Margaret’s delight at new yoga centre lease (From Knutsford Guardian)

Margaret’s delight at new yoga centre lease

11:20am Tuesday 21st August 2012 in News By David Morgan

THE future is looking brighter for a popular yoga centre after it was threatened with demolition for four years.

Margaret Carter, who runs the Knutsford Iyengar Yoga Centre, has signed a new lease at the former WI hut in Branden Drive, which is in place until 2021.

The building’s owner Kambiz Jaberi originally wanted to build houses on the site.

However his plans were refused by council bosses in February as well as April last year, and an appeal was dismissed in September.

Several other applications have been put forward since the building was sold by Crosstown WI in 2004, causing anxiety for the 350 people who use the yoga centre each week.

“I’m relieved, and feel as though I can move on,” said Margaret, who has been teaching yoga since 1983.

“I had to carry on almost as if it wasn’t happening.

“I was making improvements to the hall while in the back of mind thinking this could be demolished at some point. At the end of the day this isn’t my property.”

The centre has been in use since the 1920s.

Margaret, who started teaching there in 2006, said: “During that time many different activities took place – lots of history and lots of memories for the people of Knutsford.

“Older people have asked to have a look around to reminisce about what they used to do here.

“Some used to eat their school dinners here.”

When the centre opened it began with eight classes a week, and has grown to 20 classes a week, including some for youngsters and older people.

Whenever it has been under threat there has been an uproar.

Margaret, 68, said: “I want to thank everyone. I’ve had so much support.”

Knutsford Iyengar Yoga Centre is holding an open day on Saturday, September 1, for a chance for those new to yoga to talk to teachers and watch demonstrations.