Octogenarian instructor, Olwen Jessie Couldridge MBE, loves keeping fit and healthy.

Newham Recorder: 85 -year-old yoga instructor Olwen Couldridge,85 -year-old yoga instructor Olwen Couldridge, (Image: Archant)

The former Park School secretary became a yoga teacher more than 40 years ago, starting off taking classes part-time for eight years before slowly giving it her full attention.

Olwen, 85, from Stratford, said she really enjoys doing yoga and teaching because it helps her keep healthy.

“I used to be in a yoga class myself and my tutor turned to me and said I should do a teacher training course, so I did and a few months later my tutor left for Cornwall and I got asked to take the class.

“That’s how it really started.”

Newham Recorder: 85 -year-old yoga instructor Olwen Couldridge,85 -year-old yoga instructor Olwen Couldridge, (Image: Archant)

Olwen retired from her job at the Stratford-based school after 40 years, earning an MBE for her service. Once finished with teaching she got more and more into yoga and took on classes. She still runs them today at Rabbits Road Institute, Manor Park, from 3.30pm to 5pm on Tuesdays.

“Once I retired I started doing day time classes as well as the evening ones I was already doing and it’s been that way ever since.

Olwen, who last featured in the Recorder back in 1997 after picking up her British Empire award from HM The Queen, says she plans on continuing yoga for as long as she feels “fit and well”.