Friendly Reflections

By their deeds shall you know them

by Peter Woodward

I was struck by the local press reaction to the recent visit to <st1:city><st1:place>Dresden</st1:place></st1:city> by the Mayor and Bishop of <st1:city><st1:place>Coventry</st1:place></st1:city>.  2009 is the 50th Anniversary of the twinning of <st1:city><st1:place>Coventry</st1:place></st1:city> and <st1:city><st1:place>Dresden</st1:place></st1:city>, adding a special dimension to this year�s commemoration of the destruction of the city on <st1:date year="1945" day="13" month="2">13th February 1945</st1:date>. Back home, one set of Coventry Telegraph headlines questioned the Mayor�s method of transport to <st1:city><st1:place>Dresden</st1:place></st1:city>, both in terms of cost to the local taxpayer and the size of his carbon footprint. Hmm!  The other shrieked  �Bishop of <st1:city><st1:place>Coventry</st1:place></st1:city> apologises for bombing�.  You can read the actual text of the sermon given in Frauenkirche on the Coventry Diocese web site:  <a href="http://www.coventry.anglican.org/news/pressreleases/opt/5/item/537">http://www.coventry.anglican.org/news/pressreleases/opt/5/item/537</a> .   Letters of outrage and support followed in equal measure.  It was a salutary reminder of how easy it is for words offered in good faith to be deliberately misconstrued to suit the cause of reader or listener.   Incidentally, I thoroughly recommend �<st1:city><st1:place>Dresden</st1:place></st1:city>� by Fredrick Taylor for anyone seeking insights into the context and horrifying events of <st1:date year="1945" day="14" month="2">14th February 1945</st1:date>. I contrast this flurry of words in the Telegraph with a recent experience spent in the company of CAIF, The Coventry Association for International Friendship (www.caif.net).  This group was formed in 1962 and has kept alive people to people links to our twin cities across the world.  On a recent cold February evening there was a modest turn out to a CAIF meeting on Dresden.  Our very own Pat Holmes introduced a film about the rebuilding of the �Coventry Wing� of the <st1:place><st1:placename>Deaconess </st1:placename><st1:placetype>Hospital</st1:placetype></st1:place> on the banks of the <st1:place>Elbe</st1:place>, destroyed in the bombing. Some of you may have seen it. Now with a commentary, it records the audacious physical project inspired by Provost Williams, supported by a valiant team of 35 volunteers.  Pat co-ordinated the fundraising appeal. The film vividly portrays the physical effort, the sweat and the pain of this enterprise.  Yet shining through it all was love and friendship.  This was one of our Cathedral community�s finest moments of reaching out and doing something for others.  A powerful practical and symbolic act. I felt a similar strong reaction last summer when a group of young people from across the world at a conference on reconciliation, spent a morning helping to spruce up the Haigh Chapel in our own ruins. Under the guidance of the Friends, there was much fun and laughter and some good honest labour. The transformation achieved was remarkable and so satisfying. I�m sure that a bit of physical effort, offered in friendship, can sometimes speak more eloquently than a thousand carefully rehearsed words. Maybe together we should view the film of �Operation Reconciliation� and see what action it might inspire among the Friends of Coventry Cathedral. And here are a couple of ideas.  Later this year, how about a group of the Friends going to physically plant 2009 snowdrops in the grounds of the Deaconess Hospital in Dresden?  It would keep that bond of friendship and reconciliation alive through one simple poetic action. Maybe we should also create opportunities for pilgrims from around the world to do something simple but practical that leaves a beneficial mark at our Cathedral � weeding, repairing choir scores, cleaning brass, dusting our hidden corners, re-varnishing benches in the ruins�.. What do you think?  Were you involved back in the <st1:city><st1:place>Dresden</st1:place></st1:city> project in the sixties and what impact did it have on you and others?  What do you think of the snowdrops idea?  Do you have a better idea?  And what do you think of the power of deeds over words?

