With the country on lockdown, and time spent outside in open spaces restricted, the Internet has never played a bigger part in keeping us connected.

Many hobbies and activities that you enjoy are still available for you to make the most of. It’s all about creatively adapting your favourite pasttime or hobby to enjoy online, indoors and from the comfort of your own home.

Crucially, the digital world doesn’t need to keep to the strict timetable and conditions of the analogue.

Activities can be pursued when it suits you, night or day. It takes a while to adapt, setting up your own routine and ensuring your health and wellbeing, and that of your family's, is prioritised. But in the coming days, you'll notice there will be periods of calm and quiet when you are able to enjoy any number of activities that you don't need to step a foot outside to benefit from!

Take a look at just some of what is on offer below.

Art & Culture

While we can't come together in person, art can help us to stay connected, creative and calm.

Tate

Stay inspired at home and discover 4,000 artists and 78,000 artworks online via the link above. 

Royal Academy

Visit the RA and subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates and art activities to keep children entertained.

Alternatively, nothing prohibits creativity within your own home, garden or nearest quiet space.

Theatre

You can now watch world-class theatre from home. Join the National Theatre live every Thursday for much-loved productions, free to stream on YouTube for seven days. Visit their website here

For the first time in its history, the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow has announced that it will broadcast several classical opera and ballet performances (known as the "Golden Series") live on the theatre's YouTube channel for free viewing.
 

Bridge and Backgammon
If you've ever wanted to learn to play bridge, go to No Fear Bridge
Alternatively, for Apple users download the app iBridgePlus 

Backgammon Galaxy – www.backgammongalaxy.com
A new and popular online server, run by Danish grandmaster Marc Olsen, where both amateurs and grandmasters play together. The design is fresh and easy to use making it ideal for beginners. 
DailyGammon– www.dailygammon.com
A free, and fun, online turn-based site with some top players and a discussion forum. Play is not live so you can make your moves whenever convenient. All players have a rating which is determined by matches won and lost in the numerous site tournaments.

Book Clubs

Missing the intellectual stimulus of your book club? Why not set up an online group for members? Zoom, Skype or Teams make it easy for you to dial in and discuss the latest literary phenomenon. Alternatively, if you prefer to go it alone you could log onto Good Reads where you can contribute to reviews and discussions, and read what others have to say.

Social Media at FHS

Did you know that Francis Holland School has a vibrant social media presence? Keep up to date with all the school's news here - with Remote Learning in full-swing, the school remains a hub of activity, albeit from home!

Instagram: @FHSregentspark

Facebook: Francis Holland Regent's Park Quondam Alumni Association

Twitter: @FHSRegentsPark
 

Exercise

Nothing beats exercising outdoors, but in absence of a garden or nearby park, and bearing in mind current restrictions, online workout regimes are fast becoming a popular way to keep fit. YouTube has plenty of exercise workouts, including the popular-with-kids daily 9am workout, PE with Joe.