Relaxation, a Rationale. 
Relaxation- What is it? 
It is physiologically impossible for the mind and body to entertain
opposite conditions simultaneously. Relaxation is a state of mind and body that
is the opposite of Stress. Because a person’s mind and body cannot be both
stressed and relaxed simultaneously, the states of Relaxation and Stress are
incompatible, that is to say that they cannot occupy the mind and body at the
same time. Therefore, a person’s mind and body can either be relaxed or
stressed. CONSEQUENTLY, THE EASIEST WAY TO REMOVE STRESS FROM ONE’S MIND AND  BODY IS TO ESTABLISH A STATE OF RELAXATION.  
How do we know this to be true? 
If you want proof that two opposites cannot simultaneously inhabit the
same body, test it out. First stand up and then sit down. Now try to stand up
and sit down simultaneously. Or shout out your name at the top of your voice and
then whisper your name. Next try to shout and whisper at precisely the same
time. You could also try smiling then frowning, moving and standing still. Do
each one of the opposites and then try to do them together. You cannot because
it is impossible. 
Relaxation Training:
Relaxation technique can include any method, activity, procedure or
process that can help a person to relax, to gain a state of increased calmness,
to improve sleep, to reduce levels of fear, anxiety and stress and to manage
anger. Any effective technique of relaxation will always produce the opposite
condition of tension, ie, floppy muscles, deeper breathing, low blood pressure,
correct posture, positive thought. Relaxation techniques are often employed as
an element of a wider stress management program and can help to become more
appropriately assertive, a healthier and happier person who is more in balance
with the world around and who is more in tune with all manner of man and
creature. Particular health benefits include better sleeping, decrease muscle
tension, lower blood pressure, a healthier set of lungs and heart, increased
energy, easier breathing, a more positive and realistic attitude and less
dependency upon some types of drug. 
The Relaxation Program:
The Relaxation Program will focus upon the most important aspects of
your behavior that concern the Mind and Body. These will include the heart,
lungs, brain, muscles, and self-talk. You will be provided with exercises
designed to lower your blood pressure levels and teach you how to breathe
properly and release muscle tension. You will learn positive self-talk and how
to use your brain to better advantage. All of these methods, coupled with
regular relaxation training practice will reinforce your ability to manage your
stress and anger levels, enabling you to perform with greater ease and
precision. 
This program unifies both knowledge and techniques of Eastern and
Western disciplines that are helpful to all participants.
This program is suitable for:
 •Reducing fear, anxiety and stress
 •Recognising problem situations and learning how to resolve
them
 •Improving sleeping patterns
 •Lowering blood pressure levels and drug
dependency
 •Assisting with weight reduction programs
 •Increase self-awareness and self-enhancement 
To enrol in this 4-week relaxation program, contact Sheila today on
07799 437174 or 01535 648761, or via www.sheilamurray.co.uk

Charlotte Bronte's love letters to an older, married man are to be published
 See more on our Bronte page.

We have many talented artists in Haworth, Meet one of them HERE
Judy Sale, who has a unique gallery within her home on Haworth Main Street, is now available for art tuition. Here she is pictured at he opening of her gallery on Haworth Main Street.
She has travelled the world learning her craft and has a unique approach to the craft of abstract art.
Contact her on judysale12@gmail.com
See more of her work at www.judysale.com and HERE

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Community News
Send your community news to voiceofthevalleys@gmail.com or call us on 07866 626090.
You can also advertise your forthcoming community event here for just £5. Send your details and we will do the rest. 

The Brontes
Research & resources about the Bronte family, their books and the world famous Haworth village. 

Off the beaten track
Interviews by our Editor, Graham Smith
Ken Dodd
Patricia Kirkwood
Sir Jimmy Savile

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Traditional values, community spirit
The changing world of the media means that most of us now look online for our news, views and information. Here at Voice of the Valleys we aim to bring you the best of all worlds by combining an online magazine with some of the traditional newspaper values. 
We will bring you local news and features, pictures and sounds from an area including Keighley, Haworth, Oakworth, Oxenhope, Cross Roads, Stanbury and beyond. Areas rich in history, tourism and business which attract visitors from all over the world. Our readership will be world-wide meaning that advertisers have an outlet which no single hard copy publication can ever give with a much longer shelf life and at a fraction of the cost charged by low circulation traditional media.
We want everyone to be involved and will accept contributions from across the broad spectrum of our communities to make us a publication "by the people for the people".
E-mail us on voiceofthevalleys@gmail.com or call 07866 626090 so we can hear your voice.

                                            _________________________________

Exclusively from Bronte Media and Voice of the Valleys....
Bronte Radio at www.bronteradio.com 

                                              ________________________________

Aire your views, it's Worth it
Comment on anything and everything in our forums HERE

The evergreen Jenny Agutter. Star of The Railway Children, but what was she doing here?
Coming soon in Voice of the Valleys, Graham Smith's exclusive interview with the lady who will forever be a part of Haworth.

