Tai Chi Caledonia Feedback

Hi Ronnie

Tai Chi Caledonia was great. Thanks for all you did to set up such a wonderful, inspiring gathering.

The teachers were terrific, all so friendly and available. It was good to meet so many amazing fellow students - a great bunch of people. Everyone was inspiring.

After catapulting into a weekend here with lots of family from all over the world, I am looking forward to going over my notes and books to recollect in tranquility all the great experiences I had.

Keep up the good work.

Fran Bennett

I would like to thank you very much for your great hospitality, availability and your huge liking... Still now sometimes I laugh alone thinking of you!

I hope that Tai Chi Caledonia has been a beautiful and rich experience for all, and that it will be also useful for future projects and visions. I think it was, and I thank you very much for the opportunity you provided to all.

Margherita Padalino

Just to say a big thank you for looking after us so well at Stirling. We had a great day and loved all the sessions and demonstrations. I doubt we would have been brave enough to go on our own. Everyone was so nice and we met a lot of lovely Tai Chi people. Could you pass on our thanks to Ronnie for a grand day out!

Janice and Dorothy

Just wanted to thank you for a fantastic experience at your excellent event.

I have to admit, when I watched the Highland lot drive off on Sunday evening, I thought I’d made a mistake in staying. That thought had completely dissipated by 8.15 the following morning.

The calibre of Instructors and Students alongside the enormous amount of organisation on your part ensured a thoroughly wonderful time.

Back in one of my normal classes today, I realised how much the intensive week of training, practise and relaxation has accelerated my learning and experience of Tai Chi.

Hope you have time to rest and reflect on your success.

Very best wishes,

Carolanne Mainland

I thoroughly enjoyed the days at Stirling and I wish to thank you for all the hard work you personally devote to making the event a success. Naturally thanks go also to your colleagues who assist.

Keith Sharp

I just wanted to say thank you to you and your team for organising TCC this year. I had a great time and learned a lot, and I really appreciate all the effort and hard work you all put in.

I hope you can convince Gianfranco Pace to come again - he was awesome.

Many thanks and regards,

Rory Hunter

I wanted to pass on my sincere thanks and appreciation for both the opportunity to meet and film at your excellent event last week and to join in on some of the great workshops.

The week and all your work and creativity in achieving it was brilliant! Well done indeed and I know you've (again) made a huge positive difference to so many peoples lives.

Justin Eade - Filmaker

Hi Ronnie. Thanks again for organising Tai chi cally 2012 and surpassing yourself with the variety and quality of teachers / workshops on offer. See you next time...cheers,

Alan Skirving

Great photos of T C C & bringing back many happy memories, although all still so fresh in mind (& body memory!)

Be nice to hear more from others too!

Sue Bannerman

Back to work after great long weekend at Tai Chi Caledonia: relaxing Qi Gong mediation, monkey-type forms, duelling sword skills, thrown around and pummeled by a Spartacus-alike, good company and an excuse play mandolin and bodhran with new chums (all disturbingly well organised).

Jason Buck

Hi there Ronnie,
Was just browsing the TC Caledonia Feedback and now feel I have to stick my oar in as well. With regard to the space; while there may be things that could be done to find a more comfortable environment for Tai Chi I just want to point out that as far a gym halls go its a *very* long way from the worst I've ever experienced. That sport hall was the first in my experience with any like decent breathable air! And I can't tell you how much of a blessing that was for me. All too often I've found such halls have air that is so lifeless that trying to breathe in them is murder. And Yes, those sort of cavernous space are prone to echoes and that seems to be just a side effect of that sort of space. Still again the hall you booked was much less noisy than some I've had to put up with. I just thought that all the moaning and groaning and muttering you've clearly had to endure needed a touch of balance.

You and your team do a magnificent job and provide a huge service to the Tai Chi community. The gathering of some of the talent so comfortably available and generous with shaving their skills is a tremendous accomplishment and deserves to be remembered despite the inevitable Tai Chi urge to seek absolutely maximum attainment.

