Week 1
Brother John Green’s Journey – The First Week
A Grand Departure and Farewell
Brother John Green set off on his adventure with a warm send-off, courtesy of James Freeman at the wheel of the Alfred Buses. Accompanying them was Mary Curry, Britain’s first professional female bus driver, who trained back in 1973—a trailblazer in her own right. His first stop was Fareham, and from there, the journey truly began. Supported by a wave of well-wishes from the team back at St Cross, Brother John embarked on his quest with spirit and determination.
On the Road to Brighton – A Meeting with the Monks
Brother John made his way to Brighton, where he was warmly received by Fr. Aidan Murray and the local monks. His stay with the community was marked by reflection and camaraderie, sharing stories and engaging in thoughtful discussions about faith, tradition, and the road ahead. Brother John described it in very fond terms and it was clear that the hospitality of the monks left a lasting impression on him.
A Historic Encounter in Canterbury
One of the standout moments of his first week was his arrival at Canterbury Cathedral. Greeted warmly by the Pilgrims’ Officer, John was honoured as if he were on a pilgrimage himself—which could be a valid description for this epic journey. His tour of the Cathedral included a visit with the Dean, attendance at Choral Evensong (where the Girls’ Choir performed beautifully), and a splendid evening at the Deanery, where he was “wined and dined most admirably.” Brother John remarked on the exceptional kindness of the Cathedral staff, noting that he had “never experienced such friendly, helpful, and kind reception in any institution.”
Visiting the Almshouse Community in Chelmsford
The journey continued with a meaningful stop at the almshouses of John Henry Keene, founder of the Pearl Insurance Company. There, Brother John met Peggy Adlington, a trustee, and her husband. Peggy introduced him to Beryl, a resident of 11 years who kindly showed him around her beautifully maintained bungalow. Beryl, an accomplished craftswoman, proudly displayed her impressive collection of pig figurines and badges. Brother John was touched by the sense of community and spirit of generosity he witnessed there, remarking on the warmth of his reception.
After the tour, Peggy and her husband extended their hospitality further by inviting Brother John into their own home, where he was “wined, dined, and provided with a luxurious bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.” Their kindness was a true testament to the community spirit that Brother John encountered throughout his journey.
On the Road to Dover and Beyond
Brother John’s journey then took him to Dover, where he settled in for the weekend and prepared for the next leg of his adventure. His bus rides offered quiet moments of reflection, and kindly Stagecoach staff, supporters and strangers-turned-friends ensured he stayed hydrated and well-fed along the way. Even with a few travel delays—like heavy traffic en route to Chelmsford—his spirits remained high. He embraced the unexpected with good humour, capturing snapshots and sending updates to his support group back home.
Social Media Sparks and Growing Interest
To add to the excitement, Brother John’s journey began picking up steam on social media—especially on TikTok, managed by his granddaughter Anna. One video alone garnered over 30,000 views, sparking curiosity and questions from all over the community. With Anna’s help, these interactions are now being captured, answered, and shared to help spread the word about his journey and the work of St Cross. Questions ranged from the history of St Cross to whether Anthony Trollope’s The Warden was inspired by it (spoiler: it was!).
Reflecting on the First Week
As the first week wrapped up, Brother John reflected on the warmth of those he met and the spirit of community that embraced him at every stop. Whether it was the kindness of strangers or the familiar support of his team back home, his first steps on this grand adventure were marked with connection, care, and a clear sense of purpose.
From James Freeman to Fr. Aidan Murray, Peggy and Beryl to the monks in Brighton, Brother John has already made lasting connections, proving that his journey is not just about the miles travelled but the hearts touched along the way.
