DAILY SERVICES AT GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL

SUNDAY NEWS

7.40am Morning Prayer (said) 8.00am Holy Communion 10.15am Sung Eucharist with Children’s Church 3.00pm Choral Evensong FEBRUARY 2016

MONDAY - SATURDAY

8.00am Holy Communion 8.30am Morning Prayer (said) 12.30pm Holy Communion 5.30pm Choral Evensong (said Evening Prayer on Mondays) (4.30pm on Saturdays)

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Many of you do so already, and we are grateful, but if you are a visitor who pays Income Tax in the UK, you could make your donation go further by doing this.

There is a Donorpoint at the West end of the Cathedral where you can use your credit card to give a donation, and this can be gift- aided as well

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32

Gloucester Cathedral News The Editorial Team consists of: Richard Cann, Sandie Conway, Pat Foster, Barrie Glover, Mission Statement: Stephen Lake, Paul Ross, Christopher and Maureen Smith. ‘We aim to produce a Christian magazine which is widely accessible Editor: Maureen Smith. and which informs, involves and inspires its readers.’ The next Editorial meeting is on Wednesday 9th March 2016.

Cathedral Chapter "We are happy to receive articles, handwritten or typed. We regret that, Dean: The Very Reverend Stephen Lake due to the limited space available, and to enable us to continue to produce a lively, varied and informative magazine, we can normally only accept articles of 400 words or less. Articles over 400 words will only be Canons: Lay Canons: accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Nikki Arthy John Coates

Dr Andrew Braddock Paul Mason The Editor reserves the right to alter articles as necessary, without losing

Jackie Searle Dame Janet Trotter the general sense.

Celia Thomson Contributions can be emailed to: [email protected] or you can leave them at the Cathedral Office at the address given at the front of this booklet. Chief Operations Officer: Emily Shepherd You may also email Maureen Smith direct: [email protected]

The Cathedral Office, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX Disclaimer: We try very hard to make sure details are correct before going Telephone: 01452 528095 to print, but things can change! Please check with the Cathedral Office Email: [email protected] and the notice board. Please note that articles do not represent the

opinions of the Chapter, the or the editor - only the The Clergy may be contacted through the Cathedral Office at the writer! above address and telephone number. The Editor for March is Maureen Smith.

The deadline is the 5th February Gloucester Cathedral News Subscriptions

A year’s postal subscription for 10 copies of Gloucester Cathedral

News may be obtained by cash or cheque for £12 made payable to

‘The Chapter of Gloucester Cathedral’ and sent to the Cathedral

Office at the above address.

www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Cover picture: Shield showing the Instruments of the Passion, from the Great East Window, Gloucester Cathedral. (See article on page 16).

Photograph by: Richard Cann.

2 31 Sat 5 10.00am Come and Sing - Verdi Requiem. (See page 28). CONTENTS

Sun 6 5.00pm Compline sung by the Cathedral Lay Clerks. Page

Mon 7 1.05pm Meditation for Beginners. (See page 14). The Way the Truth and the Life Maureen Smith 4

Tue 8 2.30pm Lent: Sip and Study. (See page 14). Walking on the Sea Nathaniel Hawthorne 6 Wed 9 11.00am Lent: Dust and Glory. (See page 14). 7.30pm Lent: Christianity Explored. (See page 15). Candlemas Maureen Smith 7 Fri 11 12 noon Lent Lunch, Lysons Hall, Hempsted.(See page 15). Saint Gilbert of Maureen Smith 8 Sat 12 9.30am FEIG Brunch and Bounce. 10.00am Lent prayers: St Mary de Lode. (See page 15). And What about Saint Valentine Wed 16 11.00am Lent: Dust and Glory. (See page 14). and his Feast Day? Maureen Smith 9 7.30pm Lent: Christianity Explored. (See page 15).

Sat 19 11.00am Coffee Concert. Leap Year Trivia BBC News Magazine 10 7.00pm GCS Concert. Around the Community 12 Sun 20 5.00pm Compline sung by the Cathedral Lay Clerks.

Mon 21 11.00am Meditation for Beginners. (See page 14). Journey Through Lent 14-15

Tue 22 2.30pm Lent: Sip and Study. (See page 14). Instruments of the Passion Richard Cann 16 Wed 23 11.00am Lent: Dust and Glory. (See page 14). Centenary of First World War Series: Thu 24 MAUNDY THURSDAY 11.00am Diocesan Eucharist with the Blessing of Oils. Vera Mary Brittain v.a.d. Barry Glover 18

7.30pm Last Supper Eucharist and vigil. Charles Horace Glover and the Fri 25 GOOD FRIDAY Battle of the Somme Barrie Glover 19 10.00am The Way of the . 1.30pm The Liturgy of Good Friday Cotton Motorcycles George Marchant 21 7.00pm Bach St John Passion.

