Day 1: Gather in Evesham

We gather from far and wide in Evesham - many by coach from Redhill, others making their own way from across the UK and indeed across the world.

Many pilgrims gathered at Redhill to take the coach to Evesham.

Others took the train (which revisted several stops from the 1983 Evesham Pilgrimage - Oxford, Charlbury, Moreton-in-Marsh.)

The coach travellers got lunch at Oxford services (previously visited at least twice).

In Evesham we converged on the accommodation. Seeking lunch we found the accommodation officer in the high street - flitting between our split halls.

There are some lovely buildings in the town.

Some of which sell interesting liquids!

One of the two big churches adjacent to the site of Evesham Abbey - this is St Lawrence's.

The old belltower.

Church House - one of our two sleeping halls.

Frances assists with unloading the van.

As does Keith.

Mark obviously hasn't done his manual handling course!

Returning from afternoon tea.

A classic shop building from the early 20th century, passed as we head to Our Lady and St Egwin's for our induction service.

Patrick finds an ominous warning on the local bus.

Pilgrim induction - crosses and laminated Magnificat cards.

The altar in the Lady Chapel.

And the shrine of Our Lady.

The interior of the church.

Returning to the hall.

Please suggest captions for this one - I daren't!

Angela looks much more decorous.

We all squeezed in for supper.

Clare went to the pub and drank with the devil.