Great to see you!

Friends reunited at Lifepath 2024…and high spirits at an impromptu trolley race as the week begins.

‘Good morning!’ ‘Hi’ ‘Morning’ ‘Hey how are you’… the Priory filled with the sounds of friends reunited as the annual phenomenon which is Lifepath kicked off for the 2024 season.

If this is the first time you’ve come across Lifepath, read more about it on the Lifepath page, but in short, the Priory’s expecting over 600 children to visit and experience this amazing church over one fun-filled week.

Volunteers found their monk costumes, tea and coffee was collected from the very welcome refreshment volunteers and volunteers sat down for the daily briefing. Everyone was delighted as Mary announced that there was one thing missing this year…the pew plinths with their splintery floor. This year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Priory, the generosity of legators and charitable trusts, the hard work of the volunteers and contractors, the nave floor is both gloriously level and beautifully smooth.

But there wasn’t time to revel in this new ‘luxury’ - the first children were arriving, there were flags to be unfurled and welcomes to be made. Soon the children were entering the building to the sound of upbeat music and the day had begun.

Arches crashed to the ground as they learnt, practically, how architecture works. Stained glass windows were re-created, mediaeval monasteries explored, all to the sound of the tolling of one of the 10 tower bells, as groups of children ascended the tower and had their chance to ‘have a go’.

But that’s just a taste of what’s been going on. Follow this blog all week to experience Lifepath…and if you’re a Lifepath participant, we look forward to welcoming you, soon!