We Exercise for Health and Charity Too

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 279, 25 November 1936, Page 15

We Exercise for Health and Charity Too

PINE DEMONSTRATION BY ALWYN CLUB MEMBERS. A feminine audience of large proportions was last evening initiated into the mysteries of "big" aud little ducks, "Charlie Chaplins," and all the rest ot the health-giving exercises members of tho Alwyn Club have been conscientiously practising through the winter months in their earnest endeavour to banish the ills the flesh is heir to. The audience followed the demonstration at the Jade ballroom with the keenest fiiterest and loft well stimulated and not a little envious of the radiant health that has como to so many in generous measure, and, it might bo assumed, with a determination to join up next year with this happy band numbering already well over 100. As a preliminary to tho evening class, Mrs. It. H. Billens, president, outlined tho aims of tho club. She recalled the visit of Madamo Alwyn to the city in April last as the result of which this group had boen formed, but tho club, she stressed, was run entirely by the local committee which controlled the tunds absolutely. Classes continueu from March to November at a fee which worked out at sixpence per night ±Ol each member. There was no age limit, the speaker stated, so there was hope for everyone. Mrs. Billons pointed out that the demonstration to bo given was by no means finished, but was meroly intended to show what was done on an ordinary club night at which no outsiders were privileged to be present. To show the practical benefits already received, the speaker mentioned that ■ there was one memuer (id years of age, who was as enthusiastic as tho youngest. This lady had suffered from blood pressure and heart trouble, but since joining the club and following Madame Alwyn’s diet she had been able to banish her medicines and her medical man had been very pleased with, the improvement in her condition. Mrs. Billens went on to say that before leaving the city Madame Alwyn had chosen three outstanding members of her class to act as demonstrators and had paid high tribute to their capabilities. The club was deeply indebted to Misses B. Oakley, R. Billens and K. Landers, who had acted as leading demonstrators throughout tho session and given their time so generously. Thanks were aißo due-to Mr. Oliver for generous treats ment with regard to the P.D.O. room that evening in consideration of the fact that tho proceeds were to be devoted to the Willard Children’s Home Christmas fund. Thanks were also due to the musicians who had come to provide entertainment and a pleasing interlude in the evening’s programme.

Directed by Miss Beryl Oakley, the first class inarched in to music provided by Mrs. Williamson. Clad in smart green tunic suits and bare-footed the members proceeded to demonstrate to musical accompaniment various healthgiving exercises, Miss Oakley explaining the remedial purpose of each, such as muscle toning, balance, rhythm, breath placing, rejuvenation, circulation stimulation, poise, the strengthening of various organisations, to mention a few, Miss Billens leading the exercises.

The second class, directed by Miss Kitty Landers, gave more strenuous exercises for tho samo good purposes, their efforts gaining spontaneous applause. Among those present were the Mayoress, Mrs. A. E. Mansford (who was accompanied by Miss C. Jones, of Dunedin), also ton members of the Wanganui Alwyn Club.

The musical items which contributed to the evening’s pleasure were as follow: Instrumental trios, "Gipsy Rondo" (Haydn) and "Melodie” (Mosltowski), Mrs. Fisher (violin), Miss V. Wood (’cello), and Miss E. Eyre (piano); vocal solos, "Sing, Joyous Bird’’ and "Dandelions," Miss G. Laurenson, Miss Eyro at the piano. The evening terminated with the National Anthem.