New Red Coats welcomed to Exeter
Published: 7 April 2022
Exeter has welcomed a new tranche of fully-fledged Reds Coat Guides to the city.
Eight new guides have been put through their paces during a rigorous five months’ of training. They were presented with their smart new jackets by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Trish Oliver, at a special ceremony at the city’s historic Guildhall.
As part of the training, the new Red Coats – all volunteers - had to lead a ‘dummy’ tour around the city to demonstrate they are ready to do for the role.
Dave Adcock, Visitor Facilities Manager for the City Council, said: "This group has been amazing and fantastic to work with. Every one of them deserves their Red Coat and worked so, so hard to become a qualified guide. They are a credit to Exeter and the City Council."
Speaking at the ‘passing out’ ceremony, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Trish Oliver, paid tribute to the new Red Coats.
“We owe a large debt of gratitude to our noble team of volunteers - the Exeter Red Coat Guides. I am delighted to welcome new recruits tonight. I am sure you have all poured in energy and enthusiasm, time and effort.”
Cllr Oliver said that the Red Coats had played a valuable role in keeping up morale in the city over the last two years, providing an outdoor activity that many could enjoy safely during certain times of the pandemic.
“Two and a bit years in, we all understand more about Covid transmission, and appreciate the opportunity this gave people to connect together outside, and learn of Exeter’s amazing history. I am told that in excess of 3,500 people attended these tours - the value of that is priceless, she added.
One of the new Red Coats, John Davidson, said: "It has been an intensive five months and a great feeling to have passed the final assessment. We have really appreciated all the advice and tips from the trainers, and all those who have provided the many lectures and the visits which have brought so many stories to life."
In welcoming the new guides to Exeter, Cllr Oliver thanked those who had recently ‘retired’ and hung up their jackets.