Following the 9.00am Mass to honour the Feast of St. Clare, fourteen walkers from the school and parish set off for a 10 mile sponsored walk to raise funds for the children in Hodovo.
As the rain lashed down it seemed it was not to be a sunny event; this could not have been further from the truth. In fact as the first shower abated there was a steady and slow recovery, the rain was replaced by a warm breeze and the sun played hide and seek behind the clouds.
Outside the Pickwick Tavern the sun smiled upon the fourteen walkers as they lined up for the group photograph. With backpacks secure and trainers laced tightly the group set off on the first three miles towards Lytham Windmill. Eager and in step the group walked and talked to the first landmark. The imposing black and white structure of the windmill dwarfed the walkers as they proudly lined up for another group photograph!
The pace of the next 3.5 miles along the promenade to the Beach Terrace Cafe was cushioned by the lapping of waves in the incoming tide and the gently undulating warmth of the wind. Many local people walking in the opposite direction were interested in the group of walkers, the pinned on posters for ‘Coast to Coast’, and even stopped to ask about the purpose. They gave offerings and wished the project well. The exchange of smiles and kind words of support brought a deeper and wider element of joy to this event.
Beyond the dunes the Beach Terrace Café was a welcome sight as food and drink was ordered by all. Refuelled and refreshed the group set off on the last 3.5 miles to the finish. With backs to the sun and the encouragement of the gathering breeze the windmill eventually came into sight. Steps were eased and the talk became reflective. The beautiful sights, the sounds, the feelings, and the opportunity to spend time together, to make a difference to the lives of others made this walk special; the smiles said it all.
Eileen Cywinski
Image Gallery
Click an image for a larger view