Some of the remarks regarding the possibly intimidating prospectus may have a degree of truth. I've been gushing all over my students since my return and some response have been along the lines; "We're all really happy that you had such a good time and that it's fired you up even more.... But it sounds like you have to be really good/experienced/committed/downright nerdy etc... to really benefit". So maybe some events that appear more 'beginner' oriented might be worth considering. And of course since we're all 'beginners' anyway it wouldn't do any harm for 'old timers' to revisit the really core stuff either - especially if it can be done in a fun way. Could be good to break down perceived barriers between folks too.

Anyway enough of my driveling on for now. I had a great time and I'm going to come again and I'm going to tout for more business for you as well :-)

Thanks a lot &

Peter A Gilligan DAH School of Chinese Internal Arts, Belfast

Dear Bob
Thank you so much for posting the link to the Daoyin Yangsheng Gong and the Wudang 18 posture form on your website, I have no excuse for not practising them now.

I found the whole experience at Caledonia very worthwhile. It was challenging for me in all senses, physically, mentally and emotionally. But then it's great to get taken out of your comfort zone, and for long enough for it to make a difference.

I recognise the energy and the commitment necessary to make events like this happen, and I felt that everyone involved did a really good job, and with good humour. I particularly like the Scottish character mixed in with tai chi, it suits my somewhat irreverant tastes. It reminded me of the Belfast gang that I've trained with on several occasions over the last six years, hard work but always a good laugh. The English can get a bit po faced about it all, as you may have noticed.

My thanks to all the tutors at Caledonia. I certainly intend coming to Caledonia again, and will keep a look out for other workshops and courses that you all run or take part in.

I have some skill in the design and implementation of websites that link to databases using interactive forms. Most of the work I do is for kids care homes with on-line record keeping systems. Although I'm pretty busy most of the time, if I can ever be of use, please feel free to contact me.

Wishing you all the best in your various enterprises

John Smith

Many thanks for the opportunity to meet and to work with Judith and to spend time with other Tai Chi teachers and students.

Thoroughly enjoyed the QiGong stick exercises and would appreciate your help in obtaining further information either book or DVD on the this form. Judith referred to a book however I have been unable to find this on UK sites.

Looking forward to receiving the new DVD and to classes starting in October,

Best Wishes Allison

It was my first time at Tai Chi Caledonia and I would just like to say it was a fantastic experience. I didn't know anyone else attending the event, but everyone was extremely friendly and made me feel welcome. It is a good idea mixing up us newbies with regular attendees in the chalets. I met some great people who I will stay in contact with and hopefully see again at other events in the future.

The location and facilities at the campus were excellent and whilst the accommodation is basic, it served it's purpose. An idea for the future could be that some gazebos put up outside the chalets would have given a useful meeting space for push hands or socialising when the weather was not so good.

The weekend workshops were very interesting and although not long enough to absorb much they served as a very useful introduction to many different areas. The workspace was fine and although some people complained that it was difficult to hear the teachers at some times, this did not have a negative effect on the week for me. It was also nice to work outside on the couple of days that the sun came out.

The week long courses were a chance to work in more detail and I greatly enjoyed both Judith's and Henk's teaching style. I especially enjoyed the Sword applications as I had never done that before.

My only criticism was the lack of diversity in the styles being taught. Being a Chen stylist I would have liked at least some of the workshops to have been on silk reeling or similar. Having said that I found all the workshops I attended very accessible and informative and it was useful to gain a different perspective on the same concepts.

Overall I enjoyed it immensely and am fully intending to come again in the future. My only problem is that it seems to clash every year with my young daughter's birthday so it will become increasingly hard to attend as she gets older. So if you can avoid 11th July in future I would be very grateful :-)

I would recommend it to everyone with an interest in Tai Chi or Chi Kung even if you are a beginner. I agree with Peter's comment that at least one of the week long courses should be pitched at attracting beginners

Best Wishes

Derek Pavely

Dear Karen and Ronnie,
Thank you both for organising such a rich programme for this year's T'ai-Chi Caledonia. For me the greatest benefit is being able to meet other teachers and to experience a taste of their ways of teaching, thoughts and forms. And I really enjoyed the calligraphy, very challenging.

