A FORMER vicar from Renwick is about to embark on an incredible solo journey from Cumbria to Italy, equipped with a cello and a bike.
Kenneth Wilson, known as the ‘poetical cellist’ is going to cycle with his stringed instrument from Hadrian's Wall to Rome, a journey he describes as "from the edge of empire to its heart."
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He will be performing every day of the five-week journey, down the length of England, through France, and over the Alps into Italy.
Wilson signalled the start of his endeavour with a performance at Carlisle’s Tullie House Museum and art gallery, playing songs and telling poems in front of an audience including city mayor Cllr Mike Mitchelson and the Mayoress, Anne Mitchelson.
When asked what his reasoning for the cycle, Kenneth said: “Why would anybody do such a thing? It seemed like such a good idea at the time when I thought of it, and one thing led to another and know I’m here. I don’t know why I’m doing it and people may think it’s going to be stupid but it’s going to be good fun.”
Continuing with discussion his preparations, Kenneth said: “I haven’t done a massive cycle since the summer I left school when I cycled round the coastline of England with a friend to celebrate the end of our studies. I decided to do this at the end of last year so have done a bit of training since then.
“Playing the cello is the most important part of it, I’ll be playing music wherever I stop. I have gigs booked at each stop in the UK but once I get over the Channel and arrive in France and Italy it’ll very much be a case of turning up and playing.”
Ending on how his plans once he completes his journey, Kenneth shared: “It’s a bit problematic because, since Covid, trains do not allow bikes. So, I need to post my bike back to Cumbria and then travel back with my cello.”
After the performance, Mayor Mitchelson handed over a letter to Kenneth to pass over to the Mayor of Rome, sharing well wishes to his counterpart.
You'll be able to follow Kenneth's progress through a blog on his website.
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