Prospects annual conference day – 10 October 2009
The walking may be over, but the campaign is not finished!
The Prospects conference on 10 October at the Friends’ Meeting House, Euston Road in London attracted about 250 people. It was in part a celebration of the achievements of the Walk With Me campaign. Indeed, around 50 people present had taken part in one of the walks.
I was able to report that 1,964 people had walked for all or part of one or more days. Many of those had been sponsored, the main source of campaign income. The Just Giving website shows that the funding currently stands at £57,500 plus an estimated £6,000 of Gift Aid yet to be claimed.
I remain optimistic that we will reach that target of £100,000 as further donations are made, and sponsor money is collected and sent in.
Worship in the main meetings was beautifully led by Dave Mackie and band from Manchester, and the programme included a model Causeway Group and a flag workshop.
At the final celebration I spoke about heroes. Not the likes of Superman, but the people who do what God tells them and enables them to do, day by day.
One was Lesley Biffen who expressed her view that every church should welcome people with needs.
Philip and me, walking together near Canterbury
Philip from Canterbury presented me with a giant cheque for £750 – his sponsorship money. Well done Philip, you are a hero!
Biddie Mutter spoke about the Causeway Group she leads in Lewes, sometimes hard work, but wonderfully rewarding.
Debbie Starling sang her Walk With Me song, “Jewel in a crown”. It’s a beautiful yet challenging song about how a little of our time can transform another’s life. Both her song and mine are available on CD from Causeway Prospects.
So that’s it for now. No more walking blogs, but perhaps I can leave you with a poem that was read at one of the celebrations during the last week of walking.
IS IT OK?
Is it ok if for some reason you never learn to read and therefore can’t read the words of hymns?
Is it ok just to smile at God if you can’t raise your voice?
Is it ok just to hum God a merry tune or the hymn of a trusting heart, the song of laughter, the prayer of deep silence?
Is it ok?
I imagine God’s reply. “Oh yes, my child. More than OK. Much more than OK!”
October 13, 2009 at 12:41 pm | Uncategorized | 1 comment
Final steps, or should that be last legs?! 8 October 2009 – Walk 10 Day 5
(Apologies for the late posting of this blog. Technical difficulties!)
Sunshine at Cow Roast may sound like the title of a wild west movie, but it is the name of the hamlet whence today’s journey started.
The Cow Roast Inn provided an excellent breakfast, but I haven’t been able to discover the origin of the name Cow Roast. Anyone know?
What a change in the weather from yesterday!
9 of us set off in glorious sunshine from Cow Roast Lock on the Grand Union Canal. It really was the perfect start to the final day of walking, made all the more enjoyable by the company of old friends Malcolm and Sue Lane, long term supporters of Prospects.
Today’s route took us through Berkhampsted on the Grand Union Canal. I hope the residents of this fair place will forgive me that I did not even know of its existence before my brother-in-law moved there 2 years ago. It has an enviable pedigree with royal connections abounding. The castle dates back to the 12th century, and kings, queens, princes, princesses, court favourites and distinguished foreign visitors stayed there. Thomas a Becket and the Black Prince are among the better known guests.
Some boats were better maintained than others..
On along the canal towards Hemel Hempstead we turned left at Boxmoor. Refreshed by coffee and buns at St John’s Church we joined the Nickey Line, formerly a railway linking Harpenden, Redbourn and Hemel Hempstead.
Ruth points the way
For a railway it had a ridiculously steep ascent out of Hemel, giving rise to the name of its engine “Puffing Annie.” I was accompanied by puffing Ruth, Gill and Sue on this occasion!
Ruth, Gill and Sue puff up the slope
Passing through St Albans you cannot fail to admire the cathedral, named in honour of St Alban. King Offa provided the endowment in 793 for a monastery to be built, and the abbey became a cathedral in 1877 when the diocese of St Albans was founded.
Alban became a Christian while sheltering a priest fleeing from persecution. When the authorities discovered the priest’s hiding place Alban helped him to escape by exchanging clothes with him. The Judge was so furious he ordered Alban to be executed on the hill where the cathedral now stands.
There is a real sense in St Albans of walking through history with signs like this on the walls and doors.
Market stall holders have been touting their wares for the best part of 1,000 years! And Christian worship has been central to the town for even longer.
