Activities

Benefice Walk on May 5th

stjohnstmarkchurchburySunday, April 15, 2018

Parish boundaries

Our annual Benefice walk around the Boundary of the two Parishes (St John with St Mark, Bury and Christ Church Walmersley) will take place this year on Saturday 5th May.

As with previous years, we have produced a timetable of where we expect to be at a given time. So, if you don’t fancy joining us for the whole thing (13 miles) then you can meet us at a given point and complete a section or two. We will say a prayer or have a brief reflection at certain key landmarks along the way.

If you’re thinking of joining us at any of the spots, please let Paul Sanderson or David Robinson know in advance just in case the timings go a bit awry and we can provide you with an update. A mobile phone number may be useful so we can update you with a location.

Remember you will need good footwear, appropriate clothing (hopefully it will be warmer than in the picture above) and a packed lunch. If you aren’t able to join us on the day, you can follow us in spirit from your armchair with the help of the times below:

Times and Places

• 9.00 – Start, Christ Church Lych Gate
• 9.30 – St. John with St. Mark Church Hall
• 10.20 – Bury Community Fire Station, Magdalene Road
• 10.30 – Tesco Car Park Memorial Garden (near the car wash)
• 11.30 – Top of Chesham Road / Walker’s Field
• 12.30 – Buckhurst (Lunch Stop)
• 1.40 – Lord Raglan Car Park
• 2.30 – Summerseat (Waterside Bridge)
• 3.30 – Brown Cow (Afternoon Refreshment)
• 4.30 (approx) – Finish & Home

Beating the bounds

Back in the day (but not so long ago), the church faithful prepared for Ascension day with days of fasting and abstinence. During this time, farmers often had their crops blessed by a priest.

Part of the preparation was ‘beating the bounds’, in which a procession of parishioners, led by the minister, churchwardens and the choir, would walk around the boundary of their parish and pray for its protection in the forthcoming year.

This Benefice walk is our modern day equivalent! Ascension Day this year is Thursday 10th May. It’s also part of our ‘Thy Kingdom Come‘ celebrations.

About us

Our Walking Group meets once a month, normally on the first Saturday. Walks are usually 10 – 12 miles leaving from either St John’s Hall, Bury or Christ Church Walmersley. Please get in touch via the Contact page if you’d like more details.