Last weekend saw a gathering of many of the volunteers who help to run the Society, to work together to deepen their understanding, meet up with old friends, and make some new ones. Master Moy taught us not only how to improve our health through the Taoist arts, but also how to run the organisation that he founded. This was always part of the training that is offered, and the weekend workshop was a good example of that training in action.
Around 75 members came from all over Great Britain, from as far away as Inverness. The intrepid band of travellers from the Highlands & Islands had a long journey, flying into Gatwick, but they were met by members travelling up from the Kent & Sussex branch and brought to the Centre, in the true spirit of helping others.
The company was certainly first rate, but also so was the cooking! A small group of volunteers from the Cambridge branch worked tirelessly through the weekend to keep everyone well fed and watered, and it was very much appreciated.
It was certainly a happy weekend, and we can even forgive the folks who decided on an early breakfast on Sunday morning of barbecued toast, which resulted in a rather rude awakening for those still abed. After all, we might otherwise have missed seeing the wonderful pink and yellow streaked dawn over the heavily frosted car park, whilst awaiting a visit from our wonderful fire service. Still, no harm done, and some even went back to bed!
Everyone worked really hard, and we covered an awful lot over the weekend, but we also found time to choose the winning design for the Year of the Ox t-shirt, so here is a sneak preview - coming to a t-shirt near you soon. Congratulations to Sandra Brandao, who made it two in a row, as she also designed last year's Year of the Rat shirt, which has proved to be our most popular shirt to date.The Saturday evening session proved especially popular, with groups talking together late into the evening. Many participants appreciated the opportunity to spend 'quality time' with others who fill similar roles, sharing the trials and tribulations, tea and sympathy, but also solutions and support, and much laughter (with only the merest hint of hysteria attached to the latter).
