Day 15: Chichester to Arundel

This walk has a long morning and short afternoon. It starts with a brisk walk out of Chichester to Boxgrove Priory, where we have time to wander around the ruins of a priory originally inhabited by the Monks from Lessay in France in 1115 where they had been given land by William the Conqueror. The church today retains links with Lessay. Take time to look around the beautiful interior, particularly noting the painted ceiling and Chantry chapel of the de la Warr family, patrons of the church. The churchyard contains the grave of Billy Fiske, the first US citizen to die in action during WW2; he served as a fighter pilot at nearby Tangmere. The walk continues through undulating downs and woodland, emerging to reveal fine views back to Chichester and of surrounding countryside. There is a brief prayer stop in the charming village of Eartham. The walk continues to Slindon, with opportunity to stop at St Richard’s church most recently visited on the St Richard Pilgrimage in 2003, before lunch at the Spur. After lunch there is a short walk to Arundel through woodland emerging with lovely views; Arundel cathedral beckons in the distance.

Ok, lets start with last night and a small music session in the lobby - starting with practice for today's celebration Mass.

Ready for the off - smile for the camera!

Leaving St Paul's Church, a pleasant home for the night, behind us.

Walking out though the suburbs of Chichester.

Godwin walks with Jack's son-in-law.

It was a warm, sunny morning - Alison, walking her first day, needed refreshment.

First stop - Boxgrove Priory.

Mary, Pat and Ruth led a reflection on prayer...

..which concluded with picking up the "foot" of another pilgrim, for whom we would pray throughout the day.

Gill leads the pack across the fields.

Maurice walks with André who has popped in again.

Bill negotiates one of the many muddy sections we encountered today.

The pilgrim's nightmare - a ploughed field as we approach Eartham.

At least Rosemary was there with welcome drinks

Eartham Church - our next God stop.

Howard led a reflection on peacemakers (postponed from last Sunday) featuring various peacemakers in New Zealand's history...

...which started with this Maori greeting.

Another climb.

We had to pass by St Richard's Church at Slindon as preparation were underway for a wedding and we were a little grubby.

We passed the pumpkins, squash and related fruit growers - as seen in previous years (certainly as far back as 1980)

The frontmarkers had fun in the playground, and Ant slavishly followed the arrows...

...which the backmarkers had to clear up!

At the pub Grace met up with frontmarker Aunty Sue...

...whilst Alison dropped in to keep an eye on Howard.

Terry joined us for a pint and an afternoon's walk.

A relaxed lunch was enjoyed by all - even the backmarkers were there in good time.

The two Johns chatting.

The new t-shirt on display.

Norma has her eyes on Anne's dessert.

Off through the woods...

...and clearings...

...and back through Rewell Woods.

Arriving at the cathedral (several pictures)...

Simon's boots finally gave up the ghost.

Processing to the cathedral.

The clergy process in to Mass.

Pilgrims prayed for each of the places we'd stopped at - Monica representing the journey to Wells...

...all the way to Fred and Sue leading today.

Bill, our founder, joined us for the afternoon and read the roll call of deceased pilgrims, including Pat Olivier and Terry Furse who died recently.

For the offertory the support team took up items that represented their pilgrimage - Pauline and her pinny...

...and Joan and a sarny box (not empty).

Fathers David and Richard concelebrated with Bishop Kieran.

The pilgrims did their best to fill the cathedral, at least with music.

We gave the bishop a cross, which seemed to intrigue him.

Bill introduces himself to the Bishop.

Clare shows us her baby brother, Matthew (at 3 weeks old possibly the youngest pilgrim ever).

The cathedral glows in the evening sunshine.

Pat Olivier's widow, Nicola, joined us together her family, and granddaughter..

Susan and Michael recorded the anniversary of their meeting on this spot at the start of the Papal Pilgrimage in May 1982.

Today's editor: Aidan Simons