HCPT Group 171

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Pilgrimages

Group 171 is one of the 'family' groups that travel to the town of Lourdes in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France each Easter as part of the 5000+ strong HCPT Pilgrimage.

"It takes months to prepare for the pilgrimage, but when all the forms have been filled in, and all the meetings have been met, it's all worth it. We all have a huge laugh and everyone is really kind and caring towards each other throughout the week. Everyone gets great enjoyment out of the week in Lourdes and it is a wonderful place to go.
Group 171 is the HCPT group for Skelmersdale and West Lancashire. It takes children aged 7-18 with disabilities or other needs to the town of Lourdes in the south of France for a week-long holiday pilgrimage every Easter. Group 171 travel by plane on Holy Saturday, returning the following Saturday and whilst in Lourdes we stay at a comfortable hotel just minutes from the Domaine.
The year 2006 marked a very special year in the history of HCPT. It was the 50th Anniversary of the year when Dr. Strode took those four disabled children on the journey around 5000 adults and children take with HCPT today. The celebrations were massive, and Group 171 had a wonderful time, celebrating the Trust's Golden Jubilee.
As well as attending mass with various groups, the region and HCPT as a whole, Group 171 also have lots of other fun. While in Lourdes, the group goes everywhere together, and we have some regular haunts in the town. As well as going to the Grotto whenever we can, there are two cafes which have benefited from our presence year after year after year. These cafes are 'Le Versailles' which is only a few minutes walk from our hotel, and the 'New Orleans' (once the 'Miam-Miam'). We play games on the prairie, have a fancy dress party and a talent night; everyone joins in and a good time is had by all.
Each family group that travels to Lourdes with HCPT is led by a Group Leader who is supported by a group nurse, a deputy leader and of course several experienced group helpers."

The 2008 Easter Pilgrimage will take place from 22-29 March 2008.

History

HCPT has taken children to Lourdes since 1956 - Group 171 was formed in the latter half of the 1980s, and recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary.

Group 171 has had three group leaders in its history, and has spawned another HCPT Group - 194 from the Wigan area.

External links

* [http://www.hcptgroup171.co.uk HCPT Group 171 Website]
* [http://www.hcpt.org.uk HCPT]