So it was good to finish the Walk With Me walk here.
With the deputy mayor
What did I do?
The deputy mayor, Mohammed Iqbal Zia, welcomed me to St Albans when I met up with other walkers in Verulamium Park, site of a major Roman town. He insisted on making a speech to which, of course, I had to respond! Plus I was interviewed live on Radio Verulamium while walking round the lake.
At last, home is in sight!
Thirlmere Church welcomed the walkers with refreshments and hosted a brilliant celebration.
I felt honoured that people had made “Well Done” signs and decorated boots to welcome me in. The glory, however, must go to Jesus, in whose name this campaign has been done, and thanks must go to everyone who has contributed in any way to achieving the campaign goals. More of that tomorrow, when I will add some notes.
- One pair of worn out boots!
These are my boots, 1,000 miles on! Not fit for much more, I suspect.
October 11, 2009 at 11:42 pm | Uncategorized | 2 comments
All a bit Iffley, 7 October 2009 – Walk 10 Day 4
Our starting point today was Iffley Lock on the Thames in Oxford. The first lock here was built in 1632 (a pound lock), the current one, in 1924. Pound locks replaced flash weirs which dammed the river to power mills or allow navigation through shallow sections. By removing part of the weir, craft could “flash” through with the current or be winched up against it.
Iffley also hosted the beginnings of competitive rowing in Oxford. It started as a bit of fun - “bumping races.” The boats set off in turn, trying to catch and bump the boat ahead.
The weather has to get a mention today. Although it didn’t rain before lunch, it certainly made up for it later. 6 walkers braved the long stretch along the Thames path, while a small army appeared to complete the walk in to Greyfriars.
Early on we met Chris on the river bank. He had only just started so as yet, no fish. However, he has a grandson with Asperger’s Syndrome, and took an interest in the WWM campaign.
The evening celebration involved all the groups in the Reading area. Each one brought a visual reminder of some verses of Scripture from Genesis Chapter 1 – the Creation Story. These formed a beautiful backdrop right across the stage.
Greetings to Fred the mayor and mayoress Jean who braved the rain to walk with us. And many thanks to all at Greyfriars Church who hosted such an excellent evening. Well done everyone.
Apologies for poor photo quality today – the rain did not help!
We followed the Thames Path
- “Maybe we’re here!”
A lot of swans?
October 7, 2009 at 11:19 pm | Uncategorized | 2 comments
Here is the weather forecast. Today there will be more weather than usual! 6 October 2009 - Walk 10 Day 3
Our time today was shared between the Ridgeway path and the Icknield Way. Sometimes the 2 paths followed the same route. They were united at Ivinghoe Beacon which is where we enjoyed the first views of the day.
Helen enjoying the view from Ivinghoe Beacon
If I’m honest, it was a dreadful day, weather-wise. Waterproofs on and off, wet through under the water-proofs too, and leaking boots! But a stimulating conversation with Helen Davie during the 15-mile walk we shared.
Our route today - Ivinghoe to (almost) Princes Risborough
And despite losing the Ridgeway Trail 3 times, we still enjoyed the time we had together.
A view of Chequers from Coombe Hill - tempting to call in for tea, but I was running short of time...
The evening meeting at St Andrew’s Church, while small, was very significant.
The welcome to St Andrews...
We think there are the makings here of a new Causeway Prospects Group in Oxford. Time will tell, but please do pray for that to happen in the near future.
Tomorrow it’s down the Thames to Reading and a walk in to Greyfriars Church for anyone who would like to join in. See you there!
October 6, 2009 at 11:04 pm | Uncategorized | 1 comment
Ware are you heading?! 5 October 2009 - Walk 10 Day 2
Starting from Cheshunt John and I traced the River Lee along 10 miles of its length through the Lee Valley Regional Park. We share similar stories of how God broke into our lives to bring freedom, forgiveness and a new start.
It is always good to be reminded of how the power of Jesus transforms lives. Our walk took us through Broxbourne, St Margarets, Stanstead Abbotts and Ware, hence the dreadful play on words in today’s title. I am constantly being encouraged by the people I meet to keep following Jesus. If we fail to do that we may well find ourselves heading in the wrong direction altogether.
