This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 16 October 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
AT LEAST 200 people joined Bishop John on the inaugural Thames Pilgrimage in September.
Pilgrims of all ages took part in the event, which saw the party travel 104 miles from the very west of the diocese (at Radcot, near Lechlade) all the way to Wraysbury, on the border with the Diocese of London, writes Sarah Meyrick.
A small party of hardy walkers completed the whole distance but many more joined the bishop's party for a few days, or even just an hour or two.
Each of the Area Bishops and Archdeacons also took part, as did the Director of Mission, Canon Dr Michael Beasley, and the Diocesan Secretary, Canon Rosemary Pearce.
The Bishops of Kimberley and Kuruman, and of Växjö, who were in Oxford for the Grand Day Out, also walked part of the route. "It was a wonderful time," said Bishop John.
"It was everything I hoped it would be.
I was really touched by the number of people who joined me on the pilgrimage, and overwhelmed by the generosity of the parishes who welcomed us on our way.
We were blessed with glorious sunshine which really was the icing on the cake. ""We were blessed with glorious sunshine. . .
"Each day started with a short reflection at 10am before the walk began.
After lunch there was another reflection, and then the pilgrims spent some time in prayerful silence as they walked, considering a particular theme.
The days ended with tea, cake and evening worship.
Bishop John and one or two others stayed overnight in the 'host' parishes along the way. The party was supported by a boat, Running Wild, allowing pilgrims to take occasional breaks where necessary.
Bishop John, who unexpectedly had to have a stent fitted a week before setting out, took advantage of this from time to time.
"The parishes came up with all sorts of interesting ways of greeting us," he said.
"I planted a tree in Moulsford, I prayed over the reopened bridge at Pangbourne, we were joined by children from five of our church primary schools and we had breakfast with sixth formers at Shiplake College.
We arrived to the sound of bells ringing, a brass band playing, a choir singing - and the most wonderful spread of scones and cakes. ""Having walked with Bishop John and other pilgrims for ten days, I can vouch wholeheartedly for the refreshing and unburdening nature of the experience," said Beryl Maw, one of the pilgrims who completed the 104 miles.
"My abiding memory is the fellowship of other pilgrims and the outstanding hospitality we received from parishes along the way.
Throughout the pilgrimage, there was a constant exchange of giving and receiving, a nourishing flow of sharing and just 'being'. " The walk ended with an open air service and hog roast organised by the Deanery of Burnham and Slough in Wraysbury.
The Revd Rod Cosh, Area Dean of Burnham and Slough, said: "It was wonderful to see Bishop John and the pilgrims arriving by boat at the end of their walk.
To be able to share in the end of this expedition through worship and fun was a real delight that will be long remembered in the Deanery. "For more see www. thamespilgrimway. org. uk for stages, maps and reflections. Photos: Andrew Burnett, and Sarah Meyrick.