Silly walks harks back to 1970 for light-hearted lockdown fun

IT STARTED life as a 1970 Monty Python sketch, now the Ministry of Silly Walks has been revived in the island to bring a little lockdown light relief.

The children of the Guernsey Ministry of Silly Walks founder enjoying a bit of fun in the area they have designated for silly walking near their home. It was an idea inspired by Instagram posts from Yorkshire.

Households have been encouraged to install signs stating that passers-by have entered a silly walk jurisdiction and must commence silly walking immediately.

Inspiration came from a Yorkshire household with a similar sign posted online on 7 April which become a global viral trend.

The Guernsey Ministry of Silly Walks Facebook group founder, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: ‘It’s a fairly quiet lane, I just liked the idea of people having a bit of a giggle when out and about and also the opportunity to encourage my children to have fun whilst on walks, should they see signs in other places. We have set up ours and have already had a couple of silly walkers.’

Creating a comedic community to spread a bit of light-hearted relief is the aim.

‘It would be fab if it became an island fun initiative. Therefore I have set up a Facebook page for any brave people who want to post,’ the founder said.

Silly walkers are encouraged to share a photo online.

‘I have been thinking of trying to get sponsorship for a small prize to offer on the Facebook page for the silliest walk to incentivise people. I’m not sure how popular it will be.

‘We’ve been doing lots of crafts at home anyway so I had all the bits to make it, so I thought why not just give it go?’

Some have been quick to take up the silly walks invitation.

‘As soon as we put the signs up a couple of young girls walked past and did a silly walk whilst giggling along the road, which was nice to see.

‘As it’s at the back of the house in regard to our living areas, I don’t really get to see it.

‘However, on Monday when I popped out a couple walked past laughing and commented about what a good idea it was.’

The long legs of John Cleese made him the perfect Python to star in the Ministry of Silly Walks sketch.

A slow start has not demotivated the ministry in spreading some happiness.

‘Life is pretty much the same from day to day at the moment so it’s nice to see new things to break up the norm slightly.

‘My children have loved seeing the rainbows around the island and enjoyed building stones at Albecq. So I thought if someone walked past our house and it prompted them into doing or seeing something silly then that might make people happy too.’

. To post or view the Facebook page, https://bit.ly/35FPGou or to see the Yorkshire originals on Instagram https://bit.ly/2W5T4Wi

. To watch the original sketch https://bit.ly/2W6uFA4