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Hi Everyone

The 2010 Final Third completed the Yellow Badge criteria with flying colours. The photo turned out great. Well done everyone!. I know it wasn’t an easy task so give yourselves a pat on the back. Everybody can’t make the grade as you well know from the others that started with you (what seems like an eon ago), who did not complete the course. Your persistent dedication paid off and you can rightly call yourselves the ‘Magnificent Seven’. (David S absent)I think a special mention to Frances is well worth while, whose enduring commitment, drive and determination achieved her goal. Well done Fran!
Once again well done.

MC

Image also on Pictures Galore > Tai Chi Qigong HCA

The offender

Dawn being arrested

The 11th August 2010 was a special club night for Dawn Clark one of our long serving instructors who is getting married to Gary Palmer on 18th August at Gretna Green over the forbidden border of Scotland.
With days of planning by the event committee consisting of Mitzi, Joy and Colin who were sworn to the utmost secrecy. The master plan was almost foiled when Dawn decided to arrive early putting the committee into disarray and near panic, however after taking many deep breaths we more or less got things ready under the very nose of Dawn.
It was time for the remainder of the club members (who knew nothing about the master plan) to arrive for the evening Tai Chi session.
The bell was rung vigorously and loud by the Town Crier summoning all TCQHC members, informing them that a special event was about to take place, calling out the familiar words of the town crier: “ Oh yea – Oh yea – Oh yea” “The TCQHC club hereby declare that Miss Dawn Clark is being arrested for breaking the byelaws of Gorleston in the Royal County of Norfolk by attempting to cross the border to the Scottish town of Gretna Green for the purpose of marriage.

The Sheriff together with her deputy sheriff will escort Miss Clark to the club dungeon to be held until further notice.” Dawn was duly arrested, as the sheriffs whistle was blown clearing the way while escorting the offender to the club dungeon (a room out of sight of the hall.) where she was dressed in her wedding like garments by the lady in waiting and presented with a bouquet of flowers.

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Meanwhile the Town Crier was frantically organising the Guard of Honour, consisting of the remainder of the club members, by utilising broadswords and Taiji sticks to form a wedding arch at the hall entrance.

With everything ready to proceed and with the arch in place the Town Crier called out “bring out the prisoner”. This was done to the sound of ‘I’m getting married in the morning’ (sung by Stanley Holloway.)

The Bride’s face by now was showing complete astonishment and surprise as she approached the hall entrance accompanied by the Lady in Waiting / Sheriff.

Gaurd of honour

Dawn slowly walked through the Guard of Honour arch, with the paparazzi cameras clicking and flashing. She looked a real picture while she posed for more photographs.
This was the opportunity for the Town Crier to change into his Glasgow Jimmy hat with effective red hair flowing from his tartan bonnet.

By now the whole club was in riotous laughter. The deputy sheriff then presented Dawn with the club wedding present and card. The Mace Bearer took up his position at the head of the procession to lead the wedding party round the hall to the good old Scottish tune of ‘Marie’s Wedding’ ,showing off the bride in all her glory. The Guard of Honour, plus other members, followed on cheering and calling out their best wishes.

The parade eventually came to a halt when the Mace Bearer announced best wishes and good luck for the future to the bride and absent groom, thanking all the TCQHC members for taking part in the club style special celebration event, this closed the celebrations for sending Dawn of to Scotland. Everybody was on a high by now but It was now time to do some Tai Chi.

The cast in order of appearance was:

The Bride – Dawn Clark
Town Crier and Mace Bearer – Colin Orr
Sheriff and Lady in Waiting – Mitzi Orr
Deputy Sheriff and Assist to the Lady in waiting and runner – Joy Woodgate

Supporting cast: A multitude of TCQHC club members
Special thanks to the photographers: Helen and Louise

(Click on images to enlarge) click here for more pictures.

Gaurd of honour 2

Send off parade

Town Crier & Mace Bearer

This is the end

Just good Friends

Parade 2

We  received an email from a member of the club just the other day which has been very encouraging, such positive feed back helps us to maintain the high standard we are proud of at the TCQHC. His words are self explanatory and help anyone who may be struggling with the Tai Chi form. It shows what can be achieved with a little dedication and perseverance

His words speak for themselves……………….. 

Dear Colin & Mitzi,

I completed the Yang Chen-fu form all the way through during the last
session (with just a few hesitations ) which was a long held
ambition of mine – as you may remember when I first started at the club
nearly two years ago. Quite emotional. I am now enjoying learning the
stick form immensely. Half way thro’ learning the second third, like a few people, I was
struggling – but here we are, ready to refine it all and go on.

I know there’s other members in the club who feel the same way
about learning the form; the moments of doubt when the second third seemed interminable and the sheer delight to reach the end of the final third.

He continued to say ‘your club is absolutely lovely, it challenges and rewards at the same time.
I looked at several Tai Chi clubs in and around Norwich two years ago,
and none came anywhere near your very high standards.
So thank you for running such a smashing club’,

Yours Eric D

Conclusion:

MC says on the subject of learning Tai Chi: When you may find your learning is difficult in parts do not be disheartened, we’ve all been there.

Introduce stress relief interludes in your learning program; Stop for a few moments, perhaps sit down have a chat and just relax or meditate, do what you feel you want to do as this will help to refresh your internal energy – Qi.

Hi Everyone,
It was a really good session for the end of term last night; it was good to see the weapon groups out in the playground sunshine. We now have our two weeks break returning on 7th July.