Sat 26 8.30pm The Liturgy of Easter Eve. The Story of a Silver Horse Richard Cann 23

EASTER DAY Jottings from the West End Humph ’n Harry 24 Sun 27 10.15am The Eucharist for Easter Day. 3.00pm Evensong with procession to the Garth. Diary of special services and events 28

Please consider a voluntary donation of £1 to help cover the cost of this magazine 30 3 February special services and events:

Sat 6 11.00am Coffee Concert by Students from Birmingham said, ‘I am the Conservatoire. 7.00pm London Welsh Male Voice Choir Concert. Way the Truth and the Life. No-one Wed 10 ASH WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes. comes to the Father Sat 13 1.00pm Caring Chorus Concert in aid of flood victims. except through me’ Mon 15 1.05pm Lent: Meditation for Beginners. (See page 14). John 14:6 Tue 16 2.30pm Lent: Sip and Study. (See page 14).

Wed 17 11.00am Lent: Dust and Glory. (See page 14). 7.30pm Lent: Christianity Explored. (See page 15).

Thu 18 - Fri 19th Pottering Around the Cathedral. (See page 27).

Fri 19 12 noon Lent Lunch. Lysons Hall, Hempsted. (See page 15).

‘The Way the Truth and the Life’ Sat 20 10.00am Lent prayers: St Mary de Lode. (See page 15).

I must say at the outset that I do not have a problem with satellite 2.00pm ‘The Angel Choir’. Talk by Simon Pickard. (See page 19). navigation systems, in fact Chris and I have got one ourselves and it’s very useful, not just for finding our way to new places, but also Mon 22 1.05pm Lent: Meditation for Beginners. (See page 14). warning of sneaky speed traps! Not that we’re in the habit of Tue 23 2.30pm Lent: Sip and Study. (See page 14). speeding of course. Wed 24 11.00am Lent: Dust and Glory. (See page 14).

However, we’ve found, from personal experience, and that of Thu 25 12,30pm Organ Recital by Tim Ravalde - Assistant Organist, others, that the sat nav is certainly not infallible. It does Chichester Cathedral. occasionally send its owners off onto the wrong road. It’s all too easy then to lose ones sense of direction altogether, especially when Fri 26 12 noon Lent Lunch. Lysons Hall, Hempsted. (See page 15). driving in the dark. Sat 27 10.00am Lent prayers: St Mary de Lode. (See page 15).

The best solution in such cases is to resort back to human Sat 28 5.00pm Compline Sung by the Cathedral Lay Clerks. assistance, that is to find someone with local knowledge of the area you are lost in to guide you back onto the right road. March looking ahead…..

Tue 1 2.30pm Lent: Sip and Study. (Details on page 14). It strikes me that this applies to our Christian journey. Here we have no electronic or non electronic navigation systems to guide us. The Wed 2 11.00am Lent: Dust and Glory. (Details on page 14). 7.30pm Lent: Christianity Explored. (See page 15). route is often fraught with difficulties and doubts and it’s all too easy to be led astray. Also, we live in an uncertain and unstable Fri 4 12 noon Lent Lunch. Lysons Hall, Hempsted. (See page 15). world where it’s almost impossible to see further than tomorrow or Sat 5 10.00am Lent prayers: St Mary de Lode. (See page 15). at any rate the day after that. 4 29 It’s all too obvious that we need someone who will guide us safely Come & Sing through whatever trials or tribulations we encounter upon our

VERDI REQUIEM journey. Someone who doesn’t just have an intimate knowledge of the road we travel, but also about us and our needs. That person is Gloucester Cathedral of course our Lord, Jesus Christ. Saturday 5th March 2016 10.00am culminating in a performance at 3.30pm. Soon we’ll be taking the difficult journey through Lent. Along with most, if not all, Christians, I imagine, I find it a particularly hard Musical Director road to follow, one in which we are forced to encounter and Adrian Partington meditate upon the horrors of the Cross. Who better to guide us with young professional soloists and Jonathan Hope accompanying. through this than the one who trod the road himself?

Everyone welcome – no audition required! Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No-one comes to Tickets £25 the Father except through me’. (John 14.6). Those words, which are from www.3choirs.org or 0845 6521823 some of my favourite words from scripture, were spoken to reassure to include provision of music, sandwich lunch, coffee and tea and encourage his disciples before his arrest and death upon the

Charity number 204609 Cross, and they are equally relevant to us today. They remind us that Jesus is travelling closely beside us on every stage of our earthly journey. They give us hope and courage to face all that life may throw at us. They also assure us that, just as he will lead us Latin Courses at Gloucester Cathedral through the dark days of Lent to the glory of Easter Day, so he will also lead us safely through our earthly lives to our ultimate LATIN FOR BEGINNERS – Saturday 9th April destination in heaven.

Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a one-day Latin course for beginners on Saturday 9th April 2016. The course is led by George Sharpley, Latin Jesus is indeed our constant and infallible companion and guide, teacher and author. The course looks at the Latin language, the Latin and, unlike the sat nav, if we put our full trust in him, he will never origins of English words, and the ancient writers themselves. You can lead us astray or let us down. also hear some of their Latin read aloud. Maureen Smith.

th READING LATIN POEMS – Sunday 10 April Editor’s Note: There is a variety of opportunities to medidate, study

On the following day George Sharpley is leading another day-course in the scriptures and pray during Lent this year. All Welcome! (See the same venue, this one looking more closely at the poetry of Virgil, pages 14 - 15 for details). Horace, Ovid and others. During this course you will discover how to read the Latin of these great poets – a of sound! *********************************** Trust in the Lord with all your heart, More details and enrolment: do not depend on your own understanding. The LATIN QVARTER Seek his will in all you do www.lingua.co.uk/latin [email protected] and he will show you which path to take.

