TWO listed church buildings — Christ Church (see photo), Cheylesmore, in south Coventry, and Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church, Tower Hamlets, in east London — have been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* to mark the 70th anniversary of the Festival of Britain this summer.Only 5.8 per cent of listed buildings are Grade II*, deemed to be of more than special interest. Two other churches — St John’s, Waterloo, and St Mary and St Joseph, in Tower Hamlets — are among seven sites, including the Royal Festival Hall, whose list entries have been updated by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to recognise officially their connections with the Festival.The Festival of Britain ran from May to September 1951, attracted eight million visitors, and promoted British design, science, technology, architecture, industry, and the arts. Historic England’s chief executive, Duncan Wilson, said: “It raised the spirits of the British people following the austerity of World War II, and showcased Britain’s innovation to the rest of the world.“The Festival had a major influence on design and architecture, and its legacy can still be seen today in our buildings and public artworks. We are delighted to be able to celebrate the Festival as it reaches its 70th anniversary, and we hope that people will continue to appreciate its legacy for years to come.”
A statue of the Queen to be placed in York Minster, the design of which will be chosen by Her Majesty herself, has been given planning approval.It will be installed in an empty niche at the west front of the Minster to mark her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.Although approved, the council wants to see the final design once it has been selected by the Queen. The details of the sculpture are a closely guarded secret and will be revealed at a public event next year.</span>It will be carved by York Minster's own stonemasons and has been described as a "symbol of hope" in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.The statue will overlook a new public square, proposed for Duncombe Place, to be called Queen Elizabeth Square, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.A York Minster report on plans for the statue and square says they are part of a project that will "signal the recovery and resurgence of the city from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic and as a symbol of hope".A planning notice said the sculpture "will facilitate some repair work to the existing west front of the Minster while also being an addition to the overall history and story of York Minster and its purpose".It added: "The west front already contains figures of saints, powerful figures in the church and secular figures."The proposals to include a sculpture of the sovereign would continue this theme, as they are at the head of the Church of England."The statue also needs approval under the Care of Cathedrals Measure Act, monument consent and approval from the Queen.
For three weeks I stayed in bed, as I struggled with an unrelenting fever, headaches, and breathlessness. At the time my husband also had symptoms and our two young daughters were home from school.I began to feel better slowly and my temperature and breathing eased. The fatigue remained, but I associated it with my busy parish, figuring out online worship and remote learning. Every few weeks my Covid-19 symptoms re-emerged and I began to think that my ongoing symptoms were more than just pandemic weariness. I have always been able-bodied and fit, so I struggled to come to terms with my lack of mobility and fitness. By the end of January my symptoms worsened.Some days I was unable to get out of bed and I struggled to speak and breathe. Even normal daily tasks became a burden. I am now receiving care from various consultants, but I’ve had to slow down, pace myself, and learn to prioritise.I’ve had to wrestle with the fear of my own physical limitations, and doubt of whether I’ll return to my pre-Covid energy levels. I am the vicar of a wonderfully busy urban parish and have spent 16 months learning to serve while also being served. I am now much more aware of my body and what it means to embody my priesthood, with each breath taken, every word spoken, and sacrament shared.Given my breathlessness, I’ve become more mindful and intentional in my speech and actions.I preach and preside leaning against the altar, literally grounding myself in word and sacrament. When I celebrate the Eucharist and give thanks for the broken body of Christ, I understand his presence in a new way, both crucified and resurrected, both wounded and restored.I continue to pray for healing and am learning to find rest for my soul and body at the invitation of Christ who welcomes the weary and burdened to his table.
