Suffolk patron, 76, to walk for Little Massingham Church
A church patron from Suffolk is embarking on epic fundraising trek along Roman roads through three counties to raise funds for Little Massingham Church.
Colchester resident, Rosemary Jewers, 76, will walk almost 90 miles while tracing the route of the Peddars Way, a Roman Road, which runs from her home in Essex, to Holme-next-to-Sea, in Norfolk.
The theft of the leading from Little Massingham Church was devastating news for the parishioners.
And, as patron of the church, Rosemary really wanted to help a small community raise the £150,000 needed to complete the refurbishment.
Peddars Way passes through Little Massingham, not far from the church and the village where Rosemary was born and bred.
On Tuesday, Rosemary and her walking companion, Rina Adams, will be leaving Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, to walk to the north Norfolk coast.
She will be trying to trace the ancient Roman route from Colchester, which joined the known Peddars Way which starts in Suffolk.
Rosemary said: “I’ve been keen to follow up a story handed down through some four generations of my family, that Peddars Way ran between Colchester and the Norfolk coast.
“Having been born and raised in Little Massingham, Norfolk, this family story really resonated with me.
“While undertaking this 90 or so mile walk, I’m hoping to raise funds to help Little Massingham Church.
“All of the money donated will go towards restoring the church roof after all the lead was stolen.”
Until a year ago Rosemary was unable to walk a mile but over the last few months, following a strict training regime, she can now manage more everyday, some days she will be walking more than 13 miles.
Rosemary and Rina welcome the company of anyone wishing to join them as they trek along sections of this timeworn Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk route.
High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell, has offered to walk with them all the way to the Suffolk border. Rosemary added: “I really appreciate Sir Bob offering us his support and we hope it will be an inspiration to others to join us along the route.’
Rosemary went on to say: “Colchester people have been very generous and from early on started donating to help renovate this Norfolk parish church.”
She is hoping that many more people in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk will be able to help her to reach just over her £5000 target.
They were due to start their trek in April but COVID-19 came along so they had to postpone the event.
Lings Country Goods, Lynn Road, Great Massingham, King’s Lynn PE32 2HJ, have all kindly offered to accept cash and cheque donations
made payable to Rosemary Jewers.
For those able to donate online she has a Just Giving page at: bit.ly/2wBvJS5