T: 01452 731113 Proverbs 3:5-6

28 5 Walking on the Sea So we send our warm wishes and let’s hope for a good year for volunteering. Mr. H. is wondering whether he might start up a group When the storm on the mountains of Galilee fell, of Morris Men. Bells and bashing might be fun and they could And lifted its waters on high; perform at the Festival. Several of the gargoyles have expressed an And the faithless disciples were bound in the spell interest, so we shall see.

Of mysterious alarm - their terrors to quell, As usual, we will be wearing large red hearts on Jesus whispered, “Fear not, it is I.” Valentine’s Day and, if you don’t have a Valentine and feel a bit miffed, just remember that we are up there for YOU. The storm could not bury that word in the wave, For ’twas taught through the tempest to fly; Waves all round. It shall reach his disciples in every clime, All the best and if Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? We do And his voice shall be near in each troublous time, hope so and, in the meantime, on we go! Salutations to one and all, Saying, “Be not afraid, it is I.” God for Harry, England and Saint George!

Humph ’n Harry. When the spirit is broken with sickness or sorrow, And comfort is ready to die; Editor’s note: Thank you to Humph ’n Harry who have made me an The darkness shall pass, and in gladness tomorrow, Honorary Corbel. What an honour. I’ll wear my Grand Order of The wounded complete consolation shall borrow Corbels badge with pride!!!

From his life-giving word, “It is I.” Humph ’n Harry also think it’s time to reveal that their jottings are transcribed and written for GCN by Sylvia Coppen-Gardner. They say When death is at hand, and the cottage of clay that she deserves a medal since their handwriting is almost illegible! Is left with a tremulous sigh, The gracious forerunner is smoothing the way For its tenant to pass to unchangeable day, ************************************************************************************ Saying, “Be not afraid, it is I.” ‘Pottering Around The Cathedral’ Thursday 18 and Friday 19 February 2016 When the waters are passed, and the glories unknown Tours depart at 6.15pm, 7.00pm and 7.45pm Burst forth on the wondering eye, The compassionate “Lamb in the midst of the throne” Have a magical experience as we take you on a tour behind the scenes Shall welcome, encourage and comfort his own, of the filming of Harry Potter at Gloucester Cathedral. Visit the film And say,, “Be not afraid, it is I.” locations and find out the secrets of how the Cathedral was transformed into Hogwarts. Join in with some enchanting crafts, try Nathaniel Hawthorne. (1804 - 1864). some potions and enjoy the sweets eaten by Harry and his friends. Don’t forget to try on the sorting hat to find out which Hogwarts house you’re in.

Coming dressed up as your favourite character is encouraged!

Tickets: adults £7.00 - children age 3 and over £5.00 (Under 3’s free) Available from Cathedral Gift Shop, 0845 652 1823 or from www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

6 27 Jottings from the West End: Candlemas

Greetings from us Corbels Some sources believe that Christians began Humph ’n Harry celebrating Candlemas as early as 380 AD, when early writings record a Feast of the Presentation taking place in a church in . The Tempus fugit, so CARPE DIEM! Here’s hoping for a great and glorious tradition of lighting candles at Candlemas to 2016 and a big “Thank You” to Maureen for giving Father Christmas symbolise ‘Jesus the Light of the World’ came a jolt by kindly displaying our socks as a heading for our Christmas later, in the 400’s AD. newsletter. Never underestimate the power of the Press. It worked! Candlemas draws some of its elements from pre-Christian times Christmas, New Year and Epiphany flew, when it was known as the Festival of Light. This ancient festival So now we’re feeling rather blue. marked the mid-point of winter, half way between the winter Rule Britannia and Up the Corbels! solstice (shortest day) and the spring equinox. Some people lit The Heights seem bleak without the baubles, candles to scare away evil spirits on the dark winter nights. And we’ve eaten all the Christmas cake And ended up with tummy ache! It was also believed that Candlemas predicted the weather for the With all our “Thank You” letters written, rest of the winter.

With every single chocolate bitten, If Candlemas Day be clear and bright With no more parcels at the door, Winter will have another fight. We don’t feel festive any more, But Candlemas should put us right If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain And think of all that lovely light Winter won’t come again. Before we soldier on to Lent And wonder where the pancakes went! According to folklore, the badger comes out to test the weather in the United Kingdom. TO BE FOLLOWED, SURPRISE, SURPRISE, BY SPRING CLEANING! Snowdrops have long been associated with Candlemas and are often Humph enjoys the meditative quality of Lent and is planning a know as Candlemas Bells because they bloom at that time. retreat to his study for a little Greek, a snooze and some nice herbal tea, as it is a bit early for a dash to the allotment. Marigolds According to ancient belief, an angel helped these Candlemas bells at the ready, Mr. H will be “doing”! He has a large order from to bloom and pointed them as a sign of hope to Eve, who wept in Lakeland and some excellent “relief” in a small and secret hamper repentance and in despair over the cold and death that entered the under his bed, which he obtained from Fortnum and Mason before world. the Christmas rush! The Heights should be sparkling for Easter and in good order for TCF 2016. The snowdrop has also become a symbol of Jesus Christ being this hope for the world. We will grace the Friends’ lecture on the Angel Choir and its music. Maureen Smith. Mr H. will take his hurdy-gurdy to show solidarity with the angels and there will be an amazing Angel Tea. Yum, yum, yum for ears and tum! He has always wanted to be an angel - all that flying!

