Teresa and Dominique here today. We didn’t blog yesterday as we were victims of our own success. We left the shop, after another hectic day, at 5.30 just before they locked us in and we were both shattered when we finally returned home. Shona from Clitheroe, Rebecca and Robina walked yesterday, Shona being the first brave lady to venture forth on her own. She certainly got into the spirit of the project and had a red makeover, including a manicure. Robina took an hour off work especially for the occasion and Rebecca had been DIYing with her friend in Manchester and was seriously not looking forward to dressing up – thank you Rebecca. Today, we were totally intent on tidying up our mess, ironing the clothes and generally having an easy day. No, it didn’t turn out that way. We had to go in search of red tights (can’t get enough of them actually) and red clothes in general (people do believe its a real shop and its getting painful). Even with all our meaderings and turning up at the shop 40 minutes later than our normal prompt selves at 10am we still managed to beat Martin (only joking Martin) but we did. Sorry Jenna for being late and we promise next Tuesday we won’t be. Anyway, all our efforts with total strangers are paying off as another lovely family came bouncing into the shop this afternoon, that we’d spoken to previously. Just as we decided that we’d have to drag someone in and forceably dress them up, in they came and willingly too!! Lawrence, Gail and their son Simon. We had a really great time and we think they did too, we’re hoping so. They did say they were going to try and enlist their daughter and all come back on 1 August for the mass walk. On the last minute just as we sat down for lunch (or funch as it is now known, because it becomes quite a joke trying to eat and almost impossible) in came 2 more people. Wanting to buy our red clothes again. Tomorrow at 10.30am the whole family are coming in to dress up and as tomorrow is another day we shall see.
Dominique here. Today we were interviewed at Preston FM by two lovely ladies in an incredibly hot room, made hotter by my nerves as it was my first time on the radio. I was hoping to stay quiet and let my mum do the talking; anyone who remotely knows her knows she’s good at talking. Unfortunately i wasn’t so lucky and had a few questions thrown in my direction but it seemed to go ok. The interview will be aired between 8:30 and 10:30 on Friday morning.
It was a very busy day again, and despite the terrible weather we had three eager walkers in Red. James, Wednesday and Adele all marched off in Red with a spring in their step and their umbrellas at the ready. They all enjoyed themselves and spent a good while sat on the square, drinking their coffee and soaking in the experience. Job well done and we’re looking forward to tomorrow!
Teresa here again. Yesterday, Saturday, Julie came along to the St John’s Centre to give me a hand. First thing was the usual tasks of ironing and hanging the clean clothes. It feels almost like a real shop when we arrive in the mornings and I have to remind myself at times that this is an art project and not a commercial venture. I can almost imagine opening a ‘red cafe’ and, judging by the interest we’ve had from passers by, we could possibly do well. Just a few tables and chairs, open up the cafe serving mostly red food, selling red things, dressed in red and who knows? Anyway, I digress. We received some more red clothes, from people interested in the project, to join our ever growing collection. They will come in handy without a doubt and it seems our handouts must be working. Just when we were getting peckish and after we’d bought butties from the local shop, our lovely family came bounding full of life into the shop. I just knew they’d come back with their 2 beautiful little boys whose clothes were ready, clean and dyed, awaiting their arrival. We had great fun dressing them all up and I must say they look fabulous as they ventured forth on the circular walk around Preston. Julie (who had entered into the spirit and picked some clothes earlier) decided she would get her walk over and done with – she’s a bit reserved and said afterwards she felt a bit self conscious at times, as the total red clothing and the collection of people dressed in red presents quite a striking image, on a miserable day especially, and is always guaranteed to provoke a great deal of attention. I have noted the comments which the stallholders on the market are making and they have definitely noticed that the red walkers are coming from the St John’s Centre. In fact 2 actually came in later in the afternoon to have a look around the shop and find out what we were up to. They both said they loved it and it felt quite rewarding to hear that. Well, I must say the Saturday walkers all looked pretty good to me and as I followed or ran ahead to take photos I was aware of how the group encourages onlookers to smile as a response to their passing by and I have only ever heard positive remarks en route. It was a rewarding day for me personally and I believe that all 5 participating in the day’s activities had a unique experience and I’m looking forward to seeing them all again on 1 August when we will be having the mass ‘red’ walk around Preston.
Teresa here. How wet, chilly and miserable was Preston today. We had to crank up the music to lift our spirits and with the morning ironing and a bit of dancing we kept warm. We had a lovely lady help us today, Liz, a volunteer from the Harris Museum and we had a laugh outside the shop handing out leaflets. At one point we were descended upon by endless young people, too eager by far! I have to admit (Liz and Dom thought so to) that it was a lucky escape when they moved on, typical messy teenagers and it took us a while to tidy up after them. Thank you Liz for your efforts today. One lady who came into the shop around the same time, commented on how it smelt nice of soap powder – which is lovely to hear and means we’ve finally beaten the horrible, stale cafe smell of when we first moved in. I’m not surprised though as we’re constantly washing all the clothes which are worn, as we feel its only fair to people willing to get dressed up to have fresh clothes. Apparently, this adds to their confidence, or so I was told today by one of our young ladies who participated. Just as we were beginning to give up hope of getting any walkers Aimi Rushworth and Robyn Taylor, both 17, came in out of the blue and they were so enthusiastic about dressing up. They’re coming back with several friends on Tuesday of next week, hopefully. Tomorrow should bring the lovely family who bought children’s cloths especially for their two boys and we’re looking forward to seeing them all in the shop. Dom’s off to Sheffield University tomorrow and Sunday to begin a new course, so I have my lovely sister-in-law, Julie coming to the St John’s Centre to keep me company. Julie’s a teacher and has just finished for the summer – she was looking forward to a bit of peace and a lie in but its a ‘Red’ day for her instead and oh what a treat she’s in for!
No sooner had we switched on the lights and opened the door, two ladies eagerly marched into our shop. ‘We’ve come to dress in red’, said the first. They introduced themselves as Kirsty and Helen. We had spoken to them on Monday about our project and at the time they had their dog with them. They said they’d come back and were true to their word. They chose their outfits, got changed, and at exactly 10:30am they set off on the walk. When seated for their coffee, a group of men began singing a very out of tune ‘Lady in Red’. The ladies seemed quite flattered. It was a great start to the day!!
The afternoon was equally successful as three young ladies, Lorraine, Jenna, and Jade volunteered to do the walk. They set off and looked a vision in red. All heads turned in confused amazement as they walked along. They sat down for their drink and as it started to rain quite heavily, they decided to make a hasty retreat back into the St. John’s Centre. The rain didn’t dampen their enthusiasm however, as they giddily recalled the experience as they said goodbye.
So 5 people to add to the list of participants and after another busy day with lots of interest, we are both extremely positive that we will be gaining many more!
