Our pilgrimages always begin in bits and pieces as we gather from the four corners of the country - even the four corners of the globe. Many folk caught the coach from Redhill where there were some strange faces and some familiar ones. Kevin's face managed to fit into both categories.

Cars and taxis arrived, unloading pilgrims and their luggage . . .

. . . which were then loaded onto our coach.

The Diocesan and Payne-Smith Primary School, at which we are staying tonight, is on a rather narrow street and so, on our arrival in Canterbury, the coach had to be unloaded quickly onto the opposite pavement to cause minimum disruption to traffic.

Sue, our coordinator this year, gave us our notices on the playground.

Strangely, she didn't mention the Golden Rules on display on the wall outside. Perhaps we should include some of these in our Pilgrim Code.

Inside, there was the usual pilgrim scene of finding bed spaces and inflating air beds.

Aidan arrived and distributed thirtieth anniversary T-shirts which had been ordered.

As usual, the children played.

Soon, it was time to start our pilgrimage proper and we set off on the very short walk to Canterbury Cathedral.

In the Cathedral grounds we passed this impressive statue of 'The Son of Man'.

One hazard of a modern pilgrimage is people popping up with cameras left, right and centre.

The cathedral is full of impressive architecture, including this archway into the choir.

We pilgrims were seated together at the far end of the choir for choral evensong, sung by a touring choir from Detroit.

After the service we moved into the crypt - the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral - where we had our induction service.

We were greeted by Canon Conwell, who's been involved with the cathedral for over 40 years, and Father David led the service.

Father David and Deacon John invested the pilgrims with their crosses as Sue read out the roll-call.

Jean, a new pilgrim this year, looked very pleased with her cross.

This year's cross contains the outline of a dove representing the Holy Spirit.

Pat introduced us to a new feature for this year - a box in which to place anonymous prayer requests and dedications. For online pilgrims, send us a message and we will add it to the box.

After the service we admired this statue, carved by a nun from Minster Abbey, which we visited back in 1997.

Out in the close, we looked back at the Cathedral.

Some who'd not had time for lunch before Evensong had a snack in the shelter of a tree as it had started to drizzle.

It's easy to follow the arrows this year!

Back at the hall, we enjoyed our first meal together - a salad due to the limited kitchen facilities here.

And now we are waiting with anticipation for our first walking day tomorrow.