Hundreds of pilgrims from all over the diocese converged on Egton Bridge to celebrate the memory of Blessed Nicholas Postgate and the martyrs of England and Wales. 
Three buses from different parishes arrived and many other pilgrims travelled by car. 
This year we were blessed with ideal weather – warm, dry and some sunshine, but not too hot. Although showers had been forecast, we fortunately missed them.
The altar servers led the clergy procession from the church to the field, where the vicar general, Monsignor Gerard Robinson, and Abbott Robert Igo of Ampleforth led the concelebrated Mass. 
Children from St Hedda’s School at Egton Bridge formed the offertory procession, and music was provided by diocesan director of music Steven Maxson and assistant director of music Andrew Maxson.
In his homily, Canon David Grant reminded us of the difficult times in which Blessed Nicholas Postgate lived and of how he served the Catholic community for so many years.  
His training for the priesthood began in Douai, France, and then for many years he acted as private chaplain to the Catholic gentry at Burton Constable and Halsham.  
He returned to the hermitage near Ugthorpe when he was around 60 years of age and spent the remainder of his life caring for the spiritual needs of his fellow Catholics over a very wide area, before being executed at York in 1679 at the age of 83.
After Mass the clergy procession left the rally field to the strains of the hymn composed by Father Postgate while he was in prison. Later, dozens of pilgrims queued for a blessing with the martyr’s preserved hand, which Abbott Robert had brought from Ampleforth Abbey.
Many remained in the field to enjoy a picnic, while others enjoyed renewed friendships over refreshments provided by the ladies of the parish in the school canteen. 
Thanks were expressed to all who had contributed to the organisation of the event.
Next year’s Postgate Rally will take place at Ugthorpe.

Monica Ventress