Brother John’s Journey – Week Seven Diary

11–17 June 2025 | From Land’s End to Winchester

Wednesday 11 June – Land’s End: A Windswept Finish

Brother John left Redruth at 09:40 on the T1 to Penzance, then continued via the 13:00 First Bus to Land’s End. The route took him through Porthcurno, home of the UK’s first subsea telegraph cable—“a marvel of Victorian ingenuity,” he noted.

The journey was made all the more memorable by the “quite remarkable” skill of the drivers navigating narrow lanes and stubborn tractors. Land’s End itself, however, he found “scruffy and over-commercialised,” its iconic signpost fenced off and photo rights sold. “I took my own,” he said, “trencher removed, lest it sail off to America.”

Returning on the 13:57 to Penzance, he then took the U4 at 15:38 to Marazion, where he was met by Lord St Levan and ferried by boat to St Michael’s Mount, the tide having hidden the causeway. His bags were hauled by cable wagon while he made the steep climb on foot—his host bounding ahead, while he “puffed like a grampus.”

Before departing Redruth, Brother John also stopped at a delightful local café, warmly welcomed by the owner, Dawn, in an establishment “emblazoned with Brother on a Bus material, photographs, etc.” It was a cheerful and heartfelt reminder of just how far the journey’s spirit had travelled.

Thursday 12 June – A Rainy Reception in Truro

In heavy rain, Brother John made the return crossing from the Mount and travelled via Penzance and Camborne, eventually reaching Truro on the T3 from Camborne at 16:35. There he was received by Bishop David Williams, formerly of Winchester and Basingstoke. “He is a tireless and gifted communicator,” John wrote. “Truro is very fortunate to have him.” The Bishop, fresh into post, was off to the Scilly Isles the next morning—leaving John to prepare for a complicated day ahead.

Friday 13 June – Weather, Hiccups, and a Railway Compromise

Leaving Truro at 09:30 on the U1, John travelled to Newquay, reunited with Inspector Paul, and caught the 11:15 GoCornwall 92 to Wadebridge, with driver Tony at the wheel. He had hoped for a scenic ride, but by Newquay’s edge, “the rain came pouring down,” clouding views and dampening spirits.

He continued to Padstow, then headed inland to Bodmin—but ran into an unexpected snag. Bus route changes meant no onward service to Plymouth. “Thereby failing to circumnavigate the UK by bus,” he wrote ruefully. A reluctant train journey followed. The heavy rain persisted; even the Saltash rail and road bridges were obscured as he arrived in Plymouth.

Needing to connect with the Stagecoach Gold to Paignton, he took a taxi—but just as the bus pulled away, he realised: his mobile was still on board. A quick-thinking Stagecoach driver directed him to Jay Clark, Station Manager, who sprang into action. Though the Gold bus was from Plymouth (with no radio link), Jay contacted HQ, confirmed the phone’s recovery, and arranged for its return.

Friday Evening – Newton Abbot and Racing Revelry

Brother John arrived in Newton Abbot at 18:33, met by Simon, and whisked to an 80th birthday party at the racecourse. “Felicity, my hostess and cousin, introduced me to the guests, and we watched the racing from a box balcony,” he wrote. “I lost a tenner; Simon won about £3.50.” Their home, with its rare apple orchard, was “a tranquil end to a turbulent day.”

Sunday 16 June – Eastbound Again

He resumed travel with the Stagecoach 7 at 09:38 to Exeter, then the 444 to Axminster, and the X53 to Bridport, passing the Jurassic Coast. “Think French Lieutenant’s Woman,” he mused as they dropped into Lyme Regis and Charmouth. At Bridport, his daughter Joanna collected him. “I was put straight to bed to shift the cold I’d picked up in Cornwall’s wind and rain.”

TUESDAY 18 June – The Road to Winchester

The final day began with the X37 to Dorchester, CR9 to Blandford Forum, and the 20 to Salisbury, where serendipity struck—a passer-by recognised him as a Brother from St Cross, astonished to see him on the street. With time before his 15:55 bus, he had tea and cake at the Red Lion Hotel, but slow service meant he ate his sandwich on the bus to Winchester, arriving at 17:05.