Thanks Karen for sending on payment for Sleep CD - I left pretty sharply post the afternoon session on Thursday, there were very few people around the huts then.

See you next year!

Kind regards
Sue - (Initiator), Relaxing the Mind activities

Dear Ronnie
I have had a wonderful week, have been inspired and spent time with some lovely folks, all thanks to your enthusiastic efforts.

Many thanks
Denise Stirling

Hello
Just to say thank you for a great four days. Grainne and I really enjoyed the whole experience (apart from the bit in the noisy gym!!). All the instruction was excellent, the groups so nice to work with and we did appreciate all the effort that went on in the background with the chalet service etc. We are both very pleased with our prizes for the environmental art too!!

Thanks again
Debbie Hamilton

Hi
I had a great time at Caledonia and a nice restful week off work following it. The Tai Chi players, training, food and weather were all perfect this year so it's been my favourite so far! I've looked through everyone’s photos on the websites (loved the one with Violetta (or was it Maja) from Croatia on your shoulders
Audrey Hillis

Hi Ronnie
Just wanted to say wow what a fabulous week…think I am still taking it all in…and what a pleasure to meet you my friend…thanks for putting on a fantastic event, for all your generosity and for all the laughs. Hope to see you next year if not before
Matthew Ward - Inner Harmony Tai Chi School, Brighton

I would just like to thank you and your team for putting on such an excellent event. This was my first year attending, and I will defiantly consider coming again (depending on finances). The quality of the instruction was first class. the venue was mostly good, shame about the problem with the hall, and the company friendly and fun.

Having been involved in organising, non Tai Chi, events, I appreciate all the hard work that is needed to make things run so smoothly (quite often for very little thanks).

I will certainly be recommending this to others of all levels.

Once again many thanks and best wishes.
Wal Eyre

Ronnie
I wanted to thank you for another excellent Tai Chi Caledonia, I haven't been to many other of these sorts of events (yet) but I would be surprised if they are as 'complete' as Cali - anyway enough smoke blowing!!! Lol
Ben Morris

Hi Ronnie,
Just a note to thank you for a great Tai Chi Caledonia, Liz and I enjoyed the workshops and the food, discussions were good.

Bit of feedback, Judith, Faye and Sam had fantastic workshops and seem to have a plan for the 45 mins., some of others it was a bit disjointed and not suitable for the time we had (no plan).

On the marketing, tried the promotion material on my students, most said it suggested it was all a bit at an advanced level, maybe a few more 'beginners' 'introduction to' type words would help, even special invite to new students. The teacher list is very impressive but maybe a bit daunting.

All suits me fine but we need a bit of new blood.

Hope it helps, see you next year.
Tony Whitaker.

Hi dear ronnie,
i think of your Gong, i must painting the backsite. See you.
Ning

Just to let you know that all my group thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Stirling last week (3-10th July). Everything was a high standard and we just wanted to let you all know how much we appreciated the help you gave us, with lifts etc.
Angela Cook

Just wanted to say a really big thank you, to you and all those who worked so hard to give us such a really great time at Caledonia 09. The food was fine, please ignore the fussy eaters. Anything cooked by someone else other than me is great. I do hope Ronnie gets better space for classes next year as I heard moans and groans about not coming unless it's better than this year, so the numbers attending may depend on better working areas. I hope to be there regardless. I am always made welcome and I have such a good time can't think of anywhere else I would rather be. Julie loved it too and I believe she will come again next year all being well.
Bye for now.
Kevin Wilson

Thank you so much for your part in organising this year's Tai Chi Caledonia - it was my first time - and I had a great time. Will definately be back - and next time for the whole week.
Sue Blakesley

Dear Karen and Ronnie,
Thank you both for organising such a rich programme for this year's T'ai-Chi Caledonia. For me the greatest benefit is being able to meet other teachers and to experience a taste of their ways of teaching, thoughts and forms. And I really enjoyed the calligraphy, very challenging.

