Page 21 - 2021 Almanac

It is tempting not to go outside at all in January if you can help it! However, often it’s better to be out in the cold than to be inside staring miserably at it through the window.
‘Poohsticks’ is a good game for this time of year as the rivers and streams are usually quite high and so the water is flowing fast.
Poohsticks
This game comes from the lovely stories of the bear Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne. Pooh plays the game with his friends Christopher Robin and Piglet.
1 First, you need to find a narrow bridge over a stream or river. Then you need to find a small stick for each person who wants to play.
2 Line up along the bridge, facing the flow of the river – in other words, the water should be flowing towards you and running under the bridge away from you.
3 Hold your sticks over the edge. Be very careful not to lean too far!
4 Choose one person to be the judge – they must say, “Ready, steady,
go!” and then everyone drops their stick straight down into the river. Do not cheat by throwing your stick under the bridge!
5 Run to the other side of the bridge and watch the sticks come out. The first one to appear is the winner!
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