Our inaugural Wellbeing Week took place from 16 to 19 March…and what a week it was! With over 240 sign ups, the week was packed with a variety of free activities and events to help support OBs and the wider BSA (Bedford School Association) community during these unprecedented times. Each day, we highlighted different aspects of wellbeing to help everyone connect, try new skills, learn about resilience, mindfulness and how to set and achieve their goals.  Below is a recap from each of the evenings.

Yoga and Meditation

Nigel Wilson (64-74), founder of Tenterden Yoga, ‘kicked off’  Wellbeing Week  in true ‘Zen’ style with a gentle yoga and meditation class. Before taking everyone through their sun salutations, he shared the many benefits of yoga, for both the body and mind, and how the practice has taught him to slow down and express gratitude. He then concluded the evening with a colour therapy meditation session, ensuring that, by the end of the class, everyone was feeling super relaxed…ready for the week ahead!

Building Long-Lasting Habits for Health & Fitness                              

Toby Lynes (07-12), founder of Tobias Lifestyle, posed the question of whether we wanted to become fitter and more motivated? Did we have our goals and objectives set out but didn’t know where to start or just lacked the motivation? Toby took us through the psychology behind his coaching programme and the importance of creating small, achievable habits to help us reach our goals. During the interactive session, Toby asked attendees to identify a goal before taking us on his step-by-step process to achieve this. Everyone came away feeling extremely positive, with the knowledge that they could use Toby’s tips and tricks in their every-day lives. 

Life as a Professional Sportsman

Never one to disappoint, our compère in residence, Sam Roberts (85-96), led a fantastic interview with Northamptonshire County Cricketer Alex Wakely (96-07) and England Rugby International George Furbank (13-15). The evening was fun and informal in nature but also very informative – a real eye-opener into the world of elite sport. Both George and Alex shared their individual stories and described what really goes on behind the scenes. They highlighted the importance of looking after their mental wellbeing and the resilience needed to make it in such a competitive environment. At the end of the talk, guests asked some fascinating questions about the sportsmen’s’ extraordinary lives. Those who were unable to join us or who would like to watch the interview again can do so here.

Healthy Eating Cook-along

Foodies were in for a real culinary treat when, Helsinki-based chef, Tom Gouldesbrough (01-12), hosted our very first virtual cook-along. Together, he took us through the steps needed to rustle up a delicious, plant-based take on a classic pasta dish – Pasta Carbonara. Tom was there to answer any questions along the way – ensuring that, by the end of the evening, everyone had created a restaurant-quality dish. As it was a Friday, and the night was still young, attendees enjoy chatting over the fruits of their labour in our virtual restaurant the ‘Eagle Bistro’.

“During the last year, our focus has been on the wellbeing of everyone concerned with the school community.  We were delighted that so many could join us for our inaugural ‘Wellbeing Week’ which offered a diverse mix of different events, including our first cook-along.  A big thank you to our contributors, who made the week so enjoyable.”

Hugh Maltby, Director BSA

To continue our theme, we have recently launched a Wellbeing Prize Draw with some truly amazing prizes up for grabs! (See below) All monies raised from the draw will be used to help repurpose the old theatre into a state-of-the-art Strength and Conditioning facility for the boys. Tickets are only £5 each and can be purchased on our website here.

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