David writes…
Colourful isn’t it?
It’s my Peace tie.
My new Peace tie. Peace’s old tie.
And the story? It’s the tiniest of
heart-warming London stories. And, for that matter, South African stories.
But first a bit of context, a bit of back
story.
Matters sartorial. Well, London Walks
matters sartorial.
Quite a few London Walks guides have
sartorial “signatures”. Fedra’s brilliant sweaters; Adam’s “man in black” look;
Richard’s straight out of the pages of GQ look topped to the north with that
famous red cap; Katy’s knee length, lace-up boots; Delianne’s red coat and
boots, ruby nails and Goth style; Mary’s bright red coat; well, you get the
idea.
And me, David? Well, it’s an armada of hats
and caps and an armoury of frankly amazing stage props aka show-stopping
walking sticks and a dazzle of outrageous ties.
So there I am, Thursday last, on Duncannon
Street, over the way from St Martin in the Fields. Walking past South Africa
House. And there are these three nattily attired South African chaps chatting
away. And one of them is wearing the most brilliant tie I’ve ever clapped eyes
on.
In my tracks stopped. Blurting: “do you
mind if I ask where you got that wonderful tie?”
Coming back at me, a great rich rumble of a
voice: “in South Africa.”
Oh. Stopped cold. But maybe there was just
a wistful of something – of disappointment? – across the veldt of my face.
Because he said, “Come back on Monday
morning, step inside there, I’ll have it ready for you. Ask the Commissionaire
for me. My name is Peace.”
And the stopped cold – the wistful of
whatever it was – turned into something else. Because Peace beamed and gave a
great huggy bear of a laugh.
And I wasn’t sure. But I wasn’t going to
miss that Monday morning appointment. And entre nous, I was pretty sure.
So pitched up Monday morning. Had a word
with the very pretty girl behind the desk. She said, “I’ll give Peace a ring.”
And there he was. With “my” tie wrapped up.
He said, “Mr. Tucker, you are an honest man. You said you’d come by on Monday
morning. It’s Monday morning. And here you are. Please think of South Africa
when you wear it”
I mean do London glows – London vignettes –
come any better than those two “moment beads” in Trafalgar Square?
So here’s to you, Peace. To your warmth and
generosity and great good humour.
And for sure, to your country. To South
Africa.
South Africa. Where there are more gardens
than high-rise buildings.
South Africa. Where fresh beautiful flowers
are sold on every corner and you can send a love letter in beads.
South Africa. Where you have brothers, sisters, aunties and uncles to whom
you have no relation.
South Africa. Where the biggest city in the
country is not just a city. It’s a rainforest.
South Africa. Where you can drop in
unannounced (as I did). And still be welcome (as I was).
South Africa. Where you can take a peek
through God’s window.
South Africa. Where it’s spring now and
Jacaranda blossoms pop under your feet in the evening.
South Africa. Where there’s no such thing
as a foreigner.
South Africa. Where the smallest gesture
can have a huge ripple effect.
South Africa. Where you can lie down in the
cradle of Humankind.
South Africa. Whose people are as beautiful
as they are friendly.
Yes, here’s to you Peace. And to your
country. I’ll wear the tie with more than pride.
With joy.
A London Walk costs £9 – £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.










No comments:
Post a Comment