An old Friend rediscovered….

by Peter Woodward, 22 Nov 2008. Archived.

I don’t know about you, but this year’s war remembrances have struck a powerful chord with me.

Was it the poignancy of the 90 th Anniversary of the First World War remembered by our nation in the company of just 3 surviving veterans?

Was it the relentless count of British servicemen killed in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Or maybe the astonishing fact that over 500,000 copies of a CD entitled ‘Hero’ have been sold in aid of the Poppy Appeal? It was released by the 12 finalists of The X Factor TV ‘talent’ show, making it the top selling single of the past 2 years.

Well, it was events much closer to home, on Friday 14 th November, that really made me think afresh.

Along with 200 others, I attended The Litany of Reconciliation in the Ruins at noon on the 14 th – the day we remember the destruction of the City and its Cathedral in 1940. This service was followed by the presentation by the Bishop and the Lord Mayor of the Coventry International Peace Prize to the Corrymeela Community, a Community of the Cross of Nails Centre from Northern Ireland.

To me, the profound symbolism of the Litany was enhanced by the growing bond between City and Cathedral around the theme of peace and reconciliation. A Civic lunch was hosted by the Lord Mayor and attended by many Councillors and guests. It was so encouraging to see our new Bishop, Christopher Cocksworth and Canon Director for Reconciliation Ministry, David Porter demonstrating their feel and commitment to this ministry. These are signs of real promise for the future.

Later that evening a group of 40 Friends attended ‘One Night in November’ at the Belgrade Theatre. This powerful drama by Alan Pollock forces the audience to experience something of the frightening and grim reality of ‘that night’. It also raises uncomfortable questions about why it was allowed to happen. This is a repeat run of the play and it has been sold out for months. What is that telling us?

But back to Ruins. As I stood silently, two things struck me.

First, there seems to be a genuine resurgence of interest in both Great Wars among young and old alike.

Second, I realised afresh that I was standing in the middle of perhaps the most evocative symbol of destruction in WWII. But this is a symbol with a purpose, a message of hope for today and the future. This physical space still has the power to move visitors to tears. Although I’ve been in and around the ruins for over 30 years I felt something new and profound this year. Was it just me?

So what conclusions do I draw?

Well, I do wonder whether we are making the most of this unique asset at a time of such renewed interest. The old and new Cathedrals are woven into the very fabric of our lives as a worshipping community. Might there be a risk we have got a bit complacent or dare I say it, stale, about how we utilise this amazing resource to open minds and start conversations. Maybe now is the time to consider afresh how the ruins and the short journey to the new Cathedral offer a compelling proposition to draw millions more people here.

As for the Friends, I hope we can play our small part in helping care for and enhance what we have here. We’ve already made a start this year with the new tolling bell and the Haigh Memorial Chapel clear-up. Of more importance, I hope we can continue growing our membership, reaching out to foster relationships among people who feel something for this place, whether as members of our existing community, residents of the city, diocese or from right across the World. Now that’s a good challenge for the Friends!

Peter Woodward
Chairman the Friends