| Social Activities |
Whilst The Friends of Rochester Cathedral exists to raise money for the repair and restoration of the Cathedral, as a diverse and friendly community of people, we also have a calendar of social activities throughout the year.
Recent social events
View some recent highlights by clicking the icons below.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Social activities programme 2010
| DATE | EVENT |
| 17 October | Friends' Anniversary Evensong |
| 24 November | 75th Anniversary Lunch - Upchurch Golf Club |
Further details of all of the above are available from the Friends' Office
Annual General Meeting 2010 ~ 'From One Blessed Thing to Another'
Summary of the address given by Very Revd Jonathan Meyrick, Dean of Exeter, 19th June 2010
Jonathan gave this title to his address because he wanted to note the similarities and differences between the time he had spent as Canon Pastor and Acting Dean at Rochester and as Dean of Exeter.
He began by telling us of a funeral at which he had officiated in Exeter cathedral. 'I ought to have known by the man that there would be something distinctive about his funeral.' The 'man', Doc Beeching (not the Doctor Beeching), had worked as a council dustman but he was also a Hell’s Angel with a caring heart. The funeral, to everyone's surprise, was held in the cathedral because it was felt that his local church would not be large enough, which proved to be the case, The memorial service, which followed one year later, was attended by a host of Hell's Angels complete with motor bikes!
Jonathan went on to tell us that this funeral was similar to one he had attended in Rochester for Bill, the King's Head barman. He was asked to sing at a gathering after the funeral, and since this immediately followed a clerical dinner, Jonathan found himself performing at a 'rock' concert in his full clerical dinner attire – quite incongruous!
'Both Exeter and Rochester are joyous places to be, bringing real blessings to those who work in both places, and perhaps also the odd inspiration.' In both there is a growing connection with the local community.
There is a difference between the two cathedrals in their connection with the 'County'. Although Rochester is involved to an extent with the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, Exeter's connection with county dignitaries and events, such as the County Show, is more extensive.
Though the work of the Dean and Chapter is similar in both cathedrals, an important difference is the close involvement of the Bishop of Exeter in the affairs of the cathedral; in particular, he has an important role in the making of appointments.
Exeter, being a secular foundation, retains its medieval statutes and hence is known as an 'old foundation'. Rochester, in contrast, being a monastic foundation, received a new constitution when the monasteries were dissolved. The appointment of the first dean at Exeter was much later than at Rochester. Perhaps it was thought that a dean was unnecessary!
As far as the Friends organisations are concerned, there are many similarities in objectives and involvement. Exeter has more space around it in which to accommodate the local community. Each summer a marquee is erected which is used by the Friends and others. Both groups of Friends share a similar vision for the future of their Cathedrals.
