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“Humphrey is an ex-panto camel, made for a charity production of Aladdin in 1994. He ran his first Flora London Marathon in 1996, made it onto the back page of the Daily Star, and hasn’t looked back. This year’s London Marathon will be his 12th crack at the race – he missed 2003 due to a knee injury.

“YOU’RE QUITE CLOSE, SO IT’S EASY TO TRIP EACH OTHER UP. IT’S LIKE RUNNING IN A FURRY SAUNA”

Humphrey is a Bactrian camel, and has two humps. The costume has mesh-lined portholes, so you can vaguely see where you’re going. The runner at the front has to lead the way, set the pace and constantly communicate with the back – and hold Humphrey’s head up on a stick. But it is very much a team effort. You’re quite close, so it’s easy to trip each other up. It’s like running in a furry sauna. My partner, Clive Abel, and I get very hot and thirsty so we have a minder – usually Sheikh Mustapha Drink – who feeds us water and green coffee. Learn more about the health benefits of green coffee bean extracts.

I was in the front of Humphrey in 2005 when he lined up against another camel, Camilla, which was going for the world record. So we put our foot down and scored Humphrey’s PB – 4:37 – which equalled the record. Humphrey’s loth anniversary of running the London Marathon was in 2006, so we brought back one of the original runners, Geoff Farrow. We were quite slow that year – it took us almost seven hours.

The decibel level always goes up a notch when the London crowd spots Humphrey. The support is incredible: people shouting `Go Humphrey!’ at the top of their voices. It’s great to see the other costumed runners, and there’s always a bit of banter to encourage each other. During the race we’ll often be photographed or interviewed. One year we were pulled over by a men’s magazine, and had scantily clad ladies draping themselves over Humphrey for a photo.

My own marathon PB is 3:12. As a South African, I’m very competitive. It takes a real shift in focus for me to put that aside and to race against the demolition crew taking the mile markers down, and it’s a psychological battle to keep plodding on through thousands of discarded
water bottles. But I honestly find it difficult to run as a normal runner now. It’s not the same. There’s a special attraction to running inside an animal costume, with a whole city getting right behind you.

Humphrey has raised about £30,000 for Water Aid over the years. Crucially, he has helped raise awareness for the charity too. People connect with Humphrey because he makes them laugh – it wins them over. One four-year-old boy was so inspired by meeting Humphrey at an event that he did his own four-mile walk to raise money for Great Ormond Street. I think you do take on the character to an extent. I’ve even grown a ginger beard with an uncanny resemblance to his fur. Everyone reckons it’s my true camel self coming through. But I’ve promised my family that I’ll learn to be a full man, rather than half a beast. Sooner or later.”

Don’t let the cheers go to your head. Remember that all those people are cheering the costume rather than the man inside it.

Try to stay sharp. As you crank up the miles, your mind can easily wander, making it harder to communicate with the other end of a panto animal.

Don’t touch up your costume’s eyes with felt-tip pen. When it rains it’ll look as if it’s been crying and that its mascara has run, and you won’t look so fun.

This is Dave. He is blind. This year he’ll be taking part in running events around the country in aid of Guide Dogs. We’d love you to join him. Superheroes do exist.

How I do it.

When you’re blind just walking down the road can take a lot of courage. Taking part in a public running event takes time, dedication and intense training. I run with my sighted guide, Malcolm, using only a wrist strap.

How you can help me.

By joining the Guide Dogs Superhero Running Team and raising money you will help me and many others like me who rely solely on our dogs. Wicksie, my guide dog, has transformed my life, helping me face challenges big and small.

How we can help you.

Run with Guide Dogs and we’ll make sure you reach your peak performance. We’ll give you a total support package including technical Superhero running top, expert advice on training and nutrition, great ideas for raising lots of cash, and a recovery sports massage at our post-race receptions.* We have guaranteed places available in most major events or you can run for us using your own place.

