Teddy bears’ picnic, cycling hub, Norwich pilgrimage

Latest news from across the Diocese of East Anglia include a teddy bears’ picnic, a Norwich pilgrimage and an octogenarian cyclist.

Fr John Barnes hosted a Teddy Bears Picnic (pictured above) in the presbytery garden at St Felix in Felixstowe on Sunday September 1. Many youngsters from the parish attended with their teddy bears and had a wonderful time with games, crafts and, of course, a scrummy picnic.

Octogenarian cyclist from Our Lady and St Walstan’s Costessey, Michael Hughes, has a leading role in a new inner-city cycling project

The Marlpit Community Centre in Hellesdon Road Norwich is the base for the newly formed Marlpit Cycling Hub

Michael is the administrator for the hub and said: “The aim of the club is to make friends, help the community and lose nothing but weight.

“Young and old whose bicycles currently live undisturbed in sheds and garages will be encouraged to venture forth as the Hub will offer safety checks, guidance on maintaining bikes and confidence building rides in small groups for those starting to ride or who are returning to cycling after a long lay-off.”

The venture is backed by the local authorities and Cycling UK to develop the use of Marriotts Way by shoppers, those going to work as well as for leisure

Michael and his wife Paula (pictured) took part in last year’s Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride and Walk Event. Come rain or shine they will be taking part in this year’s event on September 14. To mark the Diamond Jubilee of their Marriage, in October, they are setting their target for this month’s ride at visiting 60 churches in the course of the day.

The Norwich Secular Franciscans recently undertook a witness pilgrimage around Norwich carrying their banner reports Anne Murrin. 

We began with a picnic at St John the Baptist Cathedral’s Narthex, then we walked to the Julian Shrine for a time of reflection and readings. From there we continued to St Peter Mancroft in Millennium Plain talking to visitors and shoppers who stopped us along the way. 

At St Peter Mancroft we were given a fascinating talk by Mo Cubitt in the ringing chamber on the history of the church’s campanology and its ringers.  St Peter Mancroft has one of the most historic ringing towers in the world. The first ever complete peal from St Peter Mancroft took place in 1715 lasting 3 hours and 18 minutes.  Then we returned to St John’s for the planned closing prayers to complete the pilgrimage.

Pictured is Debbie Bool with the banner alongside a very relevant quote by Wm Morris on a wall on the back of the Accessorise shop in the Haymarket area.

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