FITNESS WEEK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23276, 20 February 1939, Page 3

FITNESS WEEK

ENJOYABLE FUNCTIONS Y.W.C.A. ROBIN HOOD PARTY FOLK DANCERS ENTERTAIN One of the first functions of national fitness week was a "Robin Hood" party which took place at tho Y.W.C.A. on Saturday morning to celebrate the opening of tho junior girls' gymnasium classes. Tho party was given by the health and recreation department of thp association, and was arranged by Miss .Teanno Harmsworth and Miss Jennie Allan. Tho instructors and group leaders were dressed to suit tho occasion in the costumes of tho characters in the story of Robin Hood. The characters were: —Miss Jennie Allan, as Robin Hood; Miss Mabel Murray, a yeoman; Miss Joan JJeasley, King John; Miss Fay Aldridge, King Richard; Miss Olive Boardman, lady-in-waiting; Miss Nellie Brown, a page. The children themselves were in fancy dress, a gay and happy scene being presented as they played in the gymnasium. Archery Competitions Games and competitions suitable to tho occasion made up the programme. Archery competitions were held, and the children danced typical country dances. At the conclusion of the morning they had a "forest feast," the arrangements being in charge of Miss M. Williams, assisted by Mrs. JO. Allen. 'J he supper room had been attractively decorated with streamers of red and white paper, and festoons of leaves. Pictures of Robin Hood and his "Merrie Men" were grouped on the Avails, and the food was served on large green leaves. Bright coloured flowers added to the forest-like decorations of the room. Among the guests were Mrs. Todd Smith, Airs. J. A. Bradstreet, Mrs. W. J. Merriman and Miss Elsie Bennet. Country Dances As a contribution toward national fitness week, the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Folk Dance Society held a party on Saturday night in conjunction with the Y.W.C.A. The function was held in the assembly hall at the Y.W.C.A., all those who were interested in folk dancing being invited to attend.

Members of the Folk Dance Societv demonstrated some of the more difficult country dances and morris dances, and sword dances were demonstrated by the folk dancing group 6f the Y.W'C.A. The guests afterward participated in the dancing. A short address was given by the president of the society, Miss E. it. Edwards, in which she outlined the progress of the society and the programme for the coming year, which will commence in March. Miss Edwards said the aim of the society was to encourage the practice of the English folk dances in their traditional form, and that classes had been held lor the last three years to further this end. Annual " holiday courses had also been held. It was hoped to hold monthlv parties at the Y.W.C.A. during the coming season, which would be open to all who were interested in the survival of these traditional dances.