I write to you today with the sad, if not totally unexpected news that Joe Walsh Tours have postponed the Diocese of Dunkeld’s pilgrimage to Lourdes until 9^th – 16^th July 2021.  Since we exist to serve the pilgrimage we must also postpone until 6^th – 20^th July 2021.  Put this date in your diary now!

We have frozen the fare at £800 and have moved all the money you have paid forward.  We realise that a few of you may not be able to travel in 2021, and so please get in touch so we can arrange a full refund.  If you are intending to travel in 2021, but COVID-19 means that you are experiencing financial difficulties, and a refund of some, or all, of the money you have already paid would be useful, please get in touch and we’ll arrange to help. Please note that all feedback and personal requests must be made through the mail address below, dunkeldlourdesservice@yahoo.co.uk   

Be aware that with the Diocesan offices being closed due to lockdown, that refunds may take us some time to facilitate, but we will keep you informed of progress.

If you were unable to travel in 2020, but are back on board for Lourdes 2021, please get in touch because bookings are now open!

I realise that you will have many prayer intentions at the present time, but please remember the people of Lourdes as they face losing a season, and of course all those we serve.

Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us.

Dunkeld Lourdes Service organises the support that allows infirm people to make their pilgrimage to Lourdes each year.  

Our helpers are mainly in their late teens and volunteer to give up part of their summer holidays in July to travel to Lourdes.  They also pay towards the costs of transport, accommodation and food – last year this was £750.

This experience gives these young people opportunities that they might not encounter at home.   It is hard work; starting with wake-up calls at 0630 for morning shift and ending evening shift at 2100; they will set up tables; serve meals; clean bedrooms and toilets; make cups of tea and coffee and push wheelchairs.  More importantly they will spend time with pilgrims of all ages; keeping them company; getting to know them and entertaining them.

During the pilgrimage they will learn to work and interact with strangers as well as developing their team working and communications skills.

We are a Catholic organisation but our helpers come from different faiths and all enjoy the experience.  

Despite our volunteers paying towards their trip there is still always a large shortfall and it is to minimise this that we held our first Dunkeld Ball at the West Park in Dundee.

The ball was a massive success raising a total of £3,900 including £603 in a silent auction of items donated by Monifieth Golf Links and Eve’s Foundation.

The main objective of the ball has definitely been met but very importantly every guest has a most enjoyable experience – so much so that we have been prompted to book the same venue for next year.

We, the committee, have had lots of praise for how enjoyable and successful the ball was but there are loads of others who should be thanked too – Everyone who bought tickets and put up with constant email harassment while menus were sorted especially those who travelled a distance to join us;  Chloe for menu help and Sarah McG for putting out letters;  everyone who donated, or got others to donate, prizes including Bellsquarry Dentistry,  Ryze, MJF Tutoring, Colin McLaren Photography, Callum Fitchet Personal Trainer, City Quay Dental Clinic, David Lloyd Monifieth, Dundee Rep and Dundee FC but especially Monifieth Golf Links and Eve’s Foundation, Eat the Peach and Ewan’s band for brilliant music, and of course, the West Park deserves thanks for such a great night.