do some volunteer work
The benefits of volunteering are well documented. It gives you a sense of purpose, can help to counteract stress, and improves your self confidence. However, it can be hard to know where to find the right opportunities and places that are actively looking for people. Go Volunteer is an online database that allows you to type in your location and find a list of organisations looking for volunteers in your local area.
You might be able to help by mentoring young people, providing transport to appointments, being a walking companion, gardening or even taking your pet to a local hospital to cheer up patients. All you need to invest is just a couple of hours of your time each week.
Take up a new sport
I’ve already covered the many golf clubs and sporting facilities in the local area in some of my recent blogs. And there are many other sports you can look into in the Northern Districts, including:
Archery at Northern Archers, one of the largest archery clubs in Sydney, which is located in Pennant Hills Park.
Swimming — it’s never too late to learn to swim properly, and it’s a great low impact sport for overall health. Try Northshore Swimming in Thornleigh for adult swimming lessons.
Volleyball is another fun team-based sport and there are regular matches at Thornleigh’s Indoor Sports Stadium.
Yoga is great for both relaxation and fitness. Here in Thornleigh we have quite a few different studios.
Bushwalking is another wonderful outdoor activity for the cooler months. Have a look at the bushwalking NSW website for local groups and walks.
Talk to me
As a local resident and real estate agent I am always happy to talk to people thinking of downsizing, selling their homes or moving into Thornleigh, Pennant Hills, Westleigh or Normanhurst. If you are thinking of a new start this year, please feel free to give me a call. I am always happy to provide you with a no-obligation appraisal of your home.
