A martial arts team from Lyde Green

A martial arts team from Lyde Green has won several medals at the World Championships held in the Netherlands. Four students from Fishponds Taekwondo Academy, which moved into the area two years ago, represented Team UK in the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) competition. They returned from Amsterdam with silver and bronze medals for patterns and sparring in junior and adult categories SELF-CONTROL AND PERSEVERANCE

Instructor Simon Herrington, who has achieved the rank of 3nd degree Black Belt in the Korean-based martial art, said: “We are very proud of our team who worked hard and performed well. “It’s always nice to win medals, but it’s more important that they followed the tenets of Taekwondo, which includes courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.” Teenagers Millie and Cameron Bates, Ellianne Reader – who are all 1st degree Black Belts, along with 20-year-old Joel Cassar, a 3rd degree Black Belt, competed in the championships. Gavin Reader, who is a 2nd degree Black Belt and has been a sports coach for two decades, said: “They are a delight to coach as they are dedicated, hard-working and motivated to be the best they can be. “It’s been incredible to see their development, not just in the martial art, but as inspirational young people.” FAMILY FRIENDLY CLUB

Simon and Gavin took up the martial art, which emphasises fast kicking techniques and is said to promote physical and mental strength, ten and seven years ago respectively. They were encouraged to join when their young daughters signed up.

Simon, who has been a senior project manager for 36 years, said: “We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly club and have many parents who train alongside their children.

“It is suitable for a range of people – from students working towards worldclass competitions to those who want to challenge themselves physically and mentally, while learning practical self-defence.”

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Health benefits of Taekwondo include improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. Psychologically, it is reported to help develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

Gavin, who is a project manager for the NHS, said: “I’ve seen children come to the club and in a relatively short space of time, become much more confident in themselves.

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Drivers are being urged to stay safe when driving this coming winter, or they could risk being fined and having penalty points to their licence. With the weather starting to get colder and the days getting shorter, road users are being warned to make necessary checks before driving. Rules 226 to 237 of the Highway Code address motoring laws in regard to “driving in adverse weather conditions”. Rule 229 specifically sets out what drivers should do before they enter their vehicle.It states: “Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows. “You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly. “Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users. “Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.” If drivers do not abide by these Highway Code rules, they could risk a £60 fine. Drivers may also receive penalty points on their driving licence for not abiding by the rules. Motorists could even be in hot water with their car insurance companies if an accident were to occur.

If an insurance company finds out drivers were not following the highway code, it could lead to a withheld payout. To demist a windscreen, the RAC advises drivers start the heater off cold and direct the flow of air at the windscreen and windows, then slowly increase the temperature. It does, however, cause a distraction to other motorists when it eventually comes off, so it is worth it to remove the snow whilst demisting the car. Ultimately, when clearing ice and demisting the car, try and ensure all the snow has been removed too. However, if on a public road the highway code states: "You must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road." Alongside making the vehicle an easy target for theft, drivers could land themselves with a fine ranging from £20 to £80 depending on the location. This is only applicable on public roads, so motorists are safe to demist on driveways and other areas of private land.

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