There, he was greeted by James Freeman, his journey’s mastermind; Darragh Morris of Stagecoach, his principal bus company supporter; and his sister Hermione. A final Stagecoach 61 to St Cross brought him home.

Final Reflections

“To return not just to a place, but to a community, is a rare and precious thing,” he wrote that night. He praised “the astonishing kindness of bus drivers and station staff,” and the unwavering support of James Freeman, who managed shifting timetables plus Gerry Harmon whose tireless work filling holes in the accommodation schedule were essential.

A journey of 1,000+ miles, 30 counties, and uncountable cups of tea, brought to a close—on time, on purpose, and with gratitude.

Brother John’s Journey – Week Six Diary

6–12 June 2025 | Cardiff to Cornwall 

Thursday 6 June – A Rainy Departure, a Warm Welcome

Brother John’s journey began under heavy rain as he travelled from Cardiff to Newport, then to Chepstow and finally on to Bristol, where visibility was poor but hospitality was abundant. At Cardiff, he was met by Dan and Chloe from Newport Bus, who presented him with a prized Newport Bus key. In Newport, a “charming young lady” gifted him a bag of thoughtful items—a water bottle, wallet, and a rechargeable power pack shaped like a bus. “Most useful,” he said with a smile.

Friday 7 June – CARING Bristol

In Bristol, Brother John stayed at the St Monica Trust Retirement Home, a post-WWI estate established by the Wills family. He was struck by its scale—home to some 270 residents at this location alone, with 80 in care and around 1,250 residents across the Trust’s network. It was a place rich in community and quiet dignity. “A remarkable example of long-term social care,” he noted.

Saturday 8 June – Through Somerset’s Sacred Spine

His bus journey took him out of Bristol via the 374, through Wells—where he was awestruck by the Cathedral, calling it “perhaps the finest in Europe, if not the world.” He passed Glastonbury, catching a view of the Tor and the ruins of the Abbey, then crossed the Somerset Levels. At Taunton, he switched to the X22 to Tiverton, where he would stay the weekend in the local almshouse.

Sunday 9 June – Tiverton’s History and Hospitality

Upon arrival in Tiverton, Brother John was met by Nicki, Housing Manager at the Tiverton Almshouse Trust, and taken to John Greenaway Close. The Trust had 83 units, primarily in two locations, dating back to the 16th century, founded by three wealthy merchants. He met George, a resident, and the Warden, and was shown the grounds—peaceful and conveniently located near the Bus Station, with the River Lowman flowing quietly nearby. A hidden garden close to the station held a Burma Campaign War Memorial, which he described as “a powerful and personal touch of remembrance.”

Monday 10 June – Buses and Fellowship

After thanking the Trust team, he boarded the Stagecoach 346 to South Molton, which transformed into the 155 to Barnstaple—a switch he discovered through a friendly exchange with the driver during a breather at the stop. At Barnstaple, he had a welcome cuppa and sausage roll before catching the Stagecoach 85 to Launceston, where he was met by Rev. Dr. Michael Dobson.

Staying at the vicarage, Brother John enjoyed supper and thoughtful conversation. He learned that Rev. Dobson was a Planter Priest—part of a church initiative to revive struggling parishes. “Such a lovely couple,” he wrote, “I wish them every possible success in Cornwall.”

Tuesday 11 June – Monitored Travel and Real Generosity

The next morning, Rev. Dobson returned him to the bus station, where they met a jovial GoCornwall Inspector, tasked with ensuring his seamless travel through Cornwall. Brother John took the 97 to Camelford, where the Inspector and a colleague awaited him once again.

While waiting for the next bus, he shared a story that left an impression: two drivers, during a handover, had quietly paid the fare between them for a young woman in distressed circumstances. “Genuine charity in action,” he said. “No announcements, just kindness done properly.”

From Camelford, he boarded a GoCornwall 95 to Wadebridge, which later transformed into the 94 to Truro. The journey dipped down to Port Isaac, then back inland. The transformations, he admitted, “would have confounded even the most diligent timetable reader.” After picking up passengers from Newquay Airport (RAF St Mawgan), the bus continued on to Taunton, where he caught a First Kernow T1 to Redruth.

There, a supporter and Hospital trustee had arranged a stay at a nearby Airbnb, which he described as “clean, comfortable, quiet and convenient—what more could one ask?”

