25th May 2009

This weekend (Sunday 24 May) hundreds of people flocked to the River Cam to see a flotilla of pleasure boats arrive at Baits Bite Lock with the Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, aboard. He was retracing a historic journey formerly made by his early predecessors to their summer residence.

Leading the crowds, the Bishop walked the last half mile from the Lock to his destination, Biggin Abbey. The present building still bears traces of the13th century summer palace close to Fen Ditton where former bishops had resided to be close to Cambridge University.

A juggler and medieval musicians with mingled with the guests, while children from Fen Ditton Primary School put on a display of Country Dancing

The event was part of the Diocese of Ely’s 900th Anniversary celebrations and had been masterminded by local resident Lindsay Davies, members of the Women’s Institute and a team of parishioners.

Earlier in the morning the Bishop had arrived at the Cambridge Motor Boat Club at Clayhithe before being taken by boat to preach at Horningsea Church.

For details and more information:

Canon Owen Spencer-Thomas, MBE
Bishop’s Press Officer
52 Windsor Road
Cambridge
CB4 3JN

Phone: 01223 358448
Mobile: 07801 492151
email: owenst@btinternet.com

25th May 2009
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