Upton St Leonard's WI

WITH fun and humour our speaker Robert Agur Hutton gave a demonstration and talk on Tai Chi or Tai Ji, originating 3,500 years ago from China when poor people trekked through dangerous terrain and needed to defend themselves with quick, sudden arm and leg movements, surprising their assailants, inflicting damage they managed to survive.

Later in transition Tai Chi evolved for health and fitness but also as a martial arts pursuit, even being taught to the Emperor's bodyguard.

Robert said stress can suppress the immune system, but with slow breathing and minimal energy known as 'Qi Geng', Tai Chi exercises can help relax, restore rhythm, balance and energies to our bodies and is even known to offset osteoporosis.

His demonstration with many controlled moves with interesting names like, part the wild horses mane, single whip, strum the lute, white crane spreads wings, shown in the movements to form a collection of eight moves one step.

We were encouraged to join in the exercises which can also be done sat in a chair.

Robert's excitable charisma caught his audience with many ladies keen to learn more.

A warm round of applause followed with a vote of thanks from Dot Glover.

Reports were given by the following ladies, Diane Thomas spoke highly of her day at Buckingham Palace the Royal Garden Party, walking, talking, the delicious cream tea and viewing HRH Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall in the distance.

Marlene spoke on our enjoyable, interesting day at the Guide Dog's National Breeding Centre near Leamington Spa.

Helen Thorn and friends attended the 'County Picnic' at Highnam Court on a perfect summers day.

Pauline Windo visited the Cheltenham Synagogue giving a detailed history of the building.

Our president Lynne Cook represented us at the Royal Albert Hall in London for our NFWI Centenary AM celebrations with our patron Her Majesty the Queen in attendance, HRH The Princess Royal and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

What a busy summer it has been for all of us and we look forward to more events in the autumn.