Thanks Karen for sending on payment for Sleep CD - I left pretty sharply post the afternoon session on Thursday, there were very few people around the huts then.

See you next year!

Kind regards
Sue - (Initiator), Relaxing the Mind activities

Dear Ronnie
I have had a wonderful week, have been inspired and spent time with some lovely folks, all thanks to your enthusiastic efforts.

Many thanks
Denise Stirling

Hello
Just to say thank you for a great four days. Grainne and I really enjoyed the whole experience (apart from the bit in the noisy gym!!). All the instruction was excellent, the groups so nice to work with and we did appreciate all the effort that went on in the background with the chalet service etc. We are both very pleased with our prizes for the environmental art too!!

Thanks again
Debbie Hamilton

Hi
I had a great time at Caledonia and a nice restful week off work following it. The Tai Chi players, training, food and weather were all perfect this year so it's been my favourite so far! I've looked through everyone’s photos on the websites (loved the one with Violetta (or was it Maja) from Croatia on your shoulders
Audrey Hillis

Hi Ronnie
Just wanted to say wow what a fabulous week…think I am still taking it all in…and what a pleasure to meet you my friend…thanks for putting on a fantastic event, for all your generosity and for all the laughs. Hope to see you next year if not before
Matthew Ward - Inner Harmony Tai Chi School, Brighton

I would just like to thank you and your team for putting on such an excellent event. This was my first year attending, and I will defiantly consider coming again (depending on finances). The quality of the instruction was first class. the venue was mostly good, shame about the problem with the hall, and the company friendly and fun.

Having been involved in organising, non Tai Chi, events, I appreciate all the hard work that is needed to make things run so smoothly (quite often for very little thanks).

I will certainly be recommending this to others of all levels.

Once again many thanks and best wishes.
Wal Eyre

Ronnie
I wanted to thank you for another excellent Tai Chi Caledonia, I haven't been to many other of these sorts of events (yet) but I would be surprised if they are as 'complete' as Cali - anyway enough smoke blowing!!! Lol
Ben Morris

Hi Ronnie,
Just a note to thank you for a great Tai Chi Caledonia, Liz and I enjoyed the workshops and the food, discussions were good.

Bit of feedback, Judith, Faye and Sam had fantastic workshops and seem to have a plan for the 45 mins., some of others it was a bit disjointed and not suitable for the time we had (no plan).

On the marketing, tried the promotion material on my students, most said it suggested it was all a bit at an advanced level, maybe a few more 'beginners' 'introduction to' type words would help, even special invite to new students. The teacher list is very impressive but maybe a bit daunting.

All suits me fine but we need a bit of new blood.

Hope it helps, see you next year.
Tony Whitaker.

Hi dear ronnie,
i think of your Gong, i must painting the backsite. See you.
Ning

Just to let you know that all my group thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Stirling last week (3-10th July). Everything was a high standard and we just wanted to let you all know how much we appreciated the help you gave us, with lifts etc.
Angela Cook

Just wanted to say a really big thank you, to you and all those who worked so hard to give us such a really great time at Caledonia 09. The food was fine, please ignore the fussy eaters. Anything cooked by someone else other than me is great. I do hope Ronnie gets better space for classes next year as I heard moans and groans about not coming unless it's better than this year, so the numbers attending may depend on better working areas. I hope to be there regardless. I am always made welcome and I have such a good time can't think of anywhere else I would rather be. Julie loved it too and I believe she will come again next year all being well.
Bye for now.
Kevin Wilson

Thank you so much for your part in organising this year's Tai Chi Caledonia - it was my first time - and I had a great time. Will definately be back - and next time for the whole week.
Sue Blakesley