'Start Of British Summer Time', March 29

With the clocks going forward and British Summer Time beginning, the days suddenly feel longer, brighter, and full of fresh possibility. The lighter evenings often lift mood, encourage people outdoors, and gently signal that spring is truly on its way. For many older adults this seasonal shift can spark lovely reminiscence about changing the clocks by hand, longer days in the garden, evening walks, spring holidays, and the feeling that winter is finally behind us.

Today’s CST Song Of The Day – The Times They Are a-Changin’ by Bob Dylan is a perfect musical match. The song captures the sense of change, movement, and the turning of time itself. It can open up rich group discussion around how life has changed over the years — fashions, music, family routines, technology, work, and even how people used to remember putting the clocks forward and back.

A lovely CST prompt might be: “What changes in time do you remember most — the seasons, the clocks, or the way life itself has changed?” This can lead naturally into conversation, memory sharing, and emotional connection, all supported by the familiar rhythm and thoughtful lyrics of Dylan’s classic song.

When the clocks go forward and British Summer Time begins, many people notice an immediate lift in mood. The main benefit is lighter evenings, which make the day feel longer and more enjoyable. More daylight in the late afternoon and evening often encourages people to spend extra time outdoors, whether that means a gentle walk, sitting in the garden, meeting friends, or simply enjoying the sunshine through the window.

The extra daylight can also bring a natural boost to wellbeing. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health and can improve mood and energy levels. For older adults especially, brighter evenings may encourage activity, social interaction, and conversation — all very valuable in CST sessions.

There is also a lovely seasonal and emotional benefit. The clocks changing often signals that spring is properly here. It can prompt warm reminiscence about family routines, remembering to change the clocks by hand, children playing out later, gardening, spring cleaning, and the sense that winter is finally giving way to brighter days.

A useful CST discussion starter could be: “What did lighter evenings mean to you in years gone by?” This often leads to memories of outdoor games, holidays, evening walks, gardening, or family tea times in the sunshine.

Next, you could ask members to list some different kinds of clocks ...

And carry on singing along with some other songs about time ...