2011 Pilgrimage raises awareness of poverty in Sheffield
On Saturday 29 October, Church Action on Poverty in Sheffield heldits third annual Pilgrimage. This time we chose the Manor Castle area of Sheffield. After a commissioning service at the lively Victoria Methodist Church, Stafford Road, more than 40 pilgrims heard about that church's extensive programme of social outreach. We then visited Salvation Army Castle Corps to learn about the Sunday breakfast for 45-50 homeless and vulnerable people and about the provision of food parcels and clothing. From here, we ascended Skye Edge, one of the finest viewpoints in Sheffield, where in the past Chartist rallies, gambling games and gang wars have taken place.
We walked downhill to Wybourn and St Oswald's Roman Catholic Church. Father Coleman said that the recent riots (in towns other than Sheffield) were an example of' 'the politically dumb trying to make themselves heard by the politically deaf'. The Headmaster of Emmaus Catholic/Church of England School said that in his school he tried to inculcate a calm atmosphere as some children were under huge stress from their home environment. Our next stop was at the delightfully rural Manor Oaks Farm Shop and Cafe, whose manager explained the massive renovation job that had taken place. We walked on through Manor Park shopping centre to William Temple Church, an Anglican Methodist ecumenical project with a small but very faithful congregation including an enthusiastic and sprightly 90-year-old lady whom we met. Local clergy explained their vision to develop a community play area there.
After a brief look at the historic Manor Lodge (where Mary Queen of Scots spent some of her long imprisonment), we walked to St Aidan's Anglican Church where we met Paul Blomfield MP, who had commented to the press:
“Church Action on Poverty in Sheffield do fantastic work to encourage greater action on tackling poverty. Events like the pilgrimage are important as they help raise awareness about poverty and I’m looking forward to joining them on Saturday.”
Over our sandwich lunches, we discussed with Paul some of the social issues facing this area, including excessive levels of debt, the need for a legislative cap on interest rates (which Paul is pushing for in Parliament), the shortage of jobs, the high level of youth unemployment and the fragile state of the voluntary sector in an era of cuts. Although he already receives 200-250 emails and letters a day, Paul encouraged us all to lobby him for reforms. Clergy for the area talked of their vision for work with the community, developing a team of people who would work with families and children.
The pilgrims were footsore after their walk but had much to ponder about the challenges and opportunities of this fascinating part of Sheffield. Revd Julie Upton, Vicar of Manor Parish, who joined us on the walk, commented: "It was a very good thing to do. It has given me a good deal of food for thought!"
