A NEW BOOK IS LAUNCHED .....

Following the wonderful response to the PRAYING THE KEEILLS ART COMPETITON in 2007, the young people of our Island schools were set a new challenge in 2008 - a KEEILLS WRITING COMPETITION. The entries proved to be a credit to the children and to their teachers who guided and inspired them. The theme of Praying the Keeills Week 2008 is HOPE SPRINGING FROM THE HEART OF MANN and the excellent entries for the writing competition are reminders of the hope and potential that lies in the young of the Isle of Man. But, above all, in their writing, the children remind us that our true and lasting hope lies in God, whose presence can be experienced at the keeill sites, and yet is with us wherever we are.

THE QUALITY OF THE WORK OF THE WINNERS OF THIS COMPETITION WAS SO HIGH THAT WE HAVE PRODUCED A SPECIAL BOOKLET "HOPE SPRINGING FROM THE HEART OF MANN" WHICH CONTAINS ALL THE WINNING AND HIGHLY COMMENDED ENTRIES FROM THE WRITING COMPETITION, PLUS A SELECTION OF WINNING PICTURES FROM THE 2007 ART COMPETITION. It costs just £1 and is available from:

CHURCHES BOOKSHOP
HOWARD STREET
DOUGLAS

THE WELL BOOK AND COFFEE SHOP
BROADWAY
DOUGLAS

REVEREND PETER ROBINSON
THE VICARAGE
ARBORY ROAD
CASTLETOWN

FAREWELL FROM OUR PILGRIM BLOGGER

“Well folks, that’s the end of my ‘Keeills Blog’ – and now it's time for me to bid farewell to the Island and my Manx friends, heading back ‘across’ by plane to Gloucester airport. I have so enjoyed being part of Praying the Keeills Week here, and have many happy and treasured memories to take back with me. I have been asked to write a little about myself – so here goes…!

I live in Sidmouth, Devon – so am able to enjoy coast and country in another beautiful area of God’s world. I enjoy walking (often with my little dog), swimming in the sea (when it’s warm enough), as well as reading, crosswords, and Sudoku puzzles. I am very involved in my local Anglican church and also Churches Together in Sidmouth, as well as Christian Aid. My two daughters live in Bristol and Salisbury and I have a delightful grandson and granddaughter. I am a leader of Pilgrim Adventure holidays – a small organisation which leads holidays in Celtic areas of the British Isles. I have just led a Pilgrim Adventure holiday in the Isles of Scilly, and am leading another in Cornwall in September. I first came to the Isle of Man in March 2007 by invitation of Barbara Bregazzi and Phil Craine to find out a little about the Island and its keeills. Then I led a Pilgrim Adventure holiday here in July (helped by Barbara and Phil) – and I hope to return to lead another PA holiday in August 2009. It has been so good to meet and have fellowship with many of you, and I wish you God’s Blessing on all your work for Him in your lovely island – and beyond.

Jill Atkinson

To find out more about Pilgrim Adventure holidays, click on the LINKS tab on this site, and there you will find a link to Jill's website - www.pilgrim-adventure.org.uk

PILGRIM'S BLOG - THE FINAL DAY

SATURDAY 24 MAY

About 25 of us gathered at the Sloc car park on a rather cold and windy morning for our final gathering of Praying the Keeills Week. We were led in worship by Rev Norma Cole (Vicar of Rushen) in a service commemorating the ministry of John and Charles Wesley – so it was appropriate that we should sing two rousing hymns. Then Norma led us in a helpful time of prayer and reflection before sending us on our way.

We set off up Lhiattee ny Beinnee, a rather steep hillside, and we were all glad of a breather at the top! We then carried on along the cliff top, with lovely distant views of Niarbyl in one direction and the Calf in the other. We stopped for some reminiscences from Malcolm Kinley, one of our number who comes from this area. Then we had a short prayer, led by Phil Craine, as we passed near the site at Raclay attributed to Patrick’s landing on the Isle of Man, before heading down to Fleshwick beach for our picnic lunch.