26 7 Gilbert of Sempringham The Story of a Silver Horse Gilbert, Founder of the Gilbertine Order,

was born in 1083 in Sempringham, Occasionally one sees a work of art and Lincolnshire. He was the son of Jocelin, falls in love with it immediately – such an Anglo-Norman Knight and Lord of the was my feeling when I saw this manor. His mother, name unknown, was stunning statue of a horse in a of humble English birth. silversmith’s shop. The urge to

purchase was overwhelming and I fell. Gilbert was unable to enter military

service, reportedly due to some physical The story of this work of art was, however, extraordinary, and the disability, and was sent instead to the information that I was given even more amazing. to study theology. On

his return to England in 1120, he became I was told that, when a piece of silverware such as this submitted a clerk in the household of Robert Bloet, for hallmarking, because of the fragility of what would be the final . He was subsequently ordained by Robert's assembled piece, it is submitted to the assay office piecemeal. In successor, Alexander. However, when offered the Archdeaconry of this case, the tail was in 2 pieces, the body in 4, and the legs Lincoln, he refused, saying that he knew no surer way to perdition! separately. Because all the constituent pieces will eventually be put

together, only one of the pieces will have the hallmark – in this case In 1131 he returned to Sempringham where he became the parish the inside of the rear offside leg. The maker Edward Barnard, priest. He encouraged the vocation of seven women of the town and hallmarked for London 1979 – I would suggest that he certainly knew formed them into a company of lay sisters. A group of lay brothers the anatomy of a horse to produce such a work of art – a friend of followed and the Gilbertine Order was founded. They all observed mine has identified its sex – it is a mare! the Benedictine rule. In 1148 he approached the for pastoral guidance but they refused because he included women in It was found, in pieces, in a bag in the drawer of a watchmaker’s his Order, so they became under the ambit of Augustinian canons. shop in a town in the north of England in 2015 – its potential Gilbert himself became the Master. recognised as a work of art - purchased and given to a well-known

silversmith for assembly and then purchased by a silver and At the time of Gilbert’s death in 1189, at the grand age of 106, jewellery shop. It was the centrepiece of their display at the there were nine double in England and four of male Badminton Horse Trials this year. The plinth on which the figure canons only. It was the only purely English monastic foundation stands is sandstone from south-west Scotland. The height is 4½ before the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the sixteenth century. inches at the shoulder and it is not a ‘shell’ – it is solid silver. Why it

was left in pieces for 36 years in a drawer in a watchmaker’s shop is Gilbert was canonised in 1202 by Pope Innocent III. His liturgical anyone’s guess. To be aware that I am, in fact, the first owner, to feast day is on 4th February. me, is mind-boggling. Maureen Smith. Richard Cann.

Sources: ‘Exciting Holiness’, and various internet sources including Catholics on line and Wikipedia.

8 25 Minter, Cottons won races on every British motorcycle circuit. And what about Saint However, problems accumulated during the 1970s, the firm moved premises several times, and eventually closed down in 1980. Valentine and his Feast Day?

Cotton machines still held the enthusiasm of their riders. A Cotton Did you know that…. Owners Club was formed, and this holds annual summer rallies at Gloucester Folk Museum. The Folk Museum displays a first  St. Valentine is known to be a real generation 1922 Cotton model and a second generation 1963 model. person who died around A.D. 270. Behind the Museum, in Quay Street, a wall mounted plaque However, his true identity is unknown. commemorates the firm and the Vulcan works. One account describes him as a temple

George Marchant. priest beheaded by the emperor Claudius II for helping Christian couples wed. Another account claims he Main Sources: www.livinggloucester.co.uk/living was the Bishop of Terni, also martyred by Claudius II. The www.cottonownersclub.com accounts are so similar, they may refer to the same person. Because of doubts surrounding Valentine’s true identity, the Editor’s Note: Do let us know if you have stories about Cotton discontinued liturgical of him in Motorcycles. 1969. He still appears, however, in their . ******************************************* A Message to all GCN Readers:  Chaucer may have invented Valentine’s Day? In his work “Parliament of Foules,” written around 1375, Chaucer links a We are very grateful to George Marchant and all readers of GCN tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s who submit articles and items for inclusion in it. We really do love feast day. The poem refers to February 14 as the day birds (and to hear from you. As George’s articles illustrate, items do not humans) come together to find a mate. When Chaucer wrote, necessarily have to be related to the Cathedral. They could be of “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul local interest like his recent series of articles on Gloucester cometh ther to choose his mate,” he may have invented the Industries from the past, (with more to come we’re glad to say). Or, holiday we know today. maybe you’ve been on an interesting journey/pilgrimage recently? Or perhaps you’ve had an interesting life experience? Perhaps And the chocolate and card manufacturers may be interested to you’re an aspiring poet? Or you may have a funny story to tell. You know that: may like to tell us of an event you’ve particularly enjoyed at the Cathedral. Anything that is of interest to other readers will be  You can celebrate Valentine’s Day several times a year. considered for publication by the Team. Besides February 14, you could celebrate St. Valentine of Raetia on January 7, St Valentine of Viterbo on November 3rd, or You may have noticed that this edition of Gloucester Cathedral maybe the only female St Valentine, martyred in Palestine on News is almost entirely made up of items written, or researched, by July 25, A.D. 308. The officially members of the Editorial Team. It would be nice to include celebrates St. Valentine twice, once as an elder of the church on different participants, from time to time at least! So, please, do get July 6 and once as a martyr on July 30. writing! Maureen Smith.

