On Friday I said a few words, as I do every year, to send our Pilgrims on their annual walk from St Martin’s to Canterbury Cathedral. Last year I walked the whole way as part of the group, and it was a wonderful experience, not just because of the weather.
This year is the 35th Pilgrimage organised to raise funds and awareness for The Connection at St Martin’s. Over 120 people are walking for us, some of whom have experienced homelessness themselves, and I can not tell you how grateful I am for everyone’s support and commitment. Pilgrimages provide a fantastic opportunity for reflection. It’s something to do with the slow methodical pacing that walking brings and the peace of being outdoors and away from the busyness of day to day life.
The reflections I had when I participated were varied. I grew up as a minister’s daughter so receiving hospitality from one church to the next had a real familiarity for me. Even the tea mugs were like an old friend from my childhood. I spent time talking with several people who had worked at The Connection and the Social Care Unit before that. We shared our interest and understanding in the work we do. They also told me about all the cake – provided by church members and usually home baked.
I spoke with volunteers supporting the event. There’s the man who did a lot of driving and logistics behind the scenes who has now taken on the role of Chair of the Friends of The Connection. There are the people who make sure everyone who started also finishes, ticking us off as we leave and arrive. There’s all the people who make and serve food along the way. There’s the man who led the group I walked with – he runs practice walks during the year and checks out every detail of the route with one of the other group leaders before the event.
The Pilgrimage is an event which shows solidarity with people experiencing homelessness, as much as it raises money for The Connection. That solidarity can be shown in so many ways. Sleeping rough is lonely, isolating and generally bad for your health. The Pilgrimage is the antithesis of all of these things. You can find out more and support the event at connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/upcoming-events/35th-pilgrimage-to-canterbury/.
Pam Orchard
