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MOVE over Jane Fonda, the Shearman Sugarettes of Haverhill are showing they are no slouches when it comes to exercise.
Residents of Shearman Court sheltered accommodation, who are in their 80s and 90s, have formed their own exercise group, using 1kg bags of sugar to work their muscles.
Up to a dozen residents are working on the exercise sessions with Lesley Mason, of Community Education.
Ann Brigstock, Joan Thake have been at Shearman Court for 13 years, since it opened and Mary Rinaldo has been there almost as many years. They all enjoy the new exercise sessions.
"I wouldn’t like to live anywhere else, we are a very lively group. Exercise is very important to us, we used to do yoga here at one time. I like to have music on all the time," Mrs Brigstock said.
Lesley Mason said she had visited Shearman Court to see what kind of activites residents would like and was quite surprised when they cam up with exercise classes, as well as computers and painting.
"We are designing our exercise routine using bags of sugar. We are using sugar-related music, starting with the Sugar Plum Fairy, and one of the residents came up with the anem Sugarettes.
"It is part of our Lifelong Learning work and they are really enthusiastic about it. We might even do a display later on. They are also interested in computers and we are going to try and set-up Internet links and virtual visits,” Ms Mason said.
Jacqui Arbon, manager of the 50 flats at Shearman Court has been working with the residents to get the group going. "I think it is great. It really just goes to show that life starts after retirement," Ms Arbon said.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the group or supporting any activities at Shearman Court should contact Lesley Mason on (01440) 707035 or email her by clicking the email link button.

CAPTION: Bags if energy … Sugarettes: Lesley Mason from community education with scheme manager, Jaqui Arbon and residents Joan Thake, Mary Rinaldo and Ann Brigstock.

E-Mail Link: lesley.mason@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk