Cathedral News August 2009

The month of June had me thinking a lot about upbringing. The theme of the Civic Service in the Cathedral was “The Welfare of the Child”, keying in with the 30th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Child. As usual the service celebrated the quality of civic life that we all too easily take for granted, and not just in Norwich. To explore this year’s theme, the UEA mounted an exhibition to illustrate the research currently undertaken on the future of childhood, highlighting pressure points on the upbringing of children, exploring, for example, how fathers serving prison sentences can continue to relate and engage with their children. The preacher at the service was the Bishop of Leicester who chaired the recent “A Good Childhood” enquiry. You can read his profound message on the Cathedral website (www.cathedral.org.uk/worship/sermons-sermons.aspx)

Meanwhile, in the Deanery we were busy getting ready for the wedding of our daughter, Maidlin, in the Cathedral. The Church of England’s Common Worship Marriage Service stresses the importance Christian Marriage as part of the fabric of society and of the structure of the wider community. We were delighted that large numbers of the Cathedral congregation, staff, residents, etc, joined us along with family guests at the service and at the party afterwards. I found myself thinking about my own upbringing and the influence of my parents, their strengths and their weaknesses but, above all, their love and constancy. Any wedding is a milestone on a family’s journey; and for Carys and me this wedding was an opportunity to thank our children for being so patient and forgiving of their parents.

And what was my bedtime reading during this time? It was Anthony Trollope’s “The Warden”, which I had not read for years. People frequently ask if Norwich Cathedral Close is like Barchester and it is easy to give a light and amusing reply! But, in addition to his beautiful writing, his capacity for a good story, his careful observation and eye for detail, Trollope has much to say to our own generation. His interest in conscience as against duty, the relationship of the individual to the institution as worked out within the Christian ethic of community – these are themes beautifully explored in his novels. Victoria Glendinning, in her marvellous biography of Trollope, lays great emphasis on Trollope’s upbringing, or perhaps lack of upbringing, in accounting for his powers of observation. His father was a failure as a lawyer, farmer and entrepreneur and for years was haunted by a sense of grievance. Both his parents largely ignored the young Anthony. At Winchester School he was the poorest boy in the school and suffered humiliation and social isolation as a result. His school prefect was his older brother who, far from supporting him, thrashed him regularly. It’s not surprising that he turned into a daydreamer, a thinker and, above all, a writer.

Today, a worrying proportion of children, from across the social divide, experience isolation and the lack of what might be regarded as a ‘normal’ upbringing in a stable and secure home. Whilst children have rights like everyone else, a good upbringing does not ultimately depend on rules and rights. How hard it is for parents who have had bad experiences themselves in family life then to exercise the necessary qualities of parenting their own children. How many parents can say that their own quality of life is enhanced by viewing the world through the eyes of their children? This is the subject of so much that Jesus taught us in his stories about God’s Kingdom. Jesus summarised that teaching in one single prayer, and every child should know it. This prayer is incomparable and supremely precious: we call it ‘The Lord’s Prayer’.

We owe it to those who, as parents, have the care of children to support them in every way in giving time, love and affection to their children.

Graham Smith

About fifty-five Friends enjoyed our Summer Outing to North Norfolk on 16 June. We left Norwich by coach to Sheringham, then boarded the Poppy Line train which took us via Weybourne to Holt - a delightfully reminiscent journey, with characters dressed in costume along the route, all designed to take us back to the 1940s and the outbreak of war. We then went to Letheringsett, where we had lunch before visiting the Water Mill. There we were given a most informative demonstration and talk on the intricacies of corn to flour production. We then visited Gresham’s School, where we were given an interesting talk on the history of the school, before being taken on a conducted tour. The day finished with Evensong in the School Chapel, sung by the Chapel Choir, followed by a cream tea. A very happy day was had by many!

I am sorry to say that the boating outing to Ranworth on 21 September is very undersubscribed, and we have taken the decision to cancel it in the format originally intended. However, we will be re-arranging it in a slightly different format and we will be in touch shortly with all those who have booked.

Rosie Foottit

We are looking forward to another great summer of family and children’s events in the Cathedral on Tuesdays 4 August (Norman and his Arch), 11 August (All Creatures Great and Small) and 18 August (It’s a Monk’s Life). All events are free and open to all, with no booking required so do drop in. The last event sees the launch of the brand new Cathedral Monks’ Trail – come and try it out! As well as participants, we are also looking for volunteers to help out with family events. If you are interested and can spare some time, do get in touch!

This autumn will see the opening of the new Hostry which will provide us with much-needed, purpose-built education space for both schools and adults. A new series of courses and events for adults has been planned, including a new Beginners’ Creative Writing course taught by experienced teacher, Patricia Mullin, which will run on Thursday evenings from 24 September. Last year’s course was very popular indeed and students are in the process of editing their work for an anthology “Voices from The Cathedral” to be published and launched in January 2010. Bookings for the new Writing course are being taken now – you are advised to book early as places are limited.

You can try out other aspects of your creativity too with Art Studio on Monday mornings from 21 September. This is an informal and friendly class using a variety of different techniques and media, with the Cathedral and the Close providing both an inspiration and a resource. There are poetry and photography day schools in September and October, a day investigating the medieval mystic, Julian of Norwich, and workshops and demonstrations too, in anticipation of the Christmas season. Please pick up a leaflet from the Cathedral or take a look at our website, www.cathedral.org.uk. or contact Jill Napier - communitylearning@cathedral.org.uk or tel: 01603 218321.

Jill Napier

Full details of these and all other services are on the weekly Music Scheme sheet on display in the Cathedral. Please note that the Cathedral Choir will be on holiday until 9 September and Evening Prayer will be said in place of Evensong, unless a visiting choir is in residence.

Saturday 1 August
9.30 am Ecclesiastical Classic Car Rally
departs from The Close
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by RSCM Voices)

Sunday 2 August Eighth Sunday after Trinity
Visiting Choir - The Rivelin Singers
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.15 am Holy Communion of St Mary in the Marsh
10.30 am Sung Eucharist (sung by visiting choir)
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by visiting choir)
6.30 pm Compline

Mon 3 - Sun 9 August inc
Visiting Choir - St Peter’s, Bexhill

Tuesday 4 August
10.00 am - Terrific Tuesdays Family Holiday Activities
4.00 pm “Norman and His Arch” - no booking
required. Tel: 01603 218321 for details
1.15 pm Christian Meditation (St Catherine’s Chapel)

Thursday 6 August Feast of the Transfiguration
5.15 pm Festal Evensong (sung by visiting choir)

Sunday 9 August Ninth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist (sung by visiting choir)
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by visiting choir)
6.30 pm Compline
Monday 10 August
Visiting Choir 10 - 16 August - Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir
6.15 pm Contemplative Prayer (St Catherine’s Chapel)

Tuesday 11 August
10.00 am - Terrific Tuesdays Family Holiday Activities
4.00 pm “All Creatures Great and Small” - no booking
required. Tel: 01603 218321 for details
1.15 pm Christian Meditation (St Catherine’s Chapel)

Wednesday 12 August
2.00 pm Broderers’ Guild “Behind the Scenes” Workshop
Tour. Adm £4. Tel: 01603 218326 to book
7.30 pm Big Screen Organ Recital - Dr Peter King
Adm £6 (plus concessions)

Sunday 16 August The Blessed Virgin Mary
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist (sung by visiting choir)
3.30 pm Festal Evensong (sung by visiting choir)
6.30 pm Compline

Tuesday 18 August
Society of Disabled Artists’ (SODA) Exhibition opens until 27 August, North Transept
10.00 am - Terrific Tuesdays Family Holiday Activities
4.00 pm “It’s a Monk’s Life” - no booking required. Tel: 01603 218321 for details
1.15 pm Christian Meditation (St Catherine’s Chapel)

