Queen of sitcom, Miranda Hart, urges people to ‘Give it a go!’

Give it a go in September! That’s the call from TV comedian Miranda Hart, and Reactivate Bucks, the campaign that connects people to hundreds of sports and activities across the county. From 13th to 19th September local people will have their pick of hundreds of different activities ranging from street dance to gentle walks. With many subsidised or free, there’s never been a better time to get off the sofa, unless of course you are watching the latest episode of ‘Miranda’ on the BBC. However even it’s star, Miranda Hart, would urge you to get moving. “The word ‘exercise’ once made me think of ladies wearing shiny leotards and posh pumps or people running about in little shorts on a cold, bleak, British winter’s day trying to ignore their blotchy legs and pretend they were enjoying themselves. But now there’s lots of different things you can do to get fit and feel healthier whilst actually having fun.”

Although Miranda joined six other celebrities in a 1000 mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats earlier this year, she’s the first to admit she’s not a fitness fanatic. “This was a massive goal for me to achieve. I was very sporty at school but things have gone down hill since! Suddenly I was forced in to training sessions which involved very worrying terms like ‘squats’, ‘lunges’ and ‘core muscles’. It turns out I had no muscles at all – we couldn’t find them.” The ride itself was much harder than Miranda expected. “It was tough – the terrain, the weather, everything” she said. However Miranda persevered, helping to raise more than one million pounds for Sport Relief. It gave her a great sense of achievement and that’s why she supports Reactivate Bucks. “Everyone should have the chance to discover their personal best or feel they can try something without worrying how they look or whether or not they’ll be any good. And Reactivate Bucks provides the choices and support people need to do this.”

With hundreds of activities available, there’s something for everyone regardless of age, fitness level or ability. Indoor and outdoor activities are on offer ranging from gentle exercise for those who want to take it easy through to high energy action. Activities across the county range from folk and ballroom dancing to climbing and martial arts, not to mention, hockey, swimming, badminton, cricket, disability sports, street dance, aerobics and gentle walks.

In Aylesbury Vale there’s lots of activities to choose from during Give it a Go Week (13-19 September) and throughout the month. Just a few are featured below:-

• Get Back to Netball with the help of Flames Aylesbury at Mandeville School on Monday evenings between 6.30-7.30pm. All ladies are welcome regardless of their level of experience or ability level. The only requirement is to have fun. The sessions cost just £3 with the first one offered free.

• Come and try bowls for free at Hazells Bowls Club in Aylesbury. With beginners’ coaching sessions now available, everyone can join in the fun. Membership will be available free for all new members.

• Take it to the max by trying a Transformations Fitness Boot Camp held three times a week at Fairford Leys Football Pitches in Aylesbury. With the first session being free now is a great time to get fit outdoors.

Details of these and many more activities can be seen on www.reactivatebucks.org.

Says Lee Mason, Director of Bucks Sport, “People in the county don’t realise just how many sport and leisure activities are open to them and how easy it is to get involved. We hope Reactivate Bucks will inspire them to give physical activity a go, or get back into it. We are confident that there is something out there for everyone and we know that once people find something they like, they continue with it and enjoy the many benefits that a more active life can bring.”

To find out what’s on near you and to register for an activity, go to www.reactivatebucks.org or call the Reactivate Bucks Team on 01296 585215.