I used to practice Ki Aikido, I enjoyed practising at Headquarters to meet and practise with members from other clubs. I loved learning new techniques and getting guidance from the Senseis teaching the classes to improve my own abilities in Aikido and those members I practised with, who I thought of as friends.
Because I used to practice Aikido, I know how precious the time was on the mat and the learning that you can only absorb by being on the mat.
When I stopped practising Aikido, I wanted to give back and support the federation in another way, so when we came to courses at Headquarters, Stephen (Woolfall) would go on the mat to practice Aikido, I offered to make the teas.
I have never been on Summer School before, I agreed with Pete that I would do the teas and biscuits all week, which I looked forward to. On Monday, I made the teas and put out biscuits, shortbread biscuits and welsh cakes for about 34 members. Pete did offer to help but I said I would be okay, because I have managed the teas for that amount of members before.
I have always said to Pete and others who offer to help that they pay to go on the courses and they should have their money’s worth and precious learning time. (It is not that I am territorial about the tea making), but Pete had said that everyone is willing to help make teas if they are needed.
I thought that the number of members that were there on Monday would be the same all week. I got that one wrong, as the week went on I made more and more cups of tea and I was grateful for all the help Pete arranged, especially when the numbers reached 50.
As the week went on, making the teas was enjoyable, the banter and jokes about which was best – biscuits, shortbread biscuits or welsh cakes (even a debate amongst the committee members if a Jaffa cake was a cake or a biscuit).
I enjoyed chatting at the socials and dancing at the Wednesday night social, even though my hip paid the price on Thursday.
So to sum up the experience of the week, I enjoyed every minute of making the teas, chatting and joking with everyone, who are like minded about Aikido.
I would also like to thank everyone on the Friday, when presentations were made. I was stunned and overwhelmed with everyone’s appreciation for me making the teas. Also the card and present that I was given was lovely, but again I was overwhelmed that everyone was thanking me, I remember saying thank you to people, but I don’t remember thanking everyone, so can I thank Pete, Mai and everyone for the lovely card and present.
Angela Woolfall
Panteg Ki Aikido Club
Editor’s note: All the attendees at the summer seminar were really grateful to Angela’s kindness in making hundreds (thousands?) of cups of tea over the week. Summer school asks for everyone to pitch in and take on background jobs. This year, Angela’s generosity meant more time on the mat for the rest of us. And the welshcakes were delicious!