Clacton
It was mostly clear bright sunny day with a distant haze out at sea which dissipated slowly to reveal the Majestic Wind Farm out in the Estuary.
Upon meeting on the promenade and for car owners free parking along the promenade, we descended the steep steps to the beach.
The sand was soft and a little bumpy in places. So I knew we were in for a bit of a bumpy ride.
A little early for the 10 o’clock start, so we proceed to practise our foundation movements led by Cheryl McIntosah
Then as ten approached Lisa counted us down and we all bowed on the first stroke of 10.
A few wobbles as the variable nature of sand had surprises for us, now and then, leading to some unusual angles. Laughter, then carrying on, ending with a round of applause from us and from some passers by/watchers.
Decided we would walk up the beach to a concrete area in front of the cafe for our second set, plus our planned coffee break. On arrival, a board outside the cafe apologising for the sudden closure due to the account of the owner having an operation..
But being stalwarts we lined our sleeves up on the concrete base and performed our second set.
After which some discussion about the next move led to some going to a cafe in Clacton. Some, to known cafes on the journey home. Some just sat on the benches admiring the beautiful view.
About 30 members attended and a very enjoyable time was had by all. So lucky with the amazing weather.
Judy
Danbury
This year while the main event was held in Clacton there were additional meetings and one was in Danbury.
It’s a great feeling starting a set with fellow members of our Academy when you know that around the world millions of others are sharing the day either just ahead of us or waiting until 10.00 in their time zone. It’s also good to practice outside, the weather being great, warm and sunny, unlike last year where practice required rain coats and thermals and ‘creep low like snake’ could have been considered a ‘dangerous sport’
Following our countdown we started punctually at 10.00 completing two sets followed by a general informal tea, coffee and cake meeting.
A lot of us commented that they felt there was something very special about taking part in this day, of being part of a global community of Tai Chi players putting ring of tai chi around the world.
Nick
Photos by Shirley
Birchanger
In recent years World Tai Chi Day has been celebrated by the Birchanger class on the Petanque pitch at the Social Club because Maldon and Clacton are too far to drive for this western outpost of ETCA. A Baker’s Dozen of us turned up on a grey and slightly chilly morning – at least is didn’t rain like last year. We were joined by our much missed Class Assistant John who has been on Carer’s Duty recently.
The first set was mildly marred by my attempt at a short cut, terminated by a voice from the back reminding us ‘don’t forget the Cock’ which caused a ripple of amusement. Refreshed by coffee and home made bread pudding the second set went smoothly until I forgot the closing bow. Oh, the Joys of Tai Chi, relaxing, calming and forgiving.
Cait Goddard
Class Instructor
Phil was unable to join in with one of our organised sets as he and Linda were organising a weekend of French dance in Suffolk. However, he managed to fit in the first 17 moves whilst setting up his event.
As I was hors de combat I was only able to do a few of the foundation exercises for ten minutes but I was thinking how nice it would have been to do a full set outside. Barrie
Received from a member
WORLD TAI CHI DAY
I joined the Academy six months ago, and what a privilege it has been. In Clacton we are very fortunate that there are three classes close by, Clacton, Little Clacton and Colchester, with wonderful Instructors namely, Cheryl, Bob and Phil, not forgetting Shirley and Frank, who give us corrections so politely.
The icing on the cake was taking part at Holland-On-Sea last Saturday, celebrating with Tai Chi Members, all over the world at 10am. The group gathered at 9.30am on the beach, ‘limbered up’ with some foundation exercises, in readiness for the event on a beautiful sunny morning. Thank you Lisa, and everyone involved in running The Academy, for all your hard work, the Club is amazing.
