Tuesday, 10 June 2008

I spent today in Ely discussing the East of England regional plan for voluntary sector infrastructure services. There were some interesting discussions and some surprisingly good insights into what is distinctive about the region.

At lunchtime we were joined by Catherine Johnstone the new / acting CEO of Capacitybuilders who is working to hold things together there.

Before the meeting, again at lunchtime and again at the end of the day, I strolled 100 yards up the road to visit the magnificent Ely Cathedral. The octagonal tower is stunningly beautiful and the Lady Chapel has history written on its every stone. I enjoyed Evensong for half hour or so with a choir of about 25. The cathedral could comfortably accommodate 1,200 but there were only eight of us - and at least one of those an atheist. I expect they do rather better on Sundays.