Rogationtide is a time for asking for blessings on the growing crops and giving thanks for the bounty we have around us here in Fradswell. It is an opportunity for everyone to join in - to ask for blessings and give thanks to whoever or whatever they choose, or simply to enjoy the walk. This year, our ninth, we begin at Brink Farm, Fradswell on Sunday 10th May.
Please arrive in good time to be ready to walk at 10.00am.
We’ll set off on a 5-mile walk to ‘Beat the Bounds’- a very old custom from a time when it was important to know the oundaries of the parish.
We’ll take in parts of the parish boundary not normally accessible, visiting places of note including a parish marker stone, two points where three parishes meet, the church, and some beautiful lakes.
And there just might be cider along the way!
At each stopping point, a small cross handmade from hazel cut from a local farm will be set in place. Each cross is engraved with the year and placed alongside those from previous walks. Over time, they weather and return to the ground, carrying with them the blessings given. A 17th century poet described Rogation as bringing “a blessing for the fruits of the field, justice in the preservation of bounds, charity in loving walking and neighbourly accompanying one another, with reconciling differences at the time, if there be any.”
Dogs on short leads are very welcome. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking across farmland. The walk usually takes around three hours. There will be rustic refreshments on our return to Brink Farm, including Fradswell cider, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Donations towards the cost of refreshments are welcome, with any surplus going to Katherine
House Hospice in memory of Helen Holland — a much loved and greatly missed member of our community.
This is a community-led event, open to all, with no affiliation to any organisation.