Gary Grimshaw still teaching PE at
the Age of 90
This article appeared in the Chronicle & Echo on the 12th
May 2009.
One of Age Concern's oldest volunteers has celebrated his 90th
birthday by leading 'the old people' in his regular keep-fit class.
Gary Grimshaw, from Abington, who turns 90 tomorrow, was an army
physical training instructor and later a PE teacher in a a string of
schools in Northampton.
But since retiring, the Welshman just cannot seem to shake the
exercise habit and gets his weekly fitness fix by teaching a class
of over-50s at Abington Community Centre, demonstrating push-ups and
stretches with ease.
He said: "It's just never something that I've wanted to give up.
There's no real secret other than I think that being able to stay
fit must be genetic.
"When the people from Age Concern came to see what I was up to I
don't think they could quite get over a keep fit class with an
average age of over 70. We're like a big family here and I love
being able to help the old people like this."
After leaving the army Mr Grimshaw taught PE in a number of schools
in Northamptonshire such as Trinity Technical High School, in
Kingsthorpe Hollow, Quinton House School, in Upton and Lings Wood
Park School.
When he joined Lings Wood Park School, aged in his 70s, he was
believed to be the oldest PE teacher in the country.
Although no longer a school PE teacher, he still helps out at Cedar
Road Primary School by helping teach the youngsters to read twice a
week.
However, he still has more than enough time to devote to his first
love with his over-50s group, which he presides over with relatively
gentle games and exercise.
Hazel Hiam, of Age Concern Northampton, said: "I can't imagine how
we'd get on without Gary, he's such a great character."
Not satisfied with being one of Age Concern's senior volunteers, Mr
Grimshaw's next ambition is to get more men involved in the class.
He said: "I can start showing them the real tough stuff the
commandos do."
The full article in the Chronicle and Echo includes a video. [go]
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