Vaughan Park Retreat 17th & 18th April
Vaughan Park started on Saturday with four teachers taking FLexercise classes and how good it was for the members to experience all the different teachers. Especially as we were fortunate to have quite a few of the members from Katikati and Tauranga join us for the weekend. This made the weekend special.
After the teachers’ classes we were joined by Jennifer Gottschalk who came to take us for a lesson in Israeli dancing. It was very good for our minds to learn something completely different. All the dances were performed in a circle. Some of the music was slow and others had a faster beat to dance to. After an hour our minds could not absorb anymore. Everyone agreed it was a fun session. We were very grateful everyone came in and participated in the class.
We all agreed we enjoyed our lunch although maybe a wee bit spicy!!!
In the afternoon on the Saturday Yulia from Optimal Movement came in to take a class. This was very different from our morning classes. Yulia and her partner started their classes after Yulia’s Grandfather came out of hospital unable to move. They worked out exercises for him to do and slowly he was able to walk again and be independent at 90 years old. This proves we are never too old to start moving again.
From there they decided this could work for a lot of the older generation. To help with their balance and posture. As we age we become very prone to falling from our lack of body movement, strength and agility.
We had an hour of Yulia taking us right through the whole of our bodies, muscles and joints to achieve greater movement and strength. This will help us be able to stop ourselves falling.
Sunday morning we had four teachers taking FLexercise classes. There is a room upstairs and another downstairs so you can choose which classes you take. After a short break Pam our Tauranga and Katikati teacher taught us some fun dances with great music.
Another special lunch followed. We then all moved into the meeting room for the 16th Annual General Meeting chaired by Nina. Three of the Executive Committee had served their 4 years with Val serving 5 years. We thank you all for your time and effort on the committee on behalf of all of the members and teachers. Especially Val serving 5 years as Treasurer.
The new Executive committee going forward will be Nina North Chairperson, Jennie Hanvey Treasurer, Barbara Paul Secretary, Sonia Sandford, Jeanine Saunders, Patricia Richard, Catherine Horwood and Fran Newing.
We look forward to welcoming you all next year for this special event.
Vaughan Park – Adventures & Experiences shared by some of our Tauranga & Katikati members
Vaughan Park, Long Bay, Auckland – April 2026
By Julia Hastings
Arrival and Journey North
Following clever arranging by Pam, car sharing was set up, everyone knew where to go and so we set forth, Tauranga ladies meeting up with Katikati ladies and travelling to the next arranged spot for lunch at Crossroads Café close to SH29. Interestingly there was a fascinating shop attached to the café and the trip north was detained while clothing was tried on and yes, purchased. There was no attempt to convoy, and three cars arrived almost simultaneously at Vaughan Park. Rooms allocated, and luggage dispensed.
First Evening: Dinner and Stories
First on the itinerary was dinner at 6.30, the menu was well received, and devoured by the 12 visitors staying for the weekend. Back to our hostel where the evening became involved with stories and anecdotes galore.
Saturday: Classes, Dancing, and Creativity
After breakfast on Saturday morning Sonia and Jeanine took a class in the “upstairs” room, whilst Jennie and Pam held their class in the “downstairs” room. A quick swig of water and we had a chance to watch Israeli dancing – no, it wasn’t a “watch” arrangement, it was very much a learning experience. An Israeli lass taught the steps and we followed suit, she was very patient and also skilled at moving around the group to assist.
A substantial lunch followed, one or two additional local members joined for Optimal Movements, Yulia explained that her grandfather had been ill and was not recuperating as quickly as he could so she and her husband started a routine for him to begin encouraging him with exercises to achieve more movement and ability to look after himself. With this knowledge they then began Optimal Movements to carry the information out to the public. She was skilled in her teaching technique and her physique and ability to show and explain why everyone should practice and learn these movements. A short break for a cup of tea then off to the craft room to create a Bizarre Bra. Members came prepared with an “op shop” purchase ready to decorate. The room buzzed with lace scraps, sequins, hot glue guns were in ‘hot’ demand and scissors were hard to find. Once all the debris was removed, all bra were set out for judging later.
Saturday Evening: New Faces and the Bizarre Bra Competition
Dinner that evening saw fresh faces arriving, new acquaintances and familiar friends reunited led to enthusiastic conversations. It was lovely to see and be a part of. Following came judging of the afternoonBizarre Bra entrants. Each Bra had been given an appropriate name and Jeanine had given it the WOW factor theme. Dian Hunt won the Supreme award, her bra was named “Harley”, Julia Hastings, Wow Factor award, “Holly Holy” and Sonia Sandford, Emerging Designer Award “Tassel – Bedazzled”.
Our “Bizarre Bra” session based on WOW went down well, such a creative lot, 1st place went to a Katikati member Dian Hunt, 2nd place to Tauranga member Julia Hastings and 3rd to teacher Sonia Sandford, unfortunately there were only the BOP members and 3 teachers participating, but it was a huge success.
Sunday: Exercise, Fun, and Farewell
Sunday morning saw even more fresh faces, for exercising with Val, Jeanine, Sonia and Jennie. Pam taught us a fun routine which everyone took part in and enjoyed, to send us off to lunch followed by a walk to the beach to finish off the proceedings before the AGM.
There was quite a change to the committee which I am sure will be broadcast so that all members are aware of the new committee members. At 3 pm the visitors, having stowed all luggage set off for the 4 hourdrive home to the Bay of Plenty.
Thank you to the committee and Auckland members for the opportunity to gather together to enjoy the company of each other and the opportunity to practice strengthening techniques for our wellbeing and balance.
Vaughan Park Weekend
By Frances Wilcockson
Again, what a wonderful weekend of fun, friendship, and fitness. Twelve members from Tauranga and Katikati travelled to Auckland on Friday afternoon to stay at Vaughan Park. As in previous years, the kitchen staff did a wonderful job of keeping us all well fed and watered.
It was a shame that there were not more members from Auckland present on Saturday as the teachers gave us a great variety of exercises to participate in.
The two visiting guests put us into a great learning curve – especially the Israeli dance instructor who had us doing their challenging dances in a circle!! Then the young woman from Optimal Movements. This session really did endorse what Fitness League teaches and guides us towards, gaining strength and balance starting with our toes, feet and ankles. Very worthwhile and most enjoyable.
Then to the Bizarre Bra decorating session on Saturday afternoon … what a hoot and what creativity was shown by all who participated – the glue guns were running red hot for that hour of fun!!
It was good to see increased numbers for the Sunday sessions and the AGM. Unfortunately, our Tauranga and Katikati ladies needing to head off smartly after the meeting as storm clouds came rolling in, following one carload, and catching the other two cars on the way home.
As well as the sessions to participate in we even had time to catch a quick windy walk along the beach on Sunday. A thoroughly enjoyable weekend once again with special thanks to the organisers and to the teachers who took the sessions. You all deserve an accolade 😊 –
THANK YOU ALL.