We carried on along lanes and tracks, climbing through Surby village, and pausing briefly for worship led by Barbara Bregazzi at the site of an early keeill, of which no visible trace remains today. Continuing along the green lane track through open moorland, we soon arrived back at our starting place. We joined hands for a final blessing led by Phil and the Grace in Manx by Paul Bregazzi, then said our goodbyes to one another at the end of an inspiring and wonderful Keeills Week.

Jill Atkinson

PILGRIM'S BLOG - DAY SEVEN

FRIDAY 23 MAY

The church hall at Maughold was packed to capacity with about 75 people at 9pm for a ‘simple’ (but very adequate) supper of delicious home-made soup, followed by a wonderful variety of homemade cakes with a welcome cup of tea.

We then collected our ‘Celtic lanterns’ - a candle in a jam jar! – and walked over to the churchyard. Here we were led in the lovely evening service of Compline by Canon David Green, Vicar of Kirk Maughold. This was divided into three parts and held at each of the keeills in the churchyard, and we crowded round these as we joined in the responses. As we made our way towards the church, the candlelight shone out through the beautiful stained glass windows of the church, giving us a welcome as we processed into the church for our final act of worship. The church was packed to the doors and there was a wonderful spirit of unity as we sang together ‘The day Thou gavest Lord is ended’ – a wonderful end to the day when once again we had made new friends and enjoyed fellowship together in the joy of our shared faith.

Jill Atkinson

PILGRIM'S BLOG - DAY SIX

THURSDAY 22 MAY

On a rather windy afternoon we met in the shelter of the keeill on St Michael’s Isle having walked across from Castletown Golf Links hotel car park. Rev David Perkins, the minister of Castletown Methodist church, conducted a lovely Celtic service, reminding us of the wind of the Spirit blowing – exemplified in the wind we could hear around us. As we sang ‘For the beauty of the earth’ I was reminded of God’s hand in creation which we could see all around us… the raging sea… the beauty of the wild flowers – pink sea thrift, white sea campion, blue squill …the inquisitive seal popping up for a closer look at the shelducks bobbing up and down on the water, or searching for interesting things on the shore line.


Frank Cowin was on hand to give us all the information about the history of St Michael’s keeill; then we moved on to the fort and were able to go inside and explore, and learn more about its past as a strategic defensive position. After a short talk and prayer by Frank, people then had the opportunity to enjoy a cuppa and chat with friends at the hotel.

PILGRIM'S BLOG - DAY FIVE

WEDNESDAY 21 MAY

Another lovely summer’s evening as about 40 of us gathered for a walk around Marown. We met first of all at Crosby Methodist Church, where we were led in a short time of reflective worship by the Minister, Rev Grace Easthope. We then walked up companionably to Keeill Vreeshey, set in a lush grassy field. The keeill was charmingly overgrown with ferns and bluebells, and we all gathered together while Frank (Cowin) explained the history of the keeill to us, and then led us in some Celtic prayers. It was a quiet evocative place where one could easily imagine the saints of old meeting and living their simple life of work and prayer (See photo - Keeill Vreeshey)

We then moved down the hill and along a wooded green lane, pausing for some more prayers along the way, before we reached the ancient church of St Trinians (dedicated to St Ninian). A fascinating roofless building, with one wall repaired with ornate arches and stonework, and the remains of two early crosses at the east end. Here again Frank was able to fill us in with some more details of the history of this building, before leading us in a final evening act of worship. Then it was back to Crosby along the disused railway line (which used to run from Douglas to Peel), surrounded by hedges heavily laden with spectacular white hawthorn blossom. In the church hall, we enjoyed tea and delicious home-made cakes, and time for a chat with new friends we had met along the way.”

