York Minster

The Pilgrim Walkers' first day

Published Monday 11th June 2007 by Martin Chapman and Alix Peacock

Fifteen members of the Minster Walkers Group, led by Anthony Skeels, set out on their week long, fund raising pilgrimage from Whitby to York on Sunday 10th June following a  Service of Blessing led by the Revd. Canon David Smith, at St Mary's Church, Whitby. Their number was increased by nine 'day walkers' . Welcome mid morning refreshments were very kindly provided by parishioners at St Bartholomew's Church, Ruswarp and four further pilgrims joined the walk at Sleights.

 

Sunday's route, took in part of the Caedmon Way, followed footpaths up the  beautiful Esk Valley through Ruswarp, Sleights, Egton to Glaisdale where overnight accommodation was kindly provided by local church members. The walk started from Whitby in grey, misty conditions but the sun soon broke through to reveal the countryside in its full glory.

 

The pilgrimage route comprising some 66 miles and known as the Whitby Way, was devised by the Venerable Leslie Stanbridge, a former Archdeacon of York and founder of the Minster Walking Group. Details of the route and starting times can be found at www.yorkminster.org, following 'Getting Involved' / 'Minster Community'/'YM Walkers' for those who wish to take part in the pilgrimage as the week proceeds.

 

The Pilgrimage ends with a Pilgrims' Service at York Minster on Saturday 16th June at 3.45 p.m. Those wishing to join on the final day should join the walkers on the cycle track to York at the Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride at 2.00 p.m. The pilgrims are expected to at the Museum Gardens at approximately 3.00 p.m.

 

The Pilgrimage is in aid of the York Minster Support a Stone Appeal by raising sponsorship. Details are available from the Event Treasurer, Martin Chapman, White House, High Street, Stillington, York YO61 1LF (Tel 01347 810858) to whom sponsorship money should be sent (cheques payable to York Minster Fund)

 

The Pilgrim Walkers are as follows: Anthony Skeels, Jennie Skeels, Daphne Wood, Sue Thompson, Ellen Coles, Joyce Sanderson, Carol Martin, Rachel Elwess, Tom Pearce, Lynne Harper, Barry Harper, John Cleary, Jennie Cleary, Steve Burton, Chris Brownbridge, Maureen Brownbridge.