DIOCESE OF ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON ECUMENICAL WALKING PILGRIMAGES
NUMBER 73 October. 2002
Dear Pilgrims,
The September AGM has now chosen Dover to Chichester as the route for 2003. Aidan and others are busy sketching in a southern route that links up churches dedicated to St Richard. A fair bit of the seaside comes into view on the way. There is a good prospect that the scenery will be varied and the distances a fraction shorter than this year.
This choice of pilgrimage is in harmony with the celebrations, teaching and events already planned to mark the 750th anniversary of St Richard’s death. There is much to be thought and prayed through to organise both the liturgy and teaching sessions to make the most of the examples in St Richard’s life. As well as the liturgy team, please bear Terry in your thoughts as he looks forward to co-ordinating the prayer stops.
This year I have been consciously looking around behind the scenes to learn how the pilgrimage is organised. The complexity of the organisation needed made me realise that I had in the past only noticed what went awry not the dozens of aspects that proceeded smoothly. It is a considerable and inspiring challenge to us to do as well as previous teams let alone to improve.
At my work, in the nuclear industry, the emphasis is on a plethora of elaborate procedures to ensure, by some mechanistic means, everything will be perfect. This is not a model of organisation I admire. I hope every pilgrimage will succeed through the thoughtfulness, prayer and fellowship of the pilgrims backed up by God responding to our love. People, not procedures, will plan and launch next years fulfilling walkabout.
The first days walk this year (Lichfield to Uttoxeter) was a brisk reminder that every day has to be planned with safety & security in mind as well as worship. Yes the prayer and worship is central yet has to be within the framework of a route that is achievable for most of the pilgrims. We will not always be strolling through a safe and peaceful landscape. Towns have hazards that might suit walking in groups as an example. Bad weather is another situation when alert pilgrims should remember to bunch up and keep a caring eye on each other.
Just as in John Lamb’s newsletter I also urge you all to be aware for the people that God is guiding towards pilgrimage as a helpful way to find fellowship with Himself. Experienced pilgrims tell me that advertising has not been effective in the past. Nor does it seem to be for a church. New members to my church in Gloucester have joined through ways and events we could not have imagined. So it is likely to be with the new pilgrims that will refresh the pilgrimage in the future. Be awake then for the opportunities.
I hope to see and chat to many of you at the November reunion in Guildford.
God bless,
Bruce Matheson
Co-ordinator
Dear Pilgrims,
At last we have had the satisfaction of completing our Lichfield to Lastingham walk in honour of St Chad and St Cedd. It was a very happy experience and our fears that the pilgrimage might lose some adherents because of the two year gap proved unfounded. Eighty people took part, plus a few day pilgrims, and 51 went all the way. There were five new adults in the number if we include Stephen Smith from Lichfield whom we met as a day pilgrim in a.d. 2000. Young Johnny and Michael Gamble kept up a good pace for half days (often the longer half!) and were fielded by Mum - who rescued tired adults too. Rosie and Bridget Simons, cousins to the young, Turks also walked well so there is another generation coming along to replace creaking oldies like me.
Our aim to get to Lastingham in fifteen days was a bit ambitious. Knock off two days for travelling and two rest days and you see the problem – 17 miles per day average. Kind weather and mostly good ground underfoot meant that we coped well though. The route planners found safe and pleasant ways without deviating far off straight line travel between halls which, thanks to Aidan, fitted our plans nicely.
Choral Evensong at Lichfield on our first day was impressive and we had a marvellous send-off from St Chad’s Church, the next day. We were allowed the use of the Lady Chapel at York Minster and had a very “cosy” and moving celebration in the crypt of the Church at Lastingham while an organ recital went on in the nave above. The resources and timing of our last day could have made a celebration meal difficult but we were fortunate that Patrick managed to arrange a good get-together in the Barn Tea Rooms. (And some of us know a person who stayed the night in the Barn Hotel rather than sleep on a hard floor. We weren’t jealous, honestly, besides, we like boots falling on our heads from the balcony above!) If you have access to the WWW you can get a blow-by blow account of the pilgrimage off Aidan’s website http://www.thepilgrims.org.uk
Looking to the future, It was agreed at the last AGM that we would aim for something nearer our original stamping ground for 2003 the keep in touch with pilgrims who wish to do less than the full fortnight.
