All posts by David Fletcher

Extraordinary Meeting of Pilgrims, held 5pm, Wednesday, 16th August 2023

Pilgrims gathered informally at St James’ Church, Devizes (Rest Day on the Bristol to Arundel Pilgrimage). Attended by 25 of the 33 pilgrims registered at Devizes, including members of the committee.

Purpose: To discuss volunteers required for 2024 and future pilgrimages.

Fr. Anthony opened the meeting with a short prayer.

Introduction (by John Chenery (chief route planner) & David Fletcher (coordinator). The 25 June committee meeting raised concern that more support was needed for future pilgrimages. The pilgrimage was led by volunteers who had held posts for a very long time, and new volunteers were required to fill vacant posts. In the meeting there were 6 who had previously been Coordinator for the usual 4 year term (1 year as deputy, 2 yrs as coordinator, plus 1 year as deputy again). The deputy post has been vacant this year and there is no planned continuation for 2023-24, nor in our 50th Anniversary year 2025. John is at this September AGM proposing to stand as Coordinator for 2023-24 – it’s the first time in a 48 year history that a Coordinator has stood a second time. Aidan Simons is similarly considering 2024-25 in our Anniversary year.

Those gathered continued the discussion, which is summarised in the main comments below:

What’s the problem?

We have a shrinking organisation team in a climate of growing public interest in pilgrimage. (We need to grow our small active team to replace those retiring and accommodate a growth in numbers of walking pilgrims. Our special time on pilgrimage is made possible by our pilgrim community working together as volunteers. Providing an enjoyable time together on a spiritual journey, where the journey is just as important as the destination. To continue this journey together we now need more volunteers).

Is 4 years too long a post for coordinator? (It is not ideal for everyone, and we need to look at how we can achieve continuity in different situations).

How do we get the message out about our pilgrimage?

Is the best way to get growth by personal invitation. (We all need to bring pilgrimage into our everyday conversation).

Why do we not do more traditional mailings by post? (Cost is a factor).

Why do we not print posters for parishes? (Cost is a factor).

Why are the 2022/23 posters expensive to print? (We will provide a printer friendly version next time).

Do posters work? (They are intended to signpost people to the website https://thepilgrims.org.uk/ to get more information and book their time on pilgrimage. There is little evidence of posters found posted in halls we have visited. Getting a short note in the local newsletter can be more beneficial).

Do we tap into the Dioceses we will pass through? (The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton is in the ‘DNA’ of our ecumenical walking pilgrimage, but we need to target and reach out to others too, where we have been and plan to go).

Do we follow up and thank churches after our visit? (Yes we do).

Could we send out a 150 word text to parishes visited to invite them to join us and check our website for details? (A good suggestion, and for churches and chapels along the route and in the regions we intend to go next year, Also, churches can be asked by pilgrims to give a personal notice/invitation from the lectern at the end of church Mass/service).

Can we organise and coordinate outgoing messages? (Yes and we would like somebody to fill the vacant post of Communication & PR office at the AGM).

Should we change our format?

Should we plan for growth by using more popular routes? (We do consider all routes, popular, lost routes and new ones. Join us online at the AGM on 24 September to see where in England and Wales we might be walking in 2024).

Is 17 miles a day walking too long for many? (It can be for some, and we strive to aim for 15 miles or less. In reality the location of appropriate accommodation can dictate the length of the day’s walk. In most circumstances there is public transport if you wish to walk a half-day or miss out a day altogether).

Would we consider a shorter annual pilgrimage of say 7-10 days? (Yes, we will. But that’s also available now, simply book for a day or stay any time with us from 1-15 nights).

One week away walking is more easy to book early in the calendar than two weeks, with family and other commitments. (You can book one week now, but we also get the idea that a shorter pilgrimage might be attractive to more pilgrims).

Why do we choose August for our two-week walking pilgrimage? (We often are able to take advantage of schools offering hall accommodation in the summer. We avoid the busy time of Easter).

Why do we not do one day walks? (Our Southampton to Rye pilgrimage 2021 was a successful series of day walks without overnight accommodation, and we have also had mini-pilgrimage walks with overnight accommodation for those wishing to reunite for a shorter time. These mini-pilgrimages are usually organised by volunteers, and we hope to announce one for later this year, but would you be willing to organise one another time?).

Will a shorter trip be more expensive? (Our wholly not-for-profit pilgrimage is based on the expectation of adequate numbers joining the pilgrimage for the full duration to offset the cost of planning, hiring halls, preparing meals; and also vans hired for cooking equipment, supplies, and forward luggage facility. Pilgrims booking longer stays helps meeting costs, and we have a range of booking options for shorter stays. We also have a grant available for young persons joining us).

