Bedford to Nottingham

Group outside St. Peter's church, Bedford

The wonderful evening meal in the house alongside the embankment in Bedford. We had a very simple meal but excellently cooked and presented and accompanied by plentiful wine.

Joyce inside the John Bunyan Church, Bedford

St. Peter's Church Bedford

This view was lit up outside the house we had our meal in Bedford

The evening in Bedford was very interesting. We all met at St. Paul's for the evening Eucharist and after we were taken to Peggy & Brian's home for our evening meal all together. This was done in the most spectacular fashion. Being as there was 16 of us I think we expected a buffet style meal, but what awaited us was most unexpected. A grand room held a very large table and it was laid up for us all and we all sat round it and had a 2 course hot meal. Their home is on the road by the embankment and the river which was lit by fairy lights and this we could see from the grand windows from the dining room. We all went home to our various places and all slept very well!

We were able to have a leisurely breakfast as we were not meeting until 9.30 at St. Pau's. We walked to the John Bunyan Church and then looked around the town and the market. Our 1st bus of the day left at 11.30 bound for Northampton. There we were able to go to the shopping centre to buy some lunch and then left an hour later for Leicester then Loughborough and then on to Nottingham. We missed our connection at Loughborough by minutes so we arrived at Nottingham later than expected. Here we were met by friends of Colin who immediatly rushed us off to catch yet another bus to their home for a quick wash and brush up as we had to get to the venue for the church Parish Supper being held back in the town. All was well and the evening went smoothly, although at that time we had no idea who we were staying with until the end of the meal when all was explained. The plan worked and we were all taken home to our various hosts for another good night sleep. Up to now we have travelled on 22 buses with 5 more tomorrow and 2 on Friday. It was a little too hot today as the sun came through the windows of the buses. We kept changing sides to try and keep in the shade.
Impressions of the trip is that the people are wonderful and very interested in what we are doing, some think we are mad, but most says what a wonderful thing we are doing. So it is all worth while. More photos later as it is now 10.40pm and it takes some time to upload them. Will try again tomorrow. Goodnight to you all.