Hounslow Mayor Embarks on Historic Walk But Without The Cat!

Cllr Barwood follows in the footsteps of Dick Whittington on a five-mile charity walk

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The Mayor of Hounslow will retrace the footsteps of London’s most famous mayor when she embarks on a five-mile charity walk through the capital.

Cllr Felicity Barwood will follow part of a route made famous by Dick Whittington 600 years ago.

According to legend, Whittington wandered from Gloucestershire to London, where he became Lord Mayor three times.

In honour of that, the Lord Mayors’ Walk has taken place for the past 36 years.

Cllr Barwood hopes her efforts will raise funds for her chosen charities, including Chiswick’s St Mary’s Convent Nursing Home, and called on local people and businesses for their support.

“I am looking forward to pounding the streets of London with my fellow mayors in what will be one of my last duties before my mayoral year is over,” she said. “I have had a tremendous year and wanted to conclude it with something very special, so the Lord Mayor’s walk is very fitting.

“I would be very grateful if people would sponsor me. All monies raised will go to the charities I have supported throughout my mayoral year.”

The Mayor of Hounslow will walk in the company of the present Lord Mayor of London and other borough mayors during the event. All mayors will be dressed in their ceremonial robes and chains.

The walk will officially start at the Whittington Stone at 10.30am and finish at Moorgate at approximately 3pm, a distance of approximately five miles.

The story of Dick Whittington is a favourite among young children. According to the legend, Dick, a boy from a poor family, sets out for London to make his fortune accompanied by a cat. When he meets with little success, he decides to return home. However, he is enticed back into the city by the Bow Bells of London ringing, which he believes are sending him a message.

 

March 5, 2007