Should we encourage sleeping in their own tents? (No, but we have organised large tents recently for our community where built accommodation cannot be found in rural areas).

Can we research hostels and B&Bs for those wanting R&R from walking? (The idea needs a team member to research, can you help in one of our accommodation teams planning for next year?).

Are we encouraging new and younger walkers?

Should we encourage new young pilgrims to come and join us for a short stay. (We do and recognise not all young people attend church. We have contacted universities as well as churches).

In the early years the pilgrimage was popular with younger walkers because it was a fun holiday in a safe environment, for those happy to sleep on the floor but not always engaging in the spiritual journey. (Sleeping on the floor is not so popular in all ages, ‘indoor camping’ has improved the experience, but there are B&B options in places we pass through if that suits you. We are an ecumenical Christian community of the Roman Catholic Church with other Christian denominations, and we welcome non-church walkers not yet ready to begin their journey of faith).

Younger people are not so keen to walk on a pilgrimage, but where are the 25-40 year olds? (We have a few young people with us who might encourage their friends, and to accommodate groups we will need a larger supervision team. Do you have the necessary safeguarding skills? We think post university and ‘empty nesters’ might be encouraged more, but can you also help us get the invitation messages out?).

Do we need community youth-worker connections to grow the pilgrimage? (We contacted all university chaplains in England and Wales this year, with posters linking to our website. We need to do more and send 150 word texts to make passing the message on easier).

Can Instagram be a way of connecting new and younger people? We think so, but can you also share these messages with your friends on your preferred social network app?

Are we linking up with other walking groups?

Could we publish in ‘Ramblers’ to link up with those wanting to walk with us for charity causes? (We can look into this suggestion).

Could we also consider linking with the ‘Christian Walking Club’, ‘Walk for Christian Aid’ and other fundraising ventures? (We can look into this suggestion).

What help is needed?

How can I get involved with the 2024 pilgrimage? (Come and join us at the AGM on 24 September or contact us through Contact the Pilgrims! | Pilgrims Live!

Is help required for finding accommodation and Booking of halls? (Yes, part of the team is stepping down and we need your support).

Why do we need cooking equipment? (For preparing pilgrims breakfast, packed lunch and evening cooked meal. Our equipment is taken to pilgrimage each year, and we need a second van for transport. A volunteer oversees the storage of equipment, and over the years we have amassed a large quantity of equipment which needs review. Is this something you can help with?).

How do I join the team? (Contact the Pilgrims! | Pilgrims Live! and let us know you are interested. We can then talk it through with you and find out what suits you, what is needed and provide you with support, shadowing, etc. You can see all the roles in our AGM Agenda on Latest News | Pilgrims Live!).

And finally,

As a recent newcomer, why did I not learn about our pilgrimage earlier? (Hmm…?)

Our special pilgrimage needs to continue. (Amen).

The discussion closed about 6.30pm with thanks to all contributors, and in short prayer.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING  2023

DIOCESE OF ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON ECUMENICAL WALKING PILGRIMAGE (DABEWP)

Sunday 24 September 2023 at 14.00 BST

Join Zoom Meeting – If you have not already received a Zoom invite by email or minutes, send an email here to the coordinator – no later than 23 September please:

david.l.fletcher@gmail.com

1. Apologies
2. Minute Taker volunteer for the AGM
3. Acceptance of Minutes of the 25th September 2022 AGM (sent 14 January 2022)
4. Coordinator’s address for the 2023 Pilgrimage
5. Pilgrims’ review of The Bristol to Arundel Pilgrimage 2023 (How did we do, +/-?).
– Routes & Timings
– Induction Service & Arrival/Celebration Day and Prayer Stops
– Service for Deceased Pilgrims
– Anything else
6. Treasurer’s Report, 2023 Accounts
7. Election of Officers & changes for 2023-2024 (from the list identified at the 2018 AGM, officers have year-round tasks and would be expected to attend all meetings):
– Coordinator (*** The new Coordinator may then chair the remaining meeting)
– Deputy Coordinator
– Chief Route Planner
– Chaplains
– Bookings Secretary
– Treasurer
– Communication & PR
– Medical
– Minute Secretary
– Safeguarding
8. Progress on Pilgrimage Routes & Theme for 10-25 August 2024 (save the date)
9. Important Support Team functions, and names noted (also noted at the 2018 AGM, essential for the efficient organisation of the pilgrimage each year, but not expected to attend all meetings).
– Accommodation teams
– Catering / cooks van driver
– Church Liaison
– Drinks Car
– Luggage Van Drivers
– Housekeeper (aka Quartermaster) – Equipment & Storage requires new location in 2024)
– Ecumenical Liaison
– Other roles to bear in mind and fill according to perceived need and availability: Fire Safety and Security / Alternative transport / Prayer stops co-ordinator / Theme team / Webmaster / Cross Design
10. Progress on possible Reunion 2023
11. Any Other Business
12. Meeting Dates 2024 for your diary: suggested 14/1, 21/4, 23/6 and the AGM on 22/9 (corrected). Invitation is open to all pilgrims. ‘We are one team, one committee’.