Friends in a foreign land

by Peter Woodward

Friends in a foreign land I love snow.  It was a childhood delight and still feels quite magical seeing everything transformed to glistening white. I choose to believe that back in the 60�s it snowed deep and crisp and even EVERY winter!  Typical therefore that I should find myself on holiday in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> applying sunscreen as the snowstorms hit <st1:city><st1:place>Coventry</st1:place></st1:city>. It was my first time in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> and I was bowled over by the whole experience. Especially so the richness of culture represented through the Pharonic dynasty, still being discovered in the desert sands across the land. Egypt is a bustling country of huge contrasts; wealth and poverty, beauty and squalor, calm and clamour.  Its culture is so different to our own.  Every service rendered, whether sought or imposed comes at a cash price with the seemingly compulsory �baksheesh�. For those of us of a genteel British fixed-price mentality, this comes as quite a culture shock.  It�s strange to find oneself avoiding, resisting or refusing simple offers of help to avoid a draining haggle.  It�s also so easy to forget in these encounters that so many people are living at the margins of life.  For many, flogging plastic pyramid key rings to tourists is the only way to pay for basic essentials, like food. One afternoon in <st1:city><st1:place>Aswan</st1:place></st1:city>, a small group of us escaped the reassuring embrace of our guide.  We decided to hire a boat for the short journey up the River Nile to view the new Coptic Cathedral.  The simplicity of the request turned into a grinding and acrimonious negotiation.  We finally set out clutching that nagging doubt as to whether the price we thought we had agreed matched the interpretation of our boatman.  Of course it didn�t.  So followed the dilemma - stick to our guns and receive a thousand curses, or cave in, pay up and join the ranks of tourist victims.  We chose the former and leapt off the boat followed by a tirade of invective.  We all felt just a bit diminished by the experience. As we entered the compound of the Cathedral we were greeted by a smiling guide who offered to show us round.  Our first reaction was one of great caution.  What were we letting ourselves in for now?  Interesting how you can so rapidly build up a resistance to any human overture.   But we need not have feared.  This was a genuine oasis of warmth, hospitality and generosity far from the �real� <st1:country-region><st1:place>Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> outside the gates. We chatted to Manal Sobhy, our volunteer guide and soon realised that both our Cathedrals were dedicated to St Michael and that our shared Christian roots transcended any differences of tradition.  Manal spoke with pride and insight about the Coptic tradition founded by St Mark.  She showed us the vast white interior, the beautifully carved pews, simple symbolism at every turn.  She then sprang a surprise by asking me to sing something as I would in my Cathedral.  I�m quite sure the second largest cathedral in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> with a capacity of over 3,000 people had never heard the words of the 121st Psalm to the chant Walford Davies echoing around its vaults. �I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help. My help cometh even from the Lord, Who hath made Heaven and earth. It was an uplifting encounter that will live long in our memories transcending our boat encounter.  Beyond the trip I still recall the open smile, warm welcome and unconditional hospitality we received from Manal at the Mickel Cathedral � an instant Friend!  It is as vivid to me as the pyramids, temples, treasures of Tutankhamen put together. Back home in the slush, exciting plans are being developed to improve our own Cathedral as an attraction to visitor pilgrims from across the world as part of the 2012 Jubilee Appeal.  This is such an important ministry.  It will be even more crucial to have people with the knowledge and heart for this place to offer a human interpretation that no signs, videos and turnstiles can offer.  I hope that as membership of the Friends grows we can nurture more volunteers to offer their time in welcoming visitors and providing a memorable experience, a spiritual oasis in an urban desert, just as Manal did.

1934 - an unremarkable year.

by Peter Woodward

1934 was an unremarkable year.  Some years shout out from the pages of our history books for different reasons. 1066, 1666, 1812, 1939, 1962, 1966 � But 1934 does not.  George V was on the throne.  Ramsey McDonald was Prime Minister.  Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down in Louisiana.  The Loch Ness Monster was photographed.  The arts world mourned the passing of Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, Fredrick Delius and was blissfully unaware of a rash of births that would blossom into a generation of artistic talent;  Alan Bennett, Judi Dench, Roy Kinnear, Maggie Smith, Timothy West, Marty Feldman and Peter Maxwell Davies - all born in 1934.  Mervyn Haig was Bishop of Coventry and Richard (Dick) Howard was Provost of Coventry Cathedral.  Oh and one Adolph Hitler became Fuhrer of Germany, becoming Head of State as well as Chancellor.  In 1934 The Friends of Coventry Cathedral was formed. The Friends was established with much impetus from the Diocese following a trend among other Cathedrals that started with Canterbury in 1927.  The first Annual Meeting was held on Michaelmas Day 1934 in St Mary�s Hall.  The stated aims of the Friends were two-fold; �The first is to bind together all those who love Coventry Cathedral and to bring others to appreciate and enjoy it.  The second is to help the Cathedral authorities to preserve it for posterity, with its beauties unimpaired and enriched�. The Friends membership brochure spoke so eloquently;  �Coventry Cathedral ranks among the noblest examples of perpendicular style in architecture which is peculiar to this country.  Its supreme beauty and grandeur compel the immediate admiration of all who visit it.� Little did the founding fathers of the Friends know how quickly their vision would be dramatically and quite literally blown off course. Two dates, Thursday 14th November 1940 and Friday 25th May 1962 remain etched in the collective memory of all those associated with Coventry Cathedral.  Back in 1934 Bishop Haig suggested that all 50,000 people on the electoral rolls of the Diocese become Friends!  In reality initial membership numbered just 200.  Despite the extraordinary enriching twist to the Cathedral�s history, there has been a gradual decline in membership from a high watermark of 1,552 in 1963 down to less than 300 by 2007.  However I would like to belive that an important new chapter in the history of the Friends is now being written.   2008 witnessed the first significant uplift in membership since 1963.  75 new members have joined in the last six months alone.  What an appropriate number as we enter our 75th Anniversary Year!  My personal hope is that we will see a further blossoming of interest and membership in the Friends.  The Cathedral needs and deserves a vibrant Friends both to honour and care for our heritage and to support a vibrant living ministry into the future.  We are putting together a lively programme of events including a grand celebration for the Michaelmas weekend in 2009.  Watch this space for details. On a broader note, I wonder how 2009 will be described in 75 years time;  remarkable?  unremarkable? Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne, Gordon Brown was Prime Minister.  Barack Obama became President of the United States.  A global recession began to bite, conflict in Gaza intensified.  Christopher Cocksworth was Bishop of Coventry.  <st1:personname>John Irvine</st1:personname> was Dean.  And The Friends of Coventry Cathedral��. well, we�ll have to wait and see! Peter Woodward Chairman, Friends of Coventry Cathedral

Advent and the Coming of Christmas Cards

by Peter Woodward

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, <st1:personname>Ken Offley</st1:personname> � 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 75th 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 71st 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

An old Friend rediscovered�.

by Peter Woodward

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