Each year pilgrims from this parish go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham to pray and seek refreshment. This June ten of us went, accompanied by a former member of the congregation who moved to Chesterfield some years ago.

People have been going on pilgrimage to Walsingham since the year 1061, when the Lady of the Manor, Richeldis, had a vision from the Virgin Mary to build a Holy House there. Many thousands of people visited over the years, from the very poor to the Kings and Queens of the land. Sadly it was destroyed in 1538 on King Henry VIII’s orders, and it wasn’t until 1931 that it was restored.

The Pilgrims from New Mills found, as always, an oasis of peace and prayer. The accommodation was very comfortable and the food excellent – but the high point was the worship.

Sometimes we joined in with the other pilgrims (there were groups from about 8 parishes there, including one from Newbold Church near Chesterfield!), and besides these times of corporate worship we also joined in together as a parish for our own acts of worship – or indeed found time to be alone with God in the stillness of the shrine grounds.

For Edith Egerton it was an excellent first visit – she enjoyed it immensely, especially the peacefulness and beauty of the gardens, and is looking forward to going again next year!