Jill Atkinson

(www.pilgrim-adventure.org.uk)
To learn more, go to the LINKS tab and visit Jill's own website

PILGRIM'S BLOG - DAY FOUR

TUESDAY 21 MAY

On another lovely sunny morning, 23 adults, 2 small children and a dog met at Glen Mooar beach car park to begin the walk up through the glen. The woods were at their best with the light filtering through the trees and the last remaining bluebells, primroses and garlic still flowering and scenting the air. We soon came upon the ancient keeill of Cabbyl Pherick set in a leafy glade and here in this beautiful place we were led in in an act of worship by Reverend Leslie Guthrie (of the United Reformed Church).
People then had the opportunity to sit quietly at the keeill and reflect on the beauty of creation and the felt presence of God and then go and visit the spectacular Spooyt Vane waterfall.

We then continued on our way along Staarvey Road until we reached Keeill Pherick a Dromona - a keeill set amongst beautiful scenery of hills on one side and the very blue sea on the other. We noted in the near distance the chapel of Cronk y Voddy which has now been renovated into a dwelling house. Phil then led us in another short service and we then decided to have our picnic lunch in this idyllic spot. A solitary curlew flew overhead with its distinctive cry but otherwise all was quiet and peaceful.

After a short rest, we carried on along the road, then descended to the main road before joining the coast road (Raad Ny Foillan ) which goes along the old railway line which used to run between Douglas and Ramsey via St. John’s. There were wild flowers in abundance and the heady scent of the brilliant yellow gorse attracted a variety of butterflies including orange tip, small blue, small copper and varieties of fritillaries.
We also saw an intriguing iridescent insect and a furry caterpillar hurrying on its way.
After about 8 miles (in total ) of walking, we descended back into Glen Mooar underneath the old railway viaduct and went down to collect our cars. Another lovely walk, ably led by Barbara with Paul acting as back- up driver for those who felt they couldn’t quite complete the course.

Jill Atkinson
www.pilgrim-adventure.org.uk

PILGRIM'S BLOG - DAY THREE

MONDAY 19 MAY

About 25 of us gathered this morning at Bride Parish Church in the far north of the Island (see photo) Here we were given an informative talk by Frank Cowin on the ancient crosses. He gave us helpful explanations of the carvings and ancient runes contained on them. We admired the window dedicated to St. Bridget with one of her ‘chickens’ (an oystercatcher) at her feet. We were then led in a short service by the vicar, the Revd. Peter Upton-Jones before having time to inspect the crosses more closely and an opportunity to explore the graveyard with many interesting inscriptions.

We then moved on to Kirk Andreas with its impressive display of ancient crosses. Here, again Frank was able to explain the significance of many of the symbols and the ancient stories behind them. We then moved into the church itself (dedicated to St. Andrew ) for a Celtic act of worship led by the vicar, the Revd. Gordon Barker. Coming out of the church , some were privileged to see a large hare sitting in the churchyard.

Then we were back in our cars to Bride to visit the recently re-opened café (Bride Tearooms) where we enjoyed a wonderful variety of food ( I had a huge bowl of home-made soup brimming with vegetables served with freshly baked bonnag bread )
As it was such a beautiful day, some of us decided to go on to the Point of Ayre . This was my first visit to this wild and wonderful place and I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it. In the distance, we could clearly see the coast of Scotland and the mountains of the Lake District and we were fascinated to watch the gannets and tern as they dived from a great height to catch their fish.

Later, in the evening, about 60 gathered at the Promenade Methodist Church where we were led in worship by the minister, Rev’d. David Shirtliff, where we sang a song from Iona accompanied by him on the piano accordion. Then we had an interesting talk by Frank on the Saints of the Isle of Man followed by a whistle-stop slide show of the stained glass window saints of the Island. The Rev’d Chris Belfield closed the evening with some Manx prayers, then it was time for tea , coffee and biscuits before wending our way homeward after an action- packed day!

