Joining

All patients of the Wheathampstead Village Surgery are eligible for membership of the non-profit making Wheathampstead Patient Participation Group (WPPG). Membership is £5 per year per household, and entitles you to all WPPG events, free of charge. Collect an application form from The Village Surgery, complete and ‘post’ (in an envelope) in the red box on the wall, together with cash or cheque for £5, made payable to WPPG.  Even better, why not complete the Standing Order form below (which helps us with administration.) Alternatively, if you cannot get to the Surgery, mail to The WPPG, The Village Surgery, Marford Road, Wheathampstead, AL4 8BT or telephone Audrey Capy on 01582 832305 who will send you a Membership form for completion and return to her in the SAE she will enclose.

The WPPG needs your support to fund future planned events and activities.  YOUR WPPG NEEDS YOU!

THE 2011-2012 WPPG MEMBERSHIP FEE IS DUE ON THE FIRST DAY OF APRIL 2011.

Patients and non-patients are all welcome to join the non-profit-making PILATES CLASSES held on Tuesday afternoons. There are three sessions, from 2-3pm, 3-4pm and 4-5pm at £5 per session.  There is an annual fee of £5.  The teacher has advanced Pilates qualifications and is also a Physiotherapist.  All ages, both sexes welcomed – there is a great social atmosphere.  For more information ring Audrey Capy on 01582 832305, or email orgeonge@tiscali.co.uk

MY EXPERIENCE OF PILATES  By Gill Gwinn

“In recent years Pilates classes have become a popular (apparently quite trendy) fixture at exercise centres, spas, etc.  But is it ‘any good’, or just a passing fashion, you ask?  I can only speak from m own experience.

‘After lifelong back problems, I have been going to Pilates classes regularly for the last six years.  And the weekly investment in classes has been more than repaid: my posture, mobility, comfort and quality of life have all improved greatly.  Now we have the opportunity in the village to have classes, all at cost-price, organised by the Patients’ Participation Group, with a first-rate, professional teacher.  Slim Tlili is also a trained Physiotherapist and this gives me confidence with my constellation of orthopaedic problems.

The three classes on a Tuesday afternoon, at 2, 3 and 4 o’clock, all have a range of age groups, a complete range of abilities – and there are men as well as women.  The classes are most enjoyable.  You might be feeling challenged 40 minutes into the session but you will never be asked to go beyond your abilities.

With the professionalism of the teaching you have the satisfaction of carrying out the exercises properly and this gives us a great sense of achievement.  You will learn better ways of looking after your body which you can take into the rest of the week.  Come along one Tuesday!’            Gill Gwinn