We found a little café by the river where a bacon roll compensated somewhat for the 5am alarm call and subsequent shortage of breakfast. (Tuesday we get a lie-in – till 5.30!)
Lesley and Kay at the entrance to Fairlands Valley Country Park
Lunch was with folks from the Stevenage group – thanks for organising the walk through Fairlands Valley Park, and that scrummy buffet.
Are you ready?!
Despite the weather everyone enjoyed it!
I discovered that Nigel went on holiday to Paris and had a boat trip on the Seine, and that Jonathan has plans to get married next year!
Keep up the good work!
The final section of the day was from Sandy into Bedford which involved no fewer than 60 people!
The route used part of the University Way cycle path, formerly the Bedford to Cambridge railway, yet another victim of Dr Beeching’s cuts.
A splendid celebration at Woodside Christian Centre included an interactive drama about the encounter Cleopas and his fellow disciple had with Jesus.
I was very moved by the way group members prayed for me. Thank you so much to Julie and team for a superb day, and to all of you in Bedford for your love and care for me and your ongoing support.
Acorn Group had made some special Walk With Me flags
Brian played Amazing Grace as we started the walk. I found out that the bagpipes are surprisingly hard to play!
October 5, 2009 at 10:11 pm | Uncategorized | 2 comments
The Crab and Winkle Way, 4 October 2009 - Walk 10 Day 1
The Canterbury to Whitstable railway was the first regular steam-driven passenger service in the world. George Stevenson and his son Robert built the Invicta, the locomotive that pulled passengers out of Whitstable. However, the early locomotives were not powerful enough to pull the coaches up the hill between the 2 towns.
This was achieved using static steam engines and ropes on a long straight gradient. Clever stuff! Thomas Telford built Whistable harbour at the railhead and Isambard Kingdon Brunel was the inspector for the tunnel, the first ever to take passenger rail traffic. The line carried passengers for 100 years before its decline and eventual closure in 1952. It is now maintained by Kent and Medway Council as a cycle and footpath.
It got its name by the way, from the seafood for which Whitstable was famous in the early days of the railway.
Start of the day by the River Stour
Kent is referred to as the garden of England, and for good reason.
Nine of us walked beside the River Stour, ably led by Val, through huge orchards with trees laden with apples. Canterbury Cathedral gradually appeared over the trees confirming that we were on the right track.
I walked with Philip who enjoys the Causeway Group in Canterbury, and led us in prayer at the service at St Andrews URC. The scripture reading was from Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Feet and shoes/boots featured prominently in the service, including many decorated shoes and feet with prayers stuck on the church wall.
Many thanks to Ester and team, and everyone who helped to make it such a great walk and celebration.
A visit to Canterbury would not be complete without looking at the Cathedral and a walk round the city walls to admire the castle and the moat.
Canterbury Cathedral
It’s certainly a place with history, and interesting buildings.
The Norman Castle
Philip continued walking with me right through the afternoon too, finishing up with a splendid total of 15 miles completed. Philip, you’re a star!
Refreshments were very welcome after the walk
A fine walk along the sea front at Southend
Another interesting fact. Southend pier is the longest in the world, 1.25 miles. You take a train to get to the end!
The evening celebration included a reading by Soraya, prayers led by Paul and Teresa signing for all the songs. Soraya told me how much she enjoys being with Prospects and studying at college. Thanks to Teresa and team for a really enjoyable and worthwhile evening.
Setting off from St Andrews Canterbury
An interesting day – 2 church services, 2 live radio interviews, 16.3 miles and 54 fellow walkers. Thanks for all your prayers – please keep them up.
And Finally, it was good to catch up with old friend Martin, who brought not only his viola, but his girlfriend Sarah! Great to see you both, and thanks for playing Martin.
October 4, 2009 at 9:40 pm | Uncategorized | No comment
Now listen here! 1 October 2009 - Walk 9 Day 5
The people at Newry Day Opportunities are no strangers to campaigning, or working hard so others can benefit. Authors of “We are people too” to demand better service from GPs, they have also represented others at Stormont.
They had invited the mayor of Newry to breakfast to hear about Walk With Me, and of course to create a good photo opportunity.
Then it was off along the canal towards Portadown.
