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	Trip to Iona 2006 On 23rd September 2006, 14 members of the Bedminster churches set off for Iona. After an early start, several hours, trains, a plane, buses and ferries we arrived in Baile Mor, the village on Iona. A short walk later found us in the refectory of the abbey being served dinner by the volunteers. This was the first and last time that this would happen, as after the meal all the guests (that's us and others that arrived that day) were split into three teams, the Otters, Puffins and Seals. These teams were to carry out breakfast, lunch and dinner duties each day. Also, the Puffins and Seals were also given tasks such as cleaning the toilets or sweeping the stairs while the otters cleaned up the breakfast things. After this we had time to unpack. A welcome talk followed for all the guests, this was followed by a short service in the abbey church. A typical day A typical day was something like this. The rising bell would ring at 7:45, by which time the Otters were in the refectory setting the tables. Half an hour later the breakfast bell would sound and everyone would rush to the refectory to settle down for porridge, cereal and toast & preserves. (The apple and pear spread was particularly good). Announcements for the morning were given, we then went off to the church for the morning service. After the service we carried out our morning tasks. Brooms, mops, hoovers, rubber gloves, and those yellow signs that say "Beware wet floor", which I feel should always be accompanied by signs that say "Beware! Beware wet floor signs ahead" were all made available. Within 15 minutes all was done. We then moved on to the first session, if that is what you wanted to do. This was followed by a coffee break then another session. Lunch would be at 12:45. The afternoon was free to do as you pleased. Sometimes there would be another session, or a wee or big sing, where people got together to practice some hymns. You could go for a walk, visit the wonderfully white, sandy beaches, go down to the village or, just sit quietly in the common room. Dinner was served at 6pm. At 7:30 an evening session would be held. On one evening a guest concert took place, at which the Bristol contingent sang two Wurzel songs. This was held in conjunction with the youth group staying in the MacLeod Centre, which was also run by the Iona community. Evening service was held at 9pm. The services were always varied and interesting. You never knew what was going to happen. Each service was officiated by a different person, either a volunteer or a member of the Iona community. One service we were braiding wool, another saw us making and throwing paper aeroplanes. We also had the chance to take part in the services by playing the piano, singing in a choir (afraid I did I not do justice to the hymns), reading. Each service had a different theme. One theme for each day of the week. The sessions were also extremely varied and flexible. The session on icons was going to be just two sessions but, I believe ended up being four. There was one on healing, another on listening, yet another on the Iona community. You could drop in and out as you pleased. On Tuesdays the pilgrimage is held. There were two, one on road, about 3 miles, the other 7 miles off road. At various points we stopped to hear a brief reading then sang, with the land and sea sweeping out before us, the wind blowing gentle by, you could really feel that you were in touch with God�s creation. There was also due to be a trip to Staffa but, due to weather, of which there was plenty, the boat could not set sail. One other thing that we did during the week was a jigsaw. I started it then, over the course of the week at least twelve people owned up to at least trying to put a piece in. We did finish before we left the island. To end I must just say, if you ever get the chance to go, do. It�s well worth the trip. To lead a simpler life for a week and be able to listen for the word of God.
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Trip to Iona 2006