A German in Coventry

At Hawkesbury Junction.

CK, our German friend, spent the Easter weekend with us. On the drive back from the railway station, we pointed out the cathedral to her. She asked us “Why was the Cathedral left standing after the war?”.

We joked that she was sent to Coventry to complete the mission.

On 14th Nov. 1940, during World War II, German bombers destroyed most of Central Coventry. Saint Michael's Cathedral, a 600 year old Gothic building was destroyed in the what was described as the largest air raid in the history of warfare, leaving only the side walls and the spire.

A new cathedral, designed by Sir Basil Spence, was built at right angles to the ruins of the old, which were left standing. Together the two buildings "remember the past and look to the future".

The Cathedral was consecrated in 1962.

We planned to visit on Easter Sunday but changed our mind. There was a live telecast from the Cathedral for the BBC Songs of Praise, a religious television program here in the UK.

We took CK to our favourite playground, Brandon Marsh. Since the three of us were enthusiastic photographers, and birdwatchers, we were busy clicking away. The breeding season is definitely here. Males fighting over females and females busy looking after their nests. Saw a goose standing over an egg by the lake. Must be a first timer.

She forgot to build a nest.

We also went to another beauty spot, the Hawkesbury Junction or known locally as Sutton Stop. This is named after the Sutton family who were lock-keepers during the 19th century. Noted as being the busiest canal junction in the country, this is where the Coventry and Oxford Canals meet.

CK brought us some Welsh Cakes and lovely organic dark chocolate Easter eggs. In ancient times, the egg was a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. Christians adopted this to represent Jesus resurrection. Good Friday is the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixation.

Happy Easter to all and Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Trish. What a pity the tickets to the Bryan Adams concert was sold out.

CK, you haven't completed your mission. Do come again.