Visiting Churches Group Update 16-04-26

This is a group interested in visiting and learning about local churches in the area.
However we are looking for a group co-ordinator and volunteers to help organise the proposed trips.

We now have a u3a Visiting Churches WhatsApp Group, text or email Richard Orr with your name and mobile number if you wish to join. You do need to be a member of Easingwold & District u3a to be part of the group

Evening

We will be visiting some of the Ryedale churches, which are part of the Saint Aelred Pilgrims Trail that connects all the churches in the area.

I have been out to check the churches and routes. The reality is that we will only be able to visit the ones close to Helmsley and Rievaulx
The itinerary is quite flexible depending on what people want

Thursday am 23rd. April

Meet up at the Galtres big Car park, for car share and 9.30am start and head to Rieevaulx

Itinerary

Morning
10am (approx) Rievaulx (YO62 5LB)
Visit St Mary the Virgin's Church, Rievaulx Methodist Church and possibly Rievaulx Abbey (visitors center)
Then head to All Saints, Old Byland, St Michael’s, Cold Kirby and St Michael’s, Cold Kirby

Afternoon (optional)
Optional for anyone who wants to make a full day out
12.30am  (approx) Helmsley
Lunch
Visit All Saints' Church, Helmsley and Helmsley Methodist Church
If time worth visiting St Mary Magdalene's Church, East Moors
This is a little gem, difficult to find but worth the effort

 I need to know

1. If you want to come for the morning
2. If you want to stay for the afternoon
3. If you can want a lift or have space in your car for the morning or afternoon

 I will have 3 spaces and am flexible regarding the afternoon depending on demand 

More details about the churches can be found on the following link

https://www.saintaelredspilgrimtrail.com/our-churches

We are looking for members interested in setting up a Visiting Churches Group. Many u3a's have similar groups that explore the social, architectural, artwork, and historic role of churches.

We are surrounded by numerous old churches, some big, some small, some special, some not so special, but every one has a unique story to tell. These stories are embedded within the fabric of the church and in the social history of the generations of local lords, vicars, and ordinary people who have contributed to the making of the church as we see it today.

The idea is to meet monthly and visit a couple of churches each trip out, possibly combining the visits with a lunch or picnic.

We have a member willing to kick start the group but need to know who might be interested. Days, times, etc., would be for members to decide.

Please note that this is not a walking group or public transport group; travel would probably be by car share.

Recommended Reading
Church Crawlers “bible”, England’s Thousand Best Churches by Simon Jenkins.