The Planning Team for 2002-2003 was appointed or re-appointed as follows:
Co-ordinator Bruce Matheson Deputy John Lamb
Secretary Gillian McLauchlan Treasurer Patrick Reeve
Accommodation Aidan Simons Alt. Transport Monica McLauchlan
Booking Sec. Pat Donachie Day Pilgrims Gillian McLauchlan
Catering Frances Dean Catering Support Mary Sharp
Chaplain(s) Fr. David Russell + ? Chief Route Planner Maurice Hickman
Church Liaison Vacancy Database Tom Yeung
Drinks car Rosemary Southon Foot care Mary Fuller
Liturgist/music Louise Chenery Sandwiches Vacancy
Van Vacancy Van assistant Vacancy
Youth concerns Patrick Reeve Safety Officer Peter Storrow
Websites: Danny Thomas & Aidan Simons.
Other Publicity: under review Newsletter Editor Mike Kanssen
While the majority of the names are re-appointments, we must expect some change. John Russell, for example, has served notice that he is quitting at the end of this year. He has an obvious and important role regarding the van but as well as this he quietly and unobtrusively keeps a kindly eye on many things. He will be hard to replace but I hope a reader of this Newsletter may feel able to offer - you maybe?
Here are some other ways you can maintain pilgrim family vitality:
Display the enclosed A4 poster; try to recruit another pilgrim;
We are likely to stay in the Southeast in 2003. It gives our present contacts a better chance to join for less that the full two weeks. If you have knowledge of suitable sleeping places in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, or Hants. please pass details to Aidan;
Renew your pledge to support Fr Joe Kengah’s travel to join us this summer if you can still afford it. If you missed out last year, perhaps you might offer this time? If we exceed target, we can call in less than the full promise from each person. All you need to do at this stage is grab some paper and write “Joe Kengah Appeal”, your name, address (with postcode) and sum pledged and return it to Pat Donachie with your booking form, or to me (address at foot of front page);
Thomas Yeung, new mail base manager would appreciate being kept posted on changes of name, address or loss of interest (perish the thought!)
Pray that by cheerful Christian witness our Pilgrimages will touch the people we meet.
I look forward to seeing you in August. God bless. John Lamb
2002 Pilgrimage Reunion
This year's Pilgrimage Reunion will take place 8-10 November 2003 at Stoke Church, Guildford. The full invitation should be included in this mailing, but in the meantime Sue Earley writes:
"Hope to see you all at the reunion. I am really pleased to be hosting it and look forward to seeing you all. I am hoping that some people in the church may decide to join us for all/part of the day. Plus anyone else I can persuade. Please pray for an excellent ecumenical weekend.
"If anyone wants to help with the organising of the Taizé evening, I would love to hear from them. Similarly if anyone wants to help the Guildford Gourmets (ably led by Mrs Kate Lamb - wife of John) they should contact him.
"Also a personal request - if anyone knows anyone (our contract states under 60) who would be a good (part-time) DT Technician - let me know! Mine is off to become a teacher after half term. Details from Guildford High School."
If you're reading this via the web edition, you can contact Sue at smearley@tesco.net
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Andy's ordination
As many of you will already know Andy Ollard was ordained on the 21st September, at the Church of Christ the King in Milton Keynes. As the photo shows a small group of pilgrims joined Andy to help him celebrate.
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Now we learn also that John Bentley is to be ordained priest on the 12th July 2003 at Stoke on Trent. He hopes to arrange "pilgrim style" accommodation, he says.
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Dear All,
Baby Joseph Matthew Brennan arrived on Sunday 22nd September at 9.50am by caesarean section. Mother and baby are well.
'Baby technical specifications' are:....Sex: Boy Weight: 8.5 pounds Length 50cm
Best Wishes and thank you for all your prayers John and Lesley.
