Kevin and Ros return safely to Gloucester bus station.

 Photo: Bob Allen.

Heading Home

Sunday morning after speaking to Richard Atkins on BBC Gloucestershire Kevin and I headed back into the city centre to attend a service at St. Michael's Church at 11 am. Many roads were sealed off and the centre was heaving with soldiers and police. Which was useful for us to find people to ask directions from! After many detours we got there safely and really appreciated the service, fellowship

And reception we , and other team members received.  

We would have liked to add our shoes in the Square but time was short and we'd heard that there was some unrest so we headed back in time to share in a service and time for reflection and prayer - in lieu of the cancelled March.

Finally we went out for a meal together - 32 of us, before heading back by metro to our respective hostels.  Tomorrow we pack and travel across the city a final time to the Gare du Nord. Our bodies are tired, our bags stuffed with dirty laundry but our heads are full of all we have experienced and thinking how to begin to return - what to take forward, what to leave behind, how to honour the memory of all those we have met along the way.

Thank you for being part of the journey with us.

Godspeed

Kevin and Ros

Sent from my iPhone

Saturday

Hosted by the American Bishop of Paris, we shared an Iraqi meal with some Iraqi Christians who had to flee. Last group photo?

We made it

Here we are having walked over 200 miles over 14 days - London to Paris. Still smiling. Photo taken by Isabelle, Kevin's longtime French pen friend who travelled especially to spend the afternoon with us.

Day 16 Petition hand-in

After the service we went straight to a reception nearby with the other pilgrims to hand in the petitions
to Christine Figueres of the UNFCC. Over 2 million signatures. Between
us the pilgrims have walked 285,000km, which is apparently the equivalent of 7 times round the world. Petitions will be received by 150 heads of state attending COP21.

Day 16

Taken during service - many people, much happening which this picture fails to capture!

Day 16

Arriving at St Denis Basilica for the 'Spiritual Moment' , an interfaith service with Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Jews.

Response to the recent attacks in Paris

A rough translation might be - the best response to the barbarity is to face it together

Day 15 Pilgrim's Welcome Service at Saint Merris

Day 15 Paris preparing for COP21

Renewable energy set up to power winter lights!

Day 15 Arc de Triomphe

Walking through central Paris

Day 15 Paris

We left Maison Lafitte early after our daily reflection in the church. Some members walked with us. It was cold but bright. We stayed together initially. Finding toilets was a problem all day! We had to stop at a supermarket and a hospital and later had to find a bush in a public park where we had lunch. News came through that there were concerns we looked too much like a demonstration so we took off Our high Vis jackets and covered our hoodies and split into groups travelling 100 metres apart and on opposite sides of the road.

This worked reasonably well until we got to the Champs Elyses and the winter market where it was crowded and we managed to lose one group. 

The Groups came back together for the Pilgrim's Welcome at St. Merri's. It was chaos to start with - so many groups arriving. We heard from groups from Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Peru, Philippines, Netherlands and Senegal. One of the groups had been on the road for 80 days. We did a short presentation and sang the first verse of To be a Pilgrim. 

We shared supper, collected our bags and then divided into 2 groups - one going to a youth hostel and the rest going to the Mission D' Etrangers. The trip on the metro was very stressful because of our heavy bags and loads of stairs. Arrived at 9.45 and went straight to bed.

Sent from my iPhone

Day 15 Enroute

Odd to see flower beds in full bloom in November.

Day 15

Will, our driver and lunch provider - will be leaving us today.
.

Day 15 Enroute

Day 15

With our host Dominique before setting off.

Day 14 update

We arrived in the Catholic Church,

Maisons-Lafitte at 6pm. Met with large mugs of tea (English style). The local Anglican minister, who is Swedish led us in a Celtic service and meditation, followed by a supper of soup, lasagne and gateaux. Met our hosts at 8pm. Kevin, Chris and I are staying with Dominique in a nearby suburb in a lovely apartment. We were also given a revised timetable for the coming few days.

Tomorrow we walk into the centre - all wearing our P2P hoodies - only 20 K meeting at St Merri's Church for the Pilgrims' Celebration.  All the different Pilgrim groups from other EU countries will be there. There will be a time to share stories, and enjoy food, drink and music.

It is such a relief to be almost there but now we need sleep. More tomorrow.

Thanks to all those who have emailed their encouragements and reflections.  It feels as if you are all with us, on the pilgrimage.

Much love

Ros and Kevin

Sent from my iPhone

Day 13 Interview with Jade

https://goo.gl/photos/APjgTykAjMAcepyh6


Sent from my iPhone

Day 14

Over La Seine and into Paris. 20 miles today but morale is high because we're nearly there and the weather is beautiful ( no rain). We are also able to walk through the forest - Saint Germain-en-fly.

