RESIDENTS discovered ways to be healthy and happy last weekend.

On Sunday, people of all ages attended Buzz - a health and wellbeing event at the Forest Community Centre in Bordon. The free event was organised by the Whitehill and Bordon Community Association and Community First.

Representatives from the Forest Community Centre, in Bordon, promoted the centre’s own health and wellbeing activities.

“I was pleased to see people of all ages at Buzz,” said organiser and Forest Centre administrator Michael Rutland. “Children and adults were getting active, trying skipping, hula hooping and pilates.”

Jodie Gibbs-Foster, who teaches pilates at the centre, added: “Buzz provided a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of pilates - doctors frequently recommend patients who want to reduce aches and pains, become fitter, more flexible and feel healthier.

“But until you take part in a class you don’t realise how great this form of exercise is. Thanks to the Forest Centre I was able to offer a taster session and gained a couple of new members to my class.”

Throughout the afternoon, people were invited to try free healthy food. Fi Edwards, Tesco’s community champion, offered visitors a chance to make a sugar-free breakfast.

Butternut squash and sweet potato soup, provided by RKdia Catering, were served by volunteers from the Forest Community Centre and the Whitehill and Bordon Help Hub. Free recipe cards were given out by the Whitehill and Bordon Eat Well/Live Well Project.

The event had stalls and classes to promote a healthy mind. Taster sessions in meditation, led by Louise Watson, were popular.

Linda Wright, who led drum circles, said: “Research shows that drumming accelerates physical healing and boosts the immune system. Drumming also eases tension, anxiety and stress.”

Representing the Alzheimer’s Society, Barbara Wade added: “I found the event interesting and informative. I was able to spend time talking to people who had questions about dementia and I hope that they feel they know more now.”

Claire Coxwell, community development worker at the Community First charity, said: “It was great to see so many organisations talking to each other and finding out more about each other’s services. The public were able to pick up leaflets and talk to staff and volunteers.”