17th September 2009

The Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, will walk from Ely to Cambridge on Sunday 27 September to acknowledge the lasting relationship of the Diocese of Ely and the University, in years when both institutions mark a significant anniversary.

In addition to being the 900th anniversary of the Diocese of Ely, 2009 also marks the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge.

The Diocese covers the county of Cambridgeshire as well as a portion of west Norfolk. The seat of the Bishop is located at Ely Cathedral.

The Bishop and his fellow walkers will walk 17 miles, following the Fen Rivers Way along the east side of the Great Ouse and Cam Rivers from Ely to Clayhithe Bridge, just outside Cambridge. Among those who will join the Bishop on his walk will be the Bishop of Huntingdon, Dr David Thomson, Archdeacon of Cambridge, John Beer, and Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech, Hugh McCurdy.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor Alison Richard, will meet up with the Bishop at Chesterton for the final leg of the walk. All University and College boat clubs will be flying their flags as the procession makes its way along Midsummer Common to the finishing point on Jesus Green.

Following the walk, a reception will take place at the University’s oldest college, Peterhouse, which was founded by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, in 1284.

The Bishop and his fellow walkers will set out from Ely after a short service at Ely Cathedral, starting at 9.15am. The walk will end at Jesus Green at approximately 4.30pm.

All are welcome to join the Bishop at any point along the route. Those wishing to take part are asked to contact Mary Rone at mary.rone@office.ely.anglican.org.

The approximate timings *(photocall) for the day are:
9.15am *Short service in Ely Cathedral before the walk commences
12.15pm Lunch stop at 'Five Miles From Anywhere Inn', Upware
2.30pm Cross the river at Clayhithe (parking & train available in Waterbeach)
3.30pm *Meet the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alison Richard, at Chesterton (Penny Ferry, Water Street)
4.30pm *End of walk after short speeches on Jesus Green
5.00pm *The Bishop and Vice-Chancellor will travel by punt from Magdalene Bridge to the Mill Pool
5.30pm VIP reception at Peterhouse

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

17th September 2009
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