Day 6: Wallingford to Abingdon

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

Lets start today with news of last night - after yesterday's page was uploaded. It was a "stay in" night, well there was a bar in the foyer, and it gave a chance for those who like a drink and those who'd rather not to be together. Once supper had cleared, we had a good old-fashioned sing-song, ranging from favourite hymns from Songs of the Spirit, folk songs, classic pop, to those dubious pilgrimage classics! The lungs were well and truly exercised!

And so to bed, perchance to sleep. For some the challenge of quietening down was too much. Rumours abounded this morning about the culprits, but I don't fancy libel suits so this site will say no more!

The van packing crew was on front marking duty, so a replacement team had to be commissioned. In fact, despite the lack of practice, we got the job done in good time and soon the setting out prayers were said and we were off. At first we retraced yesterday's final steps alongside the Thames, crossing the weir again. The scenery was pleasant but not photogenic, so here are some of this year's pilgrims.

Alongside the river to Shillingford

then off to Dorchester, the seat of St Birinus.

First, Mass at the Catholic Church

When we went in Sarah met the parish priest - her former chaplain from Cambridge, Father John Osman.

In the church we found the statue of St Birinus, Bishop of Dorchester when the Diocese included Winchester and Lincoln.

Mass had to be short, as we had to be at the Abbey Church to meet Canon John Crowe. We processed out of Mass singing Walk in the Light, followed by Bind Us Together, then I will sing, I will sing. At the Abbey there was a brief Communion in the Anglican rite and a chance to see some of the building, for example the West Window

and the Jesse Window

Then on to the Shrine of St Birinus

Click here for the history of St Birinus

From the Abbey, Canon Crowe joined us at the Fleur de Lys for lunch.

As Bruce, Hazel and Lauren were leaving us here, they had to say their goodbyes

but Patrick had other ideas (edible warpaint)

After lunch Canon Crowe returned to join us for the next leg (we must get t-shirts with our URL on them - if you can't read it, theirs is www.dorchester-abbey.org.uk )

Another day pilgrim was called Chad...

Our first stop was St. Peter's Church, Little Wittenham, then over the river again

and on to St. Michael and All Angels Church, Clifton Hampden - up the only hill of the day

Then around Culham and over the railway (trains galore, Julian) and back beside the river for the final stretch into Abingdon. On the outskirts of town we were welcomed by Rosemary and Monica and drinks (not to mention left over sandwiches).

And so to John Mason School - lots of space, showers and so on. Frances' first school kitchen too.

Abi, toe still strapped up, has been exercising her artisitic talents while travelling with the van. Click here to see Abi's arrow

And so, faithful reader, until tomorrow's exciting installment, God Bless.