Longest day…biggest smiles

Early morning tarpaulin layers on the Glebe, tech prep in the Priory, daily briefing for volunteers, Security and welcome volunteers.

Midsummer sunshine glistened on the waving flags of welcome as children, teachers and TAs poured into the Priory for Day 3 of Lifepath 2023.

For some it was their very first time in this extraordinary monument built to God’s glory. Jaws literally dropped and young eyes were lifted to the lofty space above them. Wow! A church built 938 years ago still has the power to impress at a time where technology dominates.

Lifepath songs resonated round the ancient walls, with actions bringing them to life. 260 children’s hands waved in the air and the teachers enthusiastically joined in, with some ‘real moves’. A run through the history of the Priory and it was off to activities in small groups shepherded by the Pilgrim Guides.

In the Prayer Journey, children learnt that the Priory’s Benedictine monks prayed eight times each day, even rising in the night to pray. ‘They must have been tired the next day’ said a thoughtful youngster.

Beautiful brass rubbings were carefully made and stored to take home…and the leeches in the Mediaeval Medicine activity received their usual fearful but fascinated reception.

The Prodigal Son play (where Ricky’s reunion with Father Yahweh is truly moving) preceded lunch on the Glebe, enjoyed on tarpaulins which had been carefully nailed in place by early bird volunteers at 8 o’clock.

The afternoon’s activities whizzed by and soon it was time for the cairn procession and out into the churchyard through a billow of iridescent bubbles and those same flags of welcome, now instead waving ‘Goodbye’. ‘Travel safely on your Lifepaths’.

Just two more Lifepath 2023 days to go…if you’re joining us tomorrow, we’re really looking forward to journeying with you on your Lifepath. See you soon!