Day 14

Early morning start to Paris

Day 13 Kevin

https://goo.gl/photos/LbgA8eUJ82wkBjzr9

Click on the link, then click on the photo in the top right hand corner to hear Kevin and see the walkers in France. 


Sent from my iPhone

Day 13

Alfresco lunch in the rain - 33 of us looking for a bush.

Day 13

Local bull keeps a Beady eye on us

Day 12 Bray et Lu

The privations of the pilgrim experience- the sweet trolley

Previous footage

Short Interview with James the Pilgrimage overall leader - resending.

https://goo.gl/photos/cJWJUDKr2JwNegjF8


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Day 11 Evening service

After meal and shower with our hosts it was back to l'eglise for a service and the inevitable group photo. The members of the parish asked us many questions and many gave moving testimonies. We also had to sing to them which was done with gusto if not with particular polish.

Day 12

Frances and Elizabeth engaging in a bit of mutual foot massage.

Day 12

13 miles in driving wind and rain today. Will, our driver found a helpful local village mayor who took pity on us and allowed us to use the village hall so we could have our picnic in the dry. So much unexpected kindness. Walked distance in record time - everyone wanted to get of the rain!

Day12 Gisors

Staying with host, Christiane in Gisors. Two lovely meals and fellowship. Warm bed, hot shower, after the longest day walking so far.

Day 10 footage

Trying again. New leader joined us for the French stretch. Getting us to walk better together - more discipline!

https://goo.gl/photos/UYw7nV9hek8Byyfu9


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Day 11

Walked a 20 miler today. Weather cold but also sunny. Mainly walking across country from Gournay to Gisors. Two of our number struggling today and so arrived late. Beautiful sunset which this photo doesn't quite do justice to. Staying with Christiane an older lady so a nice comfy double bed.

Day 10

Not entirely successful action blog! Won't be giving up the day job anytime soon....

Day 10

Day 10 Luxury awaited Kevin and I at Gournay-en Bray - floor space to ourselves in shared room! The local parishioners cooked and ate with us all. We currently are 33 in number. There are many comings and goings but there are 27 who are walking the whole way. The conversations are always meaningful and often moving. This isn't easy to catching in a photo or short blog. Tonight we said the Lord's Prayer together in both languages and a Catholic nun sang spontaneously and the Catholics among us joined in - you had to be there. There are many moments like this. Very little small talk despite the language barriers. Bit behind with the blog due to Internet access but will start again tomorrow.

Sent from my iPhone

@Pilgrims2Paris launch from London. Nearly 50 #pilgrims set off on a 200 mile journey walking to Paris for a strong #COP21 deal. #pilgrimage2paris #peoplespilgrimage #roadtoparis

Inspired by their #faith, nearly 50 pilgrims set off on a 200-mile journey from London to Paris calling on world leaders to agree a fair, ambitious and binding climate deal at #COP21. Follow @pilgrims2paris to stay up to date with this journey. #peoplespilgrimage #pilgrimage2paris #roadtoparis #climatejustice

