Mechanics Hall new home for Tai Chi classes

Jan 10 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Mechanics Hall new home for Tai Chi classes

A COMMUNITY hall is aiming to boost people’s health by offering fitness classes.

Longwood Mechanics Hall is home to Tai Chi classes – a low-impact marital art which promotes relaxation and builds fitness and strength.

Manager Derek Fairbank said the classes, along with proposed yoga and pilates, were introduced after feedback from users and the community, so instructor James Lucas started leading a new beginners class last week.

Mr Fairbank said: “The idea came as part of our refurbishment of the hall and us asking people what activities they wanted to see. Hopefully it’s something that will take off and people will enjoy.

“We’ve done a lot at the hall over the last two years, we’ve removed asbestos, replaced the toilets and generally given the hall a make-over.

“We’ve also had a new front porch which has made a big difference to the building, its improved the appearance and accessibility of the building.”

The refurbishment has allowed organisers of the hall to welcome more people, from the Wednesday night youth group to the Over 55s games sessions.

There is also a tennis table group and organisers want to attract a dance or stage school to use the hall.

“The reaction has been very positive, we’ve got a lot more people attending the hall and they are giving us good feedback,” Mr Fairbank added.

Tai Chi classes take place every Wednesday from 7-8pm and every Friday from 2-3pm.