D.C Editor Adam writes…
We're discussing hats this months and I am delighted to welcome a debut correspondent to The Daily Constitutional. Richard joins us for the very first time (welcome Richard!) with the story behind his famous red hat. How famous? Well perhaps we should start with just two of the many reviews referencing his titfer…
Wilson Ho - Markham, Ontario
In August, my family (2 adults, 4 children ages 7-13) took a walking tour to Salisbury/Stonehenge with Richard (aka the red cap guy). Not only was he knowledgeable and organized, but he was also very polite, respectful, and AWESOME! This was the highlight of our European vacation. Thank you, Richard.
Veronica Arrazola & Mario Guerra - Mexico
Congratulations, this was a really unexpected and amazing tour !!
The tour guide with the red cap was very kindly and easy-going man. He really explained clear and quickly all the places we visited. Highly recommended tour !!
Now over to Richard…
People always ask me how I started to wear a red hat. It started when I was guiding the Oxford Walk, in the winter, and happened to look in a shop that sold hats for the undergraduate rowing teams.
Good shape and mostly brightly coloured, I bought one and wore it to some rather flattering comments – no, not that I looked handsome, but that I could be spied from a good distance.
Over the next couple of seasons I had a collection of these hats in various colours but the one everyone commented on was red.
The trouble came in the summer as the hats were made of wool, so rather hot to wear. The nearest thing I could find was a sort of baseball hat in cotton that was an interesting red. So now I have two sorts, the winter one and the summer one. I get through a couple a year due to the rain and sun but it is quite true I rarely loose anybody on my walks! So look out for me next summer on the Cotswold walks.
Thanks Richard!
Here's the man himself - and THAT hat – guiding his Cotswold trip with London Walks:
Richard Richard – the man with the honeyed voice and the distinctive red hat – has three careers. He's an actor, a professionally qualified Blue Badge Guide, and he restores old houses. Urbane, witty, and charming - he's the perfect host. He brings authority, panache, and an insider's savvy to his walks. And if you like our Day Trips from London, you owe Richard a debt of thanks, because he's the one who's masterminded that wonderful strand of our programme.
Catch up with our earlier post on Harry's hats HERE. http://londonwalkblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/where-did-you-get-that-hat.html
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