The four main pilgrims (Poppy, John, Linda and I) have now reached and passed the halfway point between York and Bridlington and we are well into the chalk scenery of the Wolds. The overwhelming positive feature of this walk has been the wonderful welcome we have received from members of the churches along our route.
Most of the churches we have passed along our route have been amazingly willing to come and wait in the church for our arrival with the kettle at the ready and the biscuits (often home made) on the plate and to join with us as we have prayed in their buildings. Each church has been different, but all have been lovingly cared for with their own distinctive hallmark.
Kirkham Priory was a moving place to pray in. They let us pray in the ruins last Saturday and we prayed Augustine’s prayer about ruins. That day was fore-casted to be heavy rain, but the pilgrims, who included photographer Jane, miraculously managed to dodge the showers although nearby York had very heavy rain, where I had been as I had the wedding of a friend and colleague to assist at. Burythorpe Church had Beryl, Roger, Jackie and Elaine welcoming the pilgrims. Jenny Hill and the ladies who gave refreshments were at Birdsall with its stunning flower festival.
We joined Wharram le Street church in their Sunday worship. Andy, their vicar had welcomed us to the church the previous evening and Florence led the Sunday worship with Sue and Paul, Amanda, Dorothy, Bob, Joan and Ron.
The route to West Heslerton seemed a long way. Winteringham church was closed because of recent vandalism, but there was an uplifting new sculpture after a steep climb up onto the scarp face and we walked along the scarp edge towards West Heslerton where an angel in the form of Gillian awaited us on the road. Gillian, thank you for the help to Linda and Poppy at the end of the Sunday.
More welcome there with tea and biscuits from Nora, Brian, Gillian and Denise. West Heslerton church currently have a wonderful display of miniature historical scenes. Do go if you have not yet seen them. They are there until the end of September.
Today is Bank holiday and we have had more people join us. Ruth and Ian from Rawcliffe Goole, John from Wetherby and Yang from China (on holiday in UK)
Pilgrims on Bank Holiday Monday
Today was to be a shorter walk with the wonderful views across the Vale of Pickering to the Moors. We began the day with the new friends, made at West Heslerton yesterday, and we finished at Ganton where we were received with tea and cake by Vicar Ken, Christine, Robert, Isabel and Sue; not forgetting photographer Julie.
Total Statistics so far (Mon evening)
Miles walked so far – 235
Churches visited - open 45 locked 35
Kissing gates - 166
Accompanying walkers 31 + Jet and Willow
Total Scrabble won - Nancy 12 John 14
Pilgrim Nancy
Greetings from your fellow pilgrims from Beverley to Bridlington. Anthony led our morning prayer in the Minster and before we set off Evelyn led us in our Pilgrims song which we sang as we left the Minster. There were 19 of us as we left (Julie took the pictures) and our support party of Pat W and John F. They kept us well supplied with drinks and scones which were needed as it was a really a hot day (29 Celsius when we left Scorborough). We arrived at Watton slightly earlier than planned having only “lost” 5 pilgrims on the way (they were all planned, or so they say).
We hope it will be cooler tomorrow when 10 of us set off for Harpham.
Thank you for your greetings fellow pilgrims - received after we have met up but it was a great moment at Boynton. Nancy