The Pilgrimage from St Andrew's Church, Stanley to St Margaret's Church, Tanfield was very successful. Our vicar (and his dog), parishioners and supporters of both churches set off from Stanley on Sunday afternoon,19th July for a walk to Tanfield. The weather was good and the beautiful afternoon was rounded off with a picnic in and around the hall. 

St Andrew's Church is located on Church Bank / Joicey Gardens in Stanley, County Durham. The church was built 1876-1877 and designed by JG Holt of Manchester. The tower was added in 1931. It is a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage List for England. There are many events being held this year to celebrate its 150 years.

Saint Margaret of Antioch was the patron of childbirth and pregnant women. The Latin Catholic church honors her with a feast day on July 20th. Margaret resided in Antioch in Pisidia, where she is believed to be the daughter of a pagan priest. After the death of her mother, Margaret was raised by a nurse who was a Christian. Margaret grew to become a devout Christian. Olybrius, the local prefect, was enamored with Margaret and wanted her for a wife or concubine. Margaret refused, as she was chaste to God. Olybrius imprisoned her and tortured her cruelly. Margaret was eventually beheaded, after being swallowed by a dragon and enduring several other legendary torments. Margaret is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and she spoke to St. Joan of Arc.