MARCH 2014 REPORT

WI REPORT MARCH 2014

 

Our visiting speaker at our March meeting was Jazmin Valasco, an expert in T'ai chi ch'uan.

 

T'ai chi ch'uan often shortened to t'ai chi is a Chinese martial art practised for both its defence training and its health benefits. The term T'ai chi ch'uan translates as "supreme ultimate fist". It is typified by some for its slow movements but secondary forms have a faster pace. Some traditional schools teach partner exercises known as tuishou "pushing hands" and martial applications of the taolu's "forms" postures.

 

So we presented ourselves dressed in loose clothing and comfortable footwear for an evening of, what some of us thought would be, meditative movements in a relaxed environment. We began with a salutation, pressing our fist to our palm and bowing. Jazmin introduced us to graceful, measured, fluid moves with exotic names coupled with controlled breathing as a warm-up. These slow movements seemed effortless and benign.

 

 However, this was just the beginning of a session designed to bring out the more physical instincts in our usually mild- mannered ladies. We were paired up and there was no question of playing nicely. We were introduced to martial acts of self-defence against our partners which, had we been more skilled, might have led to a trail of broken limbs and life- threatening neck wounds!  Fortunately, in spite of Jazmin's expert guidance and modelling of moves, no-one was harmed in the proceedings!!!!!! The only pain experienced was the result of helpless laughter from the sight of our ungainly intertwined, writhing limbs.

 

Club activities for March included a Craft morning on 15^th March and a WI Diners’ lunch at Isle of Purbeck Golf Club on Friday 28^th March.

 

The Group Meeting, for local WIs, will take place on Thursday 8^th April at Broadmayne with speaker, Colin Varndell, Wildlife Photographer. Other County activities in the near future include:-An Archery Course in May at Gorcombe Park, Blandford; A Science Lunch at Athelhampton House in July with Dr Zoe Laughlin;

An outing to Buckingham Palace in September.

 

Future local events include our next meeting on Wednesday 2^nd April which is our AGM. After the serious business of the evening, including electing a new committee, we will engage in Line Dancing a la Charleston! We encourage everyone to arrive with a suggestion of the 1920’s- a feather or boa will do, or, for the more adventurous, something with a flapper theme. There is no pressure for the reluctant to engage in the dancing, spectating is completely acceptable! Do come and join us for an entertaining evening!

 

Halina Simpson

 

WI REPORT MARCH 2014

 

Our visiting speaker at our March meeting was Jazmin Valasco, an expert in T'ai chi ch'uan.

T'ai chi ch'uan often shortened to t'ai chi is a Chinese martial art practised for both its defence training and its health benefits. The term T'ai chi ch'uan translates as "supreme ultimate fist". It is typified by some for its slow movements but secondary forms have a faster pace. Some traditional schools teach partner exercises known as tuishou "pushing hands" and martial applications of the taolu's "forms" postures.

So we presented ourselves dressed in loose clothing and comfortable footwear for an evening of, what some of us thought would be, meditative movements in a relaxed environment. We began with a salutation, pressing our fist to our palm and bowing. Jazmin introduced us to graceful, measured, fluid moves with exotic names coupled with controlled breathing as a warm-up. These slow movements seemed effortless and benign.

 However, this was just the beginning of a session designed to bring out the more physical instincts in our usually mild- mannered ladies. We were paired up and there was no question of playing nicely. We were introduced to martial acts of self-defence against our partners which, had we been more skilled, might have led to a trail of broken limbs and life- threatening neck wounds!  Fortunately, in spite of Jazmin's expert guidance and modelling of moves, no-one was harmed in the proceedingClub activities for March included a Craft morning on 15^th March and a WI Diners’ lunch at Isle of Purbeck Golf Club on Friday 28^th March.

 

The Group Meeting, for local WIs, will take place on Thursday 8^th April at Broadmayne with speaker, Colin Varndell, Wildlife Photographer. Other County activities in the near future include:-An Archery Course in May at Gorcombe Park, Blandford; A Science Lunch at Athelhampton House in July with Dr Zoe Laughlin;

An outing to Buckingham Palace in September.

 

Future local events include our next meeting on Wednesday 2^nd April which is our AGM. After the serious business of the evening, including electing a new committee, we will engage in Line Dancing a la Charleston! We encourage everyone to arrive with a suggestion of the 1920’s- a feather or boa will do, or, for the more adventurous, something with a flapper theme. There is no pressure for the reluctant to engage in the dancing, spectating is completely acceptable! Do come and join us for an entertaining evening!

 

Halina Simpson