St Bride's/ Imbolc Pilgrimage

for 5 hours
Hardy's Monument, Portesham
This is where the walk begins, but there will be transport options., DT2 9HY

We are planning a pilgrimage to celebrate light and life, and new beginnings, on Sunday 1st February which is St Bride's Day and also 'Imbolc'. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, signaling the first signs of spring like lengthening days, new growth, and lambing season, honoring the goddess Brigid with fire, purification, and themes of rebirth, fertility, and new beginnings. The pilgrimage will go from the Hardy Monument, through the 'Valley of Stones' to the source of the River Bride at Littlebredy, and then through the Bride Valley to Freshwater, where the river enters the sea. We are planning to hire a minibus to take pilgrims to the start and facilitate transportation as required along the route. Timings likely 12.00pm - 5.00pm. Full details will be confirmed and published through 'From 'Source 2 Sea' and Facebook and updated on ACNY. From 5.00pm there will be a welcoming ‘Winter Warmer’ event for pilgrims at Othona, followed by a candlelit evening of friendship to lead us into the light and love of ‘Candlemas’. If you would like to register an interest in the pilgrimage walk please email [email protected], with subject 'St Bride's Pilgrimage 2026'.

Portesham: St Peter

St Peter’s Church, has stood at the centre of the village as a beacon of hope for at least 1000 years. Open during daylight hours it offers a place of sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.  The Chancel provides a discreet place for private prayer. When you visit have a wander around the churchyard and look for our unusual grave stone. 

Worship is held most Sundays and you are most welcome to join us.

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Get in touch

Reverend Andrew Rawding

The Rectory,
Church Street,
Burton Bradstock

DT6 4QS
Rector
01308989799
Helen Fry, Admin
01308897260
What's on

St Bride's/ Imbolc Pilgrimage

for 5 hours
Hardy's Monument, Portesham
This is where the walk begins, but there will be transport options., DT2 9HY

We are planning a pilgrimage to celebrate light and life, and new beginnings, on Sunday 1st February which is St Bride's Day and also 'Imbolc'. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, signaling the first signs of spring like lengthening days, new growth, and lambing season, honoring the goddess Brigid with fire, purification, and themes of rebirth, fertility, and new beginnings. The pilgrimage will go from the Hardy Monument, through the 'Valley of Stones' to the source of the River Bride at Littlebredy, and then through the Bride Valley to Freshwater, where the river enters the sea. We are planning to hire a minibus to take pilgrims to the start and facilitate transportation as required along the route. Timings likely 12.00pm - 5.00pm. Full details will be confirmed and published through 'From 'Source 2 Sea' and Facebook and updated on ACNY. From 5.00pm there will be a welcoming ‘Winter Warmer’ event for pilgrims at Othona, followed by a candlelit evening of friendship to lead us into the light and love of ‘Candlemas’. If you would like to register an interest in the pilgrimage walk please email [email protected], with subject 'St Bride's Pilgrimage 2026'.

Our Benefice

Safeguarding

The parish of Portesham: St Peter is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm. We are committed to ensuring that our parish provides a safe environment for everyone, especially children and young people who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies for 'A Safer Church'.

If you have any concerns that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm. Or you need to speak to someone. Or you are a victim of domstic or sexual abuse. Or you need Survivor care and support
Please contact:
Our Safeguarding Officer
Les Keatley Phone: 07833545450 or send a text and he will come back to you. Email: [email protected]
Diocese Safeguarding team:
The team is available from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. You can:
Email [email protected]
Phone 07500 664800 (Monday to Thursday inclusive and on call Monday and Tuesday evenings until 9pm)
Phone 07469 857888 (Tuesday to Friday inclusive and on call Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 9pm)
If your query is urgent or out of hours, please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 0031111.
Local authority’s children or adult social care services:
Children (CHAD) Tel: 01305 228866
Adults and young adults 18-25 Tel: 01305 221016
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, please call 999 in an emergency.
Benefice Safeguarding Officer is Les Keatley. Phone: 07833545450 Email: [email protected]