‘Red’ – Teresa and Dominique Hodgson-Holt, ‘In Certain Places’

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.