Written by Gaye Hailstone, Anna Chaplain in the Diocese of Norwich
And Wow – what a week we have all had – 46 people took part in this event that Anna Chaplaincy has led for the last five years, and this year was probably the best ever.
We went to Sandringham and enjoyed walking in the beautiful gardens and some of us went round the house; we went to Pensthorpe and were able to follow the beautiful sculpture trail and spend time in the enclosed aviary with the birds.
We went to Aldeburgh where we relaxed in a day of cloud and lower temps – sampling their wonderful fish & chips and walks beside the sea. Our fourth day out was to Hunstanton, we had again sun and were able to walk along the south prom and enjoy the sight of families having fun on the beach whilst we enjoyed an ice-cream and one or two of us walked down to the sea and paddled.
We were looked after so well by our Sanders Coaches driver, Dave. He was very kind and thoughtful with those more vulnerable people who used wheelchairs, personally going up and down in the coach lift with them so that they felt safe.
The final day of Bus Pass Holiday Club week was a morning of learning about the history of Brundall with a Quiz, thanks to Brundall History Society, followed by a service of praise and thanksgiving at St Laurence church, Yare Valley Churches. We had so much to thank our lord for – super weather (for the fifth year running), fellowship, and we reached far more people in the community this year and numbers taking part almost doubled
For many this was their “summer holiday” as they are no longer able to pack a suitcase, book a ticket and travel to the railway station. However, for all of us it was a time to share fellowship, laughter and the pleasure of enjoying days out together.
We managed to get funding for our luxury coach which meant that even those struggling financially could afford a summer holiday!
In the Diocese of Norwich, Anna Chaplaincy is a pathway for pastoral ministry. Anna Chaplains are firstly trained and authorised as Authorised Pastoral Assistants, who support local churches. All Authorised Pastoral Assistants focus on pastoral care, but an individual’s ministry varies according to their gifts and skills and the local situation.
To find out more about Anna Chaplaincy: Anna Chaplaincy – Diocese of Norwich
