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Judith teaches aerobics with a big smile
Judith Phillips hails from Haverfordwest and is living proof that there can be a sporting involvement for all because after many years of playing golf and running she has taken up a new activity over the past two seasons and is already earning a reputation with her new-found skills.
Judith has become an aerobics tutor and makes sure that her classes are well organised and help those taking part develop to the full but always with an element of fun so that there is a smile on the faces of those who attend. Her classes, many of them at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre but also elsewhere, now range from children’s keep fit to aquarobics, cycle spinning and gentle keep-fit for those of a more mature age! We sent along a spy from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk to attend several sessions of the last-named activity and it received a huge thumbs-up because not only did she and the rest of the ladies taking part enjoy a whole range of quite strenuous activities that were within their capability but the post-session coffee and chat also went down a bomb with our ‘mole’! Further proof of the availability for all can be gauged from the fact that Judith’s mum Enid, now a youthful 79, also took part and is dubbed ‘Mummy Bear’ by those who join her and really enjoy her company!
Took the plunge
Judith’s previous work had kept her busy in computing for much of her life, especially in programme management at places like British Airways, but a few years ago she decided it was time to move back to Haverfordwest, where she coached ‘Lifelong Learning Skills’ part-time at Pembrokeshire College and then full time in Milford Haven. She was playing golf but decided it was time to do more with her sporting interests and took the plunge when she went on to the computer and discovered an ‘Exercise to Music’ course in Aberystwyth which involved two full week’s attendance in Mid Wales, plus several workshops and then exams before she passed out with flying colours.
“Not bad going for a middle-aged person” says Judith with a chuckle!
New start – and a busy time
She gained experience by giving free lessons to her pals at Haverfordwest Golf Club, who were willing guinea pigs before she took up her new calling in earnest and news spread of her classes so that although her golfing friends still came there were others who wanted to join her groups.
Then she was asked to be involved at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre and in the intervening time she has taken further qualifications which allow her to be involved with aerobics, aquarobics, children’s keep fit, spin and junior spin (that’s done on the special cycles at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre), plus working with youngsters from 5 to 16. She is currently studying for her working with under fives and has also been roped in to put on classes at Fishguard Leisure Centre – but still stays loyal to other classes she set up in Merlins Bridge and Prendergast.
“I am very busy but it is really satisfying because I meet so many nice people,” admits Judith, “and it has certainly helped me lose weight because I am on the go all the time!”
Keen sportswoman
Judith has always enjoyed a strong affinity with sport, starting in school where she played at right inner and then joined Narberth Ladies, where she played for many years. She qualified as an umpire and became the first holder of a ‘B’ badge, which allowed her to officiate at matches all over Wales in the Welsh National League.
She is also a keen swimmer and runner who is a member of the St Clears TROTs Club and is setting herself the challenge of getting really fit so that she can take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon – but it is golf which has taken up much of her spare time over the past 18 years, after being introduced to the game with some ex-hockey pals at Pontypridd Golf Course. She took to it straight away as she dropped her handicap from 36 to 18 very quickly, eight shots dropping after one amazing round at Llandrindod Wells saw her win a lovely cut-glass claret jug for her 45 Stableford points, doubling up with the nearest the pin prize as a double.
When she returned to Pembrokeshire it was only natural that she would join Haverfordwest Golf Club because her father, Denzil Phillips, had been a captain and life member. She received a very warm welcome and was at one time ladies’ captain of the club, where she enjoyed a fantastic year which culminated in a cracking Ladies’ Captain’s Day which drew a huge field, including 18 from Pontypridd.
Judith and Co won the Three Counties’ League last season in a nerve-jangling finale at South Pembs where the issue was only settled on the final putt at the last hole of the final game. She has been Hon Secretary of the Ladies’ Section at Haverfordwest for the past 12 months or so and hopes to carry on playing for a long time yet!
And finally
But it is her new work that will also occupy her time and as well as her aerobics and other work at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre she is also a qualified personal trainer who is the ideal choice to encourage others to take part in exercise at the right level – and is a Level Three-qualified Nutritional Advisor.
But she is not content to stand still for long and will be looking to advance her experience and skills as she carries on her work – and there is no doubt that if infectious enthusiasm and care for people is anything to go by then Judith Phillips will attract more and more devotees as she carries on her good work!
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