She did it!

Larks singing, towering cumulus clouds, crows turning the mown grass of the runway seeking tasty morsels…and the Cotswold idyll was broken by a chugging whirr…drawing ever closer.

A brightly coloured biplane lumbered towards the enthusiastic Priory supporters, and Rita - the Priory’s Premier Wing Walker - fresh from her briefing, clad in a bright red jumpsuit, goggles and gloves, was guided up onto the wing.

Strapped firmly in place by a professional wing walker, the plane trundled off towards the runway, with Rita oblivious to the cheers of the crowd thanks to the handy earplugs provided.

As crows scattered and the pair of Red Kites twisted and turned in the sky, the plane sped along, ascending to join the larks. It looked wonderful from the ground. The plane banked and swooped low past the onlookers, white smoke (‘no it’s not on fire, Rod. It’s OK; really’) trailing behind, just like the Red Arrows. Crimson against the very British coloured sky, Rita cut a heroic figure, but didn't appear to return the cheery Priory supporters’ waves.

Her ten minutes of wing walking glory were soon over. Released from the plane, a rather pale Rita’s first words were ‘Never again’. It appears that her wing walking career may be restricted to just the one flight, which she enjoyed with her eyes shut, clinging to the harness, and praying.

What a hero! Rita’s exploits have raised a staggering £6,000+ towards the fundraising appeal to level the nave floor, so that everyone can use the space in safety. Rita and Rod, too thank all the extremely generous donors for their sponsorship.

It was an amazing day (certainly from a ground-level supporter’s viewpoint), with a fabulous picnic afterwards. Thanks too, to all those who helped with the transport.

If you would like to donate, it’s still possible, via this link -
https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-wall-1678225621975