GREAT HARWOOD DISTRICT WI
NICOLE Gardner from England Netball informed members about a new enjoyable way of keeping fit while having a good time.
Over 320 WIs are now interested in taking up a scheme called the WI and Walking Netball Programme, which helps local WIs play netball.
The WI scheme provides support for twenty games - a host and equipment.
Most have played netball at school but walking netball is played at a walking pace, running means that the ball goes to the other team.
Sessions are adapted to everybody’s needs, eg. a softer ball can be used, frequent breaks can be taken and it does not matter if the ball is dropped.
Games usually last for one to one and a half hours.
Comfortable clothes and flat shoes such as trainers are worn.
Anyone who can walk for half an hour could play.
It is played inside, the court size being adapted if necessary.
A video showed a game in action with no jumping, running and no contact between players.
Two teams of seven are needed, they could come from different institutes if necessary.
Playing netball gets you fit, helps circulation and improves general health: new skills are learned and players have a laugh, those who have played it have all ‘had a good time’.
During the next Women’s Institute monthly meeting Donna McKno will talk about Dotty Art.
This will be at Bank Mill House at 2pm on Wednesday, September 11 when visitors and prospective members will be welcome.
CIVIC ARTS CENTRE
FIVE young home educated students have achieved awards in the creative Arts through the Trinity College, London, Arts Award scheme.
All five attend sessions at the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre.
Grace Fee received a Bronze Arts Award in Photography, Kori O’Brien received a Silver Arts Award in Craft, Amy Withington and Chloe Louise Walker-Smith both received Silver Arts Awards in Dance and Jessica Robinson received a Gold Arts Award in Photography.
Arts Awards are nationally recognised awards, with a Silver being the equivalent of a pass at GCSE and Gold the equivalent of an A level.
The Civic Arts Centre and Theatre runs many Arts Award sessions for Home Educated students during term time.
The Civic Arts Centre is also running a special one-day Bronze Arts Award session during the summer holidays on August 5.
The day will run from 9am to 4pm and is for ages 11+.
If anyone is interested please contact the Civic on 01254 398 319 or info@ civicartscentre.co.uk for more details and booking.
ACCRINGTON LIONS
FOLLOWING a successful year Lion President Richard Gibson has handed over the chain of office to incoming President Suzzan Gilbert during a celebration of the past year with family AND friends at Globe Bullough Park.
During his year as president Richard has overseen the annual events such as boxing, toy appeal, Halloween, world down syndrome fun day, afternoon tea for the elderly, youth awards as well as introducing a new activity of a colour run which will now go on to become an annual event.
This year also saw Accrington Lions having a representative in the national Young Ambassador competition in Chloe Bonner.
It is the first time in over a decade that the club has been represented in the competition.
Lion Richard said: “It has been a new and enjoyable experience for me. When I joined Accrington Lions I would never have thought that I would do the role of president.
“It has been a real boost to my confidence.
“It is definitely something I would consider doing again in the future.”
New president Suzzan also has plans for her upcoming year.
To go with her passion for dogs and animal welfare she would like to do an activity around dog agility.
Lion Suzzan’s appointment continues a trend within the club of newer, younger members taking on the role of president.
Vice president for the incoming year is Lion May Edmundson and 2nd vice president is Lion Simon Farmer.