A Welsh council had told a woman who has offered free yoga sessions on a beach for ten years that she must now fork out £24 for each class conducted. Helen Wilson, the founder of Womankind Yoga, hosts her sessions at Swansea Beach, close to The Observatory, on Tuesday evenings, from May through August. Her classes operate on a donation basis to help cover costs, ensuring they remain accessible to people from all walks of life, regardless of financial status.
Through her classes, many have found an opportunity to experience yoga, who might not have been able to afford it otherwise, reports WalesOnline. She has grown a community over the years with around 30 to 50 people attending each time on average and as many as 200 at its peak. Her efforts have been recognised by national news publications and recently featured on BBC television show Wynne and Joanna All At Sea where hosts Wynne Evans and Joanna Page joined in with a session in an episode which many reviewed as having helped showcase the city in a positive light.
Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here. But after the episode was aired Mrs Wilson, who is also co-owner of Ground Plant Based Coffee in Brynmill, said she felt she had been "targeted" by the council, which got in touch with her via email stating she would be charged £24.15 per session for using the beach going forward.
The 43-year-old has appealed the decision and questioned the council's authority to impose such a fee and the council h.
