Walking on Sunshine

Walking on Sunshine

Day 3 arrived and I had slept well for the first time in a few days. Thanks to dad for his help and charity. He asked me to do some washing up for him as the arthritis was not allowing his hands to grip much. (So he says) But I was glad to be able to repay a favour, even by such a simple task. I caught up with my blog and set out with the intention of getting the train to Lincoln and buy a tent, for my future accommodation shortfalls. I said my good byes to my Dad and gave him a hug, saying I shalln't  see him for a while.

Before I had gone more than a few minutes along the road towards the station in Heckington, I met a lady who enquired as to where I might be going with such a bag. I began to explain that I was off to cover the whole of the United kingdom and arrive back in Nottingham maybe next year. Mary Pearson had been a teacher and was used to conversation, though she explained a little short on them these days. Before I knew it she was offering me some help towards a meal or something. I gratefully accepted, but insisted I be able to buy her a coffee, as I was close to Sylvia's coffee shop. She accepted and we went inside. Before I even had my bag off my shoulders, Mary was announcing me to all the occupants of the cafe restaurant. Some of them I had met before whilst here writing poetry, over the last year. Again before long, many people were offering me support, as I had said that I was in need of a tent to overcome the present shortfall of accommodation offers, and because I was walking to raise money for charity. The (more mature) people of Heckington again coming to my aid, proving that my doubts were inconsistent with the great kindness of 'The Great British public'.

Thank you to Mary Pearson, to Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs Cannon and John and Sheila Bennett. John has said that he will post a link for me on his websites, which is most kind too. The other kind people don't use the Internet much it would seem. Mary and I continued our conversation for some time, before she had to go about her day, and it was a pleasant time listening to tales of days gone bye.

Later after being fed by the wonderful daily special, of cottage pie, I set out again into the warm sunshine. It was as I crossed the square opposite Teresa's Nags Head, that I remembered I had forgotten my ankle gaiters, so quickly nipped back to Dad's house.

As I came along the High St. I met a youngish guy who stopped and offered me a drink. He was carrying beverages into the village hall, and introduced himself as Mark. It appears Mark owns and runs the Sportsman Leisure Bar, in the center of Heckington, which is also a sports club/squash center. When he asked about the charity angle I explained my aims to raise huge sums of money and he was about to offer me even more cash as a contribution so I politely asked that if he was wanting to contribute, could he please do it via the 'Just Giving' pages and charity links from the website.

He kindly said that he would do such at a later stage in the day, so thank you Mark for that. It is just that I want any contributions made above board as it were, so that idle gossiping people won't be able to accuse me of misdemeanors, with your money. Of course I will and do need some help with my personal expenses, food and shelter, but they come secondary to the transparency of funds raised for other great causes. If you are interested in helping me raise money, please don't be offended if I ask you make your choice as to which charity and who you intend to benefit from your contributions. There are five charity just giving links so far and one direct to my campaign revenue links via paypal. I will endeavour to make absolutely sure that it is crystal clear which you can and will choose.

So another wonderfully random act of kindness received and I was on my way to the train station. It had gotten very late in the day and I was not going to be able to reach Lincoln before the shops closed, so I called some old friends, and they kindly offered me a bed for the night at their home in Sleaford. It was great to see them and catch up with old times. Sean and Kylie with their children Kane and Skye Meadow, were incredibly kind and Kylie made us a blinding curry. Thoroughly sated, fed and watered, I was glad eventually to get my head down for the night, on a sofa bed. What blessed luxury...!

And before I knew it I was away with the fairies, and my feet were feeling much better for the lack of hiking.

Day 3 ended.

Day 2 begins

Day 2 begins

I set out from the church at 6.45, relieved to still be dry and warm. Somewhat stiff of course, I was glad to get moving and make it to Newark, some 4/5 miles away for a breakfast and tea. The morning started well, no rain yet and a crispness underfoot as I trod the sod across a field following one of the many local footpaths. The track a bit obscured, the signs not quite as clear as they could have been, I soon found my way into the middle of the fields close to Staythorpe Power station. The wind calm and skies clouding over I was daydreaming when along came a stranger and her dog.