I was pretty well much back on form last night but still taking it easy with the groin strain.
As always this term was a busy one. Thanks to all of you who made Mitzi’s 76th birthday one to remember with the surprise club birthday card and the sounds of ‘Happy Birthday to you’ resounding through the hall. Mitzi was over the moon and says thank you for your caring thoughts. Our thanks to Joy for secretly passing the card round for signing.

The now Second Third Group are progressing really well under the guidance and watchful eye of Mitzi and the Assistants; it does get easier I promise!

The Final Third are now into their revision and are due for completion on 11th August. This last lap will include three more weeks of revision plus oral exams and written paper over the last two weeks with certificates and badges awarded on the following final week.

We are pleased to announce that Vincent P will be starting his assistant’s trial period on return from the break. Vincent has shown outstanding progress and commitment to the TCQHC since joining the club. He has helped out assisting, not only at the TCQHC sessions, but also at the Monday Rejuvenation Club. I’m sure he will make a good Purple Badge Assistant after his trial period after next term.

The Stick Group are progressing under the watchful eye of John H and doing just fine.
The Broadsword Group are progressing with refinements and corrections, those who haven’t their competence certificate and badge will have the chance to take the competence review in the new term.

The Wild Goose Qigong group are still diligently working through 2nd 64 moves with Mitzi. I have designed a new Wild Goose competence badge which should be ready to view next term.

We have four display events coming up for the remainder of this summer, further details can be found on the club blog nearer the dates.

We start off with a free time practice on the Cliff Tops, when all club members are more than welcome, on 4th of July.
The practice session is followed by a community display at the Lawns in Great Yarmouth on 10th July.
The 18th July will be at Belton & Browston Fun Day.
The 1st August is at our old favourite venue the Cliff Top Gala.
And lastly another favourite, the Hopton Rotary Club Community Fete’ on 15th August .
These fixtures will all be ‘full’ displays which includes the Broadsword and Stick forms. Come along and support the Club at these up coming events.

Any member interested in joining the display team? I’m looking to increase the members for the occasional demonstration during the summer months. The minimum requirement is the completion of the first third of the Yang Cheng-fu form. If you are Interested then pop along to the free time practice on 4th July on the Cliff Tops starting 10:00 for 1 hour or sor drop me a line.

On the subject of personal practice time: Years ago I used to say practice regularly, I now say practice when you can and when you want to; feel that need to practice but try to make it regular while you learn. To achieve full benefits from Tai Chi and Qigong it should be practiced every day. Once a week at the club is not enough for the ultimate understanding and benefits that Tai Chi and Qigong can give you.

Many members have been asking me how my groin injury is healing, thank you all for your concerns:  After somehow injuring my groin a month ago, laying me up with severe pain, a student said to me “you should be OK with practicing the healing arts of Tai Chi and Qigong”? I gave a wry smile and reminded the student that the internal arts are not miracle workers and that we are all human with various weaknesses, but what you can expect is a faster healing process to re-balance the internal energy Qi, Mitzi for one is proof of that. We should practice when we can to ward off such unforeseen health problems. In addition don’t frown on Western medicine, alternative medicine has its place in healing, I’ve always said they can work side by side helping to cure ill health. My injury is coming along fine with the help of western medicine and Eastern philosophy and your best wishes, thank you all.

Finally Mitzi and I would like to yet again thank you all for your continued support without which there wouldn’t be a vibrant club, sharing the high level of Qi you all generate, this of course includes the Monday Rejuvenation Club.

We hope you all have a great beak and we look forward to seeing you all on 7th July.
Yours in Tai Chi & Qigong.
MC

How to avoid the volcanic dust cloud when flying:

For ease of flying just pop down to Lavenham in Suffolk and experience flying the big birds of prey. this was my birthday present from Mitzi and what a fabulous present it turned out to be!  I didn’t really know what to expect but if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly these majestic birds then you must have a go. A full day’s workshop was something else, flying Hawks and Owls.

We started the day with tea/coffee and a talk on the history of falconry and a description of some of the magnificent birds we would fly during the day. Our teacher and professional falconer Steve showed us how to make some of the leather equipment worn by the birds. We then moved on to the importance of weighing birds of prey, explaining why and how this must be done before each flight.

Under the wing of Steve, I flew a number of hawks and owls, a fantastic experience. It was by now time for a lunch break at the local pub.

After lunch we flew a Harris Hawk and Eurasian Eagle Owl weighing over three and a half pounds  for the start of the afternoon flying session and set off into the fields. On our return Steve gave a flying demonstration of the Gyr Saker Falcon. That was something else seeing this bird swoop down towards the the bait at something like 70mph (they can reach up to 110mph). To finish the day we had the honour to fly a new professor white faced scops owl a cute small ball of fluff. We are now looking forward to returning in the Autumn to experience flying a Great Black Eagle.

Anybody who has the slightest interest in this sport should experience being as one with these magnificent creatures.

Eat your heart out Harry Potter!!!

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Hi Everyone,

2010 First Third

Another great session last night culminating with the first third group receiving their completion certificates. click on photo to enlarge.

Just a reminder we are holding a free time get together with the display team practice on the Cliff Tops on 23^rd May weekend following this weekend, meet at 10:00 nothing formal just a get together, lets hope the weather is reasonable.

Mitzi and I are off to Lavenham this weekend for my birthday present – a full day Falconry Experience, I’ve always fancied flying the big birds.

See you all next week and I’ll let you know if I got attacked by a bird of prey!!!

Yours in Tai Chi & Qigong

Colin & Mitzi Orr – TCQHC Association -  Principal Instructors