Cathedral

As planned we walked down into the city centre to visit the cathedral for it Easter Day main service. At least it was dry - not quite so afterwards!

We were in good time but the nave was well occupied by the time the service was ready to begin. Whilst they match most other cathedrals for the sense of drama and formalities,  they have the ability to make it feel much less formal than in some places. Dean John is shortly to retire after 13 years at this cathedral and brought a very real sense of joy and welcome in his manner.

The new Bishop, Sophie Jelley, preached an excellent sermon and also added to the sense of celebration that the Dean had created. She was able to announce that afterwards there would enough eggs for every one to enjoy - especially as the usual refreshment people were taking a break this week. 

The famous tapestry behind the main altar seemed to be especially fitting for today and as we all turned westwards for the final dismissal, sunlight was streaming through the huge window.

The only downside to this building is its acoustics - it was designed perhaps just a decade before there was a better understanding of how to allow speakers to be well heard. Those of us with less than perfect hearing are challenged to follow what is being said against a powerful echo repeating it all. Fortunately those accustomed to the place know to leave sufficient gaps to allow the echoes to dissipate.

Although the sun was shining brightly as we came out and set off back to the boat, it was also slightly raining! Fortunately it did not amount to much until we were over the footbridge and the boat was in sight when hail arrived! We were close enough to not really wet.