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
Get me to the church on time! 27 September 2009 - Walk 9 Day 1
Our day started from the seafront at Portrush, six people intent on walking 5 miles before the morning service at Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church.
Urged on by David the minister (on the right), we made it with time enough for a coffee beforehand. 
The service was introduced by Jim Waring, the previous minister, who remembered his first meeting with me 15 years ago at New Horizon where I was taking a seminar. The group that now meets there every Tuesday started as a result of that.
The Causeway Group led the service with Bible readings, worship songs and solos, while I told the story of the walk so far and sang the Walk With Me song. 
A great lunch in the church hall rounded off the time in Ballyrashane – many thanks to Marina and team for all the hard work in making the day so enjoyable.
Heroine of the day is undoubtedly Catherine who both started and finished the walk with me.
Windy cliff top - Catherine to my left
By the end of the day she had completed the 20 miles while I only did 19. How come? We were behind schedule at one stage, and more walkers plus press had gathered up ahead. So I had to be “lifted” so as not to keep people waiting. A fantastic effort, Catherine. Well done!
There can be few places so remarkable and mysterious as the Giant’s Causeway. 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns along several miles of rugged coastline. 
Volcanic lava cooling slowly resulted in the basalt cracking into the classic shapes that characterise the landscape.
The famous organ pipes from the cliff top
Owned by the National Trust since 1961, there had previously been a long-running battle to gain public access to the Causeway. 
Rumours that Causeway Prospects got its name from the Giant’s Causeway (or vice versa) have no foundation in truth.
A spectacular location for any defensive fortification, Dunluce Castle is late medieval, once the home of the MacQuillans and later, the MacDonnels. 
I was told that the MacDonnels captured Dunluce by approaching from the sea, the advance party scaling the near vertical cliffs, then hauling up more troops in baskets. Brave men!
The sound of waves breaking on rocks was a constant companion as we followed the twisting roller coaster of a cliff path past the Giant’s Causeway and right round the headland to Dunseverick, home to another even more ruined castle.
No, not Durdle Door, but this part was in many ways rather like Dorset's Jurassic Coast
Perfect walking weather also gave us breath-taking views along the coast and across to the Mull of Kintyre, only 14 miles from the coast of Northern Ireland.
Mull of Kyntire in the distance
As we left Portrush a group of islands came into view – the Skerries – bringing back memories from 35 years ago.
While serving with the army in the Province I took a group of soldiers there camping for a few days, canoeing round the islands and sharing the sea with seals. One lasting memory from that weekend was of playing cards in the rain. The cards all stuck together and had to be peeled off one by one!
Tomorrow is Carrickfergus to Lisburn. Please pray for lots of walkers to have a great time and get sponsored.
Photos of the day: playing in the sea…
Jim Waring leads off the next stage
September 27, 2009 at 10:24 pm | Walk with me | 1 comment
Prambulating, 10 September 2009 – Walk 8 Day 5
You know what it’s like. You’re late for an appointment with someone, and you’ve no way of letting them know. “Will they still be there?” you ask yourself, “or given up and gone home?” 
Fortunately for us, Naomi and the Carlisle folk were still waiting patiently for us when we eventually arrived at Sands Leisure Centre. The walk took us through Rickerby Park, along both banks of the River Eden. 
Our ages ranged from bus pass holder to shaky rattle holder and we had fun negotiating the flood defence improvement works with the push chairs – my having boots on came in handy as I could propel them through the worst of the muddy sections! 
Rickerby Park includes the Roman fort of Stanwix, the biggest command headquarters on Hadrian’s Wall, and the furthest point of the Roman Empire.
We had started the day at Cinderbarrow in glorious weather – blue sky and no wind – along the Lancaster Canal past the village of Holme.
Early morning at Cinderbarrow
The village of Holme
The first section of the canal was completed in 1797 and used for transporting coal. The quarter-mile long Hincaster Tunnel (opened in 1819) diverted the canal to serve the gunpowder factory at Sedgwick.
Hincaster Tunnel
The tunnel had no towpath and horses trekked over the hill 76 feet above the canal. Meanwhile the boats were pulled through by rope, or “legged” by the boatmen.
The canal took us right past the Westmorland County Show, so we could peep in and see the riders warming up in the practice arena.
A wonderful welcome awaited us at Sandylands Methodist Church in Kendal. 
Minister Andrew Webb told me what a blessing the group is to the church, and explained that he himself has learned a great deal about worship from members of the group. 
And they provided a fine lunch – thanks Audrey!
The evening at Hebron Evangelical Church in Carlisle began with an excellent meal for the Prospects Group and friends. Andy opened the church meeting by sharing the vision for their small groups including the Prospects group. I was invited to fill the congregation in about the role and vision of Causeway Prospects, and the Walk With Me campaign. The group there has started since this time last year and is valued as a vital part of the church’s ministry. Thanks, Naomi and team for your hospitality and all you’re doing.
