www.berkskfa.org.uk

Lesley Levey, Chairman from May 2010

Joined Committee: May 2008

KFA background: Former Teacher

At school I hated exercise in any shape or form, so when a close friend talked me into joining a local KFA class whilst trying to lose weight I was astounded to find that I really enjoyed it. That was way back in around 1988. Not long after that I trained to become a Teacher and was a member of several County Team items. I was also honoured to be a member of the Regional Display Team which performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

My career eventually took me to lots of places around England and I had to give up teaching as I wasn't sure when I would be back home to take the class. Sadly I also gave up my Keep Fit, only returning to the fold in 2007. I am now trying to get back to my previous fitness level and know I will have great fun on the way!

When I rejoined the KFA I was amazed to find that so many friends I made way back in the '80s were still active members. I have thoroughly enjoyed renewing the friendships made back then and am enjoying making many more new friends.

Maureen Chappell, Vice Chairman from May 2010

Joined Committee: May 2009

KFA background: Teacher

I qualified in October 2008 and currently teach 2 classes a week.

Having worked all my life training and teaching people how to use computers (and sometimes finding myself building laptops etc! ) I was feeling trapped at my desk. I exercised at the gym or in aerobics classes but not as regularly as I wanted ... because life got in the way!

I was approaching retirement age and thought I would retrain in a more physical career so that I could work during my retirement doing something I enjoy. A colleague of mine did body pump and was a mature teacher. She gave me the KFA website address. I checked out local classes, went to Viv Little's class and said "I want to be a teacher". Viv invited me to stay to see if I enjoyed it. Movement to music seemed like a good idea. As it happens a Teacher Training course was starting a few weeks later ... so I signed up!

Diane James, Honorary Treasurer from May 2010

Joined Committee: May 2010

KFA background: Former Teacher

Born an 'Essex Girl', my mother took me to my first Keep Fit class in 1963. I was 19 years old and it was the era of Eileen Fowler. I moved to Berkshire in 1968 and joined a Keep Fit class in Tilehurst, which is still running. It has always been a very popular class and I'm not the only one there who remembers those early days!

In 1970 I trained as a teacher. In 1981 I increased my teaching to 2 active adult classes and a residential home seated class. I also worked in a Primary School as a Teaching Assistant, where I also taught Dance & Movement, Maypole Dancing and Country Dancing for 12½ years. I stopped teaching in 1997.

I thoroughly enjoy being in County Display Teams, Southern Counties Display Teams at the Royal Albert Hall and also in class demos - where I am not the one doing all the worrying!

Although I served on the Berkshire Teacher Training Sub Committee some time ago, I have made so many good friends over the years that I want to give back something extra to our great organisation, hence you now find me on the Berkshire KFA Executive Committee.

Barbara Walker, Communications Officer from May 2010

Joined Committee: May 2010

KFA background: Class member

Always a pupil, never a teacher - but never say never! Since childhood I have always invested in the future by taking exercise. At various times during the '80s and '90s I attended Keep Fit classes and appeared in several displays. Many years ago I worked at the same company as one of our teachers who lured me back to classes by inviting me to attend her summer class. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and have been a member since.

What struck me the most when I returned to class was the welcome I received and the friendliness of the members. I fitted in immediately and never felt like a newcomer.

Janet Richmond, Honorary Secretary from May 2005 & Newsletter Editor & Regional Member Liaison Officer

Joined Committee: end of 2004

KFA background: Class Member

I attend one class per week. In 1971 a neighbour told me about a KFA class in Tilehurst and I am still attending that class.

I have performed in numerous displays at class level, as a member of the Berkshire County Display Team and as a member of the Southern Counties Regional Display Team which performs at the National KFA Festival at the Royal Albert Hall. Since the introduction of the National Championships, I have also been a member in several competing teams.

I have served on both the Berkshire KFA and the Southern Counties KFA Committees. In 1974 I joined the Berkshire Committee and was delighted to be Chairman from 1993-1996. From 1998-2000 I was equally delighted to hold the office of Chairman of Southern Counties. Other positions I have held have been Berkshire Rep at Southern Counties and Editor of the Southern Counties annual magazine.

I have made many great friends since joining Keep Fit and it is wonderful to know that throughout the Association there is support for everyone, when illness or problems arise.