More Than Words By Rebecca Slater Iwasn’t sure what I would write about when I started this column. I didn’t want to limit myself to one s<strong>in</strong>gle topic or theme and for better or worse I have someth<strong>in</strong>g to say about pretty much everyth<strong>in</strong>g (it’s a bless<strong>in</strong>g and a curse). So, I decided to do what I do best and just write about experiences I encounter, thoughts that occur to me, and th<strong>in</strong>gs I’d like to try but am maybe too scared to do alone so would like you to do with me. Unfortunately for you, the subject falls <strong>in</strong>to the last category and occurred to me when I recently attended a funeral onl<strong>in</strong>e (very modern). Through my small screen the sadness could be seen but what was even stronger were the feel<strong>in</strong>gs of love, they were apparent <strong>in</strong> the expressions on people's faces, the words that were said, and the songs that were chosen. It got me th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g why is it so common for us to wait River Goddess Statue Celebrates Site’s History until somebody has died for us to express what we felt about them? Wouldn’t it be better for everybody if people knew how we felt whilst they were alive? I’m not talk<strong>in</strong>g about compliments such as “Your hair looks nice” or “What a lovely outfit” although those are always welcome. I’m talk<strong>in</strong>g about the big th<strong>in</strong>gs. The th<strong>in</strong>gs that make headl<strong>in</strong>es, the obituaries, the th<strong>in</strong>gs that make people glow from the <strong>in</strong>side out. You know like tell<strong>in</strong>g a friend “When I spend time with you, I always go away feel<strong>in</strong>g happy” or lett<strong>in</strong>g somebody you admire know what you th<strong>in</strong>k of them - “That th<strong>in</strong>g you said the other day was really thought-provok<strong>in</strong>g and changed how I see the world, thank you.” Often these conversations can take us out of our comfort zone, but there is evidence that there is power <strong>in</strong> tell<strong>in</strong>g people positive th<strong>in</strong>gs about themselves is beneficial to both the giver and the receiver and can take friendships, romantic, and family relationships to another level of understand<strong>in</strong>g. So, that’s this month's challenge - jo<strong>in</strong> me <strong>in</strong> tell<strong>in</strong>g three people about the positive impact they’ve had on you, and <strong>in</strong> return, I promise that next month I won’t ask you to try anyth<strong>in</strong>g new! Rebecca Slater lives <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> and is a freelance PR Consultant who owns Beck and Call Public Relations. She also writes bespoke poetry through her bus<strong>in</strong>ess Poems from Becky. By Louise Morris, TTTV Project Manager Astone statue has been unveiled at Croxall Lakes nature reserve by the Transform<strong>in</strong>g the Trent Valley (TTTV) team to <strong>in</strong>spire curiosity about the site’s history. The reserve, near Alrewas, marks the confluence of three rivers; the Mease, Tame and Trent. The prehistoric people of Brita<strong>in</strong> believed that rivers were a representation of the fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>e div<strong>in</strong>e and that each river was a manifestation of a goddess. The goddess at this spiritual place was known as Trisentona, the thrice beloved, which was shortened over the years to Trent. Dr Mark Knight, Cultural Heritage Officer for TTTV, says: “We are really pleased to br<strong>in</strong>g Trisentona to life. We thank the sculptors Miranda Wakeman and Gera<strong>in</strong>t Lloyd for their stunn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terpretation of Trisentona, which will enable visitors to Croxall Lakes to learn more about the reserve’s history and deepen their connection with the landscape around them.” For more <strong>in</strong>formation on the sculpture visit: www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/projects/tttv-heritage/birthplace-of-agoddess/ The Transform<strong>in</strong>g the Trent Valley scheme, based <strong>in</strong> East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire f<strong>in</strong>ished <strong>in</strong> March this year. This highly successful scheme has made a difference to the liv<strong>in</strong>g landscape of the Trent Valley <strong>in</strong> this area. Help<strong>in</strong>g communities to connect to their natural environment and creat<strong>in</strong>g a self-led wildlife record<strong>in</strong>g group, we have encouraged people of all ages to explore outside, and <strong>in</strong>creased the discovery and preservation of cultural heritage sites. We have overcome many challenges, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g flood<strong>in</strong>g and a global pandemic but the achievements of the last five years really showcase the dedication of our team, volunteers and partner organisations. We are very excited to announce new projects <strong>in</strong> the north of the Trent Valley, towards the headwaters of the River Trent. This is a really important stepp<strong>in</strong>g stone which we hope will br<strong>in</strong>g further long-term fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to a vital landscape. You can follow our progress at www.thetrentvalley.org.uk 22
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