Letters & messages
Message from Pat Donachie (retiring) Booking Secretary:
In the words of Christopher William Jones: I give thanks for our Pilgrimage Journey. It's been wonderful to share with so many people: Booking Secretary role is extremely rewarding in that it puts one in touch with so many people; and opens the door to more discoveries ......
LISTEN PILGRIM - by Christopher William Jones
"Two men walk along the road to Emmaus,
seven miles from Jerusalem,
stumbling now and then,
conversing,
arguing,
arguing about the latest happenings in Jerusalem.
They meet a third,
and the three go on to a small house in the town and sit and break bread.
Only then, in the community of welcome and care for the Other,
they meet face to face with their God.
You and I walk this road. We are still seven miles from Jerusalem.
God grant we will recognise Him as we meet Him again and again
and share bread and conversation and silence and hopes and troubles ......"
Thank you for having me : Pilgrim Pat D
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Dear Pilgrims
It is lovely to get letters from you, also telephone calls, and even occasional visits. All contacts from you are greatly appreciated and I treasure them.
I have even kept all the poems and photos that I received from our lovely Brenda Dillon.
Recently I received a most unexpected letter from a pilgrim whom I have not even met. It is difficult to express the joy it gave me to read her letter. She even parted with her cross and sent it to me. I am ashamed to say that is something that I couldn't have done for someone.
Thank you Lourdes, I am sure you will tell your friends in Barcelona about the pilgrimage just as Tineke has told you.
God Bless to all pilgrims, from Edna Davies
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Dear fellow pilgrims. I would like to thank everyone for their companionship, fun and the many conversations. Thank you for accepting the "kiwi' amongst you.
I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and all the good times that went with the pilgrimage. I even forgive John for his loud snoring. The cooks did a great job and more so in that it's the first time I've returned to NZ at the same weight. To John, the driver. To the drinks ladies. Always a welcome sight along the way. To John for organising it all and being the leader. Aidan for always having a photo shot ready. To all others who were involved.
To the front markers who loved the challenge of where to place the arrows ( though I think placing some in the middle of cow pats was a bit mean especially after standing on them).
To all the friends I made and to all the folk who shared their personal stories with me.
Must have been a rough walk as my boots fell apart after I got home. Following the walk I spent a week in Scotland, a week in Denmark then 4 days in Korea. All back to normal except for the bank manager.
Good health and hope some of you make it to Aotearoa some day. We could always make a pilgrimage eh.
regards and thanks, Howard Buxton.
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Dear (Pat Donachie)
It's high time I let you know that I can't do Pilgrimages anymore. I well remember you on St Richard's to Rye while I camped..... I moved to Dorchester, Dorset in 1997, had much sorrow and sadness, and returned to wonderful Winchester, City of the great Cathedrals. I was a guide there for 10 years. Played and sang in Winchester College orchestra and choir also for 10 years.....
Every good wish and happy walking
Edith Rawlinson
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Aidan has received a request for photographic assistance via his web site:
'Back in 1979 you embarked on a pilgrimage that took you among other places from Hartley to Kilndown church. On route you passed through Furnace Farm, a hop garden at the time. I now farm in the valley at Furnace Farm, and would love to see any photos either you or your party may have taken as you passed through.
I am particularly interested in any photos, because as a result of an arson incident a few years ago, much of the original oasts and Barns were badly damaged.
Any photos would be invaluable as we are now working to repair them to their former glory.
I would be happy to forward a cheque to cover any such costs relating to copying photos and wish you luck with your journeys and would be most grateful if any of your party could impart any knowledge.
Kind regards, Edward Hume'
Aidan adds, 'To put it into context, 1979 was Canterbury 2, and we were on our way back from Canterbury to Arundel. This day was from Benenden to Wadhurst, and we'd lunched at the Duke of Kent, Hartley. Many of us will remember it as the day that Earl Mountbatten was murdered - we heard the news later that afternoon at Bewl Bridge Reservoir.'
If anyone has any suitable photos Aidan or Mike can forward them.
