by Terry Bearpark
Last Saturday, April 22, some 23 people from this area and a few from further afield set off from the beautiful St Patrick’s Church at Patrington for a second local pilgrimage with organiser Rev Philip West.
The journey took them via side roads and field paths to St Nicholas Church in Hollym and then via the beach to St Matthew’s Church in Withernsea.
While a few stayed overnight and others had to leave there, most returned on Sunday morning with a few more pilgrims joining in.
Some 16 then set off from the promenade in Withernsea and walked on the cliff top to All Saints’ Church in Tunstall, and from there via field paths to All Saints’ Church in Roos.
On the pilgrimage, walkers were kindly provided with food and meals wherever they stopped.
They had times of silence and one or two short services in the churches, and during the journey sometimes stopped to say a short prayer – for example, near the Hollym sewage works they prayed for countries where children suffer and die because of lack of clean water and toilets, and for farmers at a recently sown field, and for local pubs outside one of them, and several more.
The total distance over both days was 13 miles, but it was at a leisurely pace to give space to appreciate the beautiful scenery, to enjoy each other’s company or for quiet reflection
by themselves.
It turned out to be an uplifting, refreshing and enjoyable time for everyone, so Rev West – Church of England curate to all the churches of South Holderness – is confidently planning more of these.
If you would like to be sent notification of future pilgrimages, call Philip on 01964 603199 or email [email protected].
