The weather forecast for the day predicted rain, but all five pilgrims from Swaythling were committed and undaunted, for we knew WHY we were going. After a prayer we crowded into Gary’s car to move, on time, towards Hertfordshire by way of an uncrowned M3 and M25.

As we reached St Alban’s the rain became moderately heavy and we hurried into the Sports Centre Complex without any discomfort. This was what seasoned travellers call a ‘convenience stop’ and we enjoyed a hot drink at a table overlooking the swimming pool.

Leaving this haven after 15 mins or so, we were happy to move northwards in very little rain at all, joining in the general flow of Pilgrims towards the meeting place and the start of our drum-led section of walkers. Some pilgrims waited near the small footbridge on the north shore of the Lake with the leaders to be 100m away but in distinctive garb - 12ft effigies of the persecutor of Alban.

The main group led by the drummers marched to the solemn beat of the drums around the lakeshore, where they were met by the Effigy group from the other side, and led on over the small footbridge up the path to the Abbey at the top of the hill. The rain had ceased and our small Swaythling group soon found ourselves in the north entrance at the West Front of the Abbey beneath the fluttering flag. WE made some adjustments - rain-clothes off - and a chat to our neighbours, and after the slightest of delays we entered the great Abbey and were ushered to our seats - six rows from the front.

We were aware that Gwilym was ahead of us and sitting alongside the Mayor of St Alban’s, as he was later to lead the Intercessions during the service. The Choir of St Mary’s School, Cheshunt, sang the Bishop’s Hymn to my special delight, for I visited the School at Cheshunt 48 years ago. This hymn was followed by an all-seated song, and there was a feeling of exhilaration as we sang,

‘Thy hand, O God, has guided
Thy flock from age to age.’

The organ played the Fanfare and we all stood to sing the Procession hymn, which in its ninth verse stated:

Pilgrims now we come to worship
Here at Holy Alban’s shrine.
Meet the living Christ he died for,
Risen yet in bread and wine.
Let us pray to find God’s courage,
Seek the grace his love bestows,
Thankful for his faithful witness,
Holy Alban, England’s rose.
Amen. (to that!)

After the Greeting, Prayers of Penitence and Gloria, came the Collect and then the Reading from Hebrews 11:32-40, and the Gradual Hymn. Remaining standing we turned to face the Gospel Reading. The Sermon was given by the religious writer and broadcaster, Angela Trilby (Vicar of St Bene’t’s, Cambridge).

Gwilym well read the Intercessions and we started the Liturgy of the Sacrament with the Peace where people solemnly but joyfully greeted their neighbours. The Offertory Hymn, ‘Alleluia, sing to Jesus’ was, as usual, both inspirational and voluminous, and the fellowship feeling was palpable as we were led through the Service.

After the Eucharistic Prayer, we received Communion standing, during which the Choir sang two motets, and we all sang two hymns, and the end of Communion came together smoothly. We were dismissed by the Deacon’s ringing tone - Go in the Peace of Christ, and our reply, Thanks be to God.

Leaving the Abbey by the eastern route, we were happy to find that the rain had stopped, and we found a dry seat in the East-End Abbey Gardens to have our lunch. There was much to do in the early afternoon. Circus skills, chariot racing and lion taming and/or a visit to St Albans market stalls along the High Street.

By 3.00 the Abbey was starting to fill, but yet again we were fortunate to find five seats behind the Wardens’ Seats, as far forward as congregation members could be. We were ready for Evensong and the Abbey was close to being full.

The Processional Hymn was ‘Hail thee, festival day’, and the Dean welcomed the congregation, followed by the Opening Responses sung by the choir. The Reading from the Old Testament was read by the Treasurer of the Friends of St Alban’s Abbey. The Magnificat followed an Offertory Hymn, and was sung by the choir.

The Dean read the New Testament Lesson, Colossians 3:5-17, and this was followed by the Nunc Dimittis and the Apostles Creed. The Choir anthem was Exultate Deo (Rejoice in the Lord) by Palestrina, and the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell gave a strong meaningful sermon. The Bishop of St Alban’s gave the Blessing ‘Pray for us, Alban; pray for us, all Saints of God, That we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ. Amen.’

We all then processed to the Shrine of St Albans, singing hymns as we went. At the Shrine may placed roses or/and lit candles, and it was a very fitting and comforting close to a ‘belonging day’ which, rain included, will not be forgotten.

Alan Williams

P.S., The Abbey is having major work, costing £3m. The still have £400,000 to find, but the Abbey will still be open for the Pilgrimage next year on June 20th.

P.P.S., We are grateful to Gary for the pilgrimage, his company, and his car!