Member's Area

“Helen on High” (by Helen Nowacka)

Some of you may have noticed the absence of an elderly member who constantly moans while crawling round the circuit. That's me, the one who slouches in and skips out when finished. My husband and I have just spent a week in the Zakopane, a mountain resort close to the Tatra mountains in Poland. As we are getting on a bit, we decided that we would do our last walk up Giewont, a famous mountain 5700 ft high. Ben Nevis is only 4400ft. We did it easily 10 years ago, but this time I was the oldest and slowest thing on the mountain. My balance has gone and the old knees are wearing out, hence the slowness. I grudgingly have to admit that going to Curves meant that I was fitter than 10 years ago. I used walking poles and had on some classy American knee braces. My husband who is Polish, told me someone said, "Look at that," eying my tasteful knee wear. "Next thing Americans will be up here in wheel chairs." Cheeky devil! At least I got to the top, unlike the red-faced young men sitting near the bottom of the mountain, gasping as they lit their fags.The summit is reached by a path a foot wide with a sheer drop to the foot of the mountain. The route is one way, with climbers holding on to a chain to get to the top. Some years ago we witnessed some poor woman who had lost her nerve half way up and scrambled back frantically pushing people aside to get down. Although I don't speak Polish, I got the distinct impression that she was not popular.This time we witnessed a helicopter rescue right near the top. An unfortunate woman had what looked like a heart attack. The pilot was brilliant; the helicopter came so close to the path that the blades almost touched the mountain side. I hope the lady recovered, but I was very relieved that it wasn't me. Moral of the story, don't attempt strenuous exercise without training first.So there you are - Curves works even for 71 year old dears!

Star of the Month

We are proud to announce that our star of the month for September is Nicola Cook who has lost 30 inches, 31lbs and 20lbs body fat reduction. What a fantastic achievement - keep it up Nicola!

Beach Party

What a great 3 day party we had when we turned Curves Reading West into Club Tropicana. Grass skirts, tropical nibbles and some great music made it a fabuous event. Many of you dressed up and got into the holiday spirit - with no Travel Pass required!

We receive a number of comments that the decor and scenery should remain but that was just being greedy - you can be on holiday all of the time.

Our award to the best dressed "holidaymaker" was split between Pat Phillips and Joan Law - see pic 30 below who really made a fantastic effort despite using all of that energy 4 days earlier at the Race for Life - well done girls!

The winners of our holiday quiz were Lucy Buller and Joanne Best with 16 points. Each will receive the Curves Summer Special set.

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Race For Life 2011

Another year, another Race for Life, and another wet weekend!! Teaming up with Curves Lower Earley we braved the elements that always seem to arrive for this Race, with all 3 races over the weekend run during continuous rain. Ironically, immediately after each race the sun shone brilliantly which at least helped us to dry out.

We were promoting the R4L's 18th birthday and handed out best part of 5,000 special leaflets over the course of the weekend. We played an active part in handing the goody bags and really felt part of such a great event.Special thanks go to Cate, Mandy, Sharon and Karen from LE, and Sandy, Alan, Gicela and Palvinder for braving the weather - well done!

Our special promotion with R4L enaboles any R4L participant to present their medal to the Club and they can join for a special price of £18. So if you know of anyone who "ran" remind them of this fantastic offer which last until September.

Our team of runners took part in the Sunday race arranged into Walkers, Joggers and Runners and the first one home from CRW was Sue Smith quickly followed by CRW staff Laura and Amy with Pauline Foskett, Katrina Harris and Audrey Ives just behind. Special mention to our own Sammie who went back to walk in with our oldest members Pat Phillips and Joan Law, a fantastic gesture and evidence again of our great Curves "family" - see pic 042.

These events are such fun, the overwhelming feeling of goodwill and love for lost friends and family is quite touching and there was great banter at the end with endless stories. Rain gone, sun comes out and we packed away, completey exhausted - roll on 2012!!

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2011 Pamper Evening

This year’s long-awaited pamper evening will be held on 22 June from 7.00-10pm at the MS Therapy Centre, August End, Reading, less than half a mile from Curves. We will have the usual array of therapists plus new Facial Reflexology, plus some fantastic retail stalls. The event is open to members at the ticket price of £3 and non members £3.50. Ticket provides for admission plus a free drink, plus entry to the prize draw.

All proceeds go to the MS Centre (Multiple Sclerosis).

UPDATE!!

The evening was a resounding success and we managed to raise over £250 towards the MS Therapy Centre. Many thanks to those who contributed to a lovely evening. We are very grateful to the therapists who donated a prize in the draw and a list of the winners is shown below. The list is also be displayed at the Club and at the Therapy Centre.

Ticket no Winner Prize

1 Rosie Brown Avon discount

6 Bella Nicolaides Mini Make-over

7 Mo Woods Indian Head Massage

8 Vicky Woods Reflexology

10 Deborah McCormack Bracelet

23 Clare McSoley Handbag

25 Marie Jones Facial Reflexology

32 Linda Field Deluxe manicure

36 c/o Clare McSoley Avon Products

51 Kirsten ? Lava Shell Massage

Unfortunately we are unable to deliver the prizes so if you are winner please call Curves on 0118 9503657 or call in to claim your prize.

Many thanks once again.

Sandy in the Big Apple!

Whilst on holiday in New York, Sandy looked in on the Curves club in Times Square, Manhattan. The club itself is on the third floor but fortunately the lift (or elevator!) was working otherwise it would have been a workout in itself. Sandy was met by Ziggy (pictured) who also doubles up as the Zumba trainer. Anyone wishing to visit should head for subway Penn Station 34th Street, walk past Macy's on the left and Curves can be found on the right after around 250 yards. If you disembark at Times Square you will have a long walk!

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Rosie's Poem

a poem by member Rosie Brown

RosiesPoem

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