Sat 22 and Sun 23 August
Visiting Choir - Open University Chapel Choir

Sunday 23 August Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist (sung by visiting choir)
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by visiting choir)
6.30 pm Compline

Monday 24 August
Visiting Choir: Wolverhampton Parish Church to 30 Aug
6.15 pm Contemplative Prayer (St Catherine’s Chapel)

Tuesday 25 August
1.15 pm Christian Meditation (St Catherine’s Chapel)

Wednesday 26 August
2.00 pm Broderers’ Guild “Behind the Scenes” Workshop
Tour. Adm £4. Tel: 01603 218326 to book

Saturday 29 August
7.30 pm Norwich Pops Orchestra Concert - “A Tribute to
Vaughan Williams”. Tkts from Cathedral Shop
Tel: 01603 218323

Sunday 30 August Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist (sung by visiting choir)
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by visiting choir)
6.30 pm Compline

Monday 31 August Bank Holiday
Visiting Choir - St Mary’s Hendon
11.00 am Bank Holiday Organ Recital by Andrew Parnell
(formerly St Alban’s Abbey) Free admission.
12 noon Sung Eucharist (sung by visiting choir)
5.15 pm Evensong (sung by visiting choir)

Tuesday 4 August, 12 noon, Prior’s Hall
Connie and Medad Birungi will be giving a talk entitled “Breaking the Silence Ugandan Style” on the subject of domestic violence and abuse in Christian homes in Uganda. A simple buffet lunch is included but numbers are limited so please contact Sylvia Dadd on 01603 717248.

Street Pastors’ Talk, 23 June. Thanks to all who supported this evening. Donations enabled us to present a cheque for £80.

For your diary: Thursday 17 September, 7.00 pm, Prior’s Hall. Win Sutton, President of Norfolk Mothers’ Union, will talk about the organisation’s work, especially with families.

Sylvia Dadd

The Committee met on Tuesday 14 July and re-elected Michael Sargisson as Chairman for the year. Minutes of the meeting are available on the noticeboard in the South Transept and, in view of the information contained in the minutes, please find time to read them. A member of the Committee will be identified each month and will be available during coffee after morning service on the first Sunday of the month to listen and discuss any matters which you feel should be addressed at future meetings of the Committee.

Michael Sargisson

June 2009
Collections                2042.84
Pledged donations     5418.50
TOTAL                    £7461.34
 

A group of smiling stalwarts from Norwich Cathedral enlisted me to accompany them on a recent link visit to Haarlem. Once I had established it was not the Haarlem of the Globe Trotters’ fame, I was glad and even eager to go. Indeed the trip for me became something of a dream fulfilled. Since my youth I have had a fascination with the Dutch Masters who painted spartan church interiors, full of space and the cool light of reason. The prospect of preaching in such an interior captivated my imagination and gave me a chance to reflect on some of the things that have happened to me and my family over recent years. The lections (Romans 8 and the Marcan storm on the lake) almost commanded such a response.

It was a short hop from Norwich International to Schiphol where we were met by members of the Bavo congregation, before making the 45 minute journey from the airport to their city. All of us were the guests of members of the Grote Kerk who welcomed us in their elegant panelled vestry, its walls covered with the names of past deacons and elders. It was clear that Calvinism saw the laity as much worthy of record as the clergy. My hosts were a delightful family who saw to my every need and even supplied me with a bicycle! Being Dutch they could see I was suffering from withdrawal symptoms caused by 24 hours of ‘bike deprivation’. Soon back in the saddle I was able to cycle the cobbled streets interlaced with canals, and cross the great Market Square to the Bavo Church. Here I was to preach in an elegant pulpit under the shadow of what was once the biggest organ in the world played on by a ten year old Mozart and a more mature Handel.

