40 years ago today, 12 April 1975, some 25 pilgrims led by Bill Haynes and Bob Garrard had just finished their penultimate day of the Holy Year Pilgrimage around Arundel and Brighton Diocese. Today, over 40 pilgrims have just returned home from Farnham (from where that pilgrimage was masterminded) having gathered to celebrate 40 years of our walking pilgrimages.

Together with many current pilgrims (of varying vintages) we welcomed Gil Haynes (Bill’s widow) and Bob Garrard, representing the start of the pilgrimages, several couples who met on pilgrimage, and some “next generation” young pilgrims.

Current coordinator Ceri had taken on the organisation, and the relaxed and peaceful gathering reflected her calm approach to running things (though I’m sure there was lots of unseen activity backing this up). Alison excelled in the kitchen, assisted by Clare (who also provided a stunning cake featuring many of the pilgrim crosses) and Gil (who provided welcome liquid refreshments).

We relived pilgrimages past and present through a slideshow from the archives (as presenter it was quite amusing to hear viewers trying to name pilgrims of old, especially those who’d started on the wine!)

The reunion walk, led by Aidan and Bridget, was blessed by fine weather (after a dodgy start) and lovely countryside, a micro brewery, a super-efficient (if pricey) lunch pub and 2 prayer stops. (It also passed the former homes of at least 10 pilgrims past and present, not marked by blue plaques). Back at St Joan’s, Farnham, we celebrated our history in prayers and music, including a procession of pilgrimage crosses and a roll call of deceased pilgrims. This was followed by the slideshow, supper and a traditional sing-song.

You can see the reunion diary with pictures (more pictures will be added as I receive them).

Pilgrims who journeyed with us in the 1980s and early 1990s will remember Alan and Eileen Fox. Alan has been in touch with the sad news that Eileen completed her earthly pilgrimage on 22 January 2015.

Please keep Eileen, Alan and their family in your prayers.

It has taken us a bit longer than intended, but the autumn edition of the pilgrimage newsletter is now available via this direct link.

The delay has allowed us to bring you more details of 3 activities planned for 2015, when we celebrate 50 years of the Arundel & Brighton Diocese and 40 years since our first pilgrimage. See the newsletter for more details of:

• 40 Year Pilgrimage Reunion, Farnham, 10^th – 12^th April 2015
• Festival 50 Jubilee Celebration Pilgrimage, Arundel to Amex Stadium, 3^rd – 5^th July 2015
• The Arundel Pilgrimage, Chertsey to Arundel, 15^th – 30^th August 2015

There’s lots to read over the Christmas holidays, just get the dates in your 2015 calendar now!

Best very wishes for a blessed Christmas and a rewarding 2015.

Aidan

Our annual 2 week walking pilgrimage, The Arundel Pilgrimage 2015  this year runs from Saturday August 15^th to Sunday 30^th August 2015. Bookings now closed, but no booking is required for day pilgrims.

The pilgrimage is celebrating its 40^th anniversary! The first pilgrimage was made in 1975 to beat the bounds of Surrey and Sussex in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton and this year we return to our roots in thanksgiving and prayer.  We will cover about 180 miles visiting very many deaneries of the diocese, starting in Chertsey and finishing at Arundel Cathedral.  The route is currently being finalised and our will be published shortly.

Come and join us as each day we joyfully walk together in faith and fellowship as an ecumenical Christian community, recognising our shared Christian mission to know and to serve the Lord and to witness to God’s love for all people.

Pilgrims can join for the whole way , a week or a collection of days.

We should have space for 100 pilgrims, so get in fast to avoid disappointment.

Downloads…

2015 Poster
2015 Application Form

Our 2014 Pilgrimage reunion took place near Manchester, 31^st October to 2^nd November 2014 and was attended by a select group who enjoyed hospitality and a great walk. Follow this link to the Reunion Diary Page to see what you missed, and save the date of next year’s 40-year reunion for anyone who’s joined us in the past or is thinking of joining us in the future.

“Blistering Years”, a term coined at our 20^th anniversary in 1995,  is our name for the potted histories of our pilgrimages. They’ve just been brought up-to-date and can be found here. This page includes links to diaries of all of our pilgrimages over 40 years – somewhere for old hands to reminisce and future pilgrims to see what we’re really like.

It’s hard to believe that our pilgrimages have been running for almost 40 years, and we will be celebrating this anniversary with a special reunion in Farnham over the weekend of 10-12 April 2015.

All past pilgrims and their families are very, very welcome to attend. Bring your happy memories and any photos you may have.

Coming soon – Link to application form

Our 2014 Pilgrimage reunion will take place near Manchester, 31^st October to 2^nd November 2014. Follow this link to the Reunion Diary Page. Invitations have been e-mailed to registered pilgrims.

Download…

2014 Reunion Application Form

Our 2014 Pilgrimage took us from Liverpool to Carlisle through the Lake District, from Saturday 9^th August to Sunday 24^th August 2014. Our theme reflected the centenary of the outbreak of the first world war, and the new Pope’s choice of Francis for his name; what can St Francis of Assisi teach us about Peace?

Follow our progress online!