Fidler in the Hood: We’ll stroll the lane together

G-G-GREETINGS! Cor, it’s perishing cold, isn’t it? Here I am, writing an article when I could be sunbathing on a beach in Rio de Janeiro (I wish)!

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But I did end up at a beach last week – St Michael’s – to join in the fun at the annual ‘Grannies’ Walk’ sponsored by the local chapter of Rotary International. The CO badgered me to ‘go for a walk’, though I pointed out that I wasn’t a ‘granny’ – she was.

‘It’s all for a good cause and besides, you need the exercise.’ She does have a way with words, I have to admit.

Personal trainer

We pitched up at the starting-point at St Michael’s beach – the CO acting as trainer, coach and stretcher-bearer, if needed. First surprise: there were a couple of hundred grandmas and granddads there, fully-kitted out, ready to go, with families in support.

Now, in days gone by, it was a bit of a giggle to go to what was known as a ‘Grab a Granny’ dance. Senior Rotary Ann Kitty Steenmans, microphone in hand, warmly welcomed everyone. The weather made for perfect conditions.

That lucky old sun, a tranquil sea, under a blanket of blue. We were told that the weather has ‘always’ been the very same since the walk’s inception in July 1979, some 39 years ago.

One ‘super granny’, has taken part in every ‘walk’ since the very beginning. I noticed that emergency services were on standby and wondered why.

My pondering was soon answered when it was announced that a ‘walker’ had required emergency respiratory attention. Surprisingly, it turned out to be the very same super granny, Jesse Boulanger. Fortunately, she made a quick recovery, much to everyone’s relief. Take it, easy, Jesse, we ain’t spring chickens any more.

Chariots of Fire

To Vangelis’s inspirational classic ‘Chariots of Fire’ theme, we set off. I followed this very merry band of brothers and sisters. Spirits were high; I knew the route; my competitive spirit made for ‘winning’ this particular marathon.

I had visions of standing on the winners’ podium, laurel wreath placed on my head, receiving the gold medal and ribbon, following Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell into the record books and Hall of Fame. “Hello, Rob, what are you doing here?

A bit old to take on this, aren’t you? Take it easy!” The words came back to haunt me. However, I was determined to go the full distance; indeed I did, completing the course in just under 10 hours, with the sun beginning to set.

Well-trodden path

All good fun: the entrants had a lovely run-out, walkabout and a good natter along the way. I’m not really an eavesdropper, but one couldn’t help hearing people’s conversations as they strolled along the route.

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Seems many of us came to southern and central Africa around the same time, in the 50s, 60s and 70s, and have lived the good life in the process.

One person remarked that she had come out to South Africa from the UK 51 years ago and had never been back! She was from Yorkshire and had never heard of Manchester City. Come home, all is forgiven!

Compliments to Kitty

We made it back, hearts pounding, everything intact. Well, almost everything intact. Winners and losers, including little ol’ me in the latter category, were rewarded with a lovely breakfast, prepared by the Rotary Anns.

The perfect ending to a perfect occasion. Congratulations and captain’s compliments to Kitty and the other Rotary Ann’s for making the ‘Grannies’ Walk’ a really happy occasion.

The CO and I reckon we’ll take part in this event again next year. Special thanks to David Alderson-Smith, Doug McLeod and Charles Carr of Uvongo for making these ‘granny’ games the ‘Highland’ games.

More later on the life and times of our ‘Hoots Mon’ friends, I promise. Another week in paradise. In the words of William Shakespeare ‘We ain’t gotta barrel of money; maybe we’re ragged and funny; but we’ll paddle along, singing our song, side by side!’ … Or was it Andrew Lloyd Webber?

See you, Rob.

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