New Year – old me

By Christine Swan

I’m not usually one for resolutions but I did fleetingly think about what I could change as a self-improvement target. Instead, I have settled to consider all of the things that I don’t want to change, and am happy to maintain for another year.

I intend to keep working hard on improving my skills at Wing Chun Kung Fu. Currently, I am preparing to take the first tag on my purple sash. This involves a number of kicking drills and techniques. I am still rather proud of the fact that I can execute a head-height roundhouse kick, even though the years are creeping up on me. I manage to keep up in the warm up, with young men thirty years my junior. I don’t think I would be anywhere near as flexible, strong, or fit, if it was not for Wing Chun. It is also wonderful for stress-relief. It is very difficult to remain anxious or stressed when punching pads or sparring. I often attend schools on Friday, with my forearms looking rather like I belong to a strange version of Fight Club, following a robust Chi Sau session. Some may think this unbecoming for a woman of a certain age, but this doesn’t concern me. I would recommend it to anyone. Getting more fit is something that many aim for but our Club is bigger than just that. We are a community and have respect for one another. Learning a skill that could cause harm, makes one acutely aware of the restraint and control needed when training with friends. Consequently, injuries are exceedingly rare and camaraderie is in abundance.

When I was still wearing a green sash

I have previously written about the decline in uptake of traditional martial arts, perhaps in favour of more integrated styles, such as Mixed Martial Arts. However, this isn’t suitable for somebody of my advanced years and collection of injuries. Wing Chun is surprisingly achievable – easy to learn but difficult to master. The mental gymnastics is also as good for the brain as the actions are for the body. I would strongly recommend it as a possibility to try for your New Year fitness resolution.

Wing Chun is great for body and mind

I am also not going to change my theatre-going habit, or my weekends exploring London. Sometimes, I am in pursuit of an ancestral trail, at others, I am just wandering. I already have nine theatre trips booked and have no intention of reducing my habit. Whilst it may dent my bank balance it lifts my mood immeasurably. The tickets themselves generally are affordable as I favour small theatres that provide a more intimate experience. My old school friend and I are regulars at the Southwark Playhouse and also visit the Menier Chocolate Factory, Wilton’s Music Hall, Finborough Theatre and are giving the Kings Head Theatre a whirl this year too. Prices at smaller theatres are often very competitive allowing chances to be taken, often with very satisfying results. I do not enjoy watching from a height, or being so far from the stage that the actors are but a small and distant blob to my poor eyesight.

Southwark Playhouse Elephant – small, intimate venues offer a great experience and good value tickets

Additionally some theatre ticket prices are prohibitive. This is particularly the case when a big-name star is leading the cast. Given the choice between an affordable ticket in the god’s or an excellent view at a smaller theatre, my choice is clear.

Buying from small. independent businesses, with good ethics and great customer service, is another habit I don’t intend to change in 2025. I patronise some wonderful small businesses for all sorts of different products. I never shop at the largest online retailer, but prefer instead to shop smaller and slower. My old school friend, also a small business owner, often tells me that money spent at a small retailer helps real families, rather than making the richest people in the world even more rich. This appeals to the disruptor in me. I’ve listed a few of my favourites at the end of this post.

Sideline is a small, slow fashion business selling beautifully crafted clothes. I’m a huge fan.

I experienced some memorable journeys in 2024 and have no intention of curbing my wanderlust this year. I have not yet finalised plans but am very much looking forward to complicated rail journeys and brushing up on my rudimentary language skills. My very basic understanding of the Dutch language served me remarkably well in my last foray abroad, and my French creeps forward towards proficiency with every trip. Attempting to speak the local language shows effort, and it is easy enough to pick up polite and courteous phrases to show that you care. I will be planning some expeditions to new places but I will still return to my beloved South of France in the summer. I am longing for the warm sun, night time swimming and exploring the cool, narrow streets of old towns , drinking in the beauty of the Mediterranean colours. I cannot not return. I am drawn back every year.

The South of France is my paradise

Life can come at you fast so it is always time well spent when you can do something that you enjoy. I used to work on my commute but realised that working during the day, working in the evening and some weekends, probably doesn’t give the best balance. I began my reading habit when I purchased some pre-loved paperbacks at Vale Wildlife Hospital’s annual Open Day event. I resolved to read more, and I restate this resolution here. Money spent on books is never wasted and they can always be shared with others once read.

I always have a book on the go

I support a number of charities and campaigns and do what I can to preserve our history, save the animals, help those in need and look after our planet. I appreciate the excellent work done by so many dedicated and passionate people and contribute when I can.

Vale Wildlife Hospital is a very worthwhile charity to support

In short, I begin 2025 much as I ended 2024. I have no desire to make any changes in my life. I have found pursuits that please me and bring balance to my life. Sometimes, it’s not changing that brings the rest. I don’t have any grand ambitions or goals but I do wish everyone a belated very Happy New Year and health and happiness to you all of my readers.

These are a few of my favourite things

British Wing Chun Kuen Association, Worcester – Come and join us! – https://www.britishwingchunkuenassociation.com/

Sideline Clothing, Lewes – carefully made, quality, slow fashion –https://www.sideline-clothing.com/

Peter Cooks Bread, Malvern and Worcester – wonderfully innovative bakery – https://www.petercooksbread.co.uk/

Townhouse, Spitalfields – art gallery, bookshop, tea, coffee and cake. What’s not to love? https://www.townhousespitalfields.com/

Tracklements condiments – ban boring food! – https://www.tracklements.co.uk/

Planet detox – ethical and safe cleaning products – https://planetdetox.co.uk/

One Hundred Stars Clothing– I can’t get enough of their joyful prints. This company came to people’s notice when Nigella wore one of their gowns in her show. Ethical with great customer service – https://onehundredstars.co.uk/

Southwark Playhouse – small and welcoming theatre venues, with an innovative programme – https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/

Finborough Theatre – even smaller, welcoming theatre for an intimate experience with very affordable tickets – https://finboroughtheatre.co.uk/

French Soaps – a small business with the best range of the famous, versatile, Marseille soap – https://www.frenchsoaps.co.uk/

Hodmedod’s – a company passionate about preserving ancient grains and pulses for modern kitchens – https://hodmedods.co.uk/

Dedais, hats – you really are not dressed without a hat and these berets and straw hats are extraordinarily beautiful – https://dedais.com/

Vale Wildlife Hospital – a very worthwhile small charity – https://www.valewildlife.org.uk/