The general assembly of European Association of the Vie Francigene (EAVF) is on its way to Canterbury.  The medieval British town, km zero point of the Via Francigena, has been suggested as the location for the 2019 assembly.  A plan that bears witness to our amicable relationship with Canterbury and Kent, where in 900, archbishop Sigeric began his journey to Rome.   

Canterbury is committed to the future of the European route as well as the UNESCO certification project.  Interest displayed directly to the EAVF president, Massimo Tedeschi, and director, Luca Bruschi, in the presence of Velia Coffey, deputy chief executive of Canterbury City Council and EAVF vice-president, during the recent meetings in Canterbury to strengthen the European network of the Vie Francigene. 

These meetings with the leader of Canterbury City Council, Simon Cook, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, comfirmed a shared understanding for the progress of the Via Francigena.  After the assembly planned in Champlitte, in France, for the 18th May 2018, the EAVF directs itself towards the United Kingdom for the 2019 general assembly.

“It would be the first time it has taken place in England, a great happening for the Francigena family – says president Tedeschi – left to decide is whether it will be in spring or autumn.  It will include a demonstration of the international magnitude of the Via Francigena and the EAVF network.  I would like to remind that in 2016, last year, an assembly took place in Aigle, Switzerland.  Next year we will be in France, in Champlitte – which is incidentally the EAVF headquarters in France – and in 2019, in Canterbury.”

To discover more on the meetings in Canterbury click here.  

Photos: EAVF and Canterbury authorities

 Silvia Iuliano