This weekend, walkers from across the West Tone benefice will set out on a day-long journey that links all eight of its parish churches. Designed to be a welcoming, community-wide event, it is hoped that Walk West Tone will bring people together.
Kitty, a parishioner from Thorne St Margaret, helped organise the walk which is the brainchild of Revd Andy Barton, the benefice vicar. She says “We wanted to encourage people to come out and talk to each other and meet people from their community. I am hoping the walk helps people make new friends, as well as reconnect and share good experiences with old ones.”
The walk begins at Rockwell Green at 9.30 am and follows a carefully planned route that stops at each of the churches in the benefice, finishing at Ashbrittle. Some participants will walk the entire 13 mile distance, while others plan to join for just a section. Each church along the way will act as a rest point with refreshments, conversation, and in some places, music.
And among those donning their walking boots will be Bishop Michael and Archdeacon Simon. Revd Andy says, “It’s a real encouragement to have them walking with us. They’re not coming in a formal way. They’ll be in walking boots like everyone else, just sharing the day.
“We’ve worked hard to make sure anyone can take part. People don’t have to do the full route. Some are joining at their local church, others are meeting us for a coffee stop or the final leg. The whole point is to bring people together in whatever way works for them.”
The event has been designed to be as inclusive as possible. Children and dogs are welcome, and accommodations have been made for those who are not able to walk but still want to take part. “We have one lady in her nineties whose friend is bringing her along by car so she can be at her church to welcome the walkers. She’ll join in with the singing, have some cake, and then wave us off again.”
At Stawley, the second-to-last church on the route, the bells will be rung and the local Village Festival Choir will perform as walkers arrive. Many of the singers will then walk the final two miles to Ashbrittle, with the bellringers racing ahead to ring the walkers in at the finish line at St John the Baptist church.
Although rooted in the geography of the benefice and the tradition of pilgrimage, Revd Andy says the purpose of the walk is simply about, “Opening our churches and our lives to each other and about creating spaces where people who live in the same area but don’t often connect can meet. We want people to know that the churches are places for everyone, people of faith, people with questions, people looking for company or just a beautiful space to rest in.”
Participants are encouraged to bring packed lunches and water, and the organising team has arranged for tea, coffee, and cake at many of the churches along the way. The event is open to anyone, whether they’ve signed up or just decide to come on the day.
Andy says, “We’re praying for dry weather, but more than that, we’re hoping for conversations, for new friendships, and for that sense that we’re all part of something together.”
Further information for those who wish to participate can be found at www.westtone.org.uk/walk