The Newry Canal, built between 1731 and 1741, follows a natural trough in the south Ulster countryside from Newry to Moneypenny’s Lock where it joins the River Bann south of Portadown. The discovery of coal in County Tyrone near Loch Neagh, and the prospect of transporting it cheaply to Dublin were the catalysts for the canal to be built. By the end of the 18th century, 12,000 tonnes of coal passed along the canal each year. However, as with many canal systems, the development of the rail network brought about its decline, and eventual closure in 1947.
The route followed the canal the whole way to Portadown.
The prettiest spot was Scarva where a beautiful garden became an irresistible photo opportunity. It turns out that Scarva is also famous for its annual “Sham fight” on 13th July where the Battle of the Boyne is re-enacted.
Just when we thought the canal towpath would never end, Portadown appeared on the horizon, a very welcome sight. 7 of us walked the whole 21 miles today – a fantastic effort. Well done everyone.
Celebrating on the finish line!
Lots of others joined in at various stages. A crowd of 16 walked out of Newry Day Opportunities and covered 3 miles along the canal.
More joined at Scarva for the last 8 miles.
Irvine invited Paul to come and walk. It's hard to say "No!" to Irvine...
Paul told me this was just a warm-up day for him. Tonight he leaves for a walking weekend in Germany – 28 miles on both Sat and Sun, with an easy 10 on the Friday, the get-to-know-you walk!
Once in Richhill we posed for photos for the local paper by the war memorial and walked the final distance to Richhill Presbyterian Church for a special meeting of the Causeway Group which is just celebrating its 1st birthday. 
So that concludes the Northern Ireland section of Walk With Me. 103.3 miles this week, with 199 people walking, making a total so far of 930 miles and 1740 walkers. Big Question: Will we reach the big 2,000 walkers next week during the final week of Walk With Me? It starts this Sunday morning near Canterbury, so watch this space!
A BIG vote of thanks to today’s event organisers, Sheila and team in Newry and Elsa, Peter and team in Richhill. A great day, well done and congratulations. Biggest thank you goes to Derek Polley, the manager of WWM in Northern Ireland, very ably assisted by Tanya and Fiona Murphy. Heartfelt thanks to you all.
October 1, 2009 at 11:44 pm | Uncategorized | 3 comments
Samson and…..? 30 September 2009 - Walk 9 Day 4
A good start to the day – Derek led me back through the Lead mines via the old winmill to Newtownards where we met up with Prospects staff at the national office.
You’re doing a great job guys, and serve a fine scone! Thank you.
Paul Ashton, our chief exec by Scrabo Tower
Scrabo Tower is visible from most of North Down and was built above Newtownards in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, one of the Duke of Wellington’s generals during the Napoleonic Wars. He was a philanthropist, providing for the local people during the potato famine of 1845.
For 800 years the quarries of Scrabo yielded a beautiful white stone which was used for building such landmarks as the Albert Clock in Belfast, Newtownards Town Hall and St Mark’s church.
Nowadays it is only available through recycling old buildings.
The leg stretch to the top of the hill was well worth it for the panoramic views of Newtwonards to the north, Belfast to the west and Strangford Loch to the south.
Goliath and Samson
The two great cranes on Belfast docks were clearly visible, known as Samson and Delil…Wrong! Goliath, of course!
John and me with Strangford Loch behind
Our guides today were John for the morning section, whose career with ordnance survey prepared him well for the task, and later, Cahill, who led us around Dundrum. He had also worked with maps for many years.
From there we headed south to join up with members of the Clough Causeway Group for a delightful walk through Dundrum along the estuaries of the Blackstaff and Carrigs rivers. The many waders here included little egrets and redshanks.
This evening the Clough and Ballynahinch groups joined forces for a splendid celebration at Edenmore Prebyterian Church. Thanks to everyone who helped to arrange and lead this excellent event.
Teaching "Will you be a follower?" at Ballynahinch
October 1, 2009 at 1:35 am | Walk with me | No comment
Men from Mars! 29 September 2009 - Walk 9 Day 3
By any standards the Parliament Building at Stormont is an impressive one.
Edward Carson, leader of the Irish Unionist Parliamentary Party
Work started in 1923 and the first parliamentary session was in 1932. Our arrival coincided with a meeting of the All Party Assembly Group on Learning Disability, and the chairman, Basil McCrea, came out to meet us.