Jill Atkinson
www.pilgrim-adventure.org.uk
Go to the LINKS section of this site to find out more about Pilgrim Adventures

PILGRIM'S BLOG - DAY TWO

SUNDAY 18 MAY

On a beautiful sunny afternoon about 40 of us gathered at Kirk Braddan for our ‘Praying the Keeills’ service led by the vicar, Philip Frear. This was based around the life of the Celtic Saint Brendan to whom the church is dedicated. Frank Cowin gave an interesting talk on the history of the three holy sites; the present parish church, Old Kirk Braddan and the service field where thousands of holidaymakers would throng to worship. We joined heartily in the singing of hymns and in the responses to the reading and the prayers. We were also led in a time of quiet reflection by Carolyn Shipstone who used slides of keeills and the Manx countryside to illustrate her meditation.

Then we all filed out of the church, pausing on our way to look at the stained glass windows of Saints German, Columba, Maughold and Brendan in the Lady Chapel, and also to admire the Celtic crosses and stained glass window paintings made by the Sunday School children.

Out into the warm sunshine, we gathered on the service field (see photo) amongst beautiful bluebells and ferns for a Celtic time of worship led by Malcolm Peacock, Chairman of the Isle of Man District of the Methodist Church.

Then it was across the road and through the wild garlic scented graveyard where Frank gave another informative talk about the various crosses and the history of this lovely little church. We then shared in another simple service together before heading out again into the warmth and light of the beautiful May afternoon having shared together in a moving and spiritual experience.

Jill Atkinson
www.pilgrim-adventure.org.uk

(And thanks to Graham Platt for the photograph of pilgrims gathering on the service field at Kirk Braddan)

PILGRIM'S BLOG - DAY ONE

Last year I brought a group from ‘Pilgrim Adventure’ - a group which organizes Christian journeys in the British Isles- to discover the Isle of Man and explore some of its ancient keeills . I was delighted to have the opportunity of joining the ‘Praying the Keeills Week 2008’.

SATURDAY 17 MAY

About 20 of us gathered mid-morning at Ballasalla railway station - arriving by train, car, motorbike or on foot. We started with a simple prayer, led by Phil, to set us on our way, then leaving behind the dust and noise of the lorries hurtling along the road between the quarry and the airport, we soon joined a footpath which led us down to the coast. We paused to visit the ancient hill fort of Cass ny Howin with its views over the sea, then carried on up the beautiful Santon Gorge with its profusion of bluebells and primroses until we reached Ballawoods Keeill - a large raised open space surrounded by low sod walls and set in peaceful woodland with a stream running below. Here Barbara led us in a time of worship followed by a time of quiet reflection when we could think about saints of long ago who lived their lives and worshipped in this holy place. While we were there suddenly the sun came out, the sky brightened to a brilliant blue and all was warmth and light. Some of us went down to the stream to listen to its music as it bubbled on its way and to delight in a party of mallards on a family outing.

Then it was on to Santon church (built on the site of a keeill) where Peter Robinson (vicar of Castletown, Arbory and Santon) led us in a Celtic service. After looking at the fine crosses displayed in the church it was time to enjoy our picnic lunch. Soon we were on our way to the beautiful coastline around Port Grenaugh with its spectacular display of wild flowers, like a wonderful coastal garden. There were white sea campions, pink thrift and tiny blue squill in an amazing riot of colour. We spotted various seabirds on our way - the handsome oyster catcher with its shrill cry, some fulmers resting cosily on a rocky ledge and gannets diving from a great height into the water. We made a small detour to admire the view from Cronk ny Merriu iron age fort which intriguingly incorporates the remains of a Viking long house within its walls.
Then it was up the road to Santon station to catch the steam train home after a wonderful day out in the beauty of God’s creation - praying, walking and enjoying fellowship with one another.

The PILGRIM'S BLOG is written by Jill Atkinson
Her "Pilgrim Adventure" Group has a website - click on the LINKS tab to visit
www.pilgrim-adventure.org.uk

Thanks to Phil Craine for his photo of Saturday's pilgrims crossing the Santon Burn