Reunion Diary

Friday night pilgrims gather for home-made soup and rolls, then a quick stroll to the Downsman for couple of drinks and some chat over last year's pilgrimage and plans for next year. Then back to the hall for bed.

Saturday morning, David wakes up next to St Bernadette...

...whereas Jonny didn't wake up at all!

John woke up eventually!

Some were awake much earlier and studying the hard-copy archives (that's photo albums to you)

Bill marked up maps with the route...

...which David pinned up on the board.

Soon we were off in the fresh air but bright sunshine of this November morning...

...but only a short distance to Holy Trinity Church.

Where we gathered ready for prayer...

...led by the rector, Jonathan Mortimer.

Then we were off down Titmus Drive

Into Tilgate Park, where a swan was snoozing on the lake.

The seagulls preferred to rest on the bars of wood across the lake.

Then into Worth Forest...

...where the arrows added to the natural colours.

We got a train picture for Julian - hurrying south towards Brighton.

Approaching lunch Patrick was tempted by a lonely football!

But we were almost at the Cowdray Arms...

...where we were early, and the staff weren't all in, but the barmaid coped admirably with the rush.

Food was enjoyed in the restaurant...

...though someone had to shoot Patrick to shut him up!

Out of the pub we headed towards Worth Abbey School...

...passing the gateway...

...then down to the modern abbey church.

Boots off, we went through the church...

...to a chapel beyond...

...where Sue led us in reflection, and Keith, Pat and Alex led us in a reflection on the Lord's Prayer.

Outside, the backmarkers were waiting for us to move off...

...while visiting pilgrims discussed logistics.

Back past the school entrance...

...and into the forest again.

We picked up the Worth Way

Back across the M23 to St Nicholas' at Worth...

Here Peter led us in prayer

Out under the lych gate...

...up the road...

...then through the Maidenbower estate, and across the road...

... keep going!

Across the golf course in the failing light...

...back past the lake in Tilgate Park, then retracing our steps to the hall.

Now we have enjoyed David's pictorial prayer stop, and a scrumptious supper.

This was wrapped up with ice cream and maple syrup - the syrup sent by Helen from her own trees (Thanks Helen!)

We are musically entertained by Mike O'Mara (who went to school with Adrian Reeve) and his band.

Bill and Jack get mellow

John had a treat for Mike G - Mexican liqueur with free grub...

...you can tell he's a student!

Special greetings to our Polish pilgrims, who are with us in spirit, but whose e-mail server won't accept a reply to their greetings. And to all pilgrims, from this year and earlier, who can't be with us this weekend.