Denbighshire Adult Learner’s Week – May 2010

Plas Newydd, Llangollen, is a featured venue for two one day  Tai Chi taster sessions organised by Denbighshire County Council for Adult learners week in May.  Two events, on Sunday May 16th at Ruthin’s historic Nantclwyd Y Dre,  and on Tuesday May 18th at Plas Newydd, are designed for newcomers to the oriental arts and experienced practitioners alike.  The events will be held in the grounds of each venue, and alternate arrangements are in place in case of inclement weather.

Hour long sessions will be led by TCUGB accredited teacher Steve Galloway.

The free events, organised By Denbighshire County Council in support of Adult Learner’s week, give members of the public a chance to explore two of Denbighshire’s outstanding historical monuments, in addition to sampling elements of  Tai Chi, a Chinese health and martial arts system.

Plas Newydd, pictured above, was the home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, who came to be known as the  Ladies of Llangollen. The story of Lady Eleanor’s and Sarah’s elopement from their families in Ireland caused a sensation, and their journey to Wales where they set up home at Plas Newydd in 1780 assured them of notoriety and captured the imagination of Regency Society.

Nantclwyd Y Dre, in Ruthin town centre, is Wales’ oldest timbered town house. It has undergone several years of painstaking restoration, and today showcases 7 periods of its history and development dating back to its original construction in 1435.

One hour sessions commence at 11:00am and end at 3:00pm.  At time of writing, Taiji Online is awaiting promotional literature from Denbighshire County Council.  Anyone interested in attending on the day is welcome – ask at the venue’s information centre on arrival. Denbighshire can also be contacted direct on 01824 708 281, or by email – heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk