My Thames Pilgrimage Paddle - 13th August until...?

Clergy are encouraged to have an annual retreat to recharge our spiritual batteries.  As an active person, instead of retiring to a quiet monastery for contemplation, I prefer to find God in the natural world – therefore, I will be taking a week out to follow the Thames from its source to where the river becomes tidal at Teddington Lock, a total distance of around 150 miles.  This will involve running 12+ miles from the source to Cricklade and then paddling my inflatable canoe with stops along the way, sleeping mainly in a tent.  The journey is downhill, so the only complication will be that I will be accompanied by my Springer Spaniel, Ralph, who will no doubt be in and out of the canoe as the mood suits him!

A practice run approaching Shillingford Bridge

If you would like to sponsor me (or Ralph!) in aid of either Brightwell or Crowmarsh churches, please fill in the form at the welcome desk in church, or email me for a form.  (Unfortunately, online sponsorship providers don't recognise small churches as they are statutory charities and therefore don't have a charity number to validate).  Sponsorship forms can be downloaded here for Crowmarsh and Brightwell.

Exploring the Thame towards Dorchester

Update: We recently had a second day's test run paddling 13 miles down a beautiful stretch of the River Wye through Symonds Yat to Monmouth.  This is perfect for canoes with a bit more excitement than the Thames in the form of some mini-rapids - all good fun, although my wife didn't quite share my enthusiasm for spending hour after hour in the canoe.