Day 10: Shipston-on-Stour to Stratford-upon-Avon

Click on (some) pictures to display a bigger version thereof!

Firstly apologies for the late arrival of yesterday's page - Shipston is in a Cellnet black spot, the Orange phone wasn't data-enabled, and we only found a fix this morning using Vodafone. The bigger pictures went on this evening.

Thanks to those who've provided feedback - keep it coming. One commented that I didn't say enough about the spiritual life of the pilgrimage; no doubt this is true, but I fear that the best I can achieve in the time available each evening is a straight factual report, but I'm happy to take contributions. Perhaps we can add this aspect in arrears!

And so, on to today.

We started with Mass at the Catholic Church of Our Lady and the Apostles, Shipston-on-Stour. Father Joe preached with his usual exuberance, and we sang his song at the offertory.

Then off for a road walk to Darlingscott. Rosie and Bridget were here for their first day this year.

And so to St George's Church

Just to prove we were all there, together with some local parishioners, here's the view of the congregation!

Rosemary talked about a bag with the bare necessities of life, useful gadgets but even more important symbolic value.

Straight back from prayer, we had her working

Off again, across the fields this time. Julia was protecting herself from the sun, although rain soon threatened!

And so the Ilmington, and the church of St Mary the Virgin.

The area is surrounded by apple orchards, and there was a wall hanging showing the "apple map" on the church wall

The vicar led us in an Iona style prayer, then joined us until mid-afternoon at another of his churches (it's the largest parish in the diocese).

And on to Quinton for lunch at the College Arms.

Ursula needed to drink her tea quickly before heading off to prayers

And then to St Swithun's Church for prayers, where an elderly lady parishioner told a fascinating story of the church. The vicar led us in prayer.

 

We had to cross a new gas pipeline that was being laid

Chris had joined us and was walking despite his injuries from a recent road accident

Our next stop was at Preston-on-Stour where there was an impressive memorial to members of the West family.

And a crucifix memorial by a well known sculptor

Admittedly we had to use the "heavies" to stop pilgrims missing the church by mistake; the topless brothers were in their element!

We paused for prayer outside Atherstone-on-Stour Church (now redundant)

At St Helen's Church, Clifford Chambers, we there was a wonderful turnout of local parishioners, and a churchwarden told the story of the church (dedicated to the mother of Emperor Constantine)

Among the interesting features was a Saxon font

From there it was a steady walk into Stratford-upon-Avon, ending up alongside the Avon itself. And so to King Edward VI School's Levi Fox Hall.

It has been noticeable today that people have been more subdued when walking - 6 consecutive days have taken their toll - so we'll need our rest day tomorrow, then we'll be ready for the final stretch to Lichfield. But before that, I need some sleep!