New guide for pilgrims to Holy Island

l-r: Graham Booth, Mary Fleeson Clive Price at launch. Image: Mark Fleeson

Taking holidaymakers ‘beyond the tourist trail’ is the aim of a new multi-agency faith tourism initiative that promotes the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

The high-quality mini-brochure offers prayers and practical information for visitors to the tidal island – known as England’s ‘cradle of Christianity’. The 12-page 'Holy Island of Lindisfarne Pilgrim Guide - taking holidaymakers ‘beyond the tourist trail’ is the aim of a new multi-agency faith tourism initiative that promotes the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

The high-quality mini-brochure offers prayers and practical information for visitors to the tidal island – known as England’s ‘cradle of Christianity’. opens out as a big A3-sized resource to help holidaymakers experience ‘sand, sea and spirit’.

The publication was launched at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Esher, Surrey (8th-11th May 2012) on the Lindisfarne Scriptorium stand. Lindisfarne Scriptorium produces inspirational artwork and publications by Mary Fleeson and has a gallery and shop on Holy Island. They are spearheading the Pilgrim Guide initiative, with support and involvement from The Open Gate and Clive Price Media.

The Open Gate is the ‘mother house’ of The Community of Aidan and Hilda, who run island retreats. Clive Price is a communications consultant whose areas of interest include promoting places with Celtic history and heritage.

‘This amazingly wild and beautiful island has the ability to get under anybody’s skin,’ said Graham Booth of The Open Gate and The Community of Aidan and Hilda. ‘It’s a stunning place to reflect on life and its meaning.’

Five thousand copies have been printed. A website is being constructed to offer further information to visitors (www.lindisfarne.info). Lindisfarne Scriptorium and Clive Price Media hope to publish Pilgrim Guide brochures for other sacred places.

"We’re inviting visitors to look at the island in a way that takes them beyond the tourist trail," said leaflet designer Mary Fleeson. "Come and experience the sand, sea and spirit of Lindisfarne – 'a thin place' where heaven meets earth in a special way."

For free sample copy, send name and address with two first-class stamps to: Pilgrim Guide, Farne House, Marygate, Holy Island. Northumbria TD15 2SJ. Larger quantities available on request.