In 2020, Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital Charitable Trust built a brand new hub on Rye Hill to encourage community wellbeing. It is part of a five building complex providing a multitude of community wellbeing opportunities. A lot of work went into the planning and fundraising of the Hub. The building was designed with four zones in mind – treatments, therapies, hairdressing (Renee 07990 573706) and activities like art classes, Pilates, singing group, table tennis and more. There is office space to rent and downstairs is a very cleverly designed large room which can be made into smaller ones with sliding doors. The cafe is a great space to socialise, have a meal as a group or just coffee and sample the delicious cakes.
“Better Healthcare for residents is a priority” is the Hub’s motto. It was not an easy ride as, even though the initial money was raised, there were shortfalls on the way. But with donations, fundraising events, bequests and patronages the building came to fruition. An impressive foyer opens into the main reception area, spacious and light, with comfortable seating to bring communities together. Outside is a landscaped garden and seating area which is visible through the large windows, at times distracting when trying to concentrate on Pilates.
For more information on the activities please go to: www.hubonryehill.org.uk or phone 01797 331 800
The Pilates technique
One of the most popular events is Pilates, which has an interesting past and has been practiced since the 1920s, when Joseph and Claire Pilates opened a ‘Body Conditioning Gym’ in New York City. Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1883, was a sickly child but worked hard to overcome it and became a competent gymnast, diver and skier. In 1912 he worked in England as a circus performer, boxer and self-defence instructor, but was interned with other German nationals. It was there that he taught and perfected his fitness techniques. At the end of the war he worked as an orderly in a hospital on the Isle of Man where he helped with patients who could not walk.
Joseph developed further techniques, like attaching bed springs to hospital beds to help support the patients’ limbs. The couple emigrated to the USA in the early 1920s and improved their methods in their ‘body conditioning gym’. Their rehabilitation work soon became popular, especially with the dance community as it helped to improve their injuries. It is reported that at the time, the clientele was 60% men. Now it is rare to see a man in the classes.
Joseph died in 1967 at 83 but Claire, his wife, continued developing the method, which eventually was promoted as “Pilates”, described by a Pilates Elder at the time: “They wouldn’t talk, they would sculpt”, the most important principle of which was learning how to breath. There are various classes in Rye and three of them at the Hub on the Hill.
Helen Flint, the Pilates teacher is encouraging, helpful and easy to follow, and the class very enjoyable and good for joints. Her classes are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For more information go to: info@helenflint-massagetherapist.co.uk, www.helenflint-massagetherapist.co.uk
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .