On Saturday the 19th of July, women from across the Central Coast (and beyond!) to celebrate 25 years of Tuggerah Lakes Physi. The night was highly successful, with members past and present joining together to commend this great achievement. Below is one of the speeches from the evening.
       | Hi all , we are here tonight in celebration of an outstanding achievement by Louise, Teaching Physi now for 25 years. That’s half her life spent teaching Tuggerah Lakes Physical Culture Club. It was originally known as Gosford Wamberal, and when Maxine retired in 1990, Louise stepped in. The classes were held at Wamberal Public school. Ah, the good old days. So close to home. In 1995, the club moved to Chittaway Public School and became known as Tuggerah Lakes. Over the years Louise increased her family by 2 extra children, Nikki and Michael. She already had Lisa. Robyn Stephens (who was teaching the senior lessons at the time) took over the classes for 3 whole weeks when Nikki was born. I suppose that’s what happens when you have a baby right on competitions. The planning was not good with that one. I can remember her actually letting ME take a couple of classes when she was having Michael, and again a few classes when she had a little rest after breaking her back. It’s very hard to keep this one down. I think she has only had a sickie once or twice. Poor Michael , it’s lucky his first outfit after getting out of bonds baby suits was not a physi leotard, and he could have been the only child to turn up to soccer training wearing ballets by mistake. Nikki came on board in 2005 to help out with learning the dances and by 2008 was a more permanent fixture. Our Club has had its fair share of champions over the years. 14 individuals to be exact. Some of them have even taken the title several times. And 5 teams also. A very good result. One of the things I love about physi are the friendships made which last a lifetime. It’s not all about winning. We are very good at coming in second too. Unless you ask my husband... then it’s all Louise’s fault if we don’t get 1st place. I’ve known the Kalait girls since the late 1970’s. This is one of those friendships that I am talking about. I first met Susanne while competing against her when we were about 12 and soon after her sister, Louise. We got on from the beginning and I looked forward to catching up with them at every comp. It’s great to be competing in the same club now. There were many nights when I would give Louise a lift home from classes. They finished anywhere between 9 and 10pm and I would not actually get home till after 11pm most times. We liked to have a chat. Back in the old days we actually had a pianist play the music, then we moved slowly to tapes then CD’s and with modern technology you can now see it all on U Tube. Louise’s first practice video of the work was filmed whilst she was pregnant with Nikki, Melissa Brailey was in the 12 years age group then. How old do you feel now? Before I finish up I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that Lorraine has given to the club over the whole 25 years. Thank you. Can you all please raise your glasses in a toast to Louise. Congratulations on your 25 years to you and Tuggerah Lakes. Debbie Legge (nee Wood) |        |
Photos Courtesy of Bada Bing Photography
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