CATHEDRAL AM, JULY 2013

David Monteith, Dean of Leicester (centre)

Cathedral AM is an early morning networking event held at Leicester Cathedral, gathering together people from different parts of city and county, with a special mission to share news and experience on aspects of life in the the city centre. The meetings are hosted by Urban Canon Barry Naylor and Julie Ann Heath, Chaplain to the Cathedral. Breakfast is served from 0730 then there's a speaker from 0800.

This morning's speaker is David Monteith, Dean of Leicester. David speaks about his own background, the steps he has taken which have led him to this post. He's only been Dean of Leicester for a couple of months, taking on the role at one of the most challenging and exciting times in the life of Leicester Cathedral, with the imminent development of the Cathedral Gardens and the unfolding story around Richard III and plans being laid for the internal renovation of the Cathedral itself.

There's a buzz around the tables about the article in the Independent on Sunday's New Review, which everyone seems positive about - even a few folk who were interviewed and hoped to be mentioned in the article, but didn't feature in the published version. 

I walk out at the end with John Florance of BBC Radio Leicester. As well as giving me his informed opinion on Pacific Rim (which I intend to see this weekend), he asks if I'd be amenable to recording another Thought for the Day soon. Of course I would!

CATHEDRAL AM, MAY 2013

Canon Barry Naylor (left) & Riaz Ravat

It's a very short walk between BBC Radio Leicester and Leicester Cathedral, so hardly five minutes after my appearance on Jonathan Lampon's breakfast show, I'm sitting down to a breakfast of my own at Cathedral AM. Half a dozen attendees are seated already when I arrive. At least two of them tell me that they just heard me on the radio!

When I used to live this side of town I came to Cathedral AM often, but this is the first time I've made it in 18 months (literally; the last one was 30 November 2011).

Cathedral AM is an early morning networking event for people with particular interest in the city centre. From the start, the meetings have been hosted by Canon Barry Naylor and Julie Ann Heath. Breakfast is served from 0730 then there's a speaker from 0800. This morning it's Riaz Ravat, Deputy Director at St Philip's Centre for Study and Engagement in a Multi-Faith Society.

Just before leaving, I have a brief word with Jo Tallack, General Manager at Highcross. She asks me if we'll be coming back for our exhibition during Inter Faith Week in November. When I say yes, she asks me to send her the dates so she can put it in the diary.

LEICESTER CITY OF SANCTUARY AGM

Hotfoot from the Faith Awareness Summer Visit to the Jain Centre, I head for the Annual General Meeting of Leicester City of Sanctuary in St Andrew's Church Hall, Jarrom Street, hardly ten minutes' walk away. Except when I get there, there's a different event entirely going on. Once I get someone to open the door to me, I discover that unintentional double booking; seems I missed an email about the change of venue. An apologetic Canon Barry Naylor first invites me into the warmth and offers food and drink, but I demur (even though it's bloomin' freezing out and I haven't had my tea). He points me in the direction of St Margaret's Church Hall where I'll find the City of Sanctuary AGM. That's a little more than ten minutes' walk but I feel committed now, so off I go.

Just a few hours ago I was asked (via Facebook) to sign an electronic petition through Change.org ("the world's petition platform") to release Abdul Ghafar Rajabali and halt his deportation. I did so and shared it with my Facebook friends. By the time I reach St Margaret's Church Hall, I see that 20 of them have also signed - and I imagine that some of them will have shared the petition with their own friends.

Even though I arrive at the venue just as the meeting is breaking up, I hope it's still worth showing my face. I want to express support not only for City of Sanctuary as an organisation and for what they are doing about Abdul's plight, but also lend personal support to a few friends who have been leading the campaign for Abdul's release.

Photos by Ambrose Musiyiwa, publishing as Civic Leicester. Reproduced by permission. More of Ambrose's photos from this meeting may be seen online.

WHY WE ALL TAKE PRIDE IN THIS NATION

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Why we all take pride in this nation

Today, We celebrate national patron, George, and all things English. to mark the occasion, some well-known citizens tell Natalie Derham and Tom Mack why they are proud to be English.

Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester

"I'm very proud of England's wonderful history and particularly its democracy."

Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations

"We have a great history of acceptance and tolerance and I'm proud of our liberal society and its multiculturalism."

Carl Gunns, owner of boxing club in Birstall

"I love the history of England and the great kings and queens we've had, such as Charles I and Henry VIII. I'm also proud of the film industry, particularly in the 50s."

Tom Joule owner of Joules Ltd Market Harborough

"What makes me proud to be English is the Grand National, the sound of an ice cream van in the summer and the beer garden at the pub."

Rosemary Conley, fitness guru

"I'm proud of England for its heritage, its people, its beauty as a country and for its diversity. I would never want to live anywhere else."

Canon Barry Naylor, urban dean

"The Church of England reflects some of the very best of what it means to be English.

"It values diversity yet acknowledges the essential realities that bind us all together."

MONEY RELEASED TO DRAW UP DETAILED PLANS FOR CATHEDRAL GARDENS SCHEME

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Money released to draw up detailed plans for Cathedral gardens scheme

Money to draw up detailed plans for a revamp of the area outside Leicester Cathedral has been approved by the mayor.

Church leaders and the city council are working together on a £3 million project to develop Cathedral Gardens.

The council has agreed to provide £150,000 so plans and other documents can be completed by July, when the cathedral is expecting decisions on its funding application for the bulk of the projects costs.

The scheme could be completed by next spring, in time for the opening of the Richard III visitor centre, opposite the cathedral, and the reburial of the monarch's remains.

A further