Caledonia 5 Review
Kim Venskunas
On a not so bright Saturday morning by the tree, all were welcomed by Ronnie & Bob to the 5th Tai Chi Caledonia. One by one the instructors were welcomed and introduced to the congregation, each gave a brief synopsis as to the content of their weekend workshops. Following the house-keeping instructions and merchandise promotions (don't forget the book shop) a major decision had to be taken before the workshops commenced........it was dull and overcast .........indoors or out?
Throughout the course of the weekend the 'taster' sessions were structured to ensure delegates were able to experience the optimum number of different workshops offered
The hoard of delegates migrated to the sports field in pursuit of their chosen workshop - and the camera rolled. The workshops being presented in pairs meant a large number of participants at each, but fortunately space was not a problem. Each workshop was scheduled for approximately 1and a quarter hours, with three before lunch and three after. As 5 o'clock drew closer everyone was ready for dinner.
Whether you're home or away, a Saturday night without a boogie wouldn't be right, so some danced the night away at the disco in the .......... Bar, whilst others caught up with old friends. Individuals having not seen each other for a year surely had much news to share - emails' not quite the same. Many took the opportunity to chat with those they'd never met, but had become acquainted during the workshops. Although the bar and disco had finished, the chalet gatherings had just begun.
Although the workshops were short, so much was imparted to the participants and certainly much will be retained, utilised and pondered upon, long after Caledonia 2000. The instructors were refreshing and the enthusiasm for their art exuded. Participants could feel the sincerity from which the instructors imparted their knowledge and experience. In addition to the qualities of the instructors, the participants also exercised such qualities towards each other, thereby giving rise to a platform conducive to experimenting with new material.
Wednesday afternoon workshops were delayed in order for delegates to take the opportunity of visiting the Wallace Monument, where a talk on Scottish Weaponry had been arranged. This was the first year such a talk had been organised and the consensus of opinion proved it worthwhile.
All weekday workshops started in the gym, but once that sky showed a glimmer of hope the opportunists evacuated to the great outdoors. The 'high spirit slayers' made haste to the tennis courts, and devoured ? the area available, fortunately, the 'penguins' got there first. The 'Qigong Kranes' fled to their nest, and were only seen again socially. The trainee pizza waiters slithered in and out of the human posts in opposite directions, sustaining no injuries. The 'Qigong Trees' stayed firmly rooted despite the wind howling and the sea roaring - but the midges came. The 'warring warriors' battled elegantly with their sticks against the grass, whilst the 'three nailers' were so far rooted that the 'wee man' had to stay and defend the gym.
Soon it was the last night, the opportunity to acknowledge the organisers assistants (Karen & Alison), arrange transportation home and to give feed back upon the week. With business finished, the party began, and it continued into the small hours. For those who didn't see the sun rise (I know one tried so hard to stay awake), it was fantastic. The sky was overcast, but the sun shone from behind the clouds making the hills appear golden - perhaps you'll see it next year.
Kim Venskunas