Advent and the Coming of Christmas Cards

by Peter Woodward, 17 Dec 2008. Archived.

Advent is upon us once again.  That most wonderful slow burn brooding season leading to the joyful yet brief outburst of Christmas itself.  I always wrestle an inner conflict between wanting to slow down and indulge in a bit of end of year reflection at precisely the time when life seems to reach a fever pitch of activity, temptation and year-end accounts.  Maybe next year I’ll get it right ….  but then that’s precisely what I said last year.  At least there’s a procession of the most wonderful events and services at the Cathedral to focus the mind for those of us fortunate to be within striking distance.

For me, Christmas came early this year when we decided to produce a Christmas Card for the Friends back August.  I never realised how difficult the decision of ‘what picture to use?’ would be. 

In October I attended the biennial conference of the ‘Friends of Cathedrals’ at Lincoln Cathedral.  It was a quite fascinating experience to be among such friendly and wise company.  People represented the full spectrum of associations.  We were all getting on so well over a nightcap, until I casually pitched in ‘We’re doing a Friends Christmas Card, got any advice?’.  The whole atmosphere of the lounge bar conversation instantly changed.  In the silence, some people started twitching, others sighed deeply giving me pitying looks from experience-etched eyes.  ‘Christmas Cards’ was obviously the ‘don’t mention the War’ issue among seasoned Friends.

It seems the decision on what picture, what greeting, what price, what size and what quantity of cards to produce is the stuff of many a long committee meeting, dispute and legend.  The lofts of Committee members around our nation creak under the strain of boxes of ‘the cards with 'that image' that didn’t sell’.  Trust this rooky to put his foot in it.  However people began to venture suggestions, mainly of ‘what not to do’.   The best advice I received was ‘go for red or snow’.   In the end a Martin Williams photo of our Christmas tree in the Nave seemed a safe call.  And I’m delighted to report we have sold out of all 2,000 cards and we’ve made a healthy contribution towards funds.  Phew!

You’ll be delighted to know that decision-making for the 2009 card has already begun.  Any views will be gratefully received by vice-chair, Ken Offley – he says somewhat nervously.  Next year we hope to make these available for sale to all members in good time via a mail-order service.  Is this something you would welcome?

Incidentally The Friends have sponsored the Nave Christmas tree this year.  We felt it was only right.  There are rising costs of putting it up in these times of increasingly stringent health and safety requirements and the debate as to whether 'it’s worth it’ inevitably arises.  I say that Christmas at Coventry Cathedral simply would not be complete without a magnificent tree.  It shines through the West Screen as a beacon of warmth, hope and stillness to city rushing about its pre-Christmas business.  I’d be interested to know your thoughts on the matter.  

The 2008 version of the tree is a noticeably more modest affair than on our card.  A colleague of mine in the Cathedral Choir referred to it as ‘The Cathedral’s Credit Crunch Christmas Tree’.  But it’s there and was proudly illuminated at a glorious Advent service ‘From Darkness to Light’. 

Talking of Advent, we as a committee have been deliberating long and hard about a programme for our forthcoming Friends 75^th Anniversary in 2009.  You’ll find out about all the events first on our web site, with full details in the mailing due out in January.   

After a hectic six months of getting thinks back on track, I half wish that next year was a bit more obscure to allow us to catch our breath, say our 71^st Anniversary.  But 75 glorious years it is and we intend to make the most of the opportunity this presents.  There are lots of excitements in store and it would be wonderful to meet up with of our growing band of Friends at one of our events during the year.

In the mean time, on behalf of all members of the Friends Council may I wish you a Peaceful and Happy Christmas. And enjoy all those images on the cards you receive, oblivious to anxt of those who had to decide on the picture, the greeting, the....

Peter Woodward

Chairman, The Friends