The Ginger Joe Trod

Distance: 13-miles (circular)
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Ginger Joe was one of the most famous Wold Rangers, for it was he who greeted the King and Queen of England upon their visit to Sledmere in 1925, a visit that lived on in the memories of many for the rest of their lives and so recounted from generation to generation.  

A civilized, well educated, philosopher of life, Ginger Joe, described as an enigma, loved lively debate and discussion and would converse as an equal with lords and fellow Rangers alike, his life as a Wold Ranger had been by choice, embracing the freedom of the green lanes and ancient walkways.  His air of authority, piercing blue eyes, hawklike nose and flaming ginger beard made a formidable sight as he roamed from farm to farm, accompanied always by his dog.  A hard worker he was made welcome at every farm he visited, and was an equally enthusiastic customer of the The Triton Inn in Sledmere!  

It was a day very well remembered that Ginger Joe, dog at heel, bundle on back and clanking billy can strode between the clambering villagers awaiting the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary and took his usual seat on the lower step of the Sledmere Waggoners Memorial.  Refusing to budge, the local constabulary were unable to persuade him to move before suddenly the crowds parted and the Royal duo arrived before Ginger Joe himself, who purveyed them with a defiant glint in his eye... no movement did he make nor cap did he doff. The hapless vicar was forced to conduct the service of commemoration as the King of the Wolds green lanes and the King and Queen of England stared each other out!

Ginger Joe lived out his days in a small loose box on Sledmere House Farm accompanied by his beloved dog and his hen, he tethered with a string on her leg, who laid him his daily egg.  

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