Cardinals on Coronations, Canonised Carmelites, and Challenging Competition

Joe Allen, Co-ordinator of The Friends

As the title suggests, June was a varied month for Friends’ events but I am pleased to report a successful one too. The beginning of the month of June saw lay Carmelite and freelance journalist Amanda C Dickie give a very insightful and well-received talk on the recently canonised St Titus Brandsma. Rescheduled from earlier in the year due to rail strikes, it was wonderful to be able finally to deliver this event.

The following week, we went back into competition mode for a Quiz and Fish & Chip Supper. Our thanks go to Fr Hugh for acting as quizmaster, Barbara for setting the questions, and Lee, Elizabeth, and Zoe for assisting in various capacities on the night. The Southwark Dames narrowly beat the Lay Clerks to win our last quiz before the summer, an event that saw over 50 people in attendance.

Last, but by no means least, 20 June saw the AGM and the long awaited ‘Coronation Reflections’ event. With Cardinal Nichols giving the opening address, the 60-strong audience were treated to a litany of exciting and thought-provoking anecdote and reflections by His Eminence before the panel made their contributions.

Thereafter, we heard from well-known broadcaster and author of Defenders of the Faith Catherine Pepinster on the realities of broadcasting life during the Coronation and Fr Paul McCourt on military chaplaincy and marching 56 practice miles in the week preceding. Meanwhile, Assistant Master of Music Peter Stevens gave an insight into the rigours of musical preparations for Coronations past and present, and Head Sacristan Richard Hawker broke down the chain of events which led to the Archbishop of Canterbury crowning the King whilst wearing a Westminster Cathedral Cope.

The coming months until September see a hiatus from public events for The Friends. But much work will be done behind the scenes over the summer months to make sure that the autumn schedule and beyond is varied, packed, and attractive. The future looks bright for The Friends, which continues to grow and develop off the back of the disruption of recent years. Current members – see you in the autumn. Everyone else – we look forward to receiving your application forms!