Those of you who read the G-Mhap information on the notice boards at the centre or pick up copies of the ‘Pink Lobby’ will know that there used to be a yoga group for gay and bi-sexual men at the Piccadilly project on Tuesdays. It resulted from the G-Mhap Physical Education campaign, which included football, badminton and Tai Chi. The aim was to introduce gay men to physical activities to promote more healthy life styles as a means of HIV prevention. When this introduction was deemed to be over and G-Mhap felt they could no longer justify funding the group, a committee was set up to explore ways in which gay men's yoga might continue. Helped by Mark Fudge from G-Mhap and an official from the Stoke on Trent City Council ‘College in the Community’, they set out to find a suitable venue and enough people to meet the local authority requirements to run Yoga as an adult education recreational class. Recruitment of new members was extended to include Lesbians. The search began for suitable new base. Andrew phoned round the suggested venues and narrowed the possibilities down to three. The leg (wheel) work was then undertaken by Hugh who visited each place in turn. The first was too expensive, the second too cold, but like in the fairy tale of Goldilocks an the three bears, the third one was just right. It was warm, it was Yoga friendly (fabulous wooden floor) was just the size. At the first meeting at St Mark’s Primary School Shelton on 10th January it was unanimously agreed to open up the group still further to include heterosexual friends. The result has been a wonderful mixed bunch of people who come together because they want to do yoga. There is a really good group dynamic, a truly friendly atmosphere. Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for the success of the group is the wonderful charismatic leader who is a fully qualified teacher of Yoga, Tai Chi and well grounded in Eastern spirituality and philosophy. When asked to say something for this article Lyn said: “Yoga is a series of movements and postures designed to strengthen the body whilst relaxing the mind. It enables the individual to work at their own pace and maximise their stamina and increase and revitalise the energy levels.” A newly published book on Yoga claims that it will help you to: Rejuvenate your body & mind; Boost your energy; Relieve common ailments; Improve flexibility and Enhance your love-making! Now simply called “Yoga", the class meets 7.30 – 8.30pm every Monday during School term time at St Mark’s C of E Primary School Shelton Cost: £15.00 per term of 10 sessions (Free to people on income support)