The new Annual Report, Spire, has now been circulated to members.

Also in the mailing were new membership cards, details of Friends' Day on Saturday 23 September, a booking form and the order form for this year's Christmas cards.

We have been asked whether we could produce a card which is blank inside - and without snow! - for use around the year and not just for Christmas.

So in addition to the two proper Christmas cards, we are offering a pack of ten cards with envelopes, price £3.50, showing the Cathedral from the west, painted by Sue Finniss.

This will not only be useful for writing notes, or for other occasions when a card is required: it will also make a good present.

All cards will be available from the Friends' Office (52 The Close) from September.

Spire, expertly edited by the Reverend Paul Lucas, contains many interesting articles and provides members with a good read, in addition to carrying the necessary report and accounts and minutes of the last AGM.

If you are not already a member of the Friends, do please join us. Your only commitment is regular payment of your subscription, which enables us to continue to help preserve the Cathedral for future generations.

Jane Erith - Secretary