Source: The History Channel www.history.com/news/6-surprising-facts-about-st-valentine

24 9 Leap Year Trivia

The leap year's extra day is necessary because of the "messiness" of our Solar System. One Earth year (a complete orbit around the Sun) does not take an exact number of whole days (one complete spin of Cotton 1935 racer the Earth on its axis). In fact, it takes

365.2422 days, give or take. Cotton Motorcycles: Made in Gloucester Until Julius Caesar came to power, people observed a 355-day calendar - with an extra 22-day month every two years. But it was a In the 1920s, and again in the 1950s and 60s, Gloucester convoluted solution to the problem and feast days began sliding into motorcyclists were keen to own and ride one of their local bikes. different seasons. So Caesar ordered his astronomer, Sosigenes, to Cotton’s was a small firm with an impressive reputation and the simplify things. Sosigenes opted for the 365-day year with an extra enthusiasm still exists among Cotton owners today. day every four years to scoop up the extra hours. This is how the 29 February was born. It was then fine-tuned by Pope Gregory XIII (see The secret of Frank Willoughby Cotton’s original success was the below). radically new triangulated frame that took his motor cycles beyond **************** structures designed for pedal cycles. ‘Bill’ Cotton patented this Every fourth year is a leap year, as a rule of thumb. But that's not frame in 1914 and the Cotton Motorcycle Company began the end of the story. A year that is divisible by 100, but not by 400, production, after World War One, at 11a Bristol Road, Gloucester. is not. So 2000 was a leap year under the Gregorian calendar, as was Early machines had a maximum speed of 60 mph, better wheel 1600. But 1700, 1800 and 1900 are not leap years. "It seems a bit alignment and better cornering ability than their competitors. There arbitrary," says Ian Stewart, emeritus professor of mathematics at were successes in Isle of Man TT races, which enhanced their Warwick University. But there's a good reason behind it. popularity, leading to a ‘Win on Sunday: sell on Monday’ ethos.

The year is 365 days and a quarter long - but not exactly. If it was In 1923 the firm moved to the larger Vulcan Works, in Quay Street, exactly, then you could say it was every four years. But it is very behind the present Folk Museum. Production approached 1,000 per slightly less." The answer arrived at by Pope Gregory XIII and his year. Bikes were regularly seen being pushed over Gloucester Cross astronomers when they introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582, en-route for the city’s railway stations and distribution nationally was to lose three leap days every 400 years. The maths has hung and overseas. Gloucestershire County Council invested in eight together ever since. It will need to be rethought in about 10,000 Cottons for their Divisional Road Foremen, with a ninth machine as a years' time, Stewart warns. But by the human race might have come spare. However, the 1930s depression and other problems led to the up with a new system. firm ceasing new motorcycle production during the 1940s and early **************** 1950s. Why is February 29, not February 31, a leap year day? All the other months have 30 or 31 days, but February suffered from the ego of A renaissance came in the mid-1950s, when the firm was Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, says Stewart. Under Julius Caesar, reconstituted as E Cotton (Motorcycles) Ltd. The vintage Cotton frames were now obsolete but a range of new road and racing February had 30 days, but when Caesar Augustus was emperor he models was produced, in the Vulcan works, by around two dozen was peeved that his month - August - had only 29 days, whereas the employees. In the mid-1960s, guided by former champion Derek

