Over 600 children from 19 local primary schools plus 100 volunteers joined forces at Malvern Priory during the week of Lifepath to celebrate the lives of the Benedictine monks who founded the church almost 1000 years ago.
The children took part in 15 different activities all based on the daily lives of the monks. These ranged from architecture to spinning and medieval medicines to the very special prayer journey during which they remembered those people dearest to them and matters closest to their hearts.
Lifepath has been running for 18 years and was the biggest one held yet. It is also the largest event for children held within the diocese.
The new chairman Vicky Whitehouse was delighted with its success but it was of course a rocky road at times.
‘I have learned so much,’ she said. ‘There have been nerves with starting a new role but there has been laughter, a few tears, silliness, dancing, singing, music and bells ringing.’
She paid tribute to the volunteers who helped to run the week.
‘Every single person, every role, is vital to the success of Lifepath. New friendships are made, old friendships renewed and of course the silent prayers and spoken prayers given to God. What a testament to everyone. Thankyou.’
With over 100 children from local primary schools in the Priory each weekday and, for the first time, a group of home educated youngsters, you might think the ancient building was constantly noisy but as the vicar of Malvern Rev. Roger Latham rang the handbell after each activity and intoned ‘Show me your ways Lord’ silence fell for a whole 30 seconds…. a very long time when you’re just eight years old.
