It's all things 'strictly' this month.....
How have we got to September already? Anyone else feel that the Summer has come and gone too quickly? The only consolation at this time of year for me is the prospect of 'Strictly' returning to our screens every Saturday night. Launch show 17th Sept...Get it in your diaries!
Speaking of launch events... I'm off to Liverpool today for my very own strictly launch event as I have been accepted to be one of the contestants in a charity version of the show!!!
I'm super excited to be a part of this charity fundraising event for Stick 'n' Step and as any of you who know me well this is a childhood dream come true to finally get to wear the frock and dance with a professional partner for an evening.
But here's where I need your help....
Do any of you fancy coming along to the event to support me? I have it on good authority that the louder your supporters the higher up the leader board you go! So I should love as many of you as possible to get your glad rags on and come and enjoy the event. There will be 10 of us competing and as the flier suggests you get a 3 course meal, drinks reception and a dance showcase number as well as the actual competition to enjoy. Hopefully if we can get multiples of 10 it will keep the cost down to £60 per ticket (and of course it's for charity).
Check your diaries for Sat Nov 26th and let me know how you are fixed so I can get reserving tables.
Also ... as part of the deal I have agreed to raise £1,500 for the charity (outside of people attending the event). I shall be uploading a JustGiving profile for this in the next few days and am hoping to host a couple of fundraising events (wine tasting/ coffee morning etc) so please do look out for info on these and if you can support my efforts by donating or getting involved in any of the events that would be most appreciated.
And that's not where our strictly journey ends .....
We are lucky to have the hit musical Strictly Ballroom coming to the Liverpool Empire in October. Featuring Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith from the TV show.
A few members of our dance fitness class 'Fitsteps' have suggested having a joint trip out to see it.
Unfortunately the week it's in town I am going to be away but that shouldn't stop you going as a group ...in fact we're suggesting you replace coming to the Fitsteps Wednesday afternoon class and head to the matinee performance instead. Prices will be dependent on how big our group is, with some reductions for 'seniors'. But on average you're looking at about £35.
Can you please let me or Stephanie Mill know if you're interested in this next week and we'll get booking. There's talk of staying in Liverpool for Tapas afterwards too if you fancy it?
And if all these dance events weren't enough to brighten your mood as we head into Autumn I've got more......
2023 will be a significant year for me. It marks my 10th Anniversary of teaching classes to many of you and in April I'll be 50! (and of course my divorce will be through by then)
So to celebrate these milestones I'd like to re-organise the 'abroad, pamper getaway' that we were scheduled to go on just as Covid hit.
I'm once again in communication with the lovely Caroline Ward from Love my Leisure https://www.lovemyleisure.com/ to see what we can arrange.
Portugal is less likely to be an option this time around as we can only go there very early in the season but she is currently offering us a very good deal in Paphos, Cyprus in mid April ( 4 nights £415/5 nights £500 half board). This as before covers accomodation, transfers and 2-3 beauty treatments each whilst there. I would also throw in free daily classes! Dates to be confirmed but looking at April 13th dept at the moment. Prices of flights do vary according to the time of day travelled so obviously need to be factored into the overall cost.
Do you fancy joining me in a sun and fun filled celebration? If so, please start registering your interest ASAP so I can let Caroline know the possible numbers we are looking to book.
You'd think we don't do anything but socialise in this exercise club wouldn't you? Well you're pretty much right!
For as well as all the above events I want to start planning a Christmas do with you all....
I'm open to suggestions but for those of you who joined us a couple of years ago do you remember the fab night we had at The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel where we were entertained by The Big Beat Band?
Well they are once again providing entertainment this festive season and I'm just in discussions with the hotel to see if they have availability for us on Thursday 8th Dec. Ticket price is £40 and includes a 3 course meal plus the entertainment from the band (who were excellent last time!).
Any takers? We definitely need a dance this year! Once again please start registering your interest so I can get an idea of numbers.
So with all of these social events to look forward to I suppose we best be looking our best...
So here's where the exercise classes fit in!
September is always a good month to take stock of your personal goals and so I'd like to see as many of you returning to classes as possible. For many of you 'we've missed you' over Summer... I do hope you are well and will make a return to us over the coming weeks/months.
The timetable looks much as it did before but please note the couple of additions!
Our online Barre Pilates classes will once again be returning for a 4 week block which will soon to be added to Gymcatch to be bought as a 'course'. The beauty of it being online means that even if you are going to be away you can still opt in and join us from wherever you are or use the recording at a time to suit you! The 4 week course will cost just £20 too!
And secondly, please note that I am trialling a Monday evening 'beginners/slow paced' pilates class at Upton United Reformed Church. Perfect if you haven't attended for a while, are new to pilates or can't attend your usual daytime class one week.
As with all our pilates classes over the next two months I am running them as Pay as you Go or via a Class Pass option rather than as a course (I am aware that many of you still have holidays to take etc). Therefore you have the option of booking into any of the classes on the timetable and can mix and match to suit your needs (I just advise you to stick with the same level of class where possible).
All Class passes give you a reduction in price compared to Pay as you Go so are a good investment if you are able to commit to a few classes. I advise you to make your bookings as soon as possible however as with this option there is no ability to guarantee your place in class unless you have booked in on Gymcatch. Please don't assume that by buying a pass that you are booked in. Unfortunately you won't be and could therefore get turned away if our class limit has been reached.
As a good will gesture I have also made it possible for those of you with summer pilates passes with unused credits on them to carry these over to the autumn term for bookings.
Please therefore head over to Gymcatch and get booking!!!
This current timetable also gives me Monday and Thursday afternoon's free to be available to offer 1:1 support to folks.
If you would benefit from a more personal approach be it for weight loss support, motivation, pilates assessment etc please do get in touch and I'd be happy to schedule you in.
A one off session is £30 but Block Bookings of x4 or more sessions work out at £25 per session,
I am also now in a position to welcome you to my home studio meaning that no additional hall hire fees are necessary should you be able to get to Christleton. (I am also available to come to your home if that works for you).
Can I also please ask one more thing of you all?
Our numbers have not truly recovered since Covid hit us. I am eager to get re-building the business and encourage new members along to reap the rewards of our classes and friendships.
You can help me in a number of ways and I would really appreciate your support where possible.
Perhaps..
You could encourage a friend along to class for a free trial? And as a reward for you this Autumn I will give you a free class to say thankyou for the referral if they return for a paid class.
You could go onto our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/classfitnessuk or Google and leave a sparkling review of the business/classes?
You could circulate a few fliers onto notice boards, amongst your work or friendship groups?
Any help gratefully received.
And finally can I take this opportunity to THANK YOU all so much for the fantastic support you have shown me personally in the past few months.
Your love, kind messages of support and caring have given me such strength and optimism and I am truly thankful to have had such a supportive network of people around me.
I am stronger than I was and feel positive as we enter the Autumn together
Much love
Di x