GLORIA’S WELCOME TO WIDFORD

This year I was given the special chance to help Christian Aid; I was allowed to be a marshal on their annual sponsored walk in east Hertfordshire! It’s a very responsible job to be in the team of marshals; just one failing to be at their required post, perhaps a corner, and it could all go astray.

So my position was at the top of a steep field, rising from the valley of the River Ash, where the walkers could see my orange day-glow tabard ahead and know they were making up-hill towards the right place, not wasting their efforts.

Not only did I direct them through a gate which would take them up a lane into the village of Widford (and refreshments), but also I showed them that they had already completed 29 kilometres, a considerable achievement, of the total 43 Km to the end.

Of course the immediate problem is what does a marshal wear in these important circumstances? I wanted to wear something different; to get away from the mundane into elegance. How about putting on my gold dress (which Gordon converted from culottes), together with pearls and fur coat. I’ll bet none of the other marshals was wearing a fur coat – or pearls!

But take special note of the feet. Apart from occasionally wearing boots (and once some old slippers) this is the very first time in my long life that I have ever put on proper footwear !! Sandals with flowers. Pretty, eh?

Fifty pence at last weekend’s May Market.

What I really enjoyed was getting so many smiles from all the walkers, however tired, as they read my name badge and passed on.

Naturally most were too focussed on getting ahead to stop moving, but the nearest residents came from their house especially to get a photograph with me! As the stories of my adventures are handed around it is not everybody who can show that they have met me in person.

The circular route from Ware to Ware was in five sections, and the Leader organising my section of the walk between checkpoints in the village halls of Standon and Widford was Richard Lord. It was gratifying that Richard was highly satisfied with the way in which I carried out his assignment. Walking through as the last person, he was accompanied by two boys, and said that they both thought I was real until they got right up to me. Now that’s praise indeed!
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