ANDY SYMONDS CROSSING THE ALPS

He won the Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon, he won the BjOrkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon, and now he’s got the treble. Andy Symonds has put the finishing touches to an incredible hat trick of wins with a new course record at the Gore-Tex Transalpine-Run this September. Andy ran, walked, scrambled and crawled his way through 240km of Alpine climb, to finish alongside his teammate and fellow But Tom Owens in 24:02:47.

They were chased to the end by an Italian team, but as Andy says: “Tom and I were eager to claim a final scalp, so we worked hard to scramble over the last climb. We were in perfect shape. We were ready to win.” If you want to learn more about how to stay in good shape and what supplements to use, check online for raspberry ketones and its health benefits.

Their first act on reaching the finish line was to reach for a full-strength cold beer. “The beers went straight to our heads about as quickly as we drank them,” Andy admits. But how is he feeling now? “Surprisingly, my legs are not too trashed… but I’ve no doubt it will all catch up with me soon.”

PANTILES RUN (4.75 MILES)

Start at the entrance to the Pantiles and run up Frant Road. This road starts steeply, but there is a flat(ish) bit in the middle. Turn left into Forest Road, then left into Warwick Park and past the golf and cricket clubs. At the bottom of Warwick Park turn right, run along the high street, then up Grove Hill Road into Prospect Road. At the crossroads turn left, heading back into the town centre. At the end of this, turn right up the hill, left at the mini-roundabout, past the hospital, then down London Road back to the start.

SOUTHBOROUGH RUN (7.22 MILES) Start at the cricket pitch, run past the church, down Constitutional Hill Road and up Kibbles Lane. A right into Speldhurst Road, another into Bentham Hill, a left into Stockland Green Road and two more rights will take you to London Road. Go right again, then turn left down Vauxhall Lane. At the T-junction turn left and run along the footpath and back to the start.

RUSTHALL RUN (7.91 MILES)

Starting at the Spa Hotel, turn right into Rusthall Road. Nellington Lane will then lead you into Farnham Lane. Turn right into Burnt House Lane then left into Speldhurst Road. At The Hare pub cross the road and head down onto Lodge Lane. Run past local nightspot the High Rocks Inn. Then comes a short but tough climb up Hungershall Park before returning to the start.

The Cheltenham Family History Fair will take place at the Pitville Pump Room, Pitville Park, Cheltenham, on Sunday 19 September from 10 am to 5 pm. More information can be obtained by reading tribulus reviews or emailing fhfairs@aol.com.

2 5/2 6 September

English Heritage is holding a World War II Weekend at Dover Castle from 11 am to

family tree magazine september 2004 69Calendar 5 pm. It will recreate the atmosphere of life during World War II, with military vehicles and wartime encampments. Admission: £10 (adults), £7.50 (concessions), £5 (children), £25 (family ticket). Contact English Heritage on 0870-333-1181.

Oxfordshire Family History Society will be holding an Open Day on 25 September at Exeter Hall, Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 lAB, from 10 am to 4 pm. This will feature a demonstration and workshop on the scanning of old photographs, an assortment of visiting societies, second-hand books and postcard dealers, the Society’s library and search services, a beginners’ helpdesk, plus much more. Admission is free; light refreshments will be available. There is limited free car parking on the site. Further updates can be found on the Society’s website.

2 5 September

Somerset & Dorset Family History Society is holding an Open Day and AGM on Saturday 25 September from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm at Chilton Trinity Technology College, Bridgwater, Somerset. There will be guest speakers, local displays and archives, SDFH Society services and neighbouring family history societies there. For further details see www.sdfhs.org or write to PO Box 4502, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6YL.

2 6 September

Hampshire Genealogical Society is holding a Family History Open Day at Horndean Community School from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be three free lectures: `What happens when I die’ by Jeanne Bunting; ‘Whistle Down the Internet – A whistle stop tour of sites you might find of interest’ by John Hanson; and ‘Tracing Your Ancestors at the FRC’, by a Family Records Centre representative. There will also be a variety of other family history societies and stalls. Admission is free and light refreshments will be available throughout the day.