Book now for Bristol to Arundel Pilgrimage 2023

We now welcome Bookings for our annual ecumenical walking pilgrimage which takes place 12 to 27 August. 

Under ‘Our 2023 Pilgrimage’ links are found for the Booking Form and Medical Form.

Walking from the heart of ancient Bristol to Arundel Cathedral in its 150th year. Walking along paths, old ways and byways from Avon through Wiltshire, Hampshire and West Sussex.

Our volunteer team has been busy finding accommodation and walking out the route each day, locatings chapels and places of interest.

Bruce is designing a new Pilgrim’s Cross for 2023. Aidan has also been busy logging in our records crosses from earlier years, and you can now see these under ‘View Earlier Pilgrimages’ on PilgrimsLive! pages.

The poster for this year has been designed by The Catholic Diocese of Arundel & Brighton | Communications and we are grateful for their support again this year. You can also find us on the home page of www.abdiocese.org.uk at the page footer under Ecumenical Pilgrimage

You can also find our destination at Arundel Cathedral on 25th August here at: https://arundelcathedral.uk

Bristol to Arundel Pilgrimage 2023 – update!

We now welcome Bookings for our annual ecumenical walking pilgrimage which takes place 12 to 27 August.

Walking from the heart of ancient Bristol to Arundel Cathedral in its 150th year. Walking along paths, old ways and byways from Avon through Wiltshire, Hampshire and West Sussex.

Our team of planners has been active, and there is lots of preparatory work involved. Halls are being booked, day route planning is beginning.

Under ‘Our 2023 Pilgrimage’ links are found for the Booking Form and Medical Form. Watch out for more announcements.

You can find Arundel Cathedral here: https://arundelcathedral.uk

Catherine Scott RIP

Pilgrims will be very sad to hear the news of Catherine Scott who died in the early hours of Sunday, 30th October 2022. Catherine had been ill for some time and had spent time in care at the Royal Marsden Hospital, South Kensington before she passed.

Catherine, pictured here on pilgrimage during St Hilda’s Pilgrimage 2019, was also a member of the Ramblers.

Updated Funeral Details: Catherine Scott’s funeral will be at 11.00 am on Friday 25th November at Brompton Oratory on the Brompton Road, London SW7 2RP.

Tea and coffee will be served after the service in St Joseph’s Hall nearby.

May she Rest in Peace. Amen.

The following images are taken from the funeral service booklet and Catherine’s memorial card:

Bristol to Arundel pilgrimage 2023

Annual Reunion 2022

Following the August annual pilgrimage, late summer is a time of very short rest for both committee and support team prior to planning for the next year. During this rest period other pilgrims usually come forward to organise and run the Autumn reunion weekend in October. Unfortunately there have been no volunteers this year. Perhaps we all needed a rest after the St. Thomas Way Pilgrimage, Swansea to Hereford in 2022?

So how about getting involved now with planning and supporting to make next years pilgrimage happen?

Bristol to Arundel pilgrimage 2023

We are starting to plan our ecumenical walking pilgrimage for August 2023. A year in which the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton celebrates the 150th Anniversary of Arundel Cathedral. Where better then, to celebrate the end of our next pilgrimage?

Our pilgrim journey will begin in Bristol, and travel towards Arundel; likely through regions of Bath, Melksham, Devizes, Pewsey, Ludgershall, Andover, Winchester, West Meon and Midhurst.

There is much to do now. Over the next two and half months we are looking to find suitable halls for overnight accommodation. Then with hall locations booked, we can begin exploring the route on foot, planning the way from hall to hall in small groups.

You can help as a team member in research and planning, or as a leader in:

  • Researching remotely from home, to locate potential halls of adequate size for sleeping and cooking, contacting chapels to arrange prayer stops, finding places of interest along the way and of course pub stops for refreshments.
  • Visiting halls to check size and facilities available, and assisting in getting accommodation booked early.
  • As joint leaders of the day (from Spring 2023) walking the route, to locate pathways, waypoints and stoppage points, establish distances and timings, and provide feedback information to the chief route planner who will prepare the final Route Cards for use on the pilgrimage during August.

If you would like to get involved and join the team, just leave a reply to this message and we will be in touch.

