We have just had the AGM at Redhill but before we go into detail on the year ahead it may be nice to look back on this year’s pilgrimage to Holywell. Bruce’s championship of north Wales was inspired.It brought us to part of the country that few of us have walked before and the quietness and low key charm of Anglesey contrasted nicely with the more spectacular delights of the mainland starting with the purple peaks of Snowdonia, the stone circle above Conwy, the ancient yew tree at Llangernyw church and the nearby museum, the Jesuit retreat of St Beuno’s, the friary and shrine of Padre Pio at Pantasaph, the view of the Dee estuary from the Clyweddian hills and finally St Winefride’s well at Holywell. Apart from Bangor accommodation was fine – it would not be pilgrimage without one tight fit. I would like to thank all the pilgrims  especially the newcomers for helping out and doing those jobs that have to be done to make the day to day running of the pilgrimage go so smoothly.

Now the AGM.

Fr. Tony Milner from Dorking attended the AGM and will be our new RC chaplain. Welcome Tony. It is hoped Fr David will still come along as part of the support team.

Those of us on the second week will already know that Chris Nussbaum has with some arm pulling  come forward as our trainee coordinator with a view to take over in 2019. Congratulations Chris.

Anne Lavelle one of our church liaison team was concerned that we were not properly appreciating the trouble that the local volunteers and church wardens go to to open their churches for us. It has been decided that we make a donation from pilgrimage funds to each church that receives us. This will result in a small increase in the cost of our pilgrimage.

Other suggestions for next year: Tineke will bring address labels for luggage as most of us forget to put them on. Simon was happy with a more standardised lights out and rise time-timings permitting-and thinks it might be a good idea to have a grace at breakfast when the hot food is brought out.

At the AGM it was decided to go for a pilgrimage to Buckfast Abbey in Devon as it is the abbey’s 900th anniversary. Peter had suggested Peterborough, that might be suitable for another year.

Peter our alternative transport officer was unhappy that day planners this year had not supplied him with any information on transport alternatives for their days. Let’s hope this year day planners remember to do so.

Bruce and Hazel are happy to do a week’s catering next year and Bruce is happy to make the crosses and do a day’s route planning. Alison has however let us know that she will not be able to do the second week’s catering. On behalf of all the pilgrims I would like to thank Alison for all she has done for the pilgrimage over the years -no small part in making the pilgrimages such a pleasant experience.

Steven Knowles has come forward to be our accommodation officer or hall finder and Suzy Duffy and Clare Neal have offered to help out.

John Russell is happy to be our driver again.

Gill and Mary Fuller are organising this year’s reunion in Chichester on the weekend of the 27th to 29th of October.We will be based at the the 5th Chichester Scout Hut on Whyke Rd PO19 8HS. Application forms will be on line shortly. All past and recent pilgrims and any prospective pilgrims are welcome. Payment can be made on the weekend.

Could everyone remember Gillian in your prayers as she is currently undergoing a chemotherapy course and would be happy to hear from anyone who knows her.

Francis O’Sullivan, Coordinator