Throughout June and July, Peter Atkinson is cycling
1000km throughout Normandy in support of the Friends
of Worcester Cathedral.
The Dean will follow the route taken in 1897 by a famous
English clergyman, Percy Dearmer, who was a follower of
Ruskin and Morris, and a friend of Woodbine Willie and
Lord Beauchamp. However, there is a double challenge,
one for the Dean to complete his cycle ride, and one for the Friends, because for every
kilometre sponsored it is hoped that a new Friend will be recruited.
Peter says: “The Friends of Worcester Cathedral is an excellent organisation, founded in
the 1930’s to raise funds for the Cathedral. One of their earliest members was Sir Edward
Elgar, who conducted so much of his music in the Cathedral at the Three Choirs Festival.
“Today the Friends number about 700, but we could do with more members. So I have
challenged the Friends to recruit new Friends, by giving away one year’s membership
at a discounted rate of £10 (it’s usually £15) for every kilometre I cycle in France. My
target is a thousand kilometres, which means that the Friends’ target is a thousand new
Friends. I am glad to say the Friends are responding splendidly, and many new Friends
have already been recruited.”
Recruiting 1,000 new friends will raise £10,000 and this money will contribute towards
the repair of the Edgar Tower, first built by King John.
To find out about becoming a Friend or to simply sponsor Peter’s cycle ride, please visit
www.worcestercathedral.co.uk
The Friends of Worcester Cathedral is a Registered Charity, no: 517009
Please pray for Peter as he completes his challenge and give thanks for the support of
the Friends of the Cathedral.
Kidderminster Deanery – Rural Dean: Hugh Burton; Lay Chair: June Thomas
Diocese of Hereford, Bishop Richard Frith with Bishop Alistair Magowan (Ludlow)
The Lusitanian Church (Portugal): Bishop José Cabral
The Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad: Archbishop Lauma Zušvica
Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma): Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo
