9 June. The last day…..whaa… First things first, a thank you to Carlo, not just for walking with me for the last handful of days (its been good to share this walk with some one). But also for taking on the blog (its was great not having to worry about the blog for a few days) thank you. Also thank you to Arthur, (he’s the guy who’s been taking care of the web-site). Arthur drove down from Scotland to walk the last 10 miles (which was good, he was there on the first day of the walk…. felt only right he should be there at the end). In the morning the three of us said our thank yous to the Rev John Turpin for allowing us to stay in the church hall. For breakfast met up with Simon (UPF national leader) and Jeff, they had come down to join Arthur, Carlo and myself to walk the last 10 miles. Arrived at the ‘Immaculate Conception and St Joseph’s’ at Christchurch (the church where I was baptised) early afternoon, Mike and Andy where there to meet us, Thank you.
Arthur and Carlo
Bric a brac
The beginning/The end
Was reminded of the story in the Bible, of the labours who had only worked for the last few hours of the day and where paid the same as those who had worked all day. My hope was if there were to be any blessing (as it were) those who were with me at the end should be paid in equal amount (with that in mind only wished there were more with us).Had no idea what to expect on walking in to the church, there had been a new church built behind the old one. I first went to the chapel of the new church to offer the walk up to God and to give thanks to all the people that had helped me on this journey, then walked in to the original church (was now used to fund raise. Inside resembled something between a charity shop and a car boot sale. A whole lot of different thoughts inside me, as a follow up to this blog from the last day, I will write one more. A reflection on what the walk was all for and what it has meant to me. Thank you to all who have been with me Thankyou
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel
8 June, The Avon Valley Path leads us throgh corn fields, quiet valleys, into the New Forest. No main roads for a change. We stop at the Sandy Balls Holiday Centre. Francesca and Dell welcome us with a cup of tea and a full breakfast. Ringwood is now 6 miles away. When we arrive Caffe Nero give us a very welcome cup of tea. Time to find the place for the night. Paul wants to try the final church. “Come back at 7.30″ says the Vicar. Our good friend Alan says we can visit him at 6. Arthur joins us from Scotland. Meeting Alan brings back memories. We find our spacious church hall. Ready for the final day. Thanks Rev John Turpin of St Peter and St Paul Parish Church. Thanks Alan and Ulrike for the nice evening meal.
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel
7 June. 8,30am we start with blue sky, puffs of clouds and country lanes. Clear stream on the left,railway on the right. Salisbury is only 10 miles away. We try to meet Marion there in 3 hours. We cross twice the clar waters of the river Wylye. The spire of Salisbury Cathedral appears in the distance. Can we be there in 30 min? (Yes). We entered the Cathedral. Paul had read in a book that the pillars had buckled under the weight. As we sit with Marion on a bench of the Cathedral grounds a family of ducks comes to share our lunch. They sit next to us to listen to our conversation. We try the local Youth Hostel. Time for tea but no beds. Walk south and we hear the news that Paul’s dad in Scotland has run 10k in 52 min. That puts a spring on our steps. We get to Downton St Laurence Church. The church hall is a welcome refuge for the night. The Kings Arms give us a glorious dinner. Today thanks to Marion, Salisbury Youth Hostel, Rev. Frank Gibson of St Laurence Church, Tasha of the Kings Arms.
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel
6 June. Hi this is Carlo. I met Paul on Friday (yesterday). We were so excited to hear his story. Next morning over breakfast he asked me “Do you want to come with me on the last four days?”. I did want to go. I said yes I am coming. “When are you leaving?”. “In ten minutes”. Perfect wether for walking, not too hot. We met Terry on the way and he gave us nice treats. Tilsead here we come, next Shrewton. Andy found us there, he gave us lunch and tea. On the way to Salisbury we took country roads. Winterbourne Stoke, we saw the sign “cream teas at the church”. Paul showed the man his card. “Would you like some tea”. Cream teas on the pew. Our new friend, also called Paul, took us to his summer house. Brought us tea, soup and toasts. More tea and toast in the morning. What a first day with Paul. At the end of today thanks to Terry, Andy, the Rose and Crown in Tilsead, Paul and Diane Blanchett from St Peter Church in Winterbone Stoke.
