I’VE just got back from a few days away in Norfolk. On my own: well just me and the motorbike.

I stayed at Cromer in a little caravan surrounding by big skies and a view of the sea. It was wonderful.

I know that religious people sometimes go on retreats; and although it wasn’t designed as such that is what it proved to be. For one thing, being on my own is an unusual occurrence.

Usually my life, working and personal, is full of people, conversations, needs and banter – and that is just the way I like it. So to be on my own with hardly anyone to speak with was not my norm.

And then there were the surroundings. The scenery was stunning and the lack of people was different from my normal life; even to here in Worcester which isn’t overly populous itself.

So it was a time to reflect and relax. No demands on my time; no one clamouring for my attention or help; no duties to discharge; just me and whatever I felt like doing.

One trip out took me to Walsingham and the Anglican shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. It is a tiny village approached by narrow country lanes but many people will know it as a place of pilgrimage.

It is so interesting to me that this tiny place in the middle of nowhere had become a place to which pilgrims flood. It has a long history as a centre of pilgrimage since the Crusades but the modern-day incarnation dates from about 1921.

I’m just a poor Baptist Christian who doesn’t really go in for icons and shrines but I will admit to feeling a peace and humility in this place which is important to so many.

It seems to me that places and walls capture the thoughts and feelings of humanity in their very matter. So in a place where hostility occurs the sensitive soul can feel that hostility.

And in a place like Walsingham, where many over the years have followed faith, love and devotion, this too can be sensed to.

So I added to the prayers, asking for more peace and love in the world; and then went on my way.