This was a wonderful day for a walk from Woollard to Dundry with fabulous views across the Chew Valley.
We began with informal worship on the bridge in Woolard accompanied by a raucous strimmer, donned hats for protection from the sun and set off across fields alongside the River Chew.
We arrived at All Saints Church, Publow, as the Morning Service was ending and, after receiving Communion, enjoyed coffee and conversation with the worshippers before moving on to Pensford.
After passing under the towering viaduct at Pensford, the path turned uphill onto a ridge and across an airstrip from where the top of the tower of All Saints Church, Norton Malreward, could be seen, nestling in a hollow amongst some trees. As we approached the church, the bells rang out in welcome.
The walkers were shown around this beautiful church with its magnificent Norman arch framing the chancel and east window. Later we moved on to the Yda Hall were refreshments were provided and sandwiches eaten, and conversations continued in the company of church members.
From Norton Malreward we were guided along the old footpath taken by Victorian children on their way to school in Norton Hawkfield. We were shown the ancient yew tree in Norton Hawkfield, now the only marker of the place where that community's church stood until its destruction at the Reformation.
The route on towards Dundry took us alongside a stream on the Community Forest Path to North Wick, and then on to the lane for the steep climb to Dundry. As we took a breather half way up the hill, conversation turned to the banking crisis and to the subject of MP's expenses. The consensus view was that the critical comments in that mornings papers by the retired Archbishop were not very helpful. But what is an appropriate Christian response? perhaps surprisingly, there was a recognition that the nation hasn't been in this situation before and that it might be important to recognize that no one can be expected to have a sure and certain way forward. So support and encouragement for our leaders might be the first step before bringing any wisdom from the tradition of faith communities.
As we moved on up the hill we were met by people from Dundry who had come out to welcome and to guide the walkers. We were glad when the hilltop was reached, and the path leveled out for the last mile. That rest proved vital when we reached the church and were immediately invited to climb the 100 steps of the tower to enjoy the spectacular views; Somerset to the south, the 'other Diocese' of Bristol to the north, and the enticing garden of the Dundry Inn immediately below our feet.
The walk ended at the foot of the church tower with cups of tea and delicious cakes.
A delightful day in which the spirit was lifted by wonderful scenery, good company, and wrestling with issues of faith and life
Stephen Rymer
