Harmony and Unity
by Annie Try Monday We arrive in dribs and drabs - a few ex-lawyers, NHS leavers, accountants, housewives, retired teachers, carers, those who've never needed to work and a milliner . There's only one ex-professional amongst us. The bare hall is shabby, with one redeeming full-height glass wall framing a tiny courtyard. Amateur artwork adorns the walls, attempting to brighten the space and cover peeling paintwork. Nothing reveals the activity that is about to occur. The sole man appears. Ladies changing their clothes do not bat an eyelid but carry on getting ready. The secret weapons, bottles of water, are placed one-by-one on most of the well-spaced chairs, until the room resembles an audience of waiting H 2 O. The tutor walks in and puts on different shoes from her bag. Gradually the other occupants of the hall drift towards their self-allotted space, awaiting her instructions. Feet are stretched, arms lifted, shoulders raised and...