Wednesday 12 June – Western Extremities

From Redruth, Brother John made his way to Land’s End, where the wind made short work of dignity: “The wind at Land’s End doesn’t allow for trenchers…” he quipped. The landscape, though rugged, was deeply moving—a fitting punctuation to this westward chapter of his journey.

Brother John’s Journey – Week Five Diary

30 May – 5 June 2025

Friday 30 May – A Quiet Day and a Radio Debut

Returning home briefly for a landmark family birthday, Brother John’s weekend began in a more contemplative mode, taking time to “relax with the Brothers” in the Brothers’ Common Room at the Hospital of St Cross. The air of peace and camaraderie seemed to fuel his gentle reflections. He also made a short appearance on Radio Winchester, though he confessed he didn’t catch the exact time of broadcast!

Saturday 31 May – Rest, Reminiscence, and Ready to Roll

He shared a delightful image of a Brother of St Cross dozing in the sun—“the somnolent figure is a Brother of St Cross,” he clarified, adding a playful note about their “siesta” in the gentle warmth of Winchester. Preparations were underway for his next set of travels, but first, an evening to celebrate with family!

Sunday 1 June – Late Nights and Early Mornings in Chester

After a Saturday of celebrations at his Granddaughter’s  21st birthday party, he admitted he was grateful for a quieter evening. “I was not back at the Hospital until after 2300,” he wrote. “I understand it was an all-nighter for many. I’m so glad I’m not young anymore!” Brother John spent a peaceful  night in Chester at the Pied Bull, ideally placed near the bus station.

Monday 2 June – North Wales Adventures and Hidden Surprises

Leaving Chester on an Arriva 11 bus, he marvelled at how fresh and new this leg of his journey felt: “I have travelled neither the North nor the West Coast of Wales, so all was new to my eye.” As the bus hugged the Dee Estuary, he noted the vast mud flats at low tide and the elegant new bridge at Flint, a single spire of concrete “draped with cables like a modern cathedral of transport.”

His bus route took him past Holywell, home of St Winifride’s Well, where he recounted the legend of the lady who was beheaded by Caradog—a tale as old as the hills of Wales.

Near Mostyn, the sight of the TSS Duke of Lancaster, a former railway steamer turned “fun ship,” startled him: “Beached, at right angles to the shore, in a bid to dodge Sunday trading laws!”

He was also struck by the endless rows of mobile homes around Rhyl, jokingly remarking there must be “thousands upon thousands” of them for miles. His final leg into Bangor was made memorable by a helpful bus driver who guided a stranded man to an industrial estate to recover his car—a small gesture that highlighted the kindness of strangers.

Brother John was delighted by the warm welcome he received at every stop: “Arriva had forewarned drivers and station staff that I was loose in North Wales, so I was politely and adroitly shepherded from one bus onto another—super, friendly service.” He checked into the Traxx Hotel in Bangor, grateful for a clean room at an “astonishingly good value” £45.

Tuesday 3 June – Mountains and Ancient Pilgrims’ Paths

In the morning, Bangor locals recognised him and his mission, offering warm greetings and even guiding him to a local café for breakfast. With the TrawsCymru T5 bus Day Pass in hand, he set off south along the Llyn Peninsula—the peaks of Snowdonia to the left, farmland and glimpses of Anglesey to the right. He spotted Bardsey Island, once a pilgrimage site, now a haven for birds.

Brother John narrated the journey’s landmarks: Caernarfon, Criccieth Castle, and Porthmadog—once bustling with slate shipments, now known for its railway and gateway to Snowdonia’s rugged beauty. Only the disused Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station marred the view: “A blight on the landscape for generations to come,” he lamented.

He also introduced the driver to chocolate-coated coffee beans at Dolgellau—a sweet treat shared on the road. After a long day’s travel through untouched valleys and past the Cregennan Lakes, he reached Aberystwyth, then finally Cardigan around 5.09pm—“about six and a half hours travelling, with one change,” he wrote, ready to rest for the evening.

Wednesday 4 June – Iron Age Echoes in Cardigan

Leaving his no-breakfast hotel in Cardigan, Brother John found sustenance at Crwst, a friendly spot with homemade bread, jam, and marmalade. He recounted meeting “an amusing local man who insisted on not being filmed, nor photographed, nor recorded,” who spoke with wry nostalgia: “He was disappointed that I was not staying to look around Cardigan, assuring me everything here was as the world was 25 years ago.”