10 23 enormous cost in lives. What to do? The decision at the time was to month named after his predecessor Julius - July - had 31. "He concentrate a huge number of allied troops roughly along the River pinched a couple of days for August to make it the same as July. And Somme and using the element of surprise to suddenly attack in what it was poor old February that lost out," says Prof Stewart. were perceived to be the weakest places. We now know that this It is believed that the tradition of women proposing on 29th was a huge mistake: the Germans were well dug in, equipped, and February goes back to the times when the leap year day was not supplied, and the allies lost 60,000 men on the first day, but recognised by English law. Under this theory, if the day had no legal nevertheless the fighting dragged on for weeks, particularly towards status, it was acceptable to break with the convention the southern sector. of a man proposing. A story is told that Queen Margaret of Scotland brought in a law setting fines for men who turned down marriage Charles Glover's whereabouts are recorded in his diary, as and when he proposals put by women on a leap year. Sceptics have, however, was able to write it. pointed out that Margaret was five years old at the time and living far away in Norway. The tradition is not actually thought to have In September the regiment was near Albert, and units were moved become commonplace until the 19th Century. around the villages when need was perceived or for training. A diary entry records that his unit was ordered to bathe in the River Somme, **************** how refreshing it was, and how they saw a hospital boat coming Explorer Christopher Columbus used the lunar eclipse of 29 February downstream away from the fighting. There is a vivid description of 1504 to his advantage during his final trip to the West Indies. After the first use of tanks at the village of Flers: several months of being stranded with his crew on the island of Jamaica, relations with the indigenous population broke down and marching up a sunken lane to Bulls Lane, climbing out of the trench they refused to continue helping with food and provisions. and going over the top at a run, chums falling fast, Captain knocked Columbus, knowing a lunar eclipse was due, consulted his almanac out in the first five minutes; not a foot of ground without shell and then gathered the native chiefs on 29 February. He told that holes...German trenches deserted...hands up - prisoners a poor God was to punish them by painting the Moon red. During the wretched lot, casualties heavy at the village, a British tank in the eclipse, he said that God would withdraw the punishment if they centre but forced to retreat by a counter attack, we all get starting co-operating again. The panicked chiefs agreed and the separated. Stay there all night under trying circumstances, and Moon began emerging from its shadow. when relieved get laid up with dysentery, feel bad. But it was all for nothing. Today the village is known as the first **************** place where tanks were used, and there is a worthy memorial in its The chance of being born on a leap day is often said to be one in centre. Not long afterwards South African troops were battling just 1,461. Four years is 1,460 days and adding one for the leap year you to the south in Delville Wood where the trees have regrown in the have 1,461. So, odds of 1/1,461. years since and there is a further memorial. But Stewart points out that is very slightly out, owing to the loss of

the three leap years every 400 years. Babies born on 29 February are Charles' war finished in summer 1917 when it seems that a trench known as "leapers" or "leaplings". collapsed on him. He was taken back to the coast and was in hospital near Southampton, But he never fully recovered and died two years later. His widow was left to bring up two daughters and a son - my Source: BBC News Magazine father. www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17203353. Barrie Glover.

22 11 THE LAST POST

Around The stars are shining bright above the camps, The bugle calls float skyward, faintly clear. Over the hills the mist-veiled motor lamps the dwindle and disappear. The notes of day's goodbye arise and Community blend with the low murmurous hum from tree and sod, and swell into that question at the end they ask each night of God - Whether the dead within the burial ground will ever overthrow their grey, and rise triumphant from each lowly mound to greet the dawning day. Whether the eyes which battle sealed in Newcomers. A very warm welcome to Canon Stephen Bowen and his wife sleep will open to reveille once again, and forms, once mangled, Margaret (pictured right). into rapture leap, forgetful of their pain. But still the skies above the camp shine on, giving no answer for our sorrow's ease, and one Canon Stephen will be joining the more day with the Last Post has gone, dying upon the breeze. Cathedral for a year as he takes up his new Etaples, 1917. post as Community Canon. He was licensed Barrie Glover. by Bishop Martyn during the Eucharist on with acknowledgements to "Poets of the Great War" T. & V. Holt. 1996. Sunday 17th January.

We sincerely hope that Stephen and ********************** Margaret will enjoy their time with us.

Photo by Chris Smith. Charles Horace Glover and the Battle of the Somme.

***************************** Congratulations: To Corinne Bury (daughter of former History's verdict on one of the Dean, Nick Bury and Jennifer Bury) and Sam Brunsdon who bloodiest of many bloody First were married at Gloucester Cathedral on 30th January World War battles is that it 2015. We wish them a long and happy life together. was an allied failure. Charles had volunteered for and thus ***************************** served in the Royal West Kent Reminder: A sincere thank you to all who pay yearly subscriptions Regiment, and (strictly against for Gloucester Cathedral News, your support is invaluable and very regulations) he kept a diary for much appreciated. If you haven’t already paid this year’s the duration, which has survived in this writer's family. The following subscription, please note that it is due during February. is taken from extracts. Please also let us know if you no longer wish to subscribe.

New subscribers are always welcome! In early 1916 it was clear to the major combatants that things were at stalemate. The trench systems stretched from Belgium down into A year’s postal subscription for 10 copies of Gloucester Cathedral France and towards Switzerland, and periodic forays by the high News may be obtained by cash or cheque for £12, made payable to commands of the allied armies (France, Belgium, Great Britain and ‘The Chapter of Gloucester Cathedral’ and sent to the Cathedral her empire) only gained a few metres of mud and then lost it again at Office, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX.