Jayne, (later to reveal her name) said that she was not normally out at this time, her partner couldn't walk the dog, so she had taken the chore. We chatted, she explained she was surprised to meet someone out for such a long walk, we laughed about my sleeping in the church doorway. I would have liked to get to know more about her, but our conversation was mainly based upon her enquiries about my walk and aims etc.

What impressed me most about Jane initially, was that even though she hadn't quite reached the limit of her task, she asked me if she could accompany me, walking back towards her village. Here I had my first random walking partner. Thank you Jane for your spontaneous request!!

As we walked she asked me lots of things, again sadly I didn't get to acquire much detail about her life or what Imagine could glean from this chance meeting with her. When we reached her home, I half hoped that she might offer me a cup of tea, as I was missing out on my normal routine of a few cups first thing. I understand how weird it would have been to explain to her partner, when he came downstairs that she had brought home a man she had never met before that she had found romping across a field at a quarter past seven in the morning, even if the dog took to me.

Like I said, expectancy low, reality a bonus. I do sincerely thank Jane though for her kindness and encouragement, and sharing a part of my journey. (It really is that easy to help and encourage me, and little escapes my notice)

By about 8 am the rain began to fall heavily. I used the bus shelter at Kelham to put on my wet weather gear, and before long I was coming into Newark, with the hope of refreshments at the forefront of my mind. Tea, more tea.

So to find some food. Walking had been relatively smooth going despite the rain and Newark welcomed me with a breakfast and tea, from the Teapots Tearooms in Arcade.

Its new hostess with the mostest was Denise Simpson. Her mother, Joan who was in town to help out soon got into conversation with me and then all the staff were listening in to my tales of my desire to walk the entire united kingdom with Project Imagine, walk with a stranger, make a new friend. Joan who had once ridden her bycycle around the U.K. and later traveled all over the U.K. in her car was an inspiration, as she chatted about her adventures.

Denise who has just taken over this business, was very keen to provide a quality service, and I thank her very much for her contributions towards my refreshment. It is the simple and even small things that have the most profound impact on me. So sated for now, a few new clues as to aims and goals noted I set out again, heading for Lincoln. 

 So thank you Joan, Denise and Jess for your encouragement. Best wishes for Denise's business and good luck with the physics exam to Jess, the smiley young Waitress/student.

 

Later it really began to rain persistently and I soon felt the dreariness setting in. Whilst my adventures were helping me meet some pretty nice people, I still wondered what I would do for accommodation this eve, as I could pretty well imagine the costs involved in taking b&b all the time. 

I decided that despite my hope not to use this option, (because it would mean carrying it) I would have to actually get a tent to sleep in for a while. I can't rely at present on the hope that people will offer to put me up. Maybe as I get more coverage and or publicity. Maybe I will get an interview soon with some media outlet and get some serious publicity for the walk and it's aims. I have tried believe me to reach these resources, but maybe I don't fit the remit of what they expect?

This is where you the reader can help out. Facebook, telling your friends, asking others to get involved, perhaps organising a tip off to local news media sources, for the reason that networking is the way forward. Please get the word out, and help Imagine reach a wider audience. Thats it for begging done!!!!

By about 6.00pm I had walked through Norton Disney to find no services open, and on to Bassingham, where I wet my whistle at the Five Bells, due to an earlier shortage of water.  My feeling was that accommodation here was both expensive and sparse, having spoken to a local gentleman on entering the village out walking his dog. Again I did my level best to explain my weird situation yet no bite. I merely record the result, making no judgement over anyones ability to help out with the needs of a complete stranger.

Hopefully when I become more well know, people will respond more like the wonderful people I met walking across France, Spain and Portugal over the past few years. 

In mind I was strong, but what was I going to do about these golf ball size blisters? What would a warrior do?

In the end I called my Dad who lives about 20 miles away, and asked him for his help. When we arrived at his home in Heckington, I was freezing, damp and sore. I enjoyed the tea and chance to watch Germany whoop the Greeks at football. A lovely warm shower and a chance to lance my blisters to relieve the pain and aches of the second day having walked about 15 miles, took my mind into heaven. 

