The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday – 2nd March 2022 – and Bradford Cathedral will be marking this with an Ash Wednesday Eucharist at 7pm, in addition to their two regular services on the Wednesday morning at 8:15am and 10:15am. You are invited to join the services in person, or join the evening 7pm service online via the Cathedral’s YouTube page. The name ‘Ash Wednesday’ comes from the use of ashes on this day, which are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in ash with the sign of the cross. Lent is the 40-day period that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. The length of Lent reflects Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, and is a time of study and devotion for Christians. Many Christians today will take on extra works of charity, helping and supporting others as part of their Lenten "fast". Lent also emerged in Christian history as a time of study and devotion. Historically, many new Christians also prepared throughout Lent for their baptism, and entry into the life of God's Church, at Easter. The Revd Canon Paul Maybury, Acting Dean of Bradford, says: “We look forward to the annual season of Lent as a time of growth and transformation. Jesus was 'led by the Spirit' into the desert and confronted his own doubts and fears. He then came out of the desert and began his ministry with clarity and focus. I hope that you will join me, both on Ash Wednesday and at the four-week sessions, to grow in faith, understanding and commitment to God's work in this world." Bradford Cathedral will also be holding a four-week Lent course on Tuesday evenings from 7pm, starting on the 8th March and continuing, after a one-week gap, on the 22nd and 29th March and the 5th April. Each course day will focus on a different "miniature"- a parable or account from each of the four Gospels. The session will then end with Compline (Night Prayer). The Revd Canon Philip Gray, Acting Precentor, says: “Each evening will begin with a reading of the Gospel account, with time to reflect on and discuss both the Gospel text and the art offered, with questions and discussion. “By looking closely at each Gospel account alongside a piece of art inspired by the story, we hope to find insight into the person and life of Jesus.” The Cathedral’s regular Sunday services also continue during the period of Lent, including the 10:30am Eucharist, which takes place within the Cathedral and is also streamed live. Bradford Cathedral will be welcoming two guest preachers during the season: The Revd Henriette Howarth will preach at the Mothering Sunday service on the 27th March, and Phil Stone, Director of the Scargill Movement, will preach on the 3rd April. The Cathedral has also made available online resources for teachers, parents and carers, accessible on its website, alongside videos, both for the season of Lent and Shrove Tuesday, which takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. Bradford Cathedral will be marking this day with pancake races with the choir. For more information about the season of Lent including the services, Lent Course, and school resources, please visit bradfordcathedral.org/worship/lent
The trail links the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire and Fountains Abbey as well as passing through stunning countryside in Bradford District and North Yorkshire.The launch event at Bradford Cathedral from 9am to 10am is open to all, and celebrates the publication of a 60 page fully illustrated route guide with Ordnance Survey mapping which will be available to purchase on the day. The event also marks the start of a guided four-day inaugural walk of the trail beginning immediately after the launch ceremony at 10am. Finishing at Ripon Cathedral on Monday 2nd May, the walk coincides with the 1350th celebration of the founding of the Cathedral, and walkers will be invited, should they wish on arrival, to participate in the Beer Festival taking place that day as part of the weekend of festivities. David Asher, Secretary of the Burley Bridge Association, said:“The Yorkshire Heritage Way visits some of the most iconic historical sites in Yorkshire whilst walking through some of the best scenery the county has to offer, including the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Linking the centre of Bradford, one of the grandest cosmopolitan cities in the north of England with Ripon, one of the smallest and prettiest, the route also connects two of Yorkshire’s amazing World Heritage sites as well as two beautiful and historic cathedrals.“Saltaire village is an outstanding example of a mid-nineteenth century model town demonstrating the social and economic impact of the textile industry, while Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruins of a Cistercian monastery in England.“The route takes the walker through wildlife rich urban green corridors, stunning wooded valleys, alongside tranquil streams and rivers, across upland moor landscapes with extensive views, and past dramatic geological formations such as Brimham Rocks. There are many bridges to cross, including the thirteenth century Butterton Bridge built by Fountains Abbey monks which is featured on the waymarks along the route. The importance of constructing a bridge over the Wharfe at Burley will also be highlighted through providing a stronger link between communities and making attractions of the area accessible to a wider range of people all year round regardless of the river level. Whether walking, running or making a pilgrimage, the Heritage Way provides a bridge between the best of urban and rural Yorkshire!”Those wishing to take part in the 4 day walk should register beforehand, especially if wishing to book a place on the minibus transport arrangements being organised for the second, third and fourth days. The itinerary will be:Friday 29 April, Stage 1. Bradford Cathedral to Saltaire. 4.5 miles Departs 10amFriday 29 April, Stage 2. Saltaire to Burley in Wharfedale. 8.5 miles Departs 1pmSaturday 30 April, Stage 3: Burley in Wharfedale to Thruscross 10 miles: Departs 10amSunday 1 May, Stage 4: Thruscross to Brimham Rocks: 9 miles: Departs 10amMonday 2 May, Stage 5: Brimham Rocks to Ripon: 10 miles: Departs 10amA limited number of minibus places will be available to bring walkers back to Burley railway station on Saturday afternoon, and from Burley station to starting points on Sunday and Monday in time for the beginning of the walk. Return transport will be provided to Burley station at the end of each afternoon. A small contribution will be asked from walkers to cover transport costs. Burley in Wharfedale has frequent trains to and from Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley, and is linked by bus to Ilkley, Leeds and Harrogate.Those wishing to register for one or more days walking should send names and phone numbers to burleybridge@gmail.com. This is especially important if transport is required to walk Stages 3, 4 or 5. Full details will then be provided.Please get in touch by email if you would like further information, or phone David Asher on 07751 959494.
