So hopefully, the Chad’s guide to things to and places to go can at least brighten up your weekend. There are events and activities lined up across Mansfield, Ashfield and the wider Nottinghamshire area that you can get stuck into to lift your spirits.
Appropriately, one of the main ones is designed to boost the way you feel because the Mansfield Spiritual and Wellbeing Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the Civic Centre. Talks, demonstrations and exhibitors focus on the mind, body and spirit, and there are even readings by psychics and mediums.
If music is the spice of life, then Mansfield’s Palace Theatre is also the place to be, with a live concert by 1980s’ chart-toppers Odyssey (remember them?) and shows highlighting Whitney Houston and Motown legends.
The kids might be back at school, but there is still lots going on for them to enjoy, including a circus, musical adventures and an activity trail.
Add to that a photography exhibition, an art exhibition, Ashfield's Big Spring Clean and the chance to explore your family tree, and it’s clear there’s no excuse for moping about!
Please check the websites of your chosen venues for admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!
5. Use it up and wear it out -- again!
Remember the chart-topping hit, 'Use It Up And Wear It Out', of 1980? Well, the band behind the song, Odyssey, are still going strong and heading for Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Friday night. They will be reliving their glory days as one of the most successful soul/disco acts of the era, bringing to life other smash-hit singles such as 'Native New Yorker' and 'Going Back To My Roots'. Photo: Submitted
6. Circus spectacular
Fearless acrobats and daredevil stuntmen guarantee maximum thrills at a circus spectacular just a short train journey away at The Forest recreation ground (Goose Fair site) in Nottingham, starting on Friday. Circus Zyair features more than 30 adrenaline-fuelled performers from across the globe. A dazzling combination of high energy, jaw-dropping talent and an electric atmosphere promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The circus, which does not involve animals, runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until March 12. Photo: Submitted
7. Join the big clean-up
The Big Ashfield Spring Clean is under way across the district for the sixth time, so why not get involved? Community litter-picks are being held in Kirkby and Selston next week, while on Saturday, flying skips will be out and about in Sutton, Skegby, Huthwaite, Stanton Hill, Tibshelf and Teversal, collecting excess and bulky waste such as toys and furniture. Check the Ashfield District Council website for full details. Photo: Submitted
8. Delve into your family history
Ever fancied delving into your family history and perhaps creating your own family tree? Well, now is your chance because, just down the road at Arnold Library on Front Street, a session explaining how to do it is being held next Wednesday (2 pm). Librarians will demonstrate features of the online research tool ancestry.com, who is free to use in many public libraries. Photo: Submitted