A report on the 2004 event by Gordon Smith, Eastbourne.

The walkers and cyclists gathered outside the South Door ready for the start. At 10.30 a.m. the press photographer arrived and took a photograph of the Vicar giving us a blessing with holy water and we set off to walk or cycle.



Our Recorders father John and Audrey Bamet had already signed in four walkers and two riders from other parishes one Pam Young from St Andrews Jevington.

The cyclists were off to what would prove to be an interesting and exhilarating day. Our first stop was at Egmond Chapel followed by Greenfield Road Baptist Church, The Salvation Army Old Town and St. Elisabeth's, and then to me a much longer cycle ride than I had planned. My colleagues persuaded me to attempt a journey of approximately 26 miles and visiting 26 churches. For this unexpected, "There is no gain without pain," decision I must thank three much fitter people, Father David, Sally, and Rob Jefford who was a true gentleman and had promised he would stay with me whatever happened.

Then we went on to Stone Cross and lunch at the Red Lion. At lunch to encourage me my companions told me that from behind my feet splayed outwards flat on the pedals and in future they would refer to me as the Penguin. Fortunately the ride to Westham was mostly down hill. At Westham we found a Wedding in process but arrangements had been made for us to use another door. From West ham to Pevensey my fatigue was beginning to become evident and I did stop once or twice for a break. It should have been a nice easy ride from Pevensey to St. Richards Langney but we met with a very strong head wind and I was almost on my knees. The incline up to St Richards was killing. Rob kindly offered to take my Knapsack, which was quite heavy, and this made the visit to the remaining churches much easier.

At the end of the day we had become a happy team, and Joyce Chapman who was the remaining Recorder took a photograph of the four of us as a reminder of our efforts.



Tim and Anna cycled 45 miles with Amelia. Felicity and Floyd also took Harry who is only 4 years old in a tandem trailer. They were all much more adventurous than us visiting parishes well out of Eastboume and covering many more miles. Thank you to them and any other cyclists or walkers.

The Walkers accompanying Mary were transported by car to Folkington, and then walked across the downs to Wilmington, and finished up at Alfriston. The country churches were pleased to see them making them very welcome. Sadly numbers were down due to people being away on holiday.

Please come walking with your dog if you like, or riding a bicycle, pony and trap, (this would suit me),Horseback, but no visiting cards on church footpaths.

Signed. The Penguin.



Amelia in her trailer.