Picnic in the Park July 2005
As
part of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the School, each Centre gathered
together all members who were available to play a Form on 16 July. We synchronised
it to begin at 3pm so the whole school was connected together nationwide.
In Birmingham we met in Highbury Park, Kings Heath, for a picnic beforehand.
A total of 61 people attended with students, family and friends. All eight
of the regular weekly classes were represented, plus some students who no
longer attend weekly classes but are still very much part of the school. The
weather was glorious and the atmosphere very relaxing.
For the School's 10th Anniversary we gathered in Cardiff (where RDTC was founded) and among the many events that marked that tenth year, had a dinner and dance for 450 people. There was a marked difference between those celebrations and this. By 2005 the school has matured into something with a real sense of community; the picnic in the park felt like a family gathering, very simple, very natural. There was no need for speeches - simply sharing some food, time and talk in good company; making connections between newer and older members; socialising between classmates who haven't had the space to talk before.
There
was a student from the very first RDTC Birmingham class, which was held in
1986, through to people who began this year. There was a one month old "Tai
Chi" baby, whose parents had attended classes throughout the pregnancy,
through to a long-time student who was 75 years of age this year, and 2 married
couples who first met their partners at Tai Chi classes. A real feeling of
family/community was present.
All of this and more made for an enjoyable and nourishing afternoon.
Yet more Celebrations!
RDTC Birmingham Celebrates
its 21st Anniversary 2007
Some of the members of RDTC Birmingham who gathered to share some Forms and
cake!
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At a celebratory Chinese banquet we had a lion dance (that's lion, not line!)
thanks to Jon Price, Luke Morgan, Mike Fowler and Monsie Smith
CHINESE
NEW YEAR - 7 February 2008
THE YEAR OF THE RAT
The Rat year is a year of plenty, bringing opportunity and good prospects. It will be marked by speculation and fluctuations in the prices of commodities and the stock market; the world economy in general will boom. Business will be on the upswing, fortunes can be made and it will be an easy time to accumulate wealth. However, this is also the time to make long-term investment plans as the bonanza the year of the Rat brings will serve to see us through the bleak years that may follow. All ventures begun at this time will be successful if one prepares well. But do not take chances or unnecessary risks: the year of the Rat is still ruled by the cold of winter and the darkness of night. Those who speculate indiscriminately and overextend themselves will come to a sad reckoning.
On the whole, this will be a happier year than most with far less catastrophes than, say, the years of the Tiger or the Dragon.
Nonetheless, it will be spicy. It promises a lot of bickering, bargaining and petty arguments that will do little harm. A congenial time that will find most of us socializing and enjoying ourselves.
Theodora
Lau
Beijing,
April 2002 As
part of the RDTC China trip we had practice sessions in Pruple Bamboo Park.
More photos of China
Notes from 2007 China trip