If you are not able to be on the team, but still want to join us on pilgrimage next year, even for just a day, watch out for more news on http://thepilgrims.org.uk and keep in touch.

Edna Davies RIP

Edna Davies’ funeral took place on Monday 3 October, at St Bridgets church, West Kirby, Wirral. A former pilgrim and mother of Anne Carpenter.

If anyone would like to watch the video, it is for short time on the St Bridgets website at www.stbridgetschurch.org.uk . Click on the ‘Online church’ tab, click on ‘YouTube’. The 3rd October livestream is currently available.

Our best wishes go to Anne Carpenter and family.

St Thomas Pilgrimage

New Closing Date for receipt of St Thomas Pilgrimage Booking Forms

Please send your Booking Forms to reach us by the extended date of 22nd July latest. The pilgrimage will be closed on 23rd July to give us the minimum time to finalise preparations. Joining instructions will be sent out to you before your journey.

Our Accommodation

This year, in our pilgrimage from Swansea to Hereford, we travel through Welsh and English towns and villages that have limited accommodation. At some locations we have two venues for overnight accommodation for our usual numbers of pilgrims.

As we congregate overnight we will be observing good practices in social distancing, using available ventilation and with more personal space allocated for sleeping.

Registration

When you arrive at Registration, please bring with you a printed copy of your NHS COVID Pass or equivalent to show you have had the vaccine Dose 3 (Booster), or recognised equivalent. The NHS Pass can be downloaded to your phone/computer and printed.

Both Wales and England have removed COVID-19 restrictions, but other travel restrictions may apply to those from overseas.

“Pop a mask and test kit in your bag”

Please remember that masks are still recommended in certain crowded, enclosed spaces, e.g. some churches, shops and healthcare settings.

We hope to welcome you all to Swansea, or wherever you choose to join us along the way.

Wishing you a Happy Pilgrimage,

David

Coordinator

ROUTE CARDS ARUNDEL TO GUILDFORD  MINI PILGRIMAGE – 2022

To view the Summary and Route Cards for our Mini Pilgrimage 29th April to 2nd May – Arundel Cathedral to Guildford Cathedral please click on the links below:

Summary

Route Cards

  • Day 1 – 29th April  Arundel Arrival
  • Day 2 – 30th April  Arundel to Duncton
  • Day 3 – 1st May  Duncton to Chiddingfold 
  • Day 4 – 2nd May Chiddingfold to Guildford

Come and Join Us for a Day!

Pilgrims are undertaking a mini-pilgrimage from Arundel Cathedral to Guildford Cathedral. Most will be coming with us all the way, a total walking distance of about 40 miles. Anyone is welcome to come along and join us just for a day, or for part of a day. See the outline in the Summary and Route Card links above for where you can join us. Come along and be a pilgrim for a day! Just turn up wearing some strong walking boots or shoes, and bring rainwear and some sandwiches; or why not pre-book early a lunch at the pub listed on the Route Cards? You will be very welcome. Click below for More Details:

More details

Mini-Pilgrimage 29th April – 2nd May 2022

there is not much time left so PLEASE BOOK IN NOW

Dear Pilgrims,

Following Covid, many pubs have had last minute cancellations and no-shows and have imposed stricter requirements for groups visiting.  The pubs that are hosting our lunch breaks on the Mini Pilgrimage all require pre-orders for food.  When you have booked to join the Mini Pilgrimage, the pub menus will be circulated to you to make food choices.  The lists of pre-ordered food will then be sent to the pubs on the no-later-than dates below (note as pubs will be busy any last minute orders will go to the bottom of their list and will not be prepared until all pub bookings have been catered for). 
Whilst it is not essential to buy pub food, please note that your own food should be eaten off the pub premises. Pubs are usually flexible if pilgrims just want drinks.

George & Dragon at Houghton, Sat 30th April  Your pre-ordered food is required by the pub no later than Sat 16th April. Our meals will be served altogether at the set time of 12.45pm in the Function Room which has been reserved for us.   Please indicate any dietary intolerances of food allergies when ordering.

Noah’s Ark at Lurgashall, Sun 1st May Your pre-ordered food is required by the pub no later than Tues 26th April. Our meals will be served at a reserved table in the Beer Garden Tent.   Please indicate any dietary intolerances or food allergies when ordering.  There is a nearby village green and church for those who wish to consume their own sandwiches.

Wheatsheaf at Bramley, Mon 2nd May Your pre-ordered food is required by the pub no later than Mon 25th April. The pub is hosting a special lunch time celebration BBQ for us (1hour 30mins).  They especially have asked for pre-orders for vegetarian meals and from those with dietary intolerances or food allergies.