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Tai Chi at Barmouth Beach
WIDOWER Dave Rowley thought he'd finally have to slow down when he developed arthritis in his knees after a life- time of adventures.
So the 72-year-old turned to the ancient Chinese practice of tai chi, and discovered his lottery-funded weekly classes in Barmouth opened up a whole new social life for him - and put the brakes on his health problems.
This week Dave and his fellow tai chi practitioners, many of them also arthritis sufferers, decided to greet the sun with an early morning class, the first of the year, at Barmouth harbour.
Since 1994 more than £1 billion of Lottery funding has gone to projects supporting people's health and wellbeing. Some has been used to develop new schemes in the area, with classes at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Harlech, Barmouth, Llanelltyd and Morfa Bychan near Porthmadog.
Tai Chi Therapy (TCT) is a voluntary organisation teaching the low impact Chinese martial art to help sufferers of musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis, by improving flexibility and relieving pain. Their sessions are based on the theories of Australian Dr Paul Lam, world leader in the field of tai chi for health improvement.
Instructor and coordinator Celia Brown said: "Lottery funding made a big difference, helping us run new beginners' classes so more people can help improve their health and mobility.
"The form we teach has been adapted to make it as safe as possible. People feel better and get flexible. It is also very good for co- ordination and balance, and those are things that we lose as we get older."
As well as physical benefits, joining a group such as TCT has social benefits, bringing people together to take part in and enjoy activities in their local communities, often helping people through difficult times. Lottery players raise £25m a week for good causes and over half of Lottery grants are for less than £5,000, supporting people and communities across the UK.
Barmouth TCT group member Dave said: "My message is to get out there and try something new. It is easy to sit back when you retire yet there are all sorts of groups and activities out there to keep the brain and body active, and to meet new people."
He is also a keen walker and paints watercolours, "ready for when he is less mobile".
When he lost his wife nine years ago he hardly knew anyone in Wales, having moved from the Midlands and commuting to work there. He and his wife moved to Snowdonia because they loved the scenery, but she lost her fight to cancer at just 59.
He continued to work as a design engineer until he retired and now he's busier than ever. He is active in the University of the Third Age, learnt to ski at 66, to scuba dive at 68 and went trekking to Everest, all since retiring.
Dave said: "Wherever you live there are lots of wonderful projects out there for you to sample - why not give them a try?"
Details on local Lottery-funded projects to help you start a healthier 2009 visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
More details on tai chi for arthritis or classical yang family tai chi sessions in Gwynedd call Celia Brown on 01766 780345 or celiabrown@btinternet.com
Tai chi classes also Tuesday 3pm-4pm and Thursdays 7.30pm-9pm at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Hall, Jubilee Road, Buckley. Details from tutor Dave Devey 01244 540775