If this man doesn't make you laugh no one can.
Read Graham Smith's feature on Ken Dodd in his Off The Beaten Track column HERE

We are indebted to Haworth photographer Mark Davis for this wonderful picture of Haworth Main Street.
This is a measure of the depth of talent which we have in the Valleys.
Support them all.
See more of Mark's work  HERE
________________

No replacement is yet on the horizon for the Haworth Brow Post Office, which closed last August.
Parish council chairman, Councillor John Huxley, said the Post Office had told him it was advertising for someone to run a postal facility in this part of the village, but so far no one had come forward.
He noted that the Post Office was describing the closure as “temporary” and that it still wanted to restore its services to the Brow, members of the Haworth, Cross Roads, and Stanbury Parish Council heard The Mill Hey premises shut after its postmaster was unable to sell the business as a post office. Following the closure the post box outside the property was also removed. Coun Huxley said the lack of a post office in the area was causing distress, especially for older residents.
Parish council clerk, Glyn Broomhead, said the Post Office had informed him the original post box would be reinstalled. He said it would be sited in the Haworth Railway Station forecourt - not far from its previous location. However, he added the Post Office said it was waiting for a contractor to carry out the work and could not confirm when the installation would take place.

February 2nd
Keighley's Cliffe Castle museum is to close for a year for essential repairs. More HERE

The plaque to Private Martin Bell GM, outside the Worth Valley Contact Point

A Bradford man who gave his life for his country as a soldier is to have his memory cherished by those he once served as a PCSO, after they created a permanent memorial in his honour. Pte Martin Bell, who served as a PCSO in Airedale and North Bradford Police before joining the Army as a paratrooper, had a memorial plaque unveiled in his honour at the Worth Valley Police and Community Contact Point in Haworth . The stone plaque was unveiled in a ceremony on January 25 as a lasting tribute from the whole community to remember Martin’s work helping them as a Police Community Support Officer serving the Worth Valley. It has been provided free of charge by local craftsmen and will be unveiled by dignitaries including, West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison, Bradford District and local councillors, The Parachute Regiment and Martin's family Martin joined West Yorkshire Police in 2006 as  a PCSO and was based in the Worth Valley where he became very well known and popular with both residents and colleagues for his humour, dedication and enthusiasm. He later realised a long held desire to join the army and went on to serve with The Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan until his sad death in early 2011. The paratrooper was awarded a posthumous George Medal for his actions in which he lost his own life while trying to save that of a colleague. Sir Norman Bettison, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “As a PCSO Martin worked in the heart of the local community in the Worth Valley so it is appropriate that such a fitting memorial has been created, in Martin's name, at one of the Contact Points we use to provide truly ‘local’ policing. “It is heart warming to see so many individuals, not least the talented craftsman who created this plaque, come together to give their effort and time to remember Martin in this way.” Chief Superintendent Ian Kennedy of Airedale and North Bradford Police, added: "Martin was an extremely well liked and popular with both his colleagues and in the communities he served and we are very pleased to have the chance to pay our respects to him. “PCSO’s provide a vital service delivering Neighbourhood Policing in small communities such as Haworth and Martin was a wonderful ambassador for the Force.”  

Martin's mother, Elaine, and the plaque

Despite raising sufficient match funding to acquire church fund roof repairs costing thousands of pounds by the January 20th deadline Haworth Church has been told they must find £50,000 more than was first thought.Before Christmas last year church leaders announced they could lose a £100,000 English Heritage grant to fix the church's badly-leaking south roof unless they raised £65,000 in match-funding by today.
That target was reached yesterday and church secretary John Huxley said he received the “gut-wrenching” news that due to escalating building costs it would need tens of thousands of pounds more than it had originally thought.
He said English Heritage was being “very helpful, very supportive and very sympathetic” and was looking at ways it could help. “What was due to be one of the most joyful days in the church’s history has turned very sour,” he said.
“This morning we thought we were home and dry. To get this bombshell as the day has gone on has been gut-wrenching.”
Fundraising events and schemes have been organised by residents and people keen to help restore the church, which is the burial place of two of the Bronte sisters.
They included a “Haworth Couldn’t Wear Less” calendar and the donation of proceeds from the sale of 100 limited editions of a painting of the Bronte sisters by artist Stella Vine.
Mr Huxley said: “A lot of money has come in from well-wishers.
“We have raised something in the region of £40,000 ourselves which is an unbelievable result for a church of our size.
“Once we have got over the disappointment we’ll have to dust ourselves down.
“Where we’ll get the money from I don’t know. We’re just hoping there’s someone out there who can help us.
“Lots of people have been very generous and kind but we’re throwing ourselves on their mercy again.”

Read our Editorial Opinion on the Community pages.
Which Way Forward for Haworth?
From the BBC

Can Haworth become an international tourist destination on a global scale? More on our NEWS pages.

There is a great deal of interest and debate going to be held in future months over housing plans for Haworth. See details of one of the latest applications HERE

A major new scheme offering grants to Haworth businesses to make the village more authentic is announced by English Heritage and Bradford Council. Full story HERE

An interesting piece about the proposed restoration of Top Withens. HERE

Just over the hill from us in Pendle, birthplace of our Editor, an ancient cottage has been unearthed.
Hear the story from the BBC HERE

With Voice of the Valleys you have a long shelf life in front of real readers, not a long life on a shelf!
Is your advertising proving its worth to you? Or is it not worth the money? Our advertising rates will not be beaten, our editorial quality will not be matched.

Welcome to Voice of the Valleys on line
.
Voice of the Valleys is a free, honest to goodness, old fashioned print newspaper covering local issues, history, trade and the views of the community. It is available from selected outlets in the Worth & Aire Valleys, Spar, Co-op, shops & information centres, and a host of other community based locations. It is also delivered house to house each month by our own dedicated team of distributors in selected areas.

If you are unable to pick up a copy of the print paper then  it is available on subscription from voiceofthevalleys@gmail.com .   

On this site you will also find more in depth coverage of the articles in the newspaper, so please click on the links to delve deep into the heart of one of Britain's most famous and exciting locations and its people.

Graham Smith - Editor and Publisher