Every Friday morning, a local park in Romsley comes alive with gentle movement, fresh air and a growing Tai Chi community.
Thanks to support from a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant, the Friends of Romsley & Hunnington were able to offer free Tai Chi sessions in the local park.
Led by instructor Steve Taylor from Painting the Rainbow, the group quickly found its rhythm. What started as a small gathering has grown into a friendly, welcoming community of regulars, with many others joining whenever they can.
One of the things that makes the group special is its commitment to being outdoors. Whatever the weather, the group meets in the park, dressed for the elements and ready to move. In two years, only one session has been cancelled, and that was due to deep snow.
Participants say that practising Tai Chi outdoors adds something unique to the experience. The gentle movements, slow breathing and focus on balance feel even more grounding when surrounded by nature.
Sandie Castle, a regular attendee, said: “Tai Chi is helping me maintain my balance and breathing control, and the co‑ordination of the movements gives my whole body a gentle workout. Meeting as a group is beneficial too — even when it’s raining or windy, it adds to the feeling of being with nature. I feel energised afterwards and ready to tackle the rest of the day.”
The group has created a WhatsApp chat to stay connected, share updates and welcome newcomers. Sessions are always beginner‑friendly, making it easy for anyone to join in, whether they live locally or travel from nearby areas such as Bromsgrove or Bewdley. Weekly numbers vary with the seasons, but the group typically sees between 10 and 15 people taking part.
What has remained constant throughout is the sense of community. People come for the exercise, but they stay for the companionship, the fresh air and the chance to start their Friday with calm, movement and connection.
To find out more about how a Public Health community grant could help you improve wellbeing in your neighbourhood please visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants