Tidy town helps to tidy the mind

WHERE IS THIS?

My question from last week has been answered, I knew I’d seen it somewhere and I’m not just daft.

Keep Oban Beautiful are having a spring clean at the end of March on the weekend of March 30 and 31, and I would urge everyone who can, young and old, to get involved and take part even for an hour.

We’re lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and it’s up to us to help keep it that way.

If you need more information then have a look on the Keep Oban Beautiful Facebook page or for equipment contact Claire Rizos on 01631 564954 or 07891 543540.

Hope Kitchen is also doing its bit for the town with the weekly beach cleans every Wednesday at 10.30am and volunteers welcome anyone who would like to take part – you can just turn up at the slip opposite Stafford Street, but don’t forget to wear something suitable on your feet, or if you would like to speak to anyone about it pop into Hope Kitchen on Soroba Road.

I know that I go on about making the town look better by litter picking and beach cleaning but the benefits aren’t only to the town, as I know from personal experience.

It’s also a form of mindfulness for you.

The concentration and rhythm that you get into when you’re picking up takes your mind away from everything else and allows you to just relax and let your thoughts go. Being in the fresh air, especially if you’re beside the sea (even if it’s raining), lifts your spirits as does being with like-minded people doing something positive for yourself and others.

If you speak to anyone just after they’ve taken part in a tidy up of some form you’ll find them in good spirits and with a sense of satisfaction for a good job well done.

I hope to see lots of people on the beach next Wednesday and at the Keep Oban Beautiful Spring Clean, it’s good for you and Oban.

The photograph last week was of the Black Lynn coming into the bay and this week’s photo is nearby, you just need to look up.