EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
What have the Friends been up to in 2008
MUSICAL PILGRIMAGE – JANUARY 2008 This was our third Musical Pilgrimage. Numbers are always limited to 30 because of the logistics of moving around the Cathedral. Canon Peter Walker once again led the Pilgrimage and Mr Nick Hawker was the musical director. After the Pilgrimage everyone walked up to the Deanery for supper. This year it was posh Shepherd’s Pie with seasonal vegetables followed by a wonderful array of puddings – naughty and not so naughty. Mulled wine was served on arrival and tea and coffee with mints finished of the evening.
CHARITY FILM SCREENING of AMAZING GRACE - FEBRUARY 2008
We are still recovering from a most wonderful evening. The Charity screening of Amazing Grace was just what it says – Amazing! We had been concerned at having to sell 240 tickets but they all went and more could have been sold. Mr David Williams of the Plaza Cinema, Truro, was so helpful and encouraging and he has the most obliging and supportive staff I have ever met. On the day a small band of volunteers gathered together and made 2,000 canapes. This was a jolly precursor to the event as there had to be a considerable amount of tasting to make sure everything was up to scratch! Mard Sellwood did the most wonderful displays with the food which made it so tempting. Guests streamed into the cinema where they were met and welcomed by the Archdeacon of Cornwall (Roger Bush) in full evening dress. Once seats had been secured everyone gathered on the floor of the cinema to enjoy the wine and food. There was time for chatting and greeting friends before the real business of the evening started at 8.30pm – the film. Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce and his fight against slavery was most engaging and I think many of us were wiser and more knowledgeable as a result of seeing it. It was one of the best Fund Raising Events we had ever had AND we made at least £2,000 for the Friends and ultimately the Cathedral.
GILBERT AND SULLIVAN EVENING – JUNE 2008 The Kenwin Barton Singers have been entertaining the Friends with concert versions of Gilbert and Sullivan for many years. Until this year these concerts have taken place in the Chapter House at the Cathedral but because of the restrictions put on us by Health and Safety we had to look for an alternative venue. We settled on the Town Hall and what a successful move it turned out to be. The staff there were so helpful and we had the run of the first floor which meant we could serve refreshments before the performance, the concert took place in the redecorated hall and with access to the kitchen away from the performance no one was disturbed by the ‘workers’. Nearly 70 people enjoyed a double bill of HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury. We shall certainly consider the Town Hall again.
EQUINOCTIAL BOAT TRIP – SEPTEMBER 2008
At 6.30 pm on Wednesday 3rd September 75 Friends and two dogs set sail from the Quay in Truro aboard Enterprise II. It wasn’t raining and the sky, although a little overcast, was bright. Stoic people with blankets and many layers of clothing sat on the top deck whilst others were content with the saloon. On our way to Falmouth, to collect the pasties, we visited creeks of the estuary only accessible at this time because of the exceptionally high tides. Viewing the land from the water is always fascinating and the commentary by the skipper of the Enterprise was first class (including the prices of some of the properties!!). The water in Carrick Roads was excitingly frisky and we were all ready for a pasty when they came aboard at Custom House Quay. Sailing home in the dark was really very special and throughout the whole evening we had only a very little rain, which considering the weather we have been having was pretty good. We all had a really good time and plans for another trip next year are being mooted. We are particularly grateful to Ollie Hooper who did a splendid job selling raffle tickets and we hope Millie and Rosie, our dog Friends, enjoyed their trip!
AUTUMN GENERAL MEETING On Saturday 1st November the Friend’s held their Autumn General Meeting in the Chapter House at 3pm. More than 70 Friends attended and we were very glad of the sofas for extra seating! The Dean gave a detailed account of how the Chapter envisages the future of the Cathedral for the next 5/6 years. Then David Scott gave a most interesting illustrated talk on the Churches of Cornwall complete with quiz. Mr Michael Swift and Mrs Anne Pengelley shared first prize for this. Then we had a splendid tea prepared and served by the Restaurant Staff. It was a very happy occasion as I am sure all who attended will agree.
WINTER MONTHS – BEETLE DRIVES During the winter months John and Pauline Sansom have generously thrown open their home, and in particular their conservatory, for afternoon Beetle Drives. These have proved extremely popular and very competitive!! Play starts at 2.30 and is fast and furious and at times extremely noisy. At around 4pm we have Cornish cream tea and announce the winners, distribute the prizes and draw the raffle. More details in Latest News/Programme 2008.
ALL YEAR ROUND – COFFEE MORNINGS We are delighted to have returned to the Pearson Room for our Coffee Mornings on the second Wednesday of the month. All are welcome. Bring and Buy. Raffle. Lots of time to chat. Dates and details on Diary 2008 – 2009 page.
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