ANGELA YOUNGMAN reports from the UK on the group’s attempt to walk to every Anglican cathedral in England…
Norwich, UK
Determined to give their historic village church a long term future, parishioners have started an ambitious series of marathon fundraising pilgrimages in which they intend to walk to every Anglican cathedral in England. The timescale is daunting – they want it complete by All Saints Day on 1st November.
All Saints Church, Youlgrave, in the Peak District. PICTURE: Adrian Channing (licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
“[All Saints] Youlgrave is a big church in the Peak District and has been described as one of the most beautiful,” said the church treasurer Lucy Barnwell. “It has been here for 1,000 years and we want make it sustainable for the future.”
Lucy Barnwell, Youlgrave church treasurer and one of the Pommie Pilgrims. PICTURE: Supplied
“[All Saints] Youlgrave is a big church in the Peak District and has been described as one of the most beautiful, It has been here for 1,000 years and we want make it sustainable for the future.”
– church treasurer Lucy Barnwell.
Barnwell added that the last renovation took place 150 years ago.
“We want to raise funds to pay for facilities such as toilets and a kitchen that will enable us to hold events like concerts, that will help pay for future repairs and keep the church open. We want the church to be there for the future, giving it a stable future as a community space and church, a place where people can attend services, a place of sanctuary, of reflection and where people can enjoy the building and its peace.”
A dinner party was the unlikely location where the idea of a marathon fundraising pilgrimage was first raised.
“One of our parishioners, Kate Heath, was at a dinner party,” said Barnwell. We were discussing ways of raising funds for the church, and she raised the idea of a walking pilgrimage. It would appeal to anyone who likes to walk, whether faith or non-faith, and would be inspirational.”
Within weeks, the project was underway. The image of a medieval female pilgrim etched in stone within the church was chosen as their logo.
Affectionately giving her the name of Petra, it was decided to create special pilgrim tokens bearing her image that could be given to each cathedral visited as a permanent link. A fundraising page was set up, and linked merchandise such as back packs were created to help promote the project while on pilgrimage. Even the walkers had their own name: ‘Pommie Pilgrims’ inspired by the pom pom sound of the village brass band.
Pommie Pilgrims outside Derby Cathedral. PICTURE: Supplied
The response has far exceeded expectations. The first pilgrimage took place in March. A short service in the church launched the walkers en route to Derby Cathedral over 42 kilometres away before being accompanied by the brass band and some donkeys until they left the village.
“We’re connecting our church with every Anglican cathedral with pilgrim footsteps, signifying connection and community, and raising money for our loos,” said Rev Canon Jane Clay.
By the end of the first day, the pilgrims had walked around one million steps and, on reaching Derby Cathedral, their Just Giving page had raised over £12,000.
“Cathedrals are being really supportive and helpful,” said Barnwell.
On arrival at Derby, the pilgrims were greeted by the Dean, the Very Rev Peter Robinson and the Bishop of Derby, the Rt Rev Libby Lane. Stories quickly appeared in the local press.
Over the next few months, groups, families and individual walkers from the parish are planning future pilgrimages, taking different sections of the entire route.
Kate Heath at Chester Cathedral’s Pilgrim Door. PICTURE: Supplied
Kate Heath has already completed a walk from Youlgrave to Chester Cathedral, where she received the honour of being allowed to enter via the Pilgrim Door. Barnwell, meanwhile, is targeting the cathedrals of Salisbury and Exeter, while others have indicated they have Worcester, Carlisle, Lincoln, Liverpool, Canterbury and Truro in their sights.
“Most of the routes are now covered,” states Canon Clay. “One of our elderly members who can’t walk much distance is emulating Captain Tom, and walking one mile 46 times to do the Guildford to Oxford leg.”
To date, the pilgrims have raised nearly £20,00 but much more is needed.
“It’s only part of what is needed, potentially six figure numbers,” said Barnwell. “By raising the money from the walks, it shows we are supporting the church and will enable us to get matched funding from organisations to pay for the work and the future of the church.”
