One of the very best things about being Town Crier is that you get invited to be a part of some really special events. None more so than on Sunday (02/07/23) when I was honoured to play a small part in Parallel Windsor 2023.
I arrived to see a festival of brightly coloured tents by the side of the Long Walk up in the Deer Park. At 10 am I read out a proclamation and invited five times Paralympic Gold Medalist (and strictly dance sensation) Ellie Simmonds OBE to ring my bell to officially open what turned out to be one of the most wonderful days ever.
Parallel Windsor is the UK’s largest Festival of Inclusivity and celebration of disability lifestyle and wellbeing, with challenge events for all ages, health conditions and abilities. People came in their thousands to Windsor’s Long Walk and the clouds blew away to deliver us a beautiful summer’s day.
There were 100m, 1Km, 5Km and 10Km events; all were open to everyone who wanted to take part. Some people ran, some walked, some wheeled; and all who took part were cheered on equally by the crowd of enthusiastic spectators, helpers, friends and families who made this day so special.
The level of goodwill and encouragement was at times almost overwhelming. I wasn’t the only one who found a lump in my throat at times. It was all just so wonderfully life affirming.
The brilliant news is that the Castle has confirmed that Parallel Windsor will return for at least the next four years. Everyone who was there, in whatever capacity, should feel very proud to have been a part of a truly wonderful day in Windsor. Huge thanks for Andy from Parallel Lifestyle for letting me attend.
