At 7.40 a.m. on Saturday 12th September a group of 12 enthusiastic, booted walkers from Gamlingay significantly boosted numbers at the service of Morning Prayer at Ely Cathedral! At the end of the service we were given a blessing and lit our own candle from the ‘Ely 900’ flame which has been burning there since the campaign launch in January. Our lit candle was placed in a lantern and carried throughout the two days of the walk. When it needed replacing the new one was lit from the old flame and was finally used to light our own ‘Ely 900’ candle at Gamlingay.
The total distance covered over the two days was about 42 miles. This had been divided into manageable sections and was tackled by most in relay fashion with people being transported to and from pre-arranged changeover points along the way. One intrepid soul actually walked the whole distance – well done Alec, how are the feet now? Three others completed 26 miles on the first day and two of them went on to complete some further sections on the Sunday – a huge accomplishment. The rest of us did our best!
There were many highlights – not least emerging from the Cathedral at around 8.15 to commence walking along the Fen Rivers Way on a glorious, sunny morning with the promise of a beautiful day ahead. On the stretch between Upware and Clayhithe there was the fascination of watching polo ponies being put through their paces on wonderfully maintained swards of emerald green grass and shortly after leaving Clayhithe, where the group had enjoyed a brief respite at a riverside pub, they were treated to the sight of a kingfisher swooping over the water.
On reaching the end of the Fen Rivers Way it was necessary to cross Cambridge and link up with the Wimpole Way. Needless to say, on a busy summer Saturday, the booted, lantern carrying posse attracted much attention! Two young girls asked: “Wotcher carrying that for?” On hearing the explanation their incredulous response was: “Yer must be mad!”
The final Saturday section from Coton to Kingston was a real ordeal for those who had been walking all day. But they made it – including Ros who, on the point of collapse, was told there was only half a mile to go (it was actually a whole mile but that would have been too cruel!) girded her loins and set off at such speed that Dawn had to run to catch up with her. The rest of us arrived to find her already strapped into the transporting car saying: “Just get me home!”
Sunday’s weather was not so bright but at least it stayed dry and the Wimpole Way and Clopton Way finally brought us to our destination. After taking the candle into Church there was a delicious tea served in the Church Hall for all who had been involved in any way. Walkers were presented with certificates to mark their achievements and all agreed it had been an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
We are very grateful to all who took part as walkers, drivers or tea providers as well as to the very generous sponsors who helped us to raise over £1,200 for much needed Church funds. THANK YOU!
