OT Local

29/09/2026

I'm so sorry I haven't been in touch for a while. I hope you're all well and have enjoyed a lovely summer.

It's been a challenging year at Chez Noakes! After initially feeling that I was recovering, I started to get worse and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus—a build-up of fluid in the brain. This has caused major balance problems that, sadly, no amount of tai chi could fix! Imagine being on a ferry in the Bay of Biscay in choppy weather, and you'll have some idea of how it's felt.

On Friday, I'm having further brain surgery to fit a shunt to drain the excess fluid into my abdomen, where it can be absorbed. I'm told the improvement could be quite quick, so I'm really hoping for some relief from the balance problems, fatigue, confusion and nausea. It's a big operation, but the prospect of being able to walk properly again makes it feel very worthwhile.

Sooooo… perhaps a return to tai chi could be on the cards next year? I'll need time to regain my strength and physical function, as well as relearn skills I've lost following the brain injury. There's a way to go, but I'm hopeful.

Sadly, I'll also lose my driving licence for at least six months this time. 🙁

I'll keep you posted! In the meantime, if you've found a tai chi class you're enjoying, could you share the details with me? I'm still receiving enquiries, especially as my classes continue to appear in Google searches, and it would be lovely to point people towards classes you'd recommend.

Sending my best wishes to you all.

Alison x

05/05/2026

He came home! Well, he got stuck in an inner enclosed courtyard in a school behind us and couldn't get out. The staff recalled our pleas to find him and contacted us. He is ravenous,.and has been reunited with his brother. ❤️❤️ Some good news, finally 🙌

30/04/2026

Tai Chi Update
Hello everyone,

I thought I’d share a little update on my recovery.

At the moment things have plateaued a bit — I’m having good days followed by more difficult ones, which means I’m not yet able to return to teaching tai chi consistently. My balance, coordination and memory are still not quite where they need to be (rather important for tai chi!).

On the good days, I feel like I’m ready to come back… but then the following day reminds me I still need more time, with fatigue and headaches creeping in.

I’m due to have a scan later in the summer, which should give a clearer idea of the extent of the injury and recovery potential. Until then, it’s a case of patience and taking things one step at a time.

The positive news — I’ve got my driving licence back this week, which feels like a big milestone 🚗🙂

It would be lovely to catch up for a coffee with some of you soon.

Thank you so much to everyone who has stayed in touch — it really has meant a lot 💛

29/04/2026

Where are you, Kevin? Missing for one week now. I hope that wherever you're living you're on a diet of caviar and smoked salmon. (If you come home I promise you'll get the same diet).
We'll keep looking for you and waiting...🙏🥹

19/03/2026

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re enjoying this lovely weather?

I’m now 6 weeks into recovery from a subarachnoid haemorrhage and, although I’d hoped to be back by now, I’m still dealing with neuro-fatigue and cognitive dysfunction and can only manage one short activity a day. Progress is slow, with good and bad days, and even simple routines like washing and dressing take a lot of energy.

I’m hoping to return in around 6 weeks, starting gently. My driving licence is currently with the DVLA pending medical review, so I’ll be relying on taxis for a while.

I miss you all and really hope to see you soon 💛

17/02/2026

Hello lovely people,
Two weeks since my subarachnoid haemorrhage… and I was really hoping to be home by now, but I need to stay in hospital a few more days.

Physically I’m doing well. I’m just a bit slower with thinking and finding words, and I get very tired. Also — slightly bizarrely — there’s a bit of a disco happening in my head. I’m not the DJ, but the music choices are surprisingly decent! Apparently brains do odd things while healing, so I’m just going with it.

They’re still managing some swelling and pressure with a spinal drain, which has helped but not quite enough yet. Hopefully just a few more days and I’ll be home by the end of the week 🤞

Longer-term rehab hasn’t been mapped out yet, but I imagine the initial recovery phase will be about six weeks. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m really missing my tai chi family — the routine, the calm, and that beautiful shared peace. Thank you for all your love and support. It means more than you know.
Onwards gently 💛
Alison

02/02/2026

28/01/2026

Despite having a January birthday, this month has been looooong! I'm looking forward to February and spring around the corner 🎍
And I'm really looking forward to the forecast tomorrow morning (Thursday) for tai chi at Henley Station at 9.30. Hopefully sunshine on our skin and the birds singing along with us as we enjoy the fresh air, and coffee The.brookie.bean afterwards. Come and join us?

21/01/2026

UPDATE: I'm coming to Henley to chance it! Let's hope the rain holds off!

Hmmmm it's looking rainy in the morning 🤔 keep an eye out for a message from me whether tai chi goes ahead at 9.30 at the station. I'll make a decision by 8.45 and if it's still looking a bit iffy I'll come down for coffee anyway. We managed a session last week when the skies were grey!

19/01/2026

A reminder that tai chi in Alcester is not on tonight! Back tomorrow, 10am at The Greig Hall