Long-running Tai-Chi class offered by Central England Co-operative continues to thrive in Ilkeston

Posted by james brindle | Published: 03/07/2019


Central England Co-operative members in Ilkeston have been making firm friends and keeping active thanks to a Tai-Chi group that continues to go from strength to strength over a decade since it was formed.

The weekly sessions, held at the Flamsteed Centre, in Albert Street, remain one of the Society’s most popular classes more than 10 years since they first began and are one of the wide range on offer to members of Central England Co-op.

Tai-Chi combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements and is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise.

The group’s tutor John Collinson explained what the benefits of the classes are and why the Ilkeston group remains as popular as ever.

He said: “Tai-Chi has proven to be a very effective activity for improving health and wellbeing of all ages, but particularly as someone gets older as it can improve posture, balance and general mobility, as well as increasing muscle strength in the legs.

“It also helps reduce stress; it is a relaxing and enjoyable activity which allows those taking part to really relax and switch off from the outside world. I would encourage anyone to give it a go.

“We have a great group here in Ilkeston which also makes the sessions a fantastic place to meet people, socialise and have fun, all while enjoying the wellbeing benefits of Tai-Chi.”

This Co-op Fortnight, which runs until July 7 and aims to raise awareness of the co-operative movement and how it supports communities, the Society is shining a light on the fantastic array of groups available with Co-op membership, from keep fit to line dancing, photography to floristry.

Tanya Noon, Member and Community Relations Officer at Central England Co-op, said: “We are delighted to continue providing valuable opportunities for our communities to keep fit and active. “Health and wellbeing for all age groups is a key theme of what we do in the community, so it is fantastic to see our Tai-Chi member group in Ilkeston continuing to thrive and to see the firm friendships that have been made through the group over the years.

“All our member groups in Derbyshire receive great support through grants from our Northern Membership and Community Council (MCC), which is made up of Co-op members who are passionate about their community and want to make a difference within it.

“This class is one of many provided for the benefit of Central England Co-operative members and I would encourage people to take a look at what is out there and join in today.”

The Ilkeston Tai-Chi class takes place at the Flamsteed Centre, in Albert Street, Ilkeston, on Mondays 1.30pm to 3pm, and costs just £3 per session for Central England Co-op members.

Anyone can join a class, but would need to become a Co-op member. More information on membership and other classes in Derbyshire is available by calling 01543 414140 or emailing members@centralengland.coop

Notes to editors

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, travel shops, and property investment.

Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2019.

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

Rob Smyth and James Brindle at Central England Co-operative on 01543 421390

Email – publicrelations@centralengland.coop