Gill Bayley, Roger Willson (pictured right), Norene Layton and Simon Lane answer questions about the Parish Pilgrims community they are leading:

 

Question: What is your mission as a  Community?

Answer: To connect with rural parishes we visit. To encourage participation of guests. To develop our fellowship and witness as a group. To offer quiet afternoons and other opportunities for space and reflection. We’re primarily a walking group of Christian people and others, meeting together, talking together on all sorts of topics and valuing one another's company.

 

Q: When & how regularly do you meet?  When does it start?  How long are the walks?

A: We meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday from 9:45 am to lunchtime when we either share a meal together in a pub, or in the summer share a picnic. Sometimes we extend into the afternoon. Usually, we have a longer walk, possibly 5 miles, and a shorter walk, possibly 2½ miles, to choose from. Some less mobile members just join us for lunch!

 

Q: Where does your community meet?

A: Various locations in the countryside chosen by our members.

 

Q: Where are the remaining walks this year?

 

July 8 Broughton Astley LE9 6QA. Picnic in the garden

August 12* Tolthorpe Hall PE9 4BH– ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ preceded by picnic. Tickets £11 August 26 Quiet Afternoon in a garden followed by tea & cake

Sept 9 Bradgate Park. Carry picnic

Oct 14 tba

Nov 11 Tutbury

Dec 9* Meet & Christmas lunch at The Griffin Inn, Swithland LE12 8TJ.

 

* These events need booking well in advance.

 

Q: Who would you say the community you lead is for?

A: No restrictions, but we are mainly active retired people from Emmanuel, St. Mary-in-Charnwood and other churches and friends. Visitors always welcome.

 

Q: Does your community have a name?

A: Parish Pilgrims

 

Q: Can I just turn up and who can I contact if I have any questions?

A: It does help to know if you are coming, so we can let you have full details beforehand and do not start the walk without you. We usually need to book pub meal numbers by the previous Monday. Contact Gill HERE for more information...