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Keeping with tradition we start with last night's activities - that is the traditional "sarney bashing", the making of the next day's lunches. Last night it was the "youngsters" who were on duty (but how did Sarah get in there?).
We struck out from Eynsham, following heavy overnight rain. Our first stop was Church Hanborough, where we stopped at the Church, but unfortunately it was not open.
but we did get to see the outside, and a fine tympanum
John had introduced a friend, Paul
From there we went on to the Methodist Chapel at Long Hanborough, where we received a warm welcome in the lovely chapel from the minister, David Freeland, and his wife, who taught us a new song "We'll walk the land" by Graham Kendrick (very appropriate for pilgrimage).
Our polish pilgrims Jacek and Monica took the opportunity for a brief rest
There were some classic views of pilgrims on lines across the rolling Cotswold countryside
Betsy was taking her middle-marking role seriously
And Bill and Dorothy from the USA stopped to smile for the camera
And so to lunch at the White Horse, Stonesfield, where we were joined by Pat and Nicola
and by the McCabe family
Clare and John were planning the afternoon
From the pub back to the church dedicated to the patron saint of pilgrims, St James. Here the Rector, Revd Geoff van der Weegen welcomed us and led us in prayer, including an extract from Bede's writing on Chad.
Terry engaged the vicar on the patron saint and the way to Compostela
Then on to Charlbury, being met by Dawn Willson on the way. First we stopped at the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, where there were welcome refreshments on offer.
then on to the Catholic Church of St Theresa for Mass.
and eventually on to Chadlington (the name betraying a connection with our patron Chad)
Here we are in two halls, the Memorial Hall and the Primary School. Locals joined us for evening prayer in the hall, and we retired to the Sports Club opposite for refreshments and a hearty sing-song (which is where I'm trying to write this while playing the flute, so apologies for brevity and possible incoherence). As Saturday comes to a close and the second half of our pilgrimage dawns, we must retire ready for tomorrow. And we have a WALK back to our beds!
Well, it didn't work quite like that, as there is no Cellnet coverage in the school so I can't upload yet. So here are some pictures from last night.
First, prayers in the hall
Then the sing-song in the club