Weekly Record
16 August 2009
 So, for one week only I am the Harriet Harman of the Cathedral world. The Dean, last seen with a knotted hankie on his head clutching a bucket and spade, has headed off to Anglesey for a holiday and left me in charge. Not that there are many top management decisions to be made, or long term strategic developments to consider. At least if there are they are on hold as I have much more pressing matters to consider! You see I am in the middle of a wedding season to rival no other. Last week my brother got married in the Crypt, 6 days later my cousin tied the knot on the Wirral and this week my sister is getting married in Oxford. Phew! Just think of all the outfits and shoes! I am in Blahnik/Choo heaven. I have been—or will be—bridesmaid for both my sister and brother and this is a very responsible duty! I knew this already without referring to the handy book I was given to read which gave me all kinds of useless hints and advice (don’t agree to be a bridesmaid if you have a burning hatred of the bride or groom—I kid you not)! The must have qualities for being a good bridesmaid are not dissimilar for top tips for working at the Cathedral! They include being very organised; being calm no matter what disasters might happen on the day; being enthusiastic(!); being focused, co-operative and supportive. That’s it in a nutshell really.
So whilst I am being all of the above and more at the weekend the Cathedral is getting on with things. Sunday is the Feast of the Assumption when we recognise the Virgin Mary’s assumed passage into heaven. This is a Holy Day of Obligation. Fr Michael will be celebrating his last Solemn Mass with us before he gets ready to move to pastures new in Wavertree. We pray that he will be very happy and fulfilled in his new appointment. We were chatting the other day about what he is going to do about cooking his own meals as the clergy in Cathedral House are very fortunate to have Karen, Cerid and the Sisters who prepare scrumptious meals for them every day of the week. He won’t be able to survive on peanut butter, toast and cereal for that long and is going to have to dust of his ‘How to cook delicious meals for one on a budget’ and ‘Pasta—a million different ways!’ recipe books. I suspect he may rely heavily on the chippie that is up the road. There won’t be much time for a long farewell speech though at the end of Mass as there are three babies and their families waiting to be baptised. The Crown Princess Cruise Liner is also in Liverpool this weekend. The lucky passengers will be in the middle of a 12 day cruise with 11 ports of call including visits to London, Glasgow and Paris/Normandy. Whilst in Liverpool the majority of passengers always take a trip to both Cathedrals and they are guaranteed a warm welcome. Whilst they are here they may like to pick up a souvenir from the Piazza Art Market which is on Sunday from 11am—4.00pm. If you have not been to one before it is well worth a visit. All the stalls are set up outside the Visitor Centre and there is a real continental buzz about the place. The Market showcases the artistic creations of local artists and whatever your budget there is original art and handmade crafts to be had.
For those of you who have not been on your hols yet I wish you a lovely, relaxing time.
Claire Hanlon
Assistant to the Dean |
