Refugio de Peregrinos de Miraz: 2005-2009
In 2004, members of the Confraternity got together to find a second pilgrim refuge to run, the reasons being to
- Take pilgrims off the often overcrowded Camino Frances
- Encourage pilgrims to explore the other rediscovered and historic routes, among them the Camino del Norte
- Revitalise the economy of a sparsely populated area of Galicia
- Allow us to give something back to the Camino in recognition of all we have gained from it ourselves
In 2005, thanks to the generosity of the Bishop of Lugo in Galicia we took over use and management of the former parish house (a bungalow) in Miraz, with the aim of continuing the traditions of pilgrim hospitality and good relations with the local community which we have nurtured at our first refuge in Rabanal del Camino.
The first phase or work, involved clearing, cleaning, painting and providing essential safety and household equipment such as new beds. Over the winter, some re-wiring was carried out and work started on the plumbing and drainage. A new borehole was dug and the refuge now has its own water supply. We also launched an appeal to raise £100,000 with a Gaitero, a Galician bagpiper, as the emblem of the appeal.
Phase 2 of the work, in 2006-2008, included further rewiring, conversion of a bedroom into additional washing and toilet facilities and treatment of the roof timber.
The number of pilgrims arriving at the refuge have increased dramatically from 894 in 2005 to 2,850 in 2009. We had anticipated that, if the refuge became popular, we would need to increase the accommodation and we expected to be able to convert the roof space and / or the outbuildings to additional dormitories and washing/ toilet facilities. For various planning and practical reasons this proved to be impossible.
In 2008 and 2009, we therefore considered the building of a new extension and after many discussions and negotiations with an architect, the diocese personnel and other relevant authorities, we finally have an agreed plan and the local permissions to proceed.
Members have been extremely generous, giving their help in the forms of labour, expertise, time and money to enable the refuge to develop and flourish as it has. We are very grateful for all their dedication and especially delighted to announce that the original appeal target of £100,000 was finally reached in December 2009.
The new extension, to be built in 2010, will be costing a lot more than our original budget for converting existing buildings and we have therefore entered into negotiations with the S. A. Xestion do Plan Xacobeo and we anticipate that they will match our expenditure on the work. We will also be starting a further appeal to raise an additional £20,000 towards the cost.
We thought you might like to see a small selection of "before and after" pictures ...
 |
 |
 |
||
The house as it was when we first saw it, late in 2004... |
|
... Peter at work on the shutters ... |
|
... and after the 2006 working party had finished its work. |
 |
 |
 |
||
The huerta when we arrived ... |
|
... as it is now ... |
. |
... and being enjoyed by pilgrims. |
 |
 |
 |
||
The path between the house and the outbuilding, to start with ... |
|
... Conrad at work ... |
|
... and as it is now. |
 |
 |
 |
||
Matresses on the floor to start with... |
|
... smart new bunks ... |
|
... and a completely new washroom. |
 |
 |
 |
||
Members of the 2006 working party appreciate the warmth of the kitchen stove. |
|
Pat gets the kitchen sorted ... |
|
...and happy pilgrims gather round the dining table. |