The 20th March is the official start of spring in Britain and recently the warmer temperature has certainly been a blessing after the dark, damp, cold and dreary winter months. Unlike the United States and Canada which have started daylight saving time by putting the clocks forward two weeks ago, Britain chooses to do so this weekend. The catch phrase ‘spring forward, roll back’ aptly sums up the beginning of this season. This annual ritual brings about more daylight hours and with it hopefully more presence of sunlight which is known to provide a good source of vitamin D being absorbed through our skin.
Each person will have a favourite season and I can never forget whilst growing up in Jamaica one would read in books about the four seasons in Britain. Reading about the seasons and later experiencing them first-hand puts it into context. Having lived in Britain for over forty years the season I really like and look forward to the most has always been spring as the buds start to appear, the birds can be heard singing again as the migratory flock return and the leaves on what would appear at first glance to be dead trees suddenly come to life. Robin redbreasts always make nests in the trees and shrubs in our garden and one can often see them with grub in their mouth returning to feed the hatchlings at this time of the year.
Spring has indeed sprung as first crocuses; bluebells and snowdrops begin to cover the ground as winter came to an end, followed by the yellow forsythia of its own accord adorning hedges. Then came tulips and daffodils which all add a well needed touch of colour to the dreary landscape. Rebirth, regrowth, regeneration or renewal are all associated with this time of the year and of course it is the start of the lambing season too when sheep give birth to their offspring.
Mother Nature is really something special as in late May 2019 whilst visiting Canada, to my surprise and amazement, daffodils and tulips were in bloom unlike in Britain where they had already faded, withered and died from April. I was really taken aback on seeing these flowers in full bloom at that time of the year.
Spring certainly brings about a spring (pardon the pun) in one’s step and for some, takes away what is sometimes referred to as seasonal affected disorder (SAD) – a form of seasonal or winter depression.
No matter what, enjoy and appreciate Mother Nature as to experience this recurring phenomena in a country which has four defined seasons is a blessing not to be taken for granted.
London born Tony Kelly of Jamaican parents grew up in Jamaica and returned to live in Birmingham in 1979.
He is a graduate of Mico Teachers’ College and taught in Kingston high schools prior to working for 30+ years as a middle manager in central and local government with an emphasis on equity, equality, diversity and inclusion. He has a masters’ degree in socio-legal studies from the university of Birmingham.
For over a decade Tony has volunteered as a diabetes ambassador firstly for Diabetes UK and now for the National Health Service – Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group. A multi-award winner doing a yearly average of 150 health and well-being events, locally, nationally and internationally focusing on type 2 diabetes. He was diagnosed with this medical condition 18 years ago. However with a combination of physical activity and diet he has never taken medication thus proving with the right mindset and discipline it can be achieved.
As a diabetes advocate/activist Tony will continue delivering the message of healthy options to readers of CaribDirect.com .
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