THE first meeting of 2017 saw the Pershore and District U3A in a new venue, Wolstan Hall in Priest Lane, Pershore.

Barbara Bristow, who chairs the local group, explained that the move to the newly refurbished hall was necessary in order to accommodate the continuing growth in U3A membership over the past year. The refurbished kitchen also provided tea and coffee making facilities and the opportunity for members to socialise after the meeting.

The speaker at this meeting was Karen Harris-Wakenshaw who has 23 years’ experience as a fitness trainer and a postural alignment specialist. Her interest in postural alignment therapy began when her husband was diagnosed with a chronic back problem which traditional physiotherapy and chiropractice failed to address. She set about learning how the body is constructed and how poor posture can result in serious health problems. Karen qualified as a postural alignment therapist and has been working as a teacher and consultant in the area for the past 10 years.

Changes in job role, long hours spent sitting behind a desk or the wheel of a car and a more sedentary life style can all result in poor posture habits. This can lead to back problems and wear and tear on the joints, as the muscles weaken and forget how to hold your frame in its correct position. Karen explained that “age is no barrier to movement” and how with gentle exercise and correct postural alignment, your muscles can regain their movement, memory and function. Your posture is more important than you think and movement is the key to a healthy mind and body were the main messages of Karen’s talk and work.

‘The World of Magic‘ is the topic for U3A’s next meeting at the Wolston Hall from 2.15pm on Tuesday 21 February, when the speaker will be Bob King, a member of the Magic Circle. Bob will show the development of magic from ancient Egyptians up to modern day and will end with a classic stand up magic cabaret.

JOHN AIREY