Like I said, it is the little things that can have the greatest impact. Sleep in a bed was drawing me in quickly and I began counting sheep before ten o'clock arrived.

Day 2 over.

Starting out Nottingham

Starting out Nottingham

As with all beginnings, there are doubts and fears to be overcome. Doubts as to what if anything will be achieved in the process of doing the walk and meeting people from many places across the United Kingdom. Fears as to whether I can actually walk 3000+ miles, with a body suffering with Osteo-arthritis.

 

The day started well, drizzly and overcast but my spirits were high as I said goodbye to my parents in Nottingham city center. They wished me well, I know my mum will be worrying herself all the time as to my safety and such like, but send me off with smiles.

Before I have gone more than 3 minutes out of the square, I am stopped by a lady doing market research. I'm all about helping, so stop to assist with her enquiry. I follow Megan into a place where they are conducting the taste testing for Mashed Potato. I guess the whole test and data gathering takes about 15 minutes, but Megan is curious as to what I am doing carrying a bag with a Union flag hanging from it. So I explain just what I am doing, and that I hope to raise money and awareness whilst walking the entire United Kingdom. As I set off to leave she gives me the £3 that they offer for the research. I had no idea that they were going to cross my palm with silver, I don't only do things for money you see. But I accepted greatfully the cash, as every little contribution is going to be helpful as what I have saved is not going to be anywhere near enough. So  with a warm mashed potato feeling in my stomach and a little extra cash in my pocket, I set out laughing to myself at this good fortune. Out on the street I get stopped briefly by another of the Potato ladys. I explain to Sheila that I have already done the eating thing, so she asks all about the walk instead. It would seem that I might not get out of Nottingham at this rate. We say our farewells, she wishes me every success, and off I go again.

I am amazed at how many people are smiling back as I walk along beaming with joy. Well done Nottingham I think, you really are a city full of nice people. Man woman and child, I seem to get a cheery response from everyone I pass, but is it all in my head or do I create this by smiling first? Well, questions still to be researched, but the mood was high as I set off to climb the hill on Woodborough Rd, and up into Mapperly top. Across the Mapperly plains and out towards Southwell, where I hope to rest for the day.

Then I have to follow the main road for a while as the pavements run out on my way to Calverton. I stop for a bite to eat and set off making good time finding that the road to Calverton is closed to traffic due to road works, so have the tranquility of walking knowing I wont be dodging cars and buses all day. I stop briefly to ask the Lollipop man outside the school on the high st, where I need to go to find the road I need. He is very cheery and helpful and leaves me with a warm feeling as he wishes me well on my adventures, smiling and encouraging. The ideal type of person to be guarding our children whilst crossing roads I muse. (unfortunately I didn't get to ask his name or remember to take a picture, but if you know this man, please pass on my thanks and gratitude)

The section of road to Southwell is long and tiresome, but high on a plain, so views are spectacular on either side of me. I stop a few times to rest and take on water which runs out before I get to the small town. 

I have been given information earlier in the day by Sheila, that the Saracens Head pub is a good place to start in finding accommodation. When I walk into the place I am filled with fear. Not because the place is fear inspiring, but because it is so luxurious that it is going to be way out of any budget I can ever reach. Still, a warrior must not allow fear to deter his actions, so I carried on through the doors. I was greeted at the bar as I set down my rucksack, and asked for and received a pint of water. The young lady was rather attentive and showed me to reception where I had to face the challenge of gaining rest for the night. They were incredibly helpful, as my aquaintance of earlier Sheila had said, however there was no room at the inn, so to speak. They fussed over finding me other contact numbers as I tried to explain, a floor a couch or even a nicely sprung bed would do. Obviously I am not about to beg, my project is hopefully going to bring out the random kindness in people, rather than any due to badgering or shaming or pleading on my part. I expect nothing, hope for very little, that way maybe the experience will supercede the expectaion. And besides, who knows me or what I am about from a very brief encounter, that would automatically allow them to trust inviting me in to their homes?

