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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 15 May 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
by the Revd Dr Hugh WhiteTHE newly-created Deddington Deanery Pilgrimage route will be launched from Wednesday 19 July to Sunday 23July.
The circular route links the deanery's 35 churches (as well as a couple in the Diocese of Coventry).
During the inaugural pilgrimage prayers will be said or services held in each of the churches.
The pilgrimage will begin and end at St Mary's, Banbury.
A few people will walk the whole route of about seventy miles, staying overnight at pubs or B&B establishments, and many more, including Bishop Colin, will walk sections.
A programme of quarter-peal ringing is being arranged.
At the closing service Canon Sarah Meyrick, former director of communications for the Oxford Diocese and author of Knowing Anna, a pilgrimage-themed novel, will give a talk.
Deddington Deanery is socio-economically diverse.
There is the large town of Banbury containing pockets of severe urban deprivation, suburban developments, large villages, small towns and tiny hamlets.
To walk the route is to become aware of the different circumstances in which the population of the area lives and to be prompted to reflect on the relationship between the urban and the rural nowadays. Add to this diversity the companionship of the way, the physical exercise and the relaxation of time out and you have a rich and rewarding experience. For timings and further information visit www. deddingtonpilgrimage. co. uk or contact the Revd Dr Hugh White (vicarhugo@gmail. com).