Fr Rob Taylerson writes:
'I've just moved into the new parish; between Lichfield and Uttoxeter and Burton. Three churches (Barton, Woodlane & Tutbury) and many miles of beautiful East Staffs countryside in between. I have completed my first weekend, found my way to all three churches, and my way back home. All parishioners seem friendly!
Best wishes, Rob Taylerson'
a. Co-ordinator’s report
The one-year hiatus caused difficulties: some anticipated, some not. However, overall it was a very happy experience with few major anxieties.
Concerns over numbers booking took a long time to be allayed. By the end of July when final payments were due only 47 people had booked. Eventually the count was 73. Such late booking is unhelpful to the planners, though the revenue was welcome.
The support team, which has a lot of accumulated experience, ensured that things ran smoothly; so smoothly that rank and file walkers perhaps do not fully appreciate this side of the organisation. We just breeze into a hall at the end of a tiring day, having been watered by the drinks car, to be welcomed by hot tea, an unloaded van and a wholesome meal held back or brought forward as our unpredictable arrivals require. We managed to recruit a nearly complete team to do the organising. An extra driver for the over-sized van who could also be an assistant to John Russell would have been helpful, especially to act as understudy because John will not be with us next year. The other gap was someone to take responsibility for church liaison. The co-ordinator struggled to cover this as well as other tasks. Mary Sharp was an added asset in the catering department.
The route planners are all to be congratulated on finding pleasant and safe routes for us in difficult circumstances. We had very few problems of mischief being done to route marking thanks to good marking and people’s vigilance. The days were perforce rather long due to the placing of halls and the distance to be covered in a pretty straight line. The pressure was also there through having two whole days of travel and one less walking day. Until we got into the smaller villages, accommodation was more than adequate.
Things that went well: Halls were vacated on time with the van packed by willing helpers; general atmosphere was very positive; good liturgies; accommodation up to last pilgrimage’s standards and at reasonable cost, only one smoke alarm.
Things that need working on: ensuring all pilgrims do their share of chores – maybe a formal rota? Clearer communications – now there are many mobile ‘phone users, a protocol for dealing with emergencies would be helpful. Pilgrims should be encouraged to plan to use public transport if they are becoming tired. The pilgrimage vehicles must be free to deal with emergencies and occasional transport of music and instruments to churches and the like.
Overall, a satisfactory experience, I felt. My thanks to everyone – well done!
1. Chaplains
The Reverend Jill Warren, Rector of St Chad’s in Lichfield in 2001, who had hoped to join us that August was unable to join our deferred pilgrimage – a pity. Fortunately, Fr David Russell was able to be with us throughout the fortnight. He planned a theme woven about the lives of Chad and Cedd which also drew on material from the Proper of the Saints. He also arranged the major celebrations at Lichfield, York and Lastingham. We also enjoyed the informal company of Father Joe Kengah and Father Rob Taylerson.
2. Prayer Stops
Disruption in planning through the FMD outbreak and the movement of clergy in country parishes made prayer stops difficult to arrange at times but about 48 churches were successfully contacted culminating in about 34 prayer stops. This was less than is often the case but longer walks and one less day meant we were more pushed for time.
3. Eucharists
It's hoped that the “informal Masses” met the desires of the RC’s in the party without being seen as divisive by others.
4. Other Prayer
There was no obvious opportunity for a Taizé service or similar. The simpler Morning and Evening Prayer format proved more popular than the Roman Office though getting people together 15 minutes after rise time is a challenge and random times in the evening are even worse.
5. What went well
· We enjoyed a good range of formal worship when we joined regular Church services on our route.
· At prayer stops often local clergy or other church members were there to greet and lead us in prayer. When we had to draw on our own resources that was fine too. So we had a good mix of material to think on and pray over.
· The musicians coped very resourcefully with the ad hoc arrangements which had to be made from time to time
6. What could be improved
· Better (perfection is impossible) time-keeping would help those patiently waiting for us.
· If we aim for an overall theme next year more co-ordination of prayer stops and liturgies would help give focus. This calls for advanced planning even to choice of music.
· Continue the hunt for chaplains.
My sincere thanks go to all, pilgrims and people along our way who have made this pilgrimage an elevating experience.
John Lamb.