Services and Meetings in November and December

Sunday 22^nd November

10.30   Service led by Alan & Jonathan

Monday 23^rd November

10.00   NHS group in hall

10.00   U3A Recorder group in church

Tuesday 24^th November

10.00   Toddler group in hall

7.00     Matson & Robinswood Partnership

Wednesday 25^th November

10.30   Art class in hall           

2.30     Friendship Circle: Members afternoon     

Thursday 26^th November

10.00   NHS group in hall

7.30     Handbells party at Churchdown

Friday 27^th November

2.30     Julian prayer group at St. George’s

5.30     Alan representing MBC at TiM Board m/g

Saturday 28^th November

10-2pm Glos Labour Party selection meeting in hall

4 -11pm Syro-Malabar social in the hall

Sunday 29^th November

10.30   Advent Service led by Stephen & Jonathan

1.30     Syro-Malabar classes using church

4.00     Child’s party in hall

Monday 30^th November

10.00   NHS group in hall

5.00     Bob at School Advisory Board

Tuesday 1^st December

10.00   Toddler group in hall

7.30     Deacons’ meeting

Wednesday 2^nd December

10.30   Art group in hall

12.30   Kevin at Matson clergy lunch

2.30     Friendship Circle:

Thursday 3^rd December

10.00   NHS group in hall

7.30     Handbells

Saturday 5^th December

2.30     Musical Folk rehearsal in hall

Sunday 6^th December          

10.30   Advent  Service led by Kevin

1.30     Syro-Malabar classes using church

6.30     Communion service led by Kevin

Monday 7^th December

10.00   U3A Recorder group in church

10.00   NHS group in hall

Tuesday 8^th December

10.00   Toddler Group in hall

12.30 & 2.30 Kevin taking school assemblies

7.30     Prayer meeting

Wednesday 9^th December

12.30   Christmas Lunch followed by communion

Thursday 10^th December

10.00   NHS group in church

Friday 11^th December

7.30     Torch Fellowship: G&D Choir in church

Sunday 13^th December

10.30   Advent Communion Service led by Kevin

1.30     Syro-Malabar classes using church

Monday 14^th December

10.00   NHS group in hall

Tuesday 15^th December

10.00   Toddler Group Christmas party

2.00     Friendship Circle: school choir concert

Wednesday 16^th December

9.30     Craft in annex”

Thursday 17^th December

10.00   NHS group in hall

Friday 18^th December

2.00     Open Doors prayer group at Claris’ home

Sunday 20^th December

10.30   All-age Christmas service

6.30     Carol service

Monday 21^st December

10.00   NHS grouping hall

Friday 25^th December

10.30   Christmas Day Service

Saturday 26^th December

2.00     Hall Hire

Sunday 27^th December

10.30   All-age service led by Kevin

Sunday 3^rd January

10.30   Morning Service

Gloucester City Mission is this years Christmas Charity.  Please check the list and support where you can. See Pam for details

Day10

Meet Christina and Giles, our hosts in Forges-Les- Forges, and their dogs outside their lovely home.

Day 9 Update from Kevin

https://goo.gl/photos/kBFMZh5vLVEpmqut9

Click on the Link  and you should see a photo of Kevin. Click on the triangle in the top right corner of the photo and you should see a video with Kevin telling us about the pilgrimage.

Day 9

The walk to Forges-Les-Eaux started cold but sunny. The rain started just as we stopped for lunch at a  cafe right on the Avenue Verte. The manager let us in (32) to eat our picnic although we did buy drinks. We arrived in the town about 3 and were greeted by Father Sebastian, who made us tea. Later the parishioners cooked us a 4 course meal. Kevin and I now at our host accommodation, just round the corner, staying with Christina and Giles (plus Oscar and Juliette the dogs). They are currently doing some laundry for us so we can shower. Bliss. Trying to persuade

Kevin to do the blog tonight. 

For further pictures and news please check out the Pilgrimage2Paris website. It's getting quite a lot of media attention. I'm speaking to Richard Atkins (Radio Glos) tomorrow at 7.40. We would love to hear from you if you are following the MBC blog or email to rmdurrantenroute@gmail.com. We often read out messages during our daily reflection time. Thank You to those who have already sent. 

We hope the Greener Gloucestershire walk went well today. It was advertised on the P2P. website

Sent from my iPhone

Day 9

Tallest (Chris) and shortest (Joelle) team members.

Day 9

Leaking boots now gaffer-taped.

Day 9

Kevin and I outside Neufchâtel-en-Bray Catholic Church. Photo taken by Phillipe, one of the French
Pilgrims.

Day 9

James shows us the P2P baton. The Bishop of Bath and Wells donated the yew wood.

Day 8

https://goo.gl/photos/qcsfFjvAWAJGk7Et9

Click on the Link  and you should see a photo of Ros. Click on the triangle in the top right corner of the photo and you should see a video with Ros telling you bout the march through Paris.

Day 8

Another wet day. Kevin and Ian outside Mesniere-en-Bray. A brief stop.

Day 7

Apologies for the non-chronology
- can't always send the videos. Thanks to William from the know-how help line- what a champion - the man has the patience of a saint.

 Click on the Link  and you should see a photo of Ros. Click on the triangle in the top right corner of the photo and you should see a video with Ros telling you about meeting an Archbishop and walking in the rain.

https://goo.gl/photos/XRteFpgSFxoPuB846


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Day 8 Heart of Boots

Someone came up with this bright idea (not me).

Day 8

Meet the oldest and youngest members of the team. Youngest - Josh aged 23 and Phil aged 77.

Day 7

Walking along the Avenue Verte - an old railway line but now a cycle path. 13 miles today. Wet again. This is Lya (like Leah) from the Netherlands. Now arrived in Saint-Vaast-d'Equiqueville. Back on a church floor but warm.

Day 6

https://goo.gl/photos/AeqhWCNUwZ2MNu427
 
Click on the Link  and you should see a photo of Ros. Click on the triangle in the top right corner of the photo and you should see a video with Ros telling you about the sea crossing to Dieppe and their tour of the town.

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Day 7 Dieppe

Found a suitable place on board and curled up to sleep. Imagine my grateful surprise to find we had a very smooth crossing. Arrived in sunshine! Thanks for prayer and travel sickness tablets (Sharon). Given a tour of Dieppe on arrival.