My name is Roy Hayward otherwise known as ‘The T-shirt Man’ or in the Rambler as ‘Hayward’s House of Fashion’ – I’ve been supporting the charitable side of the group’s involvement in part by selling ‘Special Edition’ T-shirts for many years.

In March of 2004 I ‘retired’ from BT, after some 39 years, and have yet to be convinced to get another job. I’ve run and played in several Football and Cricket teams during this time so I’m more than aware of the hard work that goes on in the background to keep things running smoothly.

I’ve been taking part in the Vierdaagse since 1989 and have completed the 4-days 16 times so will probably be considered one of the veterans now. In those early years, with the group’s size varying between 150-300 participants, I organised the travel arrangements for the Midlands contingent of the group and drove one of the BT people carriers to De Dennen. I’m more aware than most of the highs and lows of Nijmegen having failed twice – the very first time through lack of ‘full distance’ training and what would have been the 13th time with a virus. As a result, I’ve also been out with our support teams and earned a red ‘Crew’ T-shirt.

Like most people I’ve taken part in many long-distance ‘training’ walks in the UK, and in Switzerland and Germany culminating, for me, in walking the Inca Trail in Peru – a noticeable difference in altitude to Nijmegen.

I would like to think that my managerial experience from BT, understanding of the needs of participants both before and during the event and awareness of the work involved in running and supporting the team might go some way to filling the void left by Trevor Day standing down, even though most of his original workload has now been spread across the Organising Committee.

Steve has been continually involved with the group since 1990 when Trevor Day tried to borrow a BT fleet minibus that belonged to Steve’s department. On this occasion he got the vehicle and the driver (Steve), along with probably the first team of students to take part in the Group’s Nijmegen vierdaagse activities drawn from schools in the Bournemouth & Poole areas.

The student element has long since been surpassed by Herman Boston’s teams from the Wiltshire region and Steve went on to complete the 50Km event 5 times in succession before withdrawing due to injury in 1995.

Although unable to walk the 1995 event, Steve trained as a ‘Medic’ and joined the First Aid Teams for a couple of years, becoming increasingly involved in the organisation of the support crews.

The admin grew until a point where he took on the principle role of organising the group’s involvement in the Nijmegen event through an appointed committee of (still) familiar faces on behalf of our BT sponsor as Trevor Day’s involvement reduced.

Having been ‘Chairman’ of that organising committee through the later 1990’s, Steve eventually took on the role of what is now known as the ‘Event Manager’ for the last few years of his direct involvement in the group, handing over to an elected committee when BT finally withdrew all its’ sponsorship for the group in 2003.

Looking at this history, it seems he is one of the few (maybe the only?) member who has performed all of the group’s roles in the period!

Professionally, Steve is an ex-BT senior manager who now operates as a consultant in utility organisations worldwide, including assignments in the UK, Middle East, South East Asia & Turkey. His current role is Project Director for a major corporate initiative based in India – believe it or not, it’s for BT!

Approached by the committee early in 2008 to join them as a co-optee, Steve accepted, believing that by returning he will be closer to the group’s activities and that may help in his desire to take part as a Nijmegen walker once again in the foreseeable future.

Following eight successful Nijmegen Vierdaagse, Herman sustained a back injury and decided to call it a day in 2000 to concentrate on training the youth element. Herman has been providing training since 1992. Since 1996, the number of students participating on a yearly basis in Nijmegen has ranged from 20-28 and in that time only 2 students have failed to complete. This could not be achieved without the help and support of the teachers and others. Training walks are held fortnightly from January until July, where all are welcome. Herman would like to thank everybody who voted him onto the committee.

Bob has been in sport since 1969, active in many aspects, supporting, organising and racing. A member of a London Walking Club for over 12 years, during that time, Race Secretary and Secretary for eight years. Although he left walking for several years to go running, everything from local cross-country to 100 km challenge events, his roots remained with the heel and toe brigade. Following the first London marathon he decided Slough, his home at the time, needed a Marathon. Fifteen years on the committee followed, during which, along came Nijmegen.

Following 12 successful years a failure followed in 2002, a torn shin muscle with one day to go, disaster. A spate of injuries followed into 2003 with the promise that he would support in Nijmegen if he failed to complete Cosford. Being self-employed as a qualified Sport and Remedial Therapist found Bob on the support crews for 2003. An interesting, very tiring and rewarding experience.

I’m Gina Coltman, you’re First Aid and Support Committee member. I have 22 years First Aid experience, 14 years Massage experience and 2 years road walking experience. I have been part of the First Aid team in Nijmegen for the last 17 years.

I enjoy complementary therapies, and am qualified in several spheres. I own/ride/compete 2 horses and 2 ponies and am Chair of the Pony Riders Association UK, heading that committee. I am a keen skier and to fulfil my sense of challenge and to use my communication skills I enjoy skiing with the blind.

The 2008 Vierdaagse will see Marcus participate at the 50km distance for the 19th consecutive year, having successfully completed the route on sixteen previous occasions.

Currently working as a Software Engineer for Siemens Molecular Imaging in Oxford, at which he spends his time building brains. Marcus can sometimes be seen strolling around Wiltshire, Hampshire and Berkshire with people that call themselves the Amesbury Walkers. He says he does this in the hope of getting fit enough not to suffer too much at Nijmegen...