We did it!   And it really was rather a cold night - about 3 degrees.   But we were well prepared - layers and layers of thermals and silk liners inside maximum tog sleeping bags plus black bin liners to keep off the damp - meant that provided we kept well inside the bags we were all cosy warm.   My nose was left out for a while and was swiftly covered to avoid incipient frostbite.  

Some of us slept really well - Katherine went off like the proverbial light - and others knew each hour had passed by the chiming bells.   Did you know there is not only Borough market next door (revellers til 2 and stall-holders from 5) but also a railway line close by which seemed to have trains  running all night.

Those of us who managed to sleep were woken by a steady patter of light rain at 5.30.   Bishop Christopher was on hand serving tea and hot chocolate and went on to lead us all in a service of communion.   We had finished the evening's entertainment with compline.   Both very moving services.

And then, led by Jeremy through the labyrinth of back streets in Bermondsey and Camberwell, we walked back to Dulwich.

No doubt we have all had hot baths and changed into clean clothes.   And we are so grateful we don't have to do it again tonight (and the next night and the next).   It is incredibly sad that in such a rich city as London there should be so many sleeping rough through no fault of their own.    The Robes Project gives some respite over the winter months by providing secure, dry and warm accommodation to those that need it and thanks to the amazing response to our appeal we have been able to contribute to the cost of this.

So a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us.   

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