This is a relatively new and very exciting initiative in which Prospects is represented by Mervyn Bothwell. Basil is an MLA, representing the Lagan constituency. By an amazing coincidence, Basil and I had been colleagues in earlier years while working as production shift managers for Mars Confectionery in Slough.
Basil, Mervyn and me on the balcony
Basil made Mars Bars and Snickers while I made Starburst, Tunes and Lockets!
Edward Carson became leader of the Irish Unionist Parliamentary Party in 1910, later appointed Lord of Appeal and created Baron Carson of Duncairn. His statue dominates the approach road to Stormont.
Our route to Stormont was along the Comber Greenway, a 7-mile footpath from Comber to Belfast. It uses the route of the old Belfast to Comber railway which closed in 1950.
"It's that way!"
The start point was tricky to find (code for “we got lost”) so we resorted to asking the way. At last those elusive signs began to appear.
No wonder we missed the sign!
Later in the day we met up with other walkers in Newtownards and headed north to Bangor through beautiful countryside which included the Clandeboye Estate owned by the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava.
Derek supports chimney!
Lead mining can be traced back to 1780 in the Newtownards area, which was at one time the centre of Ulster’s metal mining industry. 400 people were employed here at its peak, but now only a few relics remind us of this piece of history.
Rebecca the champion walker
At last the sea came into view at Helen’s Bay and the coastal path took us into Bangor. The Sycamore Club hosted a great evening of praise, prayer and Bible teaching.
Walkers celebrate at Sycamore Club meeting
Huge encouragement to learn that one of today’s walkers has achieved £600 in sponsorship. Well done Brian, and all who walked, helped or sponsored someone today!
Brian the champion fund raiser
This week’s walk manager is Derek Polley who together with Tanya leads the Sycamore Club. Thanks for all your hard work, it’s a brilliant job you’re doing.
And finally
I had a chance to speak at an inter-faith group at Willowfield Church
Stormont Castle
September 29, 2009 at 11:01 pm | Walk with me | 1 comment
Lagan behind! 28 September 2009 - Walk 9 Day 2
I don’t mind admitting I struggled with the walk out of Belfast along the River Lagan this afternoon. I just seemed to run out of steam. Fortunately a strong coffee with a chocolate bar and banana did the trick, and stimulating company for the final few miles into Lisburn kept me going.
Once there we were in for a treat: Irvine had arranged for us to meet the mayor, Allan Ewart, and the MLA for the Lagan Valley constituency, Jeffery Donaldson.
They welcomed us at the Island Arts Centre where I explained about the Walk With Me campaign, and was presented with a Lisburn City plaque.
We had a French reunion by the Lagan. Irvine, Iris, Rosalina and I had been together on the Causeway Holiday at Le Pas Opton on the Vendee Coast of France in June this year. It brought back happy memories to be together again. They all said what a great holiday it was. So what are YOU doing next June? Come and join us!
On arrival at Trinity Methodist Church walkers were rewarded with superb refreshments and joined in enthusiastically with songs, sharing and teaching.
The launch of today’s walk was a splendid breakfast at the Coast Road Hotel, Carrickfergus, followed by not one but two press photographers vying for pics. That set us up well for a bracing walk into the prevailing wind along the shore of Belfast Loch. 
The bird life on the loch side is a delight with curlew, redshank, eider duck, merganser, oyster catcher and cormorant all in large numbers.
See if you can spot the 3 curlew. Next photo might help...
The route took us past Carrickfergus Castle, one of the finest Norman castles in Ireland. Probably constructed by John de Courcey in the 12th century, it is sited on a large rock jutting out into the sea. After the capture of the castle by King John, he added the outer wall, towers, and the gatehouse.
The castle was seized again in 1689 for King William and later by the French in 1760. Since that it has acted as prison, armoury and air raid shelter and is now open to the public.
I walked with Janette who has recently moved into her own place and is really enjoying the independence.
Further on we were joined by a large group of people from the Carrick Causeway Group. In total today, 50 walkers, and 20 miles covered. Many thanks to hosts in both Carrick and Lisburn – you’ve done a great job!
Tomorrow, Bangor and Stormont where further VIP encounters are promised…
Carrick harbour, looking across to tomorrow's destination, Bangor
September 28, 2009 at 11:04 pm | Walk with me | No comment