So that’s the end of walk 8, today’s tally of 21.4 brought the week’s mileage to 101. 212 people have walked with me this week, bringing the total for the walk so far to 1,541. Thank you for walking, thank you for praying. God bless you all. A special thank you to Dianne Barnett who has overseen the coordination of the whole of walk 8, and to Paul Shepherd my roadie, who has supported me tirelessly over the past week.
September 12, 2009 at 6:09 pm | Walk with me | 2 comments
Mind the gap! 9 September 2009 - Walk 8 Day 4
Today’s walk was as varied as any I’ve done yet, taking in country park and town, college grounds, river banks and canals, fields of sheep and fields of mud, sewage works and broken bridges! Here’s a few scenic reminders for those who walked.
Cuerden Hall
Cuerden Valley Park
And there were lots that did walk today: 22 from the start, 9 new walkers from lunchtime and a magnificent 54 for the last mile with the mayor making a total of 72 walkers for the day.
Bacon butties for 45 people at St John’s in Leyland was a great start to the day. One church member was heard to say “We must do this again!” 
Then it was off to Cuerden Valley Country Park for the start proper. In due course we were beside the Leeds and Liverpool canal heading for my home town of Leeds. 
It brought back memories of my childhood spent playing beside (and in, I seem to remember!) that same canal.
Through the fields, freshly watered by recent rain, we found plenty of mud and some curious looking sheep.
Anyone know what breed they are?
Their website gives their aim: “To ensure all people have opportunities to learn, develop and lead their lives as independently as possible, and that everyone is treated with equity, dignity and respect.” They certainly made us very welcome, and many service users came to greet us and to walk. 
We arrived late which meant some people couldn’t walk after all, so apologies to them, and thanks for a delicious lunch.
September 11, 2009 at 6:30 pm | Walk with me | 2 comments
Blackpool Rock, 8 September 2009 – Walk 8 Day 3
There are a number of curious items along the Blackpool prom, including this one entitled “Pebbles,” which I mistook for seagull eggs. 
Other notables are the roller coaster,
I felt sick just looking at it!
the tower of course, 
and this stone reminding us of the power of God. 
In the background you can just see the platform put in place after the River Dance foundered on the beach here last year. It damaged the sewage pipe and repair work is still being done. Our noses told us that! 
Our start was the windmill at Lytham St Annes which has been one of the most recognisable landmarks in Lancashire ever since it was built in 1805 to produce flour and oatmeal. 
The rain held off while we prayed, then it was waterproofs on for an hour. The route followed the Fylde coast right round to Fleetwood via Blackpool where we had lunch at Central Methodist Church with members of the Causeway Groups, the mayor and mayoress of Blackpool and bishop Geoff of Lancaster. 
Lunch at Central Methodist Church Blackpool
52 people then walked through the shopping centre waving banners – a marvellous witness. 
Afterwards a lady with two children with learning disabilities came to the church to ask what it was all about. After a chat with Stuart Furnival the church minister (and leader of the Causeway Group there) she decided to start bringing her sons to the group.
The afternoon turned really windy, and seeing the size of the waves breaking over the sea defences was a reminder of the power of the sea. 
You certainly wouldn’t want to be swimming there today! Sunshine, however, reverted to heavy rain for the last hour so we arrived wet through at The Mount Methodist church for tea and talk about the campaign. 
The day ended at St Thomas Blackpool with a wonderfully energetic celebration with the theme “Walking with Jesus” acted out dramatically by the group. 
They had made a beautiful Walk With Me cake which I had the privilege to cut! 
Thank you so much for doing that, and everyone for making this such a good day.
A beautiful display of decorated shoes on the wall of St Thomas in Blackpool included this prayer from Anne Ward:
May you walk with love and the peace of God
May the sun shine on you and the weather be calm
May God protect you from harm and bring you safe home
May the path of your causeway be even and smooth
May those you strive to help receive your love as you walk with a light heart
May you arrive at your destination with as much energy as you had at the start.
Amen to that.
September 11, 2009 at 11:41 am | Walk with me | 2 comments
A transport of delight! Monday 7 September 09 - Walk 8 Day 2
It was the only way to describe the sight that met my eyes on opening the curtains this morning. Geoff has had a fascination with railways since he was a child, and his garden is a train-lover’s dream. 
The G-gauge section circles the garden and loops through the garage, while the 5 inch gauge railway in the drive is big enough for the grandchildren to ride on. 
It was surreal having breakfast while the trains came and went on auto-pilot.
It’s been a perfect day for walking – partly sunny and dry throughout – with great views along the North Wales Coast. 
I was joined at Llandudno pier by a group from Prospects day opportunities and Anne, the deputy mayor. 
As we walked round the bay, who should jump out of a car but old friends Gwenda and Ivor who accompanied us to Little Orm.
I had Shell with me right through to Llandulas where others joined us. 
Shell works for Prospects in the office in Llandudno one day a week and says, “Prospects are good people to work with. The Lord is always with me, and helps me. He helped me a few years ago when my granddad died. He comforted me.”