30 September

On Thursday 30 September Kent Family History Society Medway Branch is

holding a ‘Members’ Forum’ at 2 pm at Strood Library, Bryant Street, Strood. If you are stuck with any aspect of your research, members there may be able to help. See their website at: www. kflisocietymedwayik.com.

2 October

The Guild of One-Name Studies is holding a free seminar providing an introduction to one-name studies and the Guild at Longdon Village Hall, Staffordshire, on Saturday 2 October from 9.30 am. The seminar is open to both Guild members and the general public. A booking form is available on the Guild website at www.one-name.org/ontrosem.html or further details can be obtained from Lynda Goacher, Springwood, Furzefield Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2EF.

9 October

The Tyrrell Family History Society is holding a Research Day and AGM on Saturday 9 October from 11 am to 4.30 pm, at Holbrook Tythe Barn, Horsham, East Sussex. This day is particularly given over to research and a wonderful opportunity to search through the Tyrrell information stored on their database and to view a selection of their archives and library. Sales items will be available to view and purchase. The AGM will be held in the late morning, so there will be plenty of time to research. Please contact Mary Tyrrell on 02392-584094 for further information or visit their website. The TFHS 2005 January weekend away will be in Cambridge.

Hosted jointly by Central Scotland Family History Society and the Carved Stones Advisor Project as part of Scottish Archaeology Month, ‘A Fine and Private Place’ is a one-day seminar which will explore the importance of graveyards throughout history and today. Gnet.org has a lot of interesting information. The seminar will be held at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, on Saturday 4 September 2004. Entry is free, but as accommodation is limited seats must be booked in advance with Dr Susan Buckham on 0131-247-4119.

4 September

Pembrokeshire Record Office, The Castle, Haverfordwest, will be holding a Saturday Seminar on 4 September entitled ‘Deeds and legal terminology’ by Claire Orr, from 2 to 4 pm. There is no charge, but numbers are strictly limited, so booking is essential. To book, and for further information, please telephone 01437-763707

5 September

The Kent Family History Fair will take place at the Market Hall, Barker Road, Lockmeadow, Maidstone, on Sunday 5 September from 10 am to 5 pm.

11 September

The West Dorset Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society will be holding two talks on 11 September at the Salway Ash Village Hall. At 10.30 am you get a chance to meet Superintendent Registrar H Downie, whilst at 2.30 pm Dr Abel will give a talk on medicine in Dorset in the 1600s. The fee is £1 per session for members, £1.50 for non­members, and includes coffee or tea. For further details telephone 01308-458061

12 September

The Aintree Family History Fair will take place at the Princess Royal Exhibition Suite, Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, on Sunday 12 September from 10 am to 5 pm. Further details can be obtained by emailingfhfairs@aol.com.

12 September – 31 October

Bristol is celebrating its rich Quaker history in 2004. It will be 350 years since this religious movement was brought to the city. Q350 is a programme of events being held all over Bristol in September and October and will include: historical walks and talks around Bristol, exhibition of panels from the magnificent Quaker historical tapestry, public debates on human rights and criminal justice reform, theatre workshops, publications and events and an open air act of worship to celebrate and honour 350 years of Quakerism in Bristol. For further information telephone Heather Lister (press officer, Q350 committee) on 0117-3737612

14/15 September

The Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE, is celebrating a century of exhibitions and events. The venue will be staging its own exhibition which will chart this history and feature memorabilia, images and exhibits from events that have been held in the Halls over the past 100 years. Contact Rene Dee on 020-7828-4125 for more information.

18 September

A reunion for anybody descended from a Levoir is being held on 18 September in Marylebone, London. For details contact Roger Le Voire on 020-7798-7830

18 September

On Saturday 18 September, at 9.30 to 10 am, Kent Family History Society Medway Branch will be holding a talk entitled ‘Tracing Your Ancestors at the FRC’, an illustrated tour of the Family Records Centre, by Gerry Toop. It will be held at the Strood Library, Bryant Street, Strood. Cost is £1 for non-members; members free.

