OUR Worcester Legends series profiles so-called ‘ordinary people’ who make our city such a great place to live due to their passion, dedication and kindness.

We’re telling their stories every week in the newspaper and on our website.

CO-ORDINATOR of the St Peter’s Walking for Health (WFH) group and central figure of the Battle of Worcester Society, 68-year-old Christine Shaw was nominated as a Worcester Legend by her husband Richard.

The walking group – the biggest of its kind in the city with 40 members – meets every Friday morning at St Peter’s Baptist Church, walking for around an hour each session.

“Since Christine took over running the group two years ago she has made it into as much a social group as a walking group,” said Mr Shaw. “She helps to organise an anniversary walk – to commemorate the start of the group – as well as a Christmas lunch.

“The founder of the group now lives in Ludlow and Christine organises an annual party at his home and a walk around Ludlow,” he added.

Mrs Shaw, originally from Herefordshire, married her husband 47 years ago and they have lived just off the Bath Road in Worcester for 28 years.

Mr Shaw praised the “huge part” his wife plays in running the Battle of Worcester Society (BWS), where she is the secretary, treasurer, membership secretary and merchandise secretary.

The fighting in Worcester, which took place on September 3, 1651, was the final battle of the English Civil War, with Oliver Cromwell’s 28,000-strong Parliamentarians defeating King Charles II’s 16,000 Royalists.

Mrs Shaw has most recently organised a tour of The Commandery for members and arranged for Charles Spencer to speak about his new book.

To Catch a King chronicles the escape and pursuit of Charles II after the battle – with Mr Spencer due to speak yesterday (Monday) at Worcester Guildhall on the High Street.

In addition, Mrs Shaw – who was born on Christmas Day – is organising the society’s Christmas lunch at the Whitehouse on December 10.

“Both the WFH group and the BWS are thriving voluntary run organisations thanks to the effort and expertise that Christine puts in,” said Mr Shaw.