The congregation were so welcoming. They fed and entertained us royally, and graciously shared their Eucharistic worship with its solemn Calvinist simple dignity. We had theological discussions, a visit to the museum of Haarlem’s most famous son, Franz Hals, tours of the carillon tower and of course that Baroque confection they call an organ. I shall never forget the friendliness that filled that cavernous open space flooded with calming light which I had known from childhood through some paintings in the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. The only difference was that this space now sparkles with the most astonishing modern window recently dedicated in the presence of the Dutch Queen. I was glad mischievously to point out to all our friends that Norwich was soon to have something of equal beauty in the form of the John McLean windows planned for the North aisle. Then again the Dutch are leading the way with innovation and challenge which they do with such unselfconscious grace and a sparkling sense of humour. No wonder Franz Hals was famous for his laughing portraits of jolly Calvinist Cavaliers.

Phillip McFadyen

The Cathedral Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, led by the Dean, will take place on Saturday 26 September and all are welcome to join the Cathedral congregation on this spiritual journey. A coach has been booked (fare £8) and names should be given to Angela Capper or John Hudson from Sunday 16 August. Tickets will be issued from Sunday 6 September. The Walsingham Pilgrim Manual will be used. If you have a copy from a previous Pilgrimage, please bring it with you or if you would like to purchase a Manual (£3 per copy), please place an order at the time of booking your ticket. Our pilgrims are invited to make their own lunch arrangements - there is a coffee shop within the precincts of the Shrine and various cafes/pubs in the village, or bring your own picnic. The timetable for the day is as follows:-
9.45 am Coach departs for Walsingham; 11.00 am First visit to the Holy House; 12 noon Pilgrimage Mass; 1.15 pm Lunch; 2.30 pm Sprinkling at the Well; 4.15 pm Benediction & last visit; 5.15 pm Coach departs for return to Norwich.

John Hudson
 

Now that the children are on holiday, we have lots of goodies in the Shop to tempt them if they get bored, including a selection of colouring/activity books and puzzles and crafts for rainy or sunny days. We will also have books to buy that are linked into the Terrific Tuesday activity days throughout August.

Building on our Benedictine foundations from the past, we are now stocking products made by the Benedictine monks at St Augustine’s Abbey in Kent. The monks have their own bees and, as well as traditional beeswax furniture polish, they are able to produce handmade organic lip balms and hand creams which smell delicious! Continuing the Monk’s theme, we have a beautifully illustrated children’s book entitled ‘Brother Egbert and the Carpenter of Willingford’ Look out for our name bookmarks and coasters which are real bargains and when they’re gone, they’re gone! And finally, we have tickets on sale for the Norwich Pops Concert in the Cathedral on 29 August.

Anne Cox

You are invited to a
RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE FIFTH BIRTHDAY
OF NORWICH CATHEDRAL LIBRARY
(incorporating the library of the Lincoln Theological Institute)on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 12.30 pm in Norwich Cathedral Library

RSVP by Friday 28 August to:Gudrun Warren (Librarian), 12 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DH
Tel: 01603 218327E-mail:library@cathedral.org.uk
 

WEEK BEGINNING

02 August Canon Doll             01603 218336
09 August Canon Capper         01603 665210
16 August Canon Capper         01603 665210
23 August Canon Haselock      01603 218314
30 August Canon Haselock      01603 218314

“Behind the Scenes” Tours

Visit the Broderers’ Guild Workshop above the Prior’s Hall.  See where the Cathedral’s vestments are made and repaired.  Wednesdays at 2.00 pm - 12 & 26 August.  Entrance: £4.00  Places are limited so booking is advised.  Tel: 01603 218326 or e-mail: hjenkins@cathedral.org.uk
Please note that the Guild Workshop is currently closed for the summer break and will re-open on Monday 10 August.  We regret that the Workshop is on the first floor with no level access
 

Please send items for the September newsletter to Angela Stevenson, PA to the Dean (preferably by e-mail) by 9 am on Wednesday 19 August
E-mail: astevenson@cathedral.org.uk or post to The Cathedral Office, 12 The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DH