HARTFORD School of Gymnastics members have kept themselves busy during the lockdowns and proven themselves to be an inspiration to others.

This has been through online training sessions and taking on challenges, while motivating other youngsters across the country to do the same.

"Our club members have remained active through lockdown by attending our own online Zoom conditioning sessions, which are held in place of their in gym sessions twice every evening," said Charlie and Michelle Oakes, head coaches and owner, in a club statement.

"As we are limited to what our gymnasts can work on at home because of guidance from British Gymnastics, our gymnasts have been working with our coaches on their strength and flexibility training.

"It has been wonderful seeing them work so hard and remain enthusiastic throughout their sessions.

"We have also been posting out our Club Superstar achievement certificates in recognition of their hard work and individual achievements."

They added: "During January our club's gymnastics display team realised that not only were they missing being in the gym, they were missing being as active, so they set themselves a challenge.

"They were going to walk the distance from our club to Ravenscraig in Scotland where the Scottish Gymnastics Gymfest event is held.

"The team had been working on their routine for this event in between lockdowns and over Zoom training since June last year. They are still hoping to perform later this year (fingers crossed!)

"Not only did they walk the 214 miles, they smashed it in half the time they had planned!

"The team have also challenged display teams from all over the country to do the same from where they are based, and we already have three teams who have taken it up.

"We are now challenging our whole club to see how far we can walk together. Our target is to cover Land’s End to John O’Groats (837 miles) during February."

Although the gym is closed, Hartford are still getting enquiries for class places for when they re-open.

"If anyone would like to join one of our gymnastics classes, please email us for more details at

Hartfordgymnastics@yahoo.com," they said.

"Our Facebook page and website hartfordgymnastics.com will have up-to-date information on gym activities and more importantly re-opening information as soon as we receive the go-ahead from the UK Government and British Gymnastics."