sanctuary@walsingham
Catholic?
In your late teens/twenties?
Sanctuary@Walsingham is THE International Prayer Festival of 2010.
It gives you the time and space you need to think about your faith, in amazing surroundings and a stress free environment. You can attend walks, talks, services and workshops which will make you want to explore your faith.
Don't worry if you're a bit strapped for cash; just give what you can afford.
General information:
Who is this event for?
Young adults in their late teens/twenties who want to reconnect with God. Families are also most welcome.
When is it?
Over the bank holiday weekend in August. Registration starts on the afternoon of Thursday 26 August. This five-day event finishes at lunchtime on Monday 30 August.
Why is it in Walsingham?
Walsingham is a major place of pilgrimage, housing the Roman Catholic National Shrine to Our Lady in the Slipper Chapel at Houghton St Giles. It's also a beautiful area, so look forward to strolls through the country lanes to the village of Walsingham itself and chilled-out sunsets over the rolling hills. Visit the shrine website for more information about Our Lady of Walsingham and the origins of the pilgrimage centre.
Policy on under 18s and over 35s: If you are bringing under 16s to the Festival: they must be accompanied by a responsible guardian, at a ratio of 1 adult to every 5 children. Every group with under 16s must be accompanied by at least 2 responsible guardians: otherwise, in the event of an emergency that results in one of the minors having to leave the retreat, the remainder of the group will have to leave the retreat with the guardian too. If you are bringing a group of under 16s with both boys and girls and you are staying overnight: the group must be accompanied by the correct number of male and female guardians who must sleep in the same accommodation. Minors cannot be left unsupervised at any time. If you are 35 or over and you are not part of a family group, or not acting as a guardian to under 16s, we suggest (1) stay in a B&B in the village; (2) bring your own tent and camp in the pond field (we can direct you when you arrive) - this is an area put aside for over-35 volunteers at the festival. If you are attending with a family group, you must stay in the designated family area. Can I help promote sanctuary@walsingham? Yes, if you would like to promote this event in you parish please contact the National Office and we will be able to provide you with a short note for the parish bulletin, publicity material and a short talk that could be given at the end of Mass. Contact details are as follows: 020 8675 2743 or info@youth2000.org
How do I get there?
By Car
There are some great print-out directions you can download from the website of the Roman Catholic shrine. The postcode (for your sat nav) is NR22 6AL (avoid the ford by the shrine).
By Rail/Bus
The nearest rail stations are Norwich and Kings Lynn, which are both 27 miles away. However, you can then get a bus from Norwich to nearby Fakenham from Norwich.
By Coach
This year we are running a number of coaches, please see details below:
To reserve your seat, please post £30 cheques with your name, coach region journey and email address to Youth 2000 National Office: 36 Nightingale Square, Balham, London, SW12 8QN.
COACH FROM LONDON TO WALSINGHAM
OUTWARD Departure: Thurs 26 August at 11am from Westminister Cathedral, Ambrosden Avenue in Victoria, to Walsingham
Departure: Fri 27 August at 7pm from Westminister Cathedral, Ambrosden Avenue in Victoria to Walsingham RETURN:
Departure: Mon 30 August at 12pm from Walsingham to Westminister Cathedral, Victoria London
COACH FROM NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND TO WALSINGHAM
OUTWARD:
Departure: Thurs 26th August 10.30am: Pick-Up at Chorlton Street Bus Station, Manchester
12.30pm: Pick-Up at Digbeth Coach Station, Birmingham
7-8pm: Arrival at Walsingham
RETURN:
Departure: Mon 30 August at 12pm from Walsingham via Birmingham and Manchester.
What happens at a Youth 2000 retreat? Click here to find out!
Where would I stay?
You have several choices when it comes to accommodation – bringing your own tent, sleeping in one of the Youth 2000 marquees, or staying in a hotel/B&B in Little Walsingham village. If you're staying in a tent or in one of the marquees, all you'll need to bring are a sleeping bag, roll-mat, wash kit, torch and ear plugs. Please don't bring expensive items such as an iPod or jewellery.
Bringing your own tent
This is a popular option. There are two fields right next to the main pilgrimage site, one for men and one for women. There is also a family field. The fields contain portaloos and there is always lots of room to pitch your tent. A bus arrives in the morning to take campers on a shower run. There are also toilet facilities within the shrine complex across the road.
Staying in one of the marquees
If you don't have your own tent, there are two giant marquees in which to sleep – again, one for men and one for women. If you choose this option, we strongly recommend that you bring a roll-mat or airbed and a pair of ear plugs, as you will be sharing the tent with quite a lot of other people (although there's always enough space!). Staying in a hotels or B+B
These tend to get booked up pretty quickly because there aren't very many and they tend to be small (but well-run!). Prices range from £20 to £50 for a single room. They are mainly based in Little Walsingham village a short (10 min) walk away from the pilgrimage site.
Some options include:
Pilgrims Rest
61 High St, Little Walsingham, Walsingham, NR22 6BZ
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820043 Black Lion Hotel
Friday Market Pl, High Street, Little Walsingham, Walsingham, NR22 6DB
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820235 St Hilary's House
Cleaves Dr, Walsingham, NR22 6EQ
Phone: +44 (0)1328 821688 The Old Bakehouse Guesthouse and Tearooms
33 High Street, Little Walsingham, NR22 6BZ
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820454 The Bull Inn
8 Common Pl, Walsingham, NR22 6BP
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820333 Other numbers to try: Catholic Pilgrimage Bureau +44(0)1328 820217
Hospice of Our Lady of Walsingham – +44 (0)1328 820239
Robin Hood Public House - +44 (0)1328 820252
Knights Guest House +44 (0)1328 820200
Another option would be to try calling guest-houses in nearby Fakenham (5 miles away), if you have a car and are able to drive there.
Visit our blog at: http://youth2000blog.blogspot.com/2010/06/update-from-youth-2000-hq.html