The T5 bus took him out through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. In a valley, he saw four round huts—“a reconstruction of an Iron Age encampment where experiments in prehistoric farming take place, also once the site of a medieval fort,” he noted with fascination. Arriving in Haverfordwest, he observed that the bus station was being rebuilt—another reminder of how places change while old spirits endure.

Thursday 5 June – A New Dawn, a New Interview

The week ended with exciting news: an upcoming interview with the BBC on Sunday morning, a chance for Brother John to share more about his journey and the mission of St Cross. “Talked with Will Morris. I will be on the show c. 08:15 on Sunday,” he reported, buoyed by the promise of his story reaching even more hearts.

Brother John’s Reflections

Through endless valleys, seaside towns, and ancient pilgrim sites, Brother John’s spirit of curiosity and kindness shone as bright as ever this week. From chance encounters with locals to legendary saints’ wells, each mile added to a growing tapestry of stories, linked by laughter, gentle reflection, and a bus driver’s friendly wave.

Brother John Green’s Journey – Week THREE

Friday 16 May – Forth Bridges and Childhood Fires

A quiet day in Edinburgh gave Brother John the opportunity to travel across the Forth Bridge to Fife, tracing the footsteps of his early childhood. “When we lived here, we would collect coal from the beach,” he recalled, “broken up by the sea from exposed seams in the seabed.” His family’s boiler ran on “pearl” coal—tiny pieces, just like those washed ashore. That nostalgic moment brought the past into sharp focus, framed by the modern marvels of the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge.

Saturday 17 May – Asparagus and St Andrews

Travelling from St Andrews to Blairgowrie, Brother John passed “many former coal mining villages,” reflecting on the region’s industrial legacy. A stop en route led to a surprising delight—the UK’s first commercial asparagus farm. He marvelled at the machinery used to trim and sort the shoots: “It trimmed each to a standard length and sorted them by thickness. Fascinating to watch!”.

Monday 19 May – Grey Skies, Grand Hospitality

After a restful weekend, John journeyed from Blairgowrie to Aberdeen, via Dundee, noting that it was “uneventful under a grey sky.” But Aberdeen delivered warmth of a different kind: “I was wonderfully looked after by the family of my youngest granddaughter’s young man,” he shared, admiring the diligence of their two sons, both studying away.

Tuesday 20 May – Stonehaven Surprise and Stagecoach Kindness

As he passed through Stonehaven, Brother John spotted the famous Carron fish and chip shop, which boasted a banner claiming it as the “home of the world-famous deep-fried Mars bar.” He wrote, “I had thought that was a Glaswegian speciality—turns out it originated on the opposite coast!” He confessed he hadn’t yet tasted one, but added with a wink, “When in Glasgow, I’ll try to partake.”

That same day, a comfortable ride on the Stagecoach 10 bus to Inverness led to a charming moment: he and the driver exchanged photos during the trip—”a quiet joy on a smooth journey”.

Wednesday 21 May – Avoch Views and Highland Hospitality

Upon arrival in Inverness, Brother John was “whisked away by the brother of a friend” to Avoch—“pronounced ‘Auch’, with the ‘v’ silent, to my Sassenach ear.” The home offered panoramic views of the Morayshire coast across the Moray Firth, which he described as “breathtakingly serene”.

Thursday 22 May – Thurso’s Tales and Scenic Epics

On his journey to Thurso, Brother John noted how his bus driver had recognised him from a Stagecoach circular on his “circumnavigation.” As they travelled, he detailed the route vividly: crossing the Black Isle, Cromarty Firth, Dornoch Firth, and hugging the coast with “hills to the left and the sea to the right.” Beyond Helmsdale, the bus climbed above cliffs before cutting inland at Wick, bypassing John O’Groats and Duncansby Head, and finally arriving in Thurso via Castletown.

Thurso left a strong impression: “It boasts a beach, beyond which lie the part ruins of Thurso Castle, damaged by a German mine in WWII.” He was also struck by St Peter’s, “an ancient kirk dating back to the early 13th century, replacing one founded around 1125—much the same time as St Cross”.

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.