Brother John Green’s Journey – Week Two

From Lowestoft to Edinburgh – A Week of Adventure, Kindness, and Growing Fame

Brother John Green’s second week on the road was a testament to his resilience and the generosity of those he met along the way. Travelling by bus, he journeyed through the historic towns of Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, North Walsham, Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea, King’s Lynn, Spalding, Boston, Lincoln, Hull, Bridlington, Scarborough, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and finally, Edinburgh. His route was filled with unexpected moments, supportive communities, and a growing sense of purpose as his story spread across the nation.

8th May – The Scenic East Coast

Brother John began the day in Lowestoft, catching the X1 bus to Great Yarmouth. Despite station closures that made connections tricky, he found his way with the help of two local policemen—proof that a bit of old-fashioned “Ask a Policeman” advice still works wonders. His bus guardian angel, James Freeman, had even alerted Kieran Smith of Sanders Coaches that Brother John might need a hand finding his bus. Kieran kindly sent out search parties when he didn’t arrive at the right stop, but Brother John, ever resourceful, caught the X6 to North Walsham in good spirits.

He then travelled onwards to Cromer, where he indulged in fresh local crab, and continued through Wells-next-the-Sea before arriving in King’s Lynn. There, Mr. and Mrs. Gifford graciously hosted him, providing a bed and supper, along with tales of King’s Lynn’s deep-rooted history in the Hanseatic League. Brother John later reflected that it was these unexpected acts of kindness that made the journey so memorable.

9th May – A Grand Arrival in Lincoln

On 9th May, Brother John continued from King’s Lynn to Spalding, then on to Boston, finally arriving in Lincoln by mid-afternoon. His accommodation there proved less than ideal—no hot water and blocked drains—but Brother John took it in his stride, moving swiftly to the Travelodge Lincoln City Centre without complaint. His philosophy of “overcoming, not moaning” shone through, a testament to his resilient spirit.

12th May – Venturing North: Lincoln to Bridlington

After a restful weekend, Brother John was back on the road, heading from Lincoln to Hull, where he explored the historic Paragon Interchange before catching the 121 bus to Bridlington. His updates from the road were cheerful, with descriptions of green fields, bustling market towns, and the odd hiccup with bus timings. But as always, Brother John took it in his stride, noting that “a good journey is one where you meet good people—and I have met many.”

13th May – Coastal Views and Kindness in Scarborough and Middlesbrough

The next day saw Brother John head to Scarborough, where he marvelled at the coastline before continuing on to Middlesbrough. His travel log included a note of gratitude for the friendly bus drivers who went out of their way to make sure he got to the right stops. He spoke fondly of the North Sea glimmering under the morning sun, with stretches of sandy beaches visible from the window and colourful beach huts that peppered the coastline. As the bus wound its way north, Brother John spotted Whitby Abbey perched majestically on the cliffside—a fleeting glimpse of history that seemed to watch over the waves.

But the journey wasn’t without its surprises. On arrival in Middlesbrough, Brother John realised he had made excellent time and was able to catch an earlier bus than planned to Newcastle. This fortunate twist of timing gifted him a rare pocket of leisure in the busy schedule. He took full advantage, finding a charming little café near the station where he enjoyed a cup of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge. It was a welcome pause to reflect on the journey so far—an unexpected luxury that he embraced with typical good cheer.

He arrived in Newcastle in the late afternoon, where he would spend the night at Durham Aged Miners’ Almshouses. The accommodation was comfortable, and Brother John took the opportunity to reflect on the long stretch of coast he had travelled.

14th May – From Newcastle to Edinburgh

On Wednesday, Brother John departed Newcastle and made his way to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The journey was scenic and serene, with views of rolling hills, fields of heather, and historic stone bridges. The bus crossed over the Royal Border Bridge, its elegant arches spanning the River Tweed, offering stunning views of the estuary and Berwick’s red-bricked rooftops. Brother John took in the lush greenery and coastal cliffs with the eyes of a true traveller—savouring every moment of the ride.

His arrival in Edinburgh was met with a buzz of excitement—his media appearances were gaining traction, and more people were reaching out to hear his story. His granddaughter Anna reported that his TikTok account had exploded with views, with many asking questions about his journey and the history of St Cross.

Brother John’s journey was now the subject of multiple press pieces, including The Telegraph, The Sun, The Express, The Times, and even a BBC Radio Wales interview. His scheduled appearance on GB News was set for Thursday morning, and his spirits were high despite the miles under his belt.

15th May – Edinburgh and Beyond, Building Momentum

As of today, Brother John is still exploring the historic beauty of Edinburgh, preparing for his next adventure to St Andrews and then Dundee. His journey has sparked national interest, with donations rising steadily and social media engagement driving awareness for St Cross and his remarkable circumnavigation of the UK by bus.

Brother John reflected this morning on the kindness he has encountered along the way—from hosts opening their homes to bus drivers offering directions. His determination to keep going, despite the small adversities of travel, has made him a symbol of perseverance and community spirit.

Media Spotlight and Growing Support

Brother John’s story is spreading. His interviews and articles across national media have drawn attention not just to his journey but also to the charitable work of St Cross. The TikTok updates run by his granddaughter Anna have been particularly impactful, with many people asking how they can support. Donations have surged following the media coverage, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement around his next stops.

Looking Ahead

Brother John is set to travel from Edinburgh to St Andrews, then onwards to Dundee and Blairgowrie over the next few days. His journey is far from over, and his spirit remains unyielding. With the support of his team and the kindness of strangers, Brother John’s journey continues to inspire and captivate communities across the UK.

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.