DAY FIFTEEN Celebrations in Chester

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but today I am especially conscious that neither pictures nor words can adequately convey the essence of the pilgrimage - especially the events, thoughts and feelings associated with its conclusion.

Today's offering (or really yesterday's as I am writing this on the coach heading away from Chester) only gives a rather weak flavour of things. Those who have previously experienced the pilgrimage first hand will be able to fill in some of the gaps themselves. Those who haven't, why not? If you're reading this then you already have an interest and so I encourage you to think about joining us next year. (Keep an eye on the website for details, which should be a available early autumn.)

A celebration day starts much like a rest day and pilgrims made their own plans.

A group of us hired rowing boats . . .

. . . and went up river for a picnic afloat.

Others went exploring the shops and heritage of Chester.

In the evening, we all came together again for our celebration. The tables arranged and set, and pilgrims seated, this began with another Eucharist co-celebrated by Fathers Robert and David.

After grace had been said, we queued for our meal . . .

. . . prepared and served with amazing efficiency by an augmented kitchen team.

We sat and enjoyed our meal . . .

. . . including our three youngest guests - hopefully pilgrims of the future.

Between courses, Bruce made a few concluding comments and each pilgrim was presented with a commemorative thimble, showing Chester Cathedral on one side and the Chester Pilgrim on the other.

There were also token gifts for the very many people who did a specific job in this year's pilgrimage. Our orange route arrows were used as gift labels.

But the work wasn't over - there was still the washing up to be done.

Our meal concluded with a song and a blessing from our two chaplains. The more formal part of the evening over, many continued singing . . .

. . . dancing . . .

. . . or . . . playing scrabble.

The partying continued well into the night.

 

ITINERARY

Celebration Day:

Northgate Church, Upper Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire SJ404667

Diarist: SS
Created: 29/8/04