RESIDENTS of Week St Mary spent some time reflecting on the history of the village on a walk commemorating Rogation on Sunday, May 9.

Rev Rob Dickenson, Rector of Church of St Mary the Virgin, Week St Mary, led the group of 43 people, 12 of which were children, aged between 4 and 13, around the parish to significant locations relevant to the past and the present.

Rev Dickenson said: "The occasion was very much a celebration of community life and the place the church in the historic and indigenous identity of the village; i.e. the church goes out to the community rather than vice versa.

"It was also a precursor to our church gift day (May 22) which encourages the members of the community to take responsibility for and ownership of their historic building and its site."

The walk started at 10am and those participating were led to a series of places, 12 in total, including the children's playground, the football field, the graveyard, parish hall and church.

A brief reflection, relevant biblical recital and prayer at each location were followed by the blessing of Rev Dickenson.

Small cards detailing Rev Dickenson's blessings were left at each place for others to read and consider in their own time when visiting or using one of the stops.

The tradition of Rogationtide came about because it was at the well known points of parishes that people would pause to bless fields, fruit trees, allotments and more for what they provided, and furthermore to mark boundaries, as maps were not commonplace.

The walk that took place at Week St Mary on Sunday isn't as popular as once was, making this occasion all the more special.

Rev Dickenson added: "Rogation also became a time when, by walking in neighbourly companionship, quarrels and differences could be reconciled.

"A more or less organised procession would leave the parish church and make a tour of the extremities of the parish, impressing on the youngsters the 'waymarks' or boundary posts and trees which defined their local patch to which they were

expected to show loyalty and responsibility."