12 21 CENTENARY OF WORLD WAR ONE SERIES: ‘Way of the Cross’ - 2016 As we look ahead to a very early Easter, we are planning Vera Mary Brittain, v.a.d. this year’s re-enactment of the last hours of Jesus that

takes place at 10.00am on Good Friday morning throughout We can use the term "blue stocking" as a solid the streets of Gloucester. We intend this event to grow compliment to this lady whose work is known each year. This year we will be going further into the city and doing well beyond the literatie. Born into a solidly upper even more to bring the true message of Easter to as many people as -middle class family at Buxton in 1893 she began possible.

writing when she was barely into her teens, and Would YOU like to be involved? There are no lines to learn and much to her father's disapproval who called her costumes are provided. Past cast members have found it a deeply John. Perhaps he had hoped for a boy! Her moving experience and an integral part of their Good Friday brother, Edward, went to Uppingham while she remembrance. Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons at 4.15pm from had to be content with St Monica's boarding school. One of Edward's 21st February. There is an introductory meeting on 7th February at friends was named Roland Leighton whom she liked, and in due course the Parliament Rooms. fell in love. Encouraged by an Oxford Professor John Marriott, she won a For more information, please contact Rachel Murray 0777 345816 scholarship to the University in autumn 1914 and her father's grudging or [email protected] acceptance. *******************************************************************

But it was the first year of what became the Great War, and wanting to play her part she enrolled as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse Josh Saunders, Alex Stefanyszyn and William Peart (V.A.D.) at the London General Hospital. She was also corresponding invite you to a both with her brother and with Roland. The former became one of her patients but she was distraught to learn of Roland's death. After Concert of Classical Choral Singing recovering from German Measles she sailed on a troopship to Malta and Instrumental Work and worked in a hospital there, but was unwell and had to be carried ashore on a stretcher. However, she recovered and worked there on Saturday 20th February 2016 11.00am - 12.00 noon before being posted to the huge military hospital at Etaples in France. She described her work as "a regular blood and pus" and perhaps there in Gloucester Cathedral's magnificent Chapter House. is a sense of that in the poem below. Refreshments will be available.

The rest of Vera's war was taken up by her nursing, together with which There will be a retiring collection in aid of the volunteer work she became known as a formidable intellect and fortunately (?) was which Alex and Josh will be doing in Borneo later this year. home on leave when the enemy severely bombed her hospital. Her Josh Saunders was former Head chorister of Gloucester brother had been killed in Italy in June 1915, and there is a sense in Cathedral and is now progressing his music career as a tenor. her writings of unrest but also of a determination that somehow things, especially for women, could be so much better. After the war Alex Stefanyszyn was a chorister of Gloucester Cathedral she returned to study and gained a first class history degree, and her and holds a music scholarship with Kings School, specialising poem "The Lament of the Demobilised" is a bitter harangue of wasted in the violin. years. She died in 1970 after a subsequent career as a journalist and William Peart is the Organ Scholar at Gloucester Cathedral. broadcaster.

20 13 Journey Through Lent  The sword used by Peter to cut off the ear of the High Priest's servant. Sometimes a human ear is also represented. With Gloucester Cathedral and the Parish of Hempsted with  Sometimes the heads of figures from the Passion are shown, St Mary de Lode and St Mary de Crypt, Gloucester. including Judas, Caiaphas, or the man who mocked Christ spitting in Christ's face. Meditation for Beginners **************************************************************************** Mondays in Lent 1.05pm to 1.25pm 15, 22, 29 February, 7, 14, 21 March Cathedral Lady Chapel

The practice of mindfulness is growing and more and more people are interested in it. This is an opportunity to explore and experience the ancient Christian tradition of meditation and its use of stillness and silence. Friends of Gloucester Cathedral

Sip & Study The Angel Choir Tuesdays in Lent 2.30pm to 4pm Saturday 20th February 2016 16, 23 February, 1, 8, 15, 22 March at 2pm. in the Parliament Suite.

Come to Robert Raikes House in Southgate Street, grab a cuppa and join us Simon Pickard will give a talk and demonstration of the for some informal Bible Study. We’ll use an adapted form of Lectio Divina instruments depicted in the Angel Vault of the Quire. He plays to explore the coming Sunday morning’s Gospel reading. All welcome. replicas of medieval instruments, sometimes accompanying his singing. Dust and Glory Wednesdays in Lent at 11am Richard Cann will be on hand to project his excellent close-up photographs of the Angels. An opportunity to discuss and to reflect together on David Runcorn’s new Lent book Dust and Glory. The afternoon finishes with tea and Angel cakes and then you

Bishop Rachel writes: ‘The path from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day is one will be able to go across to the Cathedral for Evensong sung by a in which our frail humanity is met by God’s immense love and grace. visiting choir: the Oakville Singers.

Questions continually rise within us and this book invites us to discover more of Self and God as we seek to live authentic lives as followers of Tickets £7.50. Booking deadline 6th February, 2016. Christ.’ This promises to be a very special afternoon and although the 17th February, 2nd and 16th March at St Mary de Lode Church, GL1 2QT. lecture is organised by the Friends it is open to EVERYONE!

24 February, 9th and 23rd March - Lysons Hall, Hempsted, GL2 5LH. Booking Details: Tickets available from the Friends’ Office, 11A

Join us, if you wish, for the Eucharist in either St Mary de Lode or St College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX, telephone 01452 522419 (office open Tuesday and Thursday mornings). Swithun’s, Hempsted at 10.15am or simply come along for coffee at 10.45am with group discussion 11am-12noon. Please send a stamped, addressed envelope when applying by post. The book is available through the Cathedral shop or the parish office

[email protected]

14 19 Other common ones are: Christianity Explored Wednesday evenings. 7.30pm-9.00pm  The reed which was placed in Jesus' hand as a sceptre in 17 February, 24 February, 2 March, 9 March, 16 March mockery. Cathedral Chapter House

 The purple robe of mockery. An opportunity to explore the heart of Christian belief and practice through  The , attached to the Cross. It may be inscribed in Scripture and art. Ideal for anyone wanting to think afresh about the life Latin (INRI, Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum), Greek, Hebrew, or and meaning of Jesus, or keen to revisit the ‘basics’ of the Christian faith. Led by Canon Andrew Braddock some other language.

