Day 9: Langford to Banbury

We start today by heading into Bicester for our Eucharist, before setting out for another long day. Despite its length, it is easy going all day, and after a rest and a short day we should all hope to be fit enough to tackle it. We have a rather late lunch, due to the lack of large Pubs in this very rural area. Again we cross the M40 and the Cherwell river on our way into Banbury along the Oxford Canal.

Last night, after supper, we read out the names of those who had sent messages of support (and a few excerpts). If you're one of those who has sent a message, be assured of our prayers, and keep them coming!

After a cramped night (Howard slept in the van) Howard was a bit tired and had to be wheeled around!

Hall cleared, we're ready for the off.

We walked into Bicester, through the cemetary to St Edburg's Church.

The family service involved an activity - writing a role on a figure and placing it in the church, to remind ourselves of all the jobs that need to be done.

The music group led our worship.

Coffee afterwards - good coffee!

The Catholic Church opposite, where some of us attended mass yesterday evening.

Off we go...

Isaac crosses a ford (yes, there was a bridge).

Ruth and Godwin.

DIY prayer stop at Harwick, but the church was closed.

Bill & Gil came to meet us.

Time to rest.

Visitors taking drinks.

Off we go again.

Sisters!

We passed a very ostentatious property.

Bridget always finds a friend!

Front markers at the pub.

Ruth cools her feet.

Simon made the mistake of dozing off...

...and paid the price.

Leaving the pub.

Patrick led prayers in the village church.

The church from outside.

Off through the countryside...

Crossing the main road.

Approaching Kings Sutton.

We got tea! (Very welcome)

A chance to rest.

The ancient font in the church.

Jonny and Isaac led the reflection - reading a poem that Jack penned before he left.

The vicar chats afterwards.

Regular followers of Pilgrims Live will know that we always try to include a "train for Julian". Well, a suitable photo opportunity has been slow in coming, but today as we left Kings Sutton (like the London buses which Julian also loves) three came (almost) at once. A Cross-Country Voyager service...

...a Chilterns trains Class 168 chiltern "clubman" DMU...

...and a First Great Western class 165 (ex-Network Southeast Thames turbo).

We then joined the Oxford Canal for our last couple of miles into Banbury.

It was pretty in the evening sun.

After arrival, we had an unscheduled Eucharist in the church here at Banbury Methodist Church, a quiet service befitting the end of a long day.