Font size:

- +

Have a look at the programme for The Retirement Show, London, 2009

See what happened during the show - there was plenty to keep visitors interested and entertained for the whole day.

THE PRUDENTIAL SEMINAR THEATRE

The Prudential Seminar Theatre hosted a series of informative seminars. Our expert panel answered questions from the audience and gave advice on the following topics. Individual presentations from several of our exhibitors on specific areas of interest also took place in the Prudential Seminar Theatre.

THE ACTIVITY ZONE

GET ACTIVE AT THE RETIREMENT SHOW

Visitorts who entered the Active Zone at the show were able to take part in a whole day of Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga. Qualified instructors took taster sessions on a rolling programme throughout the day, so there were plenty of opportunities to join in.

DRU YOGA
The yoga teachers at Dru are passionate about positive health and wellbeing. With yoga and meditation at their core they care deeply about nutrition, remedies and relieving the stresses of everyday living. Their energetic and fresh-thinking organization is eager to inspire a naturally healthier way of living for everybody. www.druworldwide.com

TAI CHI
Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art based on the interaction of yin and yang. It combines self-defence, meditative, health and philosophical elements. The idea of yin and yang is more than 3000 years old and comes from the Book of Changes. Tai Chi Chuan can therefore be described as Philosophy in Action.
Kathy Davies has been a Tai Chi practitioner for 12 years and has taught for 10 years, running Seniors Classes for the over 50s. Based in Gillingham, Kent, for more information after the show, visit www.orientalartscentre.co.uk

REAL PEOPLE PILATES FOR OVER 50S
Liz Chandler has created the only Pilates DVD designed specifically for a 50 year old and over audience. She is a fully certified Pilates teacher and feels passionate about the benefits of the general holistic approach to health and exercise that defines Pilates. For alleviating aches, improving mobility and making bodies more resilient to the ageing process, Pilates is an ideal way to stay active. For more information after the show, visit www.realpeoplepilates.co.uk

Dance Floor

The celebrated Philip Wylie, who heads Holiday and Dance, hosted The Retirement Show dance programme for 2009. Philip, a former amateur and
professional championship competitor, is well known for delivering first class teaching and coaching in an enjoyable way - for both competitive and social
dancers. Philip Wylie and his team at Holiday and Dance welcomed all those who can’t dance, had maybe forgotten how or just haven’t had time to learn!

10.45 Teach in: Samba
11.30 Demonstration by Young Dance Champions in Cabaret
14.45 Teach In: Tango
15.45 Young Dance Champions in Cabaret

Art Zone

Around 24 people per hour, every hour, were able to create an original work, with expert tuition from The Society for All Artists using their “Guidelines to Art”. Visitors had their watercolour mounted for them to take home and enjoy! Even if visitors had never picked up a paintbrush before, they were able to come along and take the opportunity to find out how much fun expressing themselves through art can be.

CRAFT ZONE

All new for London 2009 was The Craft Zone, located near the DP Cappucino Bar. The make-and-take sessions offered by the Craft Barn were extremely popular, with a continual stream of visitors taking part.ts you get to use.

The members of the Woman’s Weekly home and knitting teams were also on hand to demonstrate how to make two of the gorgeous items featured in recent issues, as well as answering any questions visitors had.

The UK Hand Knitting Association and the Knitting and Crochet Guild were keen to meet visitors and advise on local groups and projects, as well as give hints and tips and demonstrations of knitting techniques.

Health Zone

Hundreds of visitors went to the Health Zone to get their blood pressure checked by the Blood Pressure Association. They tested over 800 visitors' blood pressure, as well as giving advice, where necessary, on how to reduce blood pressure, how to maintain low blood pressure and medicines to help visitors reduce their blood pressure. They were also be able to make suggestions on what visitors can do to keep themselves and their hearts healthy.

Kit Hammond, of Miracles Do Happen, offered advice and information on how laughter can help you stay fit and healthy and to overcome illness through her holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

The Craniosacral Therapy Association were in the Health Zone to teach people about this approach to therapy which helps to amplify the body's natual tendency to self-repair. With several therapists on hand the CTSA were able to show visitors exactly how this therapy could help them.

Rangemaster cookery theatre

The Retirement Show 2009 was delighted to feature expert chefs demonstrating techniques and dishes from the whole world! From summery, British food to exotic Thai and Indian flavours, the cookery shows were designed to entertain and educate.

PERFORMANCE STAGE

Back by popular demand, the Performance Stage proved to be such a hit at the show in 2008, it returned bigger and better in 2009! Visitor favourite Colin Roy, from Rose and Steel Productions, performed again throughout both days of the show. Also taking place twice each day was the Charity Shop Chic fashion show, presented by the Nettlebed Volunteers who wore clothes from the Sue Ryder Care Designer Barns. Members of the U3A Egyptian Belly Dancing group also performed 'Enchantment' - showing that you really can belly dance at any age! Saturday had a special appearance by the Thameside Harmony Chorus who sang a selection of hits a capella style to entertain visitors.

PETER JONES BEAUTY AND SKINCARE ZONE

Beauty Consultants from Peter Jones (part of the John Lewis Partnership) offered the latest skincare advice and demonstrated must-have products in the Beauty and Skin Care Zone. Consultants from Elemis, Revive and La Prairie were available to offer one to one consultations and introduce visitors to something new!

Consultants advised visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, and gave a 'Touch-up' service, offering visitors the opportunity to have a full consultation in the Peter Jones store in Sloane Square where they will be given a complete make-over and full advice. If you missed them at the show you can still arrange an appointment to see them in store. Just pop along to the store, or see them online at www.PeterJones.co.uk.