A place of Christian worship for 1500 years, St Trillo's is reputed to be the smallest chapel in the UK with seats for 5 people
I had a surprise extra for lunch today. Old friend Paul Dicken (who now lives nearby) turned up with his sandwiches, and sends regards to those who know him.
Princes Drive Baptist Church in Colwyn Bay opened its doors to a special celebration led by their Causeway Group, Highway 35. A joyful evening of worship, word and prayer. Thanks Hazel for organising and leading that.
The whole day would not have been possible without the huge efforts put in by Tina and her team, so heart-felt thanks to you all.
Tomorrow is the Fylde coast from Lytham St Annes to Fleetwood, and the Blackpool illuminations are on!
September 7, 2009 at 5:42 pm | Walk with me | 2 comments
Fascinating encounters, Sunday 6 September - Walk 8 Day 1
It was definitely a watery theme today: the Cheshire Ring Canal, River Mersey, then the Micker Brook and Lady Brook into Hazel Grove. 
Our start was along beautiful tree-lined avenues in the deer park of Dunham Massey Estate near Altrincham. 
Lots of deer, a green woodpecker and a strange guy called Old Stumpy. I found his responses rather wooden! 
BBC Radio Manchester interviewed me as I walked, with Penny from the Hazel Grove Causeway Group in the studio.
Starting out on the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk
Dunham Massey is an impressive house, rebuilt by George Booth, 2nd Earl of Warrington, in the 18th century. Among other achievements he planted 31,000 trees on the estate. The estate was given to the national Trust in 1976 by the 10th Earl of Stamford and is well worth a visit.
Very popular with narrow boats, this is Sale Cruising Club
Just by the canal in a park in Sale we found a narrow gauge railway with some real enthusiasts. One was shovelling coal into his steam engine.
Stuart had built this extraordinary engine himself. it took him 2000 hours to complete over 7 years!
Several stalwarts managed the whole day’s walk – 23.8 miles! Adele struggled in the last part of the day, but was determined to finish as she has people sponsoring her for over £200. 
Well done Adele! Hope you’re still smiling…
Hazel Grove Baptist Church has a very lively Causeway Group and made us most welcome both at the Saturday evening BBQ and on Sunday.
Diane Mallon and Tony at Church BBQ
The group led the evening service, a wonderfully joyful celebration that included a memorable drama of David beating Goliath.
The armies move to battle!
Diane Mallon and her team did a brilliant job organising the day and leading the celebration. A thousand thank yous to you all.
Tomorrow, Llandudno to Rhyl along the coastal path and a celebration at Princes Drive Baptist Church. I’d appreciate prayer for my feet – they took a bashing today. And for getting the blog done in the evening – we have a 3 hour drive to Blackpool after the celebration finishes at 9pm.
In the last couple of miles I was joined by folks from Hazel Grove and below, Irwell Vale.
And those church clocks?
Time is flying
And finally, just to prove that art and the River Mersey coexist: 
September 6, 2009 at 10:56 pm | Walk with me | 2 comments
Tuppence per person per trip… 22 August 2009
Dutchman Jan de Groot operated a ferry service to Orkney during the reign of James 4th around 1500, charging 4d for the trip. This amount became known as a groat. His 7 sons argued about inheritance, so he built an octagonal house with 8 doors containing an octagonal table, so no-one was at its head!
The best thing about John o’ Groats is the view, especially on such a clear day as this. The Orkneys looked beautiful in the sunshine, several ships braving the treacherous Pentland Firth where dozens have foundered over the years.
7 of us placed our feet on the very end of Scotland, furthest from Lands End some 874 miles away. It is not, however, the most northerly point on the Scottish mainland. That distinction goes to Dunnet Head, and yes, we did go there as well. My fellow walkers today were Paul, our driver and secretary of the Scotland Development Team, Jonathan, David, William, Stuart and Bruce from the Edinburgh/Musselburgh Causeway groups.
I enjoyed hearing from Bruce, William and Jonathan about a monthly gathering they have with Richard and Paul to share a meal and study the Bible together. Bruce especially appreciates the fellowship, and Jonathan the opportunity to chat through difficult things.
It is a long way up there along the ruggedly beautiful coastline of the Highlands, over 100 miles from Inverness, and around 300 from Edinburgh, so thanks and congratulations to Paul and team for making such a great effort.
We did our 3 mile walk and I had my first taste of Scottish midges, or rather, they had their first taste of me!
A brilliant day with stunning views and lots of fun, but we were glad to get back at last to Inverness youth hostel (our start this morning) at midnight.
Thank you Paul for all that driving and organising.
So that’s it for Walk 7. Total miles in Scotland, 102.7 accompanied by 192 walkers representing 12 Causeway Groups and many other supporters. Heartfelt thanks to you all.
Totals for the whole walk so far, with 3 walks still to go: 726 miles walked, 1479 walkers, 57 Causeway Groups involved and 10 Prospects services.
And finally, we were treated to a pipe band and some highland dancing during our return journey…
Sorry about the photo quality. My camera gave up the ghost so I resorted to using the mobile phone!
August 24, 2009 at 4:04 pm | Walk with me | 3 comments