So the polar vortex has taken hold in North America and we may get a taste of it here in the next few weeks, but over the past few days some parts of the country have enjoyed a break from the rain with many hours of brilliant blue skies and long sightings of the sun. iMember reads today that, lulled into a false sense of security, about a dozen dwarf daffodils have flowered in Dorset. The flowers don't usually make an appearance until April!
There are plenty of gardens to visit up and down the country, as gardeners' thoughts dare to look spring-wards. At Kew Gardens, to name one of the most renowned, you can have an annual membership from as little as £61 pa. Membership of Kew, apart from free access to the stunning gardens there and at Wakehurst, brings a host of other membership benefits, all of which you can be reminded of when you register with iMember at www.iMember.co.uk.
Membership organisations bring with them so much more than "just" being a member of an organisation. But trying to remember which benefits you are entitled to can be too much to remember, on top of all the other things we have to remember in our busy lives. That's where iMember is so handy. It is a free (and simple) to use website, where you list organisations to which you belong and you are then shown by clear thumbnail icons, what benefits / discounts your membership organisations offer. You can also download a free app to your mobile phone that will send out alerts to you if you are within a certain radius of one of your member benefits.
So whilst you are making gardening plans for the next season, take a few moments to register with iMember and see what your membership organisations have organised for you!
In the spirit of enthusiasm for life style changes that abound in January, iMember thinks, why not abandon your car and get on your bike. There are so many benefits to bike riding (we're actually not talking about membership benefits quite yet but we will be in a mo!) - the health benefits are obvious but also think of the petrol you're not having to pay for; think of the emissions you are not emitting; think of that lovely fresh air you are breathing....mmm feeling quite light headed now.
And if you do make this life style change - we suggest you join a cycling club and get all the support and encouragement you can to maintain this new life style. In London the "London Cycling Campaign" is a voice for over 12,000 cyclists trying to ensure that London is a safe and clean and happy place for people to cycle. Become a member of their organisation (membership costs from £18 pa) and enjoy not only being part of a positive and strong campaign for cyclists but also enjoy some great member benefits and discounts that they have negotiated for you at shops specialising in all things cycling. To remind you of these benefits, register at www.iMember.co.uk and we will tell you of all the member benefits available to you. By downloading the free iMember app to your mobile, you will be alerted whenever you are within a certain radius of one of your member benefits.
So what are you waiting for? Make the life style change and get on your bike!
