We do like our anniversaries and celebrations in the Society - any excuse for a get together, some tai chi, some good food, good company etc.
Last Saturday was a good example. The South East Essex branch celebrated 20 years since the first class in that area, and an all-day event was organised at the Hullbridge Community Centre. Throughout the day, local members were joined by those from further afield (including Suffolk, Cambridge, and South Wales!). An East Anglia Regional Committee meeting was an interesting start, and things got into full swing with an intensive, most ably run by Edyta Barker, and attended by 143 members. By all accounts it was a bit cosy in the hall with that number!
Last Saturday was a good example. The South East Essex branch celebrated 20 years since the first class in that area, and an all-day event was organised at the Hullbridge Community Centre. Throughout the day, local members were joined by those from further afield (including Suffolk, Cambridge, and South Wales!). An East Anglia Regional Committee meeting was an interesting start, and things got into full swing with an intensive, most ably run by Edyta Barker, and attended by 143 members. By all accounts it was a bit cosy in the hall with that number!
Later, long-time member Crispin Barker, who is a qualified Physiotherapist, gave a fascinating and informative talk on Tai Chi and the body, with much humour, and using some novel visual aids (one involved attaching polo mints to a large inflatable ball - don't ask! something to do with receptors and effectors!!). Over 150 members listened with rapt attention as Crispin took us on an exploration through the wonders of the body on a microscopic scale.
Following that around 100 members stayed on to share a meal together and listen to some of the founding members of the branch reminisce about some of the trials and tribulations of those early days. Nowadays the branch has grown to over 430 members with over 30 classes throughout the region. The day finished with 40 members practicing some Taoist chanting, a fittingly serene end to a well-organised and enjoyable day.