I found that the prices of accommodation in this town were way too prohibitive for me to seriously consider taking any, so I went and got a packet of chips and a bottle of water and set off to find a seat to enjoy my meal. I smiled to myself as I realised that I was still £1 up on the days expenses....yahoo....

Thank you Megan....!!

With nothing to do but find shelter, I set off toward Newark upon Trent. I soon came to a village called Upton, and light was fading fast, so I knew I had to make some decisions pretty quickly. I won't break into any abandoned or empty houses of course, and the farm gateways, though inviting are too exposed in the present weather scenarios. Basically if I were sure that it wouldn't rain during the night, then I could easily have hunkered down. So I did what Pilgrims of old did when in such a spot. I panicked....!! No I went to church....!!

Sometime at about 10.00pm I presume, a flashlight woke me and I was concerned as to how I would explain that I was using the church doorway as a temporary hostel. The Lady who was equally as surprised by my presence, calmly informed me that she had come to lock the church for the night. I hadn't even realised it was open. I hope that my calm and polite manner reassured her that I wasn't a drug crazed teenager. Sleepy little villages probably don't get this sort of thing though. She left me happily to make use of the shelter, and I slept relatively well, despite the lack of a mattress.

Day 1 over.

This is it....

Under starters orders.

So everyone, this is the day. It has arrived, and no more delays. I am setting off now to Nottingham city center with my mum and dad to begin the epic journey around Great Britain. It will be a huge challenge for me to seek out the great people of our nations, who want to tell and share their thoughts and dreams about the future for the United Kingdom. 

Don't be shy, come and get involved, whether it be walking with me, sharing a story, a vision for the future, helping with publicising or donating to my aims of raising huge sums of money for charity as I go. Or get involved by taking footages of our encounters that will be the basis for the documentary. You could be helping Britain by filming for the Imagine Project, and sharing your talents for film and photography too.

Film Crew G.B.

Please keep an eye out for updates on Twitter and facebook, and come and get further involved as the Imagine walk come to your area.

I very much look forward to meeting you all out there in your Towns, Villages and wherever you are.

And please let your kindness overflow, as I will need help with accommodation and food. The more you can help, the longer I can carry on raising money for charity. Let the love inside move you, and  share with me whatever you can do to help make this challenge a success for us all.


And please tell as many people as you know, if you like the ideas you hear from this walk.

May Peace, Love and Harmony be your companions.

Peaceful Warrior.

Death of a dear friend

Death of a dear friend

Last Saturday (9th June 2012) at around 5pm, a very dear and long term friend of mine, Richard Leslie Perry, sadly passed away. He was only 48 years old.

He will be missed in the world, he was a kind and generous man, and father, husband, brother, son and friend. His passing was due in part to a cancer, that took him very suddenly. His illness mercifully short. From being discovered with a tumor to the end was little under three months. He has left behind four great children, a newly wedded bride and many grandchildren.

I have known Richard for over 25 years and in that time we had shared many experiences and specially memorable times. I have watched his children grow into fine adults and worked with him and his wife in helping to raise and care for them over these years, whenever I was about. There were times when we may not see one another for many months, even years passed as we got on with living lives full and happy. But when we would get back together, it was as if hardly any time had elapsed at all.

I came to see Richard on an intuitive feeling that I had to see him. I was surprised to find he had been admitted to hospital a few days earlier, but happy to be able to visit and catch up. He was incredibly frail and was having trouble keeping any food down, the therapy serving to deny him an appetite. 

We spent about an hour and a half chatting, and I certainly felt that my friend, known for his strength, stamina and will power was on the road to recovery. Though in a very weak condition he joked and made a concerted effort to make me feel at ease. He never indicated to me nor any of his family the extent of his illness, and bravely soldiered on to the end, even though he had been given an expectancy threshold by the doctors. The cancer cut that time incredibly short.

His last words to me were humorous. I bent down to kiss him, and told him that I loved him, though I could not bring myself to believe that I would not again share a warm smile and his happy  company.

" It's ok to kiss he said."

" Yeah but I'm not kissing you on the lips, I don't want you getting frisky." I replied

" I just wanted your chewing gum." was his witty retort.

