Day 14: Hampton-in-Arden to Birmingham
Our final day full walking day, but not our final walk, as our Pilgrimage is not over until we reach the Birmingham Oratory tomorrow morning. Today, we make our way across the M42 to join the Grand Union Canal (the same canal from the first days walk) to head into Birmingham. We leave the canal once for a prayer stop in Olton and then follow it right around the city centre. Unlike in 2000, we do not stop at St Chad's Cathedral, but instead make our way to St Paul's square for a find-your-own lunch stop. We then make a short walk to Birmingham Cathedral for Evening Prayer before heading south past the NIA and Sealife Centre to our final hall at Woodview Community Centre
Our final full walking day dawned damp, so the van was packed through the front porch to minimise damp luggage.
"Just give us the bags!"
The backmarkers (well, two of them) setting out, ready for the weather.
We soon passed through a field of young bulls who watched us attentively.
We walked along the appropriately-named Friday Lane to Catherine de Barnes (yes, that's a place not a person).
We then joined the Grand Union Canal for a watery walk.
Pilgrims emerge after a pause under a road bridge.
Next bridge harboured the Drinks Team, Father David supplying the cups.
A message for Mike (inter alia) who walks faster than the front markers.
After several miles we left the canal to St Margaret's Church at Olton.
Godwin was certainly pleased to get tea and biscuits...
...as we all were.
The Fairtrade coffee was particularly good.
The backmarkers dripped in.
The deputy churchwarden welcomed us and told us that the church was built something over 100 years ago when Olton was a rural village, made accessible for commuters by the advent of the railway.
The pilgrims liked the people on this banner, wearing national flags...
...and the carving on the choir stalls.
Maurice looks happy leaving the church - he was going to take the bus.
Patrick and Becky continue along the canal (Patrick wearing a bin-liner kilt).
Fran and Holly are happy the rain has eased for a while.
On along the canal, passing industrial buildings of various vintages.
Even Holly had to duck for this bridge (as the arrow warned).
Into Curzon Street tunnel...
...and out again.
Our young pilgims (and their parents) are of an age to spontaneously start singing "Spot, Spot, Lovable Spot" when passsing this nursery.
We followed the canal around, eventually heading directly towards the BT Tower
Barker Bridge - one of many, but few so proudly proclaiming their name.
St Paul's Church, where we dispersed for lunch.
Several of us found ourselves in the Rope Walk on St Paul's Square.
Ruth gave a reflection on veganism in St Paul's.
Pilgrims ready for the off outside St Paul's.
Heading for the Cathedral.
And arriving at St Philip's Cathedral - built as a parish church and subsequently adopted as the Cathedral so that the new Diocese's money could be spent on good works.
"Shall we go in?"
The west window, by Edward Burne-Jones, depicting the Last Judgement (1897).
The three east windows - this is the Ascension.
The Nativity.
The Crucifixion.
Nick wishes he'd get his hands on the organ.
Crucifix and Candlesticks (Peter Eugene Ball, 1984-6).
Pilgrims try to fill the cathedral - it's a cosy not-too-large church.
An altar for prayers for the East African Food Crisis.
Sitting outside before Evening Prayer...
...or just snoozing in the cathedral.
Heading back towards St Paul's - seen reflected in the glass building.
St Chad's (the catholic cathedral) was visible but not on our itinerary this year.
Heading back to the canal.
A gaggle of pilgrims through the city streets.
Back on the towpath.
Historic canal amongst modern buildings.
A signpost on an island where the canals join.
And a human signpost where we leave the canal.
Up through a modern square with water features.
A mix of old and new buildings lined our route.
Sue guides Fr David past a Gentleman's Club.
Through new residential developments.
Across a busy road in rush hour.
So glad we're not in the rush hour traffic.
Surprise visitors - John arrives with Monica and Gillian. Everyone was pleased to see them, and to hear of Monica's recovery.
Before supper we celebrated a Eucharist in the Hall.
After supper, a sing song ensued.
Godwin is the King of the Swingers the jungle VIP!
