When Charisma Gym club was founded in 1989 there were just four gymnasts, and two coaches. Twelve years later there are over 100 gymnasts and 10 coaches.
One of the groups, Charisma's' Elite squad have been together for a long part of this time, now 4 of the 6 gymnasts are retiring after extremely successful careers.
Although this is an end of an era, the girls can look back on some wonderful memories. They have been to Bulgaria, Russia, America and Canada on gym tours,
One gymnast Francesca Cadoni has represented the London Region in an international competition and Janine Capel, Yasemin Dora, Samantha Gibbons, Melisa Dora and Saga Benediktsdottir have represented the region at National level.
The girls have won literally hundreds of medals and trophies at various competitions.
Fortunately their expertise and knowledge will be used in the future as they intend to become gym coaches. This can only strengthen the status of this precious club, which is highly rated within the region.

Their coach Gina Thompson said " I am sad that they are retiring but their career cannot last forever. One of my gymnasts is 20 now, and these girls have been with me since they were five so I have to let them go sometime, I'm glad they found their gymnastics so enjoyable, and have been so happy that they wanted to stay for so long.