This Oxford based charity has helped scores of asylum seekers with its practical help and expertise in the rapidly changing laws governing how our country receives them. The nearby Campsfield detention centre has been the focus of much practical local activity which Asylum Welcome was called upon to co-ordinate.

Recent policy has made Oxford more peripheral to Government plans, however Asylum Welcome remains a centre of experience and expertise that provides a vital service nationwide, and needs our continuing support.

As pilgrims, we share much in common with refugees, who come to our country seeking protection. It is a great privilege to be able to help them.

Derek Whitmell thanked for his excellent contribution to the pilgrimage

Penny Brassell was welcomed onto the committee to take over the organisation of the pilgrimage at Churn Knob and Blewbury from Derek. At his final committee meeting, Derek was thanked for his excellent organisation and the work the he has done for the Pilgrimage over many years.

John Crowe to preach at the 2008 pilgrimage

We will welcome our old friend, former Rector of Dorchester, and a true champion of pilgrimage, to the pulpit during this year’s service.

Now in retirement with Una (his wife) in Herefordshire, John encouraged and organised the pilgrimage through thick and thin during his many years in Dorchester. We are delighted to see him return – and will look forward to seeing Una too!

From 2007….

‘Perfect walking weather’: Pilgrims spared the rain in spite of forecast

For those of you that looked out of the window on the morning of the pilgrimage and saw the pouring rain, it may have seemed like a recipe for wet pilgrims. Nevertheless, for those intrepid (mad?) people who braved the elements, a wonderfully dry (if a little muddy in places) pilgrimage was in store.

In truth, we haven’t had a wet pilgrimage for 15 years (and that was a well-remembered downpour), so we are extremely thankful. Our Lord is very kind to us!

Greek Orthodox Church takes the lead in 30^th anniversary ecumenical service:

Following a review of the pilgrim’s service format, the contributing Churches were invited to bring something of their own unique tradition of worship to the service. Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, who gave a wonderfully warm and engaging homily on pilgrimage, represented the Orthodox Church, together with Fr Ian Graham who sang the Gospel in the Orthodox style. We are grateful to them for providing us with a privileged insight into Orthodox worship.

In addition, Gregorian chant was sung at the beginning of the service whilst the statue of Saint Birinus was carried to his shrine followed by banners. This expressed a Catholic tradition of worship and resembled something of the medieval midsummer procession through the streets of Dorchester, the forerunner of our annual pilgrimage.

As ever we enjoyed the blissful accompaniment of the Reading Salvation Army Band: their sound filling the Abbey with warmth and harmony during our hymns.