Friends of the Parish Church - Archive page

 

Lincoln Cathedral visit on Friday 9th September 2022

A group of The Friends went by coach up to Lincoln on 9th September and as you can imagine the Cathedral was a sombre but awesome experience. All tours were cancelled and there was a sense of peace throughout the building. Hushed voices as we all absorbed the atmosphere. Lots of candle stations as well as the condolence book and movingly, regular short readings and prayers were said echoing through the whole Cathedral. It was not the planned visit however it is one we will never forget.

We can recommend the Cathedral Café where they had prepared a room just for us. The service and food was excellent. We had morning coffee on arrival and an excellent lunch later, some of us even had tea before we left.

The afternoon was spent by many at the Castle where we saw the Magna Carta and visited the Castle Prison, not a place you would want to stay for more than a very short visit. The views from the Parapet where fabulous, you can see for miles and everything looked so green.

On this trip we were joined by Christine Lawrence who was our Treasurer for a time but now lives in York, it was so good to see her. Our thoughts during the day were of Lawrence Gooderham our late Chairman who’s funeral was on the 7th. He had been looking forward to joining us - bless him.

Watch this space for news of our spring Cathedral visit, book early to get a place on the coach.

Pamela Mugliston

Lawrence Gooderham

As many of you already know our Chairman passed away on the 9th August in Addenbrookes Hospital. Lawrence was a member of the Friends for over 50 years and our Chairman since 1981. His enthusiasm for The Friends was infectious and we all felt his loyalty and kindness . I was privileged to work alongside Lawrence as Secretary for 10 years and I, like you all, will miss him immensely.

Lawrence was particularly fond of our Friends' prayer which I share with you here:

We thank Thee O Father, for the precious heritage of our Church of St Mary the Virgin, and for the privilege of Enrolment as Friends of Thy House of Prayer.
We pray that, increasingly, we may value, and use this sacred trust, and with loving reverence, care for Thy House.
May it become more and more, a spiritual home, and a means of blessing to this town and neighbourhood.
Guide us as Friends of the Church, in all our efforts for the promotion of Thy glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Pamela Mugliston

Cathedral Trip to Bury St Edmunds 22nd June 2022

 

Twenty five of The Friends of the Parish Church had a visit to Bury St Edmunds Cathedral on 22nd June in bright sunshine. We had interesting and informative Tour Guides and enjoyed our visit.
We then had lunch together in the Edmund Room of the Cathedral where we were joined by The Venerable Duncan Green and his wife Janet.
After lunch the group went their own ways enjoying all that was on offer including the fabulous Flower Festival in the Cathedral, the Abbey Gardens and Ruins, the Town itself, the Market and of course the shops.
We look forward to our trip to Lincoln in September.
Pamela Mugliston
 

Cathedral Trip to Ely 28th April 2022

Above photos taken on our trip to Ely Cathedral on Thursday 28th April 2022. Click on each to enlarge.
Our first Cathedral trip after the long pandemic break was enjoyed by all.
Excellent Guides showed us around in the morning before we enjoyed lunch together in the Almonry.
The afternoon was free to wander around the bustling market full of fabulous produce straight off the Fens and take a walk down to the river to check out all the boats moored in the marina with the opportunity to walk back via the extensive Cathedral grounds.
All this in beautiful sunshine, what a treat.
Pamela Mugliston