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel
Paul Currie was interviewed by Andrew Davies when he arrived near Winchcombe in the Cotswolds on day 33 of his 1000 mile walk to raise funds for an interfaith youth hostel in Scotland.
3 June (day 34). Again thank you to Andrew and Ingrid + family, set of about 9:00. Andy walked with me for the first handful of miles (with a huge camera and recording gear… ”you don’t mind do you”…. ”no not at all” …. oh crumbs…). It was good to have a companion.
When I was back on me tod was thinking again about the different religions… we claim to be of this faith or the other, hmm.. felt it is not that important how we see ourselves, more important is how others see us….. are we seen as a good person, or not so good….. as selfish, or unselfish, as thoughtful.. or thoughtless…. (if I meet a good, unselfish and thoughtful person… his / her faith is not so important to me).
Towards the end of the day stopped at North Cerney (just north of Cirencester), at a Pub (lost the name..sorry, it was pink in colour). They gave me to hugh sandwhiches, I kept one for tomorrows breakfast. Walked on a little more,
Stayed the night in a….. not sure if it was a small barn or a big shed… Any way, thank you to Dominic and Sarah. Was given a flask of tea and snacks.mm again thank you.
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel
2 June. Thank you again to Bill and Janice for breakfast and the packed lunch. Stopped again at the ‘Aroma cafe’ in Evesham, thank you Sean. Today thought again a little more of what the idea was behind this walk (the interfaith youth hostel… I’ll talk on that another day). One idea when I set of on this walk, was to stop in as many different faith places as I could…. never really happened like that … out side the cities (which is where I’ve been for pretty much most of the time), not so easy to find other faith groups, other than different denominations of Christianity. This bothered me a little … but on reflection … this walk is much more about ‘the family’, not religion. The family is something we all have in common, in the begining God had a family in mind, not religion (does that not make the family more profound than religion….) .
Eveshem
David, Ingrid, Franziska, Ashley and Oliver
Evesham2
Paul's Progress
Made my way to Winchcombe today ( David and Ingrid’s home). On the way stopped three times more for a tea, at the Ellenden farm shop, the ‘Queens Head’ at Sedgeberrow and just as I got in to Winchcombe in Elaina’s home, thank you to all the above. Arrived at David and Ingrids home by 6:00, was given a very warm welcome. In the evening David took me around some of the local villages around the Cotswolds (a place you feel hasn’t changed for hundreds of years). Stopped at the Mount Inn at Stanton, the lady behind the bar (Pip) gave a £20 donation towards the ‘interfaith hostel’ thank you so much. Was a very nice evening. A big thank you to David and Ingrid + family.
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
Paul, I asked the youngest of our family and my wife, as they know the beautiful family featured above better than I, their names are from left to right more likely than not: Oliver, Ingrid, Franziska, Ashley and Andrew.
1 June. Another hot day. I have a full nine days (including to day) to reach the south coast, need to slow down… not a bad thing… think the body is slowing down any way, guess for a number of reasons…. the hot weather… body is using more energy than its taking in (that is not a complaint I have been fed incredibly well)… also both knees + one shin are strapped up… and feet…. hmm let’s not go there…. I feel the main reason is the body knows the walk is coming to an end… its been told it has to slow down to make the 40 days, and didn’t need telling twice. A number of people while walking have said what your doing is extraordinary. Extraordinary…. no.. out of the ordinary… yeah OK. Many times in prayer we ask God for inspiration … sometimes its nice to turn that around… and do something to inspire God. (on this walk I have met so many people doing just that).
Back to the thank yous (again I don’t think the thank yous mean much to most of the readers….but to me it means a lot, with out these people this walk could not have happened… and besides I know my mum is reading this blog and if I didn’t say my thank yous I’d be in trouble…. and rightly so…). A thank you to a MacDonalds in Redditch and the biggest thank you to Bill and Janice (who are a part of the minerstery team in around Cookhill) they gave me a bed for the night and fed me (not forgetting a chance of a shower) had a fantastic dinner in the garden. The day finished with a hot chocolate…. Thank you.
