“Tuf” as old boots
As Regenesis’ relationship with LDHP grew and we found common ground organising walks in the steps of the Windermere Children, I found myself once again in Trevor’s office and was introduced to a very talented student film producer.
A discussion evolved as to how to showcase her ideas Lakeside and I offered to provide safety cover for the film crew as they shot waterside. I had prepared for the cold February morning by the Lake was expecting second generation witnesses to be in the film, but no, Arek would not miss any opportunity to continue his education mission. He wanted to walk with us, and at 96 this was not something I had planned for.
He arrives suited and booted, looking dapper whilst the rest of us are more appropriately (perhaps) dressed in winter walking gear, and the interviews begin. Arek quickly realises one of the crew is Polish, and the two strike a bond perched on a log during a break to speak in his mother tongue.
Arek, like many walkers on this steep waterside bank would need assistance, and he takes my arm with surprising strength. Of course, I was walking in his footsteps in absolute awe – but he knew the way and led us north.
We make our way to Sir Ben’s tree where Arek defiantly signs his name on a stone before laying it in memory of his family, and hope for the next generations.
Talk about cold! It was freezing that day, we warmed up in between shoots under shelter, and Arek borrows a pair of gloves that I wouldn’t see again for a while. In his words, he is tuf … T, U, F. No kidding.
