| Tenby and Caldey Island For photographs scroll down to bottomSeptember 2011
with David Gleed and Tina Barton
Thursday
Our Journeying group of nine gathered together during the afternoon,
from various parts of the country, arriving by car and train, and all
settled in to their accommodation at the well equipped Beverley House,
situated conveniently close to all the amenities of Tenby. After our
evening meal, most of us ventured out into a rather wet evening to
familiarise ourselves with the sights and sounds of Tenby.
Friday
After breakfast, and having prepared our packed lunches, we caught the
ferry to the little monastic island of Caldey. The weather was good
with a calm crossing and Brother Gildas with his long flowing beard was
there to welcome us to the island. (We were also joined by Iain – who
has written a very interesting book about two men journeying to find the
Christian faith, both in the Holy Land and Wales). Brother Gildas gave
us an interesting and informative tour of the island and we joined with
the monks at their worship at midday and then ate our packed lunches in
the guests’ sitting room at the Retreat House in the monastery. There
was time to explore the island, with its lighthouse, ancient church and,
of course, the gift shop and chocolate factory before we caught the
last ferry back to Tenby for our evening meal followed by worship.
Saturday
Dave drove us to Stackpole Quay where we had worship on the beach
followed by coffee and cake at the local café. We then made our way to
Bosherton Lily Ponds – where we had a walk all round these spectacular
lakes – and en route had our picnic lunch on Broad Haven South beach
with a beautiful view of the sea and Church Rock – some intrepid folk
even had a paddle! We returned to the minibus and visited the tiny
chapel of St Govan nestled into the rock face and pondered on that
ancient Celtic saint who lived out his life in that remote place. On
our return to Tenby, after supper, we were led on a prayer walk around
Tenby – with time to pause and meditate – then back to Beverley House
for hot drinks and Iain, who had joined us again, gave us all a scallop
shell to remind us of our Christian journey.
Sunday
A very busy day in Tenby! The Iron Man competition was based around the
town and during the day we saw these energetic men (and women!)
swimming in the sea, cycling out into the countryside and then
completing a marathon run! (The last ones finished sometime before
midnight!). In the morning most of us chose to go to St John’s URC
church just up the road where we received a warm welcome and the service
was led by the local Salvation Army captain. After lunch at the house,
there was free time to watch the Iron Man competition, wander round
Tenby, or for steam train buffs to enjoy the visit of the Nunney Castle
as it stopped at Tenby on its way to and from Pembroke Docks. At 4 p.m.
we attended Evening Prayer at the little Fishermen’s Chapel of St
Julian and then after supper there was a short evening walk along the
coast towards Saundersfoot.
Monday
A very windy day, but half of the group decided to be intrepid
travellers and walk the 8 mile coastal path to Manorbier with its
spectacular scenery. Others went to visit local places of interest with
Tina in her car. The walkers made good time and were able to enjoy tea
and cake at the local café before catching the bus back to Tenby.
After a take-away supper, we all piled into the minibus to visit St
Lawrence Church, Gunfreston – for our gentle Celtic worship in this
beautifully remote peaceful place.
Tuesday
After last minute packing and a good breakfast it was time to say our
goodbyes and travel our different ways, after another wonderful
Journeying holiday.
Jill Atkinson
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