We held hands and said "see you later," maybe neither of us accepting this would not happen.

This was the man and friend I knew for all these years, smiling back at me, free from fear of what others would say. Richard was as close as any brother and I have several great brothers too.

On Tuesday morning, Graham (his youngest son) having great strength called to tell me that his father, my friend had passed on. I was devastated. 

I have written this poem as a memory to a great friend, one who I would gladly have swapped places with, if that were possible.

NUMB

His voice I failed to recognise,

I try desperately to conceive,

The many other reasons he'd call.

“You came to see Dad,

He's at peace now, glad to see,

One last time your happy face.”

I cannot breath,

Hands of ice gripping my heart.

Tears well swiftly to sting,

To accuse me again my lack.

He's gone as a candle snubbed,

Lost to our loving embraces.

Heart stopped, clock ticking, silence.

Then the tears of aching,

Stinging fury, flooding my face,

My friend has flown to grace.

Ages pass and I cry,

The echo along the line,

I pray his children time,

Wish my love could heal this crime.

Robbed of one who always cared,

Never lacked in what he shared.

Deafening the noiseless pain,

I'll never see him again,

Smile, receive his light,

Share a tender word unheard.

Oh friend I'll miss you now,

But we have to cope somehow.

To reveal the pact we shared,

I pray you'd knew I cared.

The love was in your eyes,

Laughter your final words.

You will never ever be forgotten,

Though I'll miss you something rotten.....

For Richard

With angels now.

As you you will probably know, I was planning to set off on my walk around the United Kingdom on Saturday 16th June. As there will be a funeral in West Sussex on Monday 18th June , I will respectfully be postponing the walk until the middle of next week. Wednesday 20th or Thursday 21st.

I will also be dedicating my walk to the memory of Richard Leslie Perry.

And I will also be  adding a cancer charity to the list of beneficiaries on my just giving page,with the consultation with his family. Cancer Research U.K.

Please bear with me on the updates, as I am dealing with this very poorly.  

Weird video ganster rap

New Blogs

The all new Peaceful Warrior mission, is to continue with the Imagine project at great speed. That is to say, that I am still as keen as ever to get it rolling despite little or slow progress so far.

I have to realise that where I think and act with great urgency, (not blindly, but with determination and conviction) others may be a little more difficult to motivate to join my thirst for change. I know that everyone wants to see better harmony and more joy in their lives, and I believe that Imagine may be able to help point people in that direction and achieve results in their levels of attainment of happiness.

I am not promoting anarchy nor any type of civil unrest towards the Status Quo (they are a phenomenal band by the way) but am attempting to kick start the debating that obviously needs to be had, and in the not too distant future, before we really do lose all hope of getting ourselves out of this financial mess we have created. The government will keep on telling you to let them sort it out, they have all the answers, but they clearly don't. If they did we would never have gotten into this mess, and would be well on our way to seeing relief from it by now.

I believe, if they just looked at what caused the crash in the first place, ('The fat greedy driver', with so little room to turn the steering wheel) rather than the use of this tyre or that, or what type of antifreeze to put into the engine, then we would be better placed to survive this terrible accident, and come out with only minor scratches. In this analogy the bus driver had the air bag to protect him, everyone else got injured. Apply this to the real scenario. Which of the bankers/investment experts/oil sheiks/company bosses/governmental leaders, really suffered as they left with their pockets full of our money???

Oh yes that's right..... very few of them.... Especially Fred Goodwin.....

I hope that my new ventures will add some satyrical clue as to what I believe could help us sort this out. Frank open discussions, with each side of the debate being put forward without the depressive randomness of current government stratagies. (The same used by every other preceding one too) Maybe through getting the great British public out of their shells and onto the discussion forums, with objective clarity, we could all avail ourselves of more light on the subject at hand. Greed OUT, prosperity for all, IN...!!

List of blogs/places where we can share our views

Peaceful Warrior Website.

What will your verse be ?

Cloud Cuckoo Land

Warrior Poetry


Big hugs and loads of love.

Peaceful Warrior.