Brian Cookman
Sunday 20 February 2005 at 08:36 am Brian Cookman one our long-standing members passed away on Friday 18th February 2005 at Addenbrooks Hospital in Cambridge, at the age of 59.Brian emailed me early January after returning from holiday in South Africa. During his holiday he became aware of some pains and following a scan discovered he has cancerous growths. Despite this harsh news he remained (at least of the surface) in very good spirits and asked friends and fellow taiji players to meditate to help him through his difficult times.
In the early days of the Union’s magazine Brian helped me out with professional layout advice and was always on hand when I needed to learn some new software. On a few occasions he happened to be in Glasgow on business and we met now and again for a few drinks and a chat. At the last Tai Chi Caledonia he was delighted to be invited to teach at the weekend and by all accounts his work was very well received by all who attended his courses. Brian also contributed much to the Tai Chi Health Forum. Despite my Scottish roots I had a great affection for Brian’s qualities which to me, in a true sense, carried the very essence of a English gentleman. In all my dealings with Brian he was friendly, helpful with never a bad word to say for anyone. His passing is sad loss to the internal arts community.
Ronnie Robinson
Secretary.
Proposed ban of swords in Scotland
Sunday 06 February 2005 at 09:48 am Eva Koskuba tells us more about the Proposed ban of swords in Scotland:I think Ronnie has already written on behalf of TCUGB to oppose the above bill. But I thought you might be personally interested in this petition against the proposed bill to ban the sale and use of swords in Scotland.
petition
There's an article about it here, and lots more on the web if you search under 'Scottish sword ban'
McConnell cracks down on knife crime
Martial arts and re-enactment groups will be badly affected if this bill goes through, and many people think it will pave the way for similar legislation in England. If you agree, please feel free pass it on to others who might be interested.
BRITISH OPEN TAI CHI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday 05 February 2005 at 1:15 pm BRITISH OPEN TAI CHI CHAMPIONSHIPSTHE 11th FESTIVAL OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS & THE 17th BRITISH OPEN TAI CHI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Open to all styles / associations
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL FORMS
JUNIOR & VETERAN FORMS
PUSHING HANDS
CHINESE FULL CONTACT WEAPONS
Come & watch or take part at BLACKBIRD LEYS LEISURE CENTRE, Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford.
ON SUNDAY, APRIL 10TH, 2005, DOORS OPEN 9am, STARTS 10am.
