Angie, 2nd from right, with some of the Eastville Park Wednesday morning Nordic Walkers
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My new cochlear implant was switched on the day before “lock down”. I live alone and I had to isolate because of my health condition. I had to make noises myself in my house to get used to my hearing again. After all the lock downs, I knew something had to change; I had to do something different.
I saw a flyer for the Nordic Walking courses at East Trees Health Centre run by Let’s Walk Bristol. It took a while for me to email Subitha to ask about the September course. She replied and gave me the information I asked for about the course, and then booked me on. But then, I was having a friend to stay which clashed with the start of the course. I was not sure what to do, whether to miss the first lesson. I contacted Subitha who kindly allowed my friend to come along too, to that first lesson. This was in September 2022.
I have been Nordic walk almost every week, ever since. After the beginner course, I started going to the regular £3 weekly classes at Eastville Park taught by Subitha and Sunita.
Because of Nordic walking, I have gone on to do other things. Sunita told me about her Tai Chi classes in Easton Community Centre – how they can help with balance. I have been going to that each week for over a year.
Subitha has also prompted me to return to doing some art which I had started during lock down- by sending me information on local free courses and workshops. She has really encouraged me to go along to them. She also let me know about a Breathing course at East Trees Health Centre in Spring 2023. I found that really useful and shared the resources with her. Later that year, she began offering her monthly Breathe sessions and I am one of the regulars at these.
I helped Subitha out at the recent International Nordic Walking Day big event at Eastville Park- by running the tea and coffee counter in the Nissen Hut, with another volunteer. I was a bit unsure when she asked me to help but I actually really enjoyed it.
From starting Nordic Walking, so much else has happened for me.
July 2024.