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
The only piture I took today… Crossing the river M5
30 May. Today was pretty much back to my normal self (…not sure what ‘normal’ is…! but you know what I mean). A steady walk into Birmingham today. Stopped at the ‘Tea Room’ on the outskirts of Stourbridge, was given a pot of tea and toast, thank you Peter. While sat there, reflected on all the people I had met during this walk and how they had given… hmm… People have the desire to give, it is apart of our original nature, I remember a few words from a Rev Sun Myung Moon’s speech ” ..the heart of God is to give and then to give again, forget what He has given, only to give again..”(Is it not natural that as children we inherit aspects of our character from our parents. I’m. Pretty sure there is something of my dads character in this walk). Likewise, when we come across people who give, without any thought of gain, do we not see something of Heavenly Fathers character (heart).
My last stop before reaching David and Patricia’s home was at the Woodgate Valley Park, was given a tea plus a copy of a street map (for sure would have got lost without it) thank you. Was knocking on David’s door by 4:30, young Jonathan (who is taller than me..hmm..) answered. Was great to be sat at a kitchen table again, met Patricia (mum) and big sister Katrina. David came in later. Again felt very much at home, always good to get cleaned up, clothes in washing machine, and me in the shower. Borrowed some tracky bottoms from (taller than me) Jonathan. The evening was spent sat around kitchen table sharing stories.
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
Had a good laugh yesterday early in the morning, seeing first your M5 picture, second the caption underneath, and then thirdly your profile picture. Good sense of humour! Thanks.
29 May. Had a good sleep, but still the body felt sluggish, the walk in to Bridgenorth was hard work (a case of head down, and keep putting one foot in front of the other…). Arrived in Bridgenorth at about mid day. My mission was not to leave town without a good meal inside of me and to get the phone charged up (the phone was dead.. was falling behind, a little to much with the blog). Stepped in to the very first cafe, the Witburn (could not have chosen a better door to walk through). I explained myself, was shown a table, next to a socket (so as to plug the phone in) and given a menu. Five minutes later, the biggest omolet I have ever seen + a stack of chips, not forgetting the salad and a pot of tea were sat in front of me, closed my eyes to say thank you, opened them only to find a packed lunch and a voice saying ”that’ll keep you going for later”. Sat for a while catching up on the blog… ‘Please kick me out if I sit to long’ .
Emma, Ruth and Roe. (the three angels
Six Ashes.....Thank you David
with that another pot of tea came and a strawberry cake… I felt incredibly humble…. angels were watching over me…. there names, Emma, Ruth and Roe. Thank you (… hmm…sometimes the word thank you is to small). Headed out of town feeling a whole lot better, on the way out stopped two guy for directions Mark the builder and dave the coach driver. Again got talking, explained what I was doing. They thought what I was doing was great, Mark offered a place to sleep the night, but pushed on. Emma, Ruth, Roe, Mark and Dave were the ones who got me over the wall (each one an inspiration). And over the wall… wow… the day finished at a Pub called ‘The Six Ashes’ was everything a traditional Pub should be (between Bridgenorth and Stourbrige) David the manager let me stay in the back room and again another huge dinner, thank you both to David and Richard (the chef).
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Paul's Progress
On the first of May 2009, Paul Currie set out to walk the length and breadth of the UK from near Thurso to Southampton via Ireland, around 1000 miles. His intention is to raise funds and awareness to establish an Interfaith Youth Hostel. He is taking NO money with him and no support. Apart from a sleeping bag and a copy of World Scriptures, Paul will rely on the kindness of the British people and his trust in God to keep him going in this endeavour.
Paul says, “Through showing respect, we gain understanding, through understanding, we gain friendship, and friendship changes everything.”
The blue line is Paul’s progress so far…. (click map to enlarge)
Please support Paul by making a donation towards the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
100% of the money donated will go towards the fund for the Interfaith Youth Hostel.
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