Oh I do like 'tai chi' beside the seaside!

World Tai Chi Day celebrated in Hunstanton to raise money for local RNLI

“It’s the feel good factor, it makes me feel so good - it makes me feel alive, gets my body working - and it’s so adaptable as well,” says Allan Howlings, who's about to start a tai chi class on The Green.

"My partner, Margaret Marciniak, is conducting the warm ups - then I’m going to take them through a chi kung set, chi kung Is the mother of tai chi and that goes back thousands of years.”

Margaret and Allan

As people gather, it begins, “Breathe in, and breathe out,” Allan says - talking us through gentle, flowing movements.

He's been practising the art for more than 30 years, “It’s not the first thing I do in the morning, it’s the second thing I do, I have a cup of tea first, then it’s my tai chi!

"If I miss a day, then my body says Allan you’re missing your tai chi.”

This event is to raise money for the local RNLI and to celebrate World Tai Chi Day (25th April).

I chat to a few people taking part, “We are just staying in the hotel opposite," says Rebecca, "We saw this going on from the window, and I talked my partner into coming down. 

"I have a brother who does tai chi every week and he loves it. It's lovely to see everyone doing these slow movements together."

Jan, who definitely looks like she's done this before adds, “I work in mental health, I think tai chi is brilliant not only for your body but your mind - I strongly recommend it.  It’s a beautiful day here in Hunstanton, the sun’s shining what could be better?!”

“I’m in my 70’s now," Allan continues, "I’m looking forward to continuing well into my 80’s and possibly in my 90’s as well!”

I ask Allan what the feedback's like after an event like this, “When’s your next class? When can we start?!" He tells me with a smile.

The pair run abc tai chi in Heacham.

"Our aim is to encourage more people to experience the health-giving benefits that the art has to offer and to show how accessible it is for all."