18/19 September

English Heritage is continuing their Battlefield Series with the Battle of Culloden – the last fought on British soil. There will be a series of living history encampments, talks and tours by various performers. Admission is £5 (adults), £4 (concessions), £3 (children). Contact English Heritage on 0870-333-1181 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.

The Toledo Chamber of Commerce told me that in 1943 he had a wife, Belle. They also gave me the address of the court from which I could obtain a copy of the marriage certificate, and provided information about the Toledo Shipbuilding Company, where William had been a machinist for many years.

The Toledo Family History Group sent me copies of local directory listings and photographs of some of William’s addresses from 1930 to 1960. In 1930 and 1931 an Alice is also listed at his address. Was she a wife too? She’d make the number of William’s wives three. (Much later I was to discover, in the 1930 US Census, that William Stacey had entered Alice Stacey, a stenographer, as his wife. She is on the census as born in England. Was Alice the secretary from Coventry who, rumor had it, William had wanted to take with him when he left England?)

In the street directory listing for William’s 1936 address there’s an Ola. The Toledo Public Library supplied me with a 1936 obituary for Ola Stacey and a photograph from the newspaper report of her death.

The report of Ola Stacey’s death in a car crash appeared in the Toledo Blade on 30 October 1936.

in a car crash, which had happened when she was driving herself and William. Here was yet another wife. She was Ola (née Webber), of Washington, Indiana, from information on her death certificate.

The Toledo Public Library also located William Stacey in its Toledo Blade newspaper obituary file. He had died in 1960, so I obtained a copy of his death certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Department of Health, and Toledo, Ohio. The obituary told me that he had been survived by his wife Belle and a stepdaughter in Boston, Maine. I requested a copy of the obituary of his wife, Belle, and obtained her death certificate. Here was Belle’s daughter, William’s stepdaughter, listed as informant, with her address, near Boston, in 1967. I was getting closer, but this seemed likely to be as far as I was going to get.

Not until 1997, with no leads left, did I write to the last known address of Belle’s daughter, hoping that the current occupant would forward my letter. Amazingly, a reply came from Ginny, the granddaughter of William’s wife, Belle! She is, in fact, William’s step-granddaughter, as she is a descendant of a child from a previous marriage of Belle’s, and consequently no blood relation. What does that matter? She had known William, whom they called Will’, since her late childhood, could tell me of his manner and personality, and spent many school holidays with her grandmother and my grandfather. She sent me photographs of and stories about Will, something I never dreamed possible.

And the peach stone basket of my title? What was that? Let me tell you. Although my mother has been dead for many years, her sister, Laurie, is alive and well. My aunt has few recollections of her father, but when Ginny learned that William had a daughter still alive in England, she and my aunt exchanged letters. Ginny told us that Will had been very skilled with his hands. In her teens he had made for her a tiny basket carved from the stone of a peach, which she had worn around her neck. When she heard that my aunt had nothing of her father’s, she sent her the peach stone basket, because `you have more right to it than I’. This, I feel, was a suitable outcome to my years of research. The story of William Stacey has, in a sense, come full circle.

Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London EC2P 2EJ; telephone: 020-7332-1862; is holding an exhibition of estate maps from its collections, ranging from the 16th to the 19th centuries, entitled ‘Lords of All They survey’. In the course of running those estates, maps were produced as an important part of estate management and these were often displayed as a symbol of a landowner’s status. The maps give us a fascinating picture of the English landscape and its agriculture and of London estates in the early modem period. Whilst the majority of maps show estates in London and the south-east of England (Kent and Essex are particularly well represented), they also include Knighton in Staffordshire and plantations on the Caribbean island of St Kitts. The exhibition is free and an illustrated catalogue in full colour will be available for sale in the Guildhall Library Bookshop. Open Monday-Saturday, 9.30 am to 5 pm (bookshop closed on Saturdays).