On our recent visit to Calis we were much disappointed by the quality of walking on the prom. There was far too much trudging, slouching, plodding, traipsing, lumbering and general shoddiness of perambulation. I suppose this is OK during daytime or in other roads in Calis, but not on an evening on the front. A promenade (noun) is a structure purpose-built for people to promenade (verb). I speak as a man who taught both his (then teenage) daughters the art of promenading at Calis in the days before the characterless block paving was laid.
To promenade is to walk as a couple with arms lightly linked, aware of each other but not engrossed, taking in the sights around you but not staring at any in particular, with eyes focused on the indefinite middle-distance. This produces magical effects. Hasslers no longer hassle; instead they smile and wave. The crowds part to let you through. You feel good.
Promenading does not require athletic ability. Hilary for example, says that I dance "like a plank" - she is very supportive of me in this way, like a joist - but accepts that I am capable of promenading. I have seen some very classy wheelchair and walking stick promenading. What it requires is style; an understanding that walking the prom is about seeing and being seen. It doesn't really matter what mode of promenading is adopted - strolling, sauntering, ambling, striding, stepping, waltzing, whatever - what is important is that the walking is invested with attention.
So I call upon CBFers, residents and holiday-makers, to make a proud effort for the rest of the summer to improve the promenade on the promenade.
