Day 5: Henley-on-Thames to Wallingford

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After the exertions of the rest day, it was back to "routine" today. At least we had no more fire alarms, and the 7 a.m. rise seemed civilised. There was some hurried activity to move luggage about, partly to clear one hall, which was booked by another group after 9 a.m., and partly to get pilgrims and instruments to Fawley Court, where we were to celebrate Mass.

Your humble scribe joined the front markers today, striking out through Henley and alongside the Thames to Fawley Court. This is the home of an order of Polish nuns, and a very helpful sister didn't seem to mind as we moved the furniture around to optimally place the musicians. A flurry of planning meant we'd got time to put hymn numbers up before Mass - we're getting better! And we seemed to get everyone singing - we even risked "Our God Reigns Shines" as the recessional. Fr David preached about St Chad and his role in reconciling the Roman and Celtic churches 1300 years ago, and the parallels with the current state of the Christian churches was clear. We were sent on our way uplifted!

But before we left, the Polish nun met our two Polish pilgrims, Jacek and Monica, and she showed them the shrine of Faustyna Kowalska, and a relic of this Polish saint.

We headed off into the Chilterns, with some lovely scenery. At one stage we discovered some piles of chalk, and Sarah felt the need to climb one and make shrine!

Lunch was a split event, as the pub would not have sandwiches eaten on the premises. These were eaten on the footpath above Stonor Park, with a view of this stately home.

Others went on to the Stonor Arms for drinks or a meal (and to avail of the facilities!)

Four miles into the afternoon we stopped at St Botolph's Church, Swyncombe

From Swyncombe we went on to Ewelme and St Martin's Church where the Rector met us, and Simon led a God Stop reflecting on the loss of his mother.

There were alms houses with a beautiful cloister area in the centre.

On to Benson and back to the Thames, crossed by a weir

And on to the Castle Leisure Centre - this is LUXURY - two large rooms, and showers for everyone. For a little while we'll be clean pilgrims!