DAY ONE  Journey to Dover

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The first day of our pilgrimage and pilgrims gathered from far and wide in Dover.

Some of us made our way directly to Dover and others met up in Redhill and came by coach . . .

. . . enjoying spectacular views of the port and the castle as we came in.

A pilgrimage is always a challenge, involving overcoming difficulties. The first difficulty was that on our arrival at St Richard's Primary school, the building was locked and there was no sign of the headmaster, who we were expecting to meet us.

Luckily, the weather was hot (rather too hot for some) and so there was no real problem with sitting outside and pilgrims took the opportunity to eat and/or sunbathe.

Many (mobile) phone calls later a key holder arrived . . .

. . . and the usual unpacking of luggage, claiming of bed spaces and inflating of mattresses began.

A display of children's work in the hall reminded us of the saint who is the patron of the school and in whose honour we are making this pilgrimage.

Our afternoon schedule included a visit to St Edmund's Chapel, which claims to be the smallest chapel in England in regular use.

The chapel was consecrated by St Richard in 1253, when he celebrated his last mass and preached his last sermon, before being taken ill and dying the next day.

Patrick Reeve led many pilgrims to our next stop . . .

. . . which was, unsurprisingly, for non-spiritual refreshment an establishment dedicated to Prince Albert.

After quite some while, he led us out again . . .

. . . and to St Paul's church for our liturgy, where we joined in with the regular parishioners for the vigil mass.

During the service, we were presented with our pilgrim crosses . . .

. . . which this year consist of a cross on a bishop's mitre carved in wood.

Back at the school, we enjoyed our first meal together, thanks to Frances and her team, after which most people relaxed, caught up with old friends and prepared for an early night ready for our first day's walking.

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