Day 10: Rest Day in Chesterfield

Today we were resting - some later than others.

First a picture from last night, as Julia prepares for her day of being civilised, I think. (Sorry, I'm a bloke - these face mask things are beyond me!)

Most began the day by attending Mass in the hall first, before venturing out into Chesterfield, firstly for launderettes and then for sight seeing.

Chesterfield is famous for its church with its crooked spire.

Some were lucky and their visit coincided with a spire tour and so had the opportunity to ascend the aforementioned spire. Here we see Sue and Tineke enjoying the view out across Chesterfield.

David was keen to capture the view up.

And here is David sharing his photographic expertise with Keith.

The church was also beautiful inside. This modern window from 1994 depicts the history of Chesterfield.

The church has many chapels and altars. This Madonna and Child is in the Lesser Lady Chapel.

We all came together again in the evening, having organised ourselves with take-away food.

After the meal John Crowe spoke to us about a project for seasonal migrant workers started by his local Churches Together group. The workers, mainly from Eastern Europe, live and work in appalling conditions and it seemed appropriate that he shared this story with us as we sat in fellowship together, having enjoyed good food and good company.

Then onto another important part of pilgrimage life - the sing-song.

The action song Father Abraham got all pilgrims involved - young . . .

. . . and . . . others.

As I type, the sing-song continues and is, as yet showing no signs of quietening. A rousing rendition of "When the Saints" has just begun. I wonder what time lights out will be tonight?