The Friends will be manning a stand at the Cathedral Open Day on June 19. Please come by and say hello or even better bring along a ‘Friend’!

We are looking forward to the day, to seeing so many people; at the last open day we signed up a significant number of new members, and hope to do the same again this year if we can.

A full coach of Friends made an early start to London on May 4, for a tour of the Houses of Parliament, arranged by Robert Key. Once past the strict security checks, the fascinating tour began and included both the Houses of Commons and Lords, and Westminster Hall.

It was much quieter than usual without any MPs who were of course occupied with last minute canvassing for the General Election on May 6.

During the afternoon the group had the choice to take part in a visit to St Margaret’s Church, which is the official church of MPs, or ‘do their own thing’. We all met for Evensong in Westminster Abbey before the journey home.

We look forward to hearing about the Pilgrimage to Oberammergau in June - a party of 22 Friends is going through Pax Travel, led by the Revd Ian Provost, who by happy coincidence is a member of the Friends Association, living in Plymouth.

In the Autumn, I have arranged a long weekend based in Ludlow 8 - 10 October, which I hope will prove to be an interesting and enjoyable end to this year’s programme of trips arranged for the benefit of our members. However, please note: spaces for our outings are limited so you are advised to book early - I usually advertise in the Cathedral’s ‘Looking Forward’ publication.

Don’t forget to come and see us on June 19.

Kate Beckett, Executive Secretary