walking - St Peter's Yaxley

I ventured out on my first Splash Walk at the end of May, unknowingly picking one of the longer walks to attend.

We trailed seven miles from The King’s Head in Wadenhoe to the National Trust’s Lyveden New Bield, and back again. The length of the walk allowed for plenty of conversation and adventure through muddy puddles, fields, kissing gates and long grass. Along the way, I thought of a few handy tips to share with new Splash Walkers:

1. Invest in waterproof walking boots/shoes
It’s safe to say I learnt why Splash Walks are aptly named ‘Splash’ walks. Although we had a beautiful sunny day for our walk there were areas in the woods that were still rather boggy from the previous days rain. In some areas we ventured through bushes in order to avoid muddy puddles, however not all could be avoided and resulted in two rather wet, inappropriately dressed feet. I didn’t let this dampen my spirit and it all added to the adventure bringing back happy childhood memories of rambling through woods.

2. Join the group for lunch
The prospect of a good pub lunch is more than enough to keep you going when you’re flagging three quarters of the way around! Another incentive is hearing Richard call the pub to start preparing the food, you know then that you’re on the home straight and that the Brie and Bacon sandwich is not far off! The pub also gives you time to relax together, catch up with anyone you didn’t get a chance to talk to during the walk, and rehydrate with your choice of drink!

3. Take a spare pair of shoes
Even if you don’t have wet feet or blisters, air to the feet feels a luxury after seven miles – a spare pair of flip flops or alternative are a must! Even more so if you are staying for food.

4. Take water
A combination of chatter and exercise calls for water! I enjoyed having time to get to know friends a little better and have since found out that there are many benefits from walking & talking in the countryside, such as help with depression, anxiety, grief and difficult life transitions.

5. Every once in a while, take a moment to look around
Whether it’s a brief pause from walking, or a pause in conversation, look up and take in the sights of the countryside, and all that God has created for us. The Splash Walk offered me an opportunity to explore somewhere I hadn’t been before and appreciate the beauty and stillness of the countryside.

Thank you to everyone who was on the May Splash Walk. Despite feeling a little achy and sporting flip flops for the following 24 hours, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The walk was definitely made easier with the flow of conversation and promise of a good meal with friends. This was my first walk in different terrains and one I found very enjoyable. It was lovely to explore new territory and discover a new village, where people swim in the river! I look forward to walking with you all again in the future!

The next Splash Walk is taking place on Saturday 30th June.

For more information on Splash Walks, please speak with Chris Grant or Richard Hilliard.

God Bless.
Laura Ashley (PCO) 07939 449255, lauraashley@saintpeters.co.uk

I was leading a church service recently and thinking about Jesus’ Ascension – when he returned to Heaven to sit on his throne at God’s right hand from where he prays for us all.

In order to illustrate my talk I needed three pairs of my shoes – some old, dirty black trainers, my slippers and my sandals. I had each of these pairs of shoes in a shoe box. As I brought each pair of shoes out of their box there were howls of laughter from the children present. I never did work out what was so funny about my shoes and when I asked the children to explain they just fell about laughing all over again!

I have never pretended to be a fashion aficionado and usually choose my shoes on price and comfort rather than appearance. I don’t think my shoes are particularly dated, but perhaps I’m wrong. Anyway, it was a great chance to look at some of the newer shoes the young people were wearing. It was very apparent that shoe (and indeed every other) fashion changes over time. By contrast, Jesus Christ and the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven are the same yesterday, today and forever. Whatever happens to fashion in shoes, whatever happens on earth and in our lives Jesus remains the same and loves all of us whatever our fashion sense might be.

Part of the reason I was illustrating my talk with shoes was to remind us all that following Jesus’ Ascension we are now called to “fill his shoes” on earth and to look after those in need in our community. Part of the way the members of St. Peter’s seek to fill Christ’s shoes on earth is through our Community Sunday project, which is on June 12th this year. Instead of having a church service, we spend the day doing small jobs for people around Yaxley who are unable to do the work themselves. If you know anyone who needs help – whether it’s a car wash or a hedge trim – then please contact us and let us know. There is no charge for this – although a cup of tea or glass of squash is always appreciated!

As always, you are all welcome at any of our services at St. Peter’s – details are here or give me a call.

With my prayers.

Jon Randall (Vicar) 01733 240339; vicar@saintpeters.co.uk

Read this article in the Yaxley Gazette.

My Splash Walk Tips

I ventured out on my first Splash Walk at the end of May, unknowingly picking one of the longer walks to attend.

Walking in someone else’s shoes

I was leading a church service recently and thinking about Jesus’ Ascension – when he returned to Heaven to sit on his throne at God’s right hand from where he prays for us all.