 The Holy Grail, the chalice used by Jesus at The Last Supper, Friday Lent Lunches and which some traditions say Joseph of Arimathea used to catch 12 noon- 1.30pm his blood at the crucifixion. 12, 19, 26 February, 4, 11, 18 March

 The Seamless robe of Jesus. Lysons Hall, St Swithun’s Road, Hempsted GL2 5LH Join us for a simple charity lunch.  The dice with which the soldiers cast lots for Christ's seamless robe. Saturday Lent Prayers  The rooster that crowed after Peter's third denial of Jesus 10.00am-10.30am

 The vessel used to hold the gall and vinegar. 13, 20, 27 February, 5, 12.19 March St Mary de Lode Church, St Mary’s Square, Gloucester GL1 2QT  The ladder used for the Deposition, i.e. the removal of Christ's body from the cross for burial. An opportunity to pray together during Lent

 The hammer used to drive the nails into Jesus' hands and feet. Lent Reflection on Facebook  The pincers used to remove the nails. A short reflection for each day of Lent on the Cathedral’s  The vessel of myrrh, used to anoint the body of Jesus, either Facebook page. by Joseph of Arimathea or by the Myrrh bearers.

 The shroud used to wrap the body of Jesus before burial. www.swithunandmary.org.uk

 The sun and moon, representing the eclipse which occurred during the Passion.

 Thirty pieces of silver (or a money bag), the price of Judas' betrayal.

 The hand which slapped Jesus' face.

 The chains or cords which bound Jesus overnight in prison.

 The lantern or torches used by the arresting soldiers at the time of the betrayal, as well as their swords and staves.

18 15 The Instruments of the Passion The third set is in the memorial window to Gen. Sir William Davy – the second window on the right when you walk up the south aisle of The Bible directs us to many numerical the nave from the south porch. Dating from 1861 (Sir William died in associations – the Ten Commandments, the 1856) and by Warrington of London. Ignoring the angels in the Twelve Apostles, the – the tracery lights, the ‘Instruments’ are found on shields held by angels number seven being the main and mystical above and below the main subjects in each of the left and right- number in the Book of Revelations. Associated hand lights, and in a shield (the encircling the with Easter are the Fourteen Stations of the – IHS) above the main subject in the centre light. Look Cross, together with a group of artefacts called in the lower shield of the left-hand side light – there is a sword, and ‘The Instruments of the Passion’ and, depending on the blade of the sword is an ear – Peter, who smote off the ear of which list you follow, enumerates some twenty-eight in total, (see Malchus, the servant of the High Priest. list following this article). The fourth is a little more difficult to see. In the quire roof vault Artists seem to choose whichever they want, but invariably include there is a depiction of ‘Christ in Majesty’ (from the apex of the the three most important – the Cross, the Crown of Thorns and the window, the fifth ‘boss’) surrounded by angels playing musical Nails. instruments. However, two of the angels – those immediately on each side of Christ, are holding Instruments of the Passion. Unless In the Cathedral there are four sets of these ‘Instruments’ – two in you have 20/20 vision, you will need binoculars to see them. the glass and one that, although very visible, is probably totally Richard Cann. ignored. The first is a set of nine of them which are being held by a group of nine angels in the canopied niches on top of the reredos of ************************************************************************ the High Altar. The angels facing down the quire hold, on the left, the Crown of Thorns – in the centre, the Cross, and on the right, the Instruments of the Passion, (as listed by Wikipedia) Spear that pierced Christ’s side (also one of the attributes of St. Thomas). The other angels are very difficult to see except one –  The Cross on which Jesus was crucified, either depicted alone or with the crosses of the two thieves. stand in the chapel with the glass by Tom Denny, look up at the angels on that side of the altar and there is one holding a ladder  The Crown of Thorns. (used for the removal of Jesus’ body from the Cross for burial – the Deposition).  The pillar or column where Jesus was whipped in the Flagellation of Christ. The second set is in a shield in the Great East Window, (see front cover picture) – the far right hand shield in the centre section of the  The whip(s), in Germany often birches, used for the 39 lashes. window. This is interesting as there the artist has, with the others,  The Holy Sponge set on a reed, with which gall and vinegar were shown a pair of dice – ‘they parted my garments among them and offered to Jesus. cast lots upon my vesture’. These can be seen using a pair of binoculars and are on the lower left-hand side of the shield.  The with which a Roman soldier inflicted the final of the Five Wounds in his side. However, the dice are incorrectly illustrated. The dots on either of the six sides of a dice should add up to seven – six opposite one; four  The Nails, inflicting four wounds on the hands and feet. opposite three and five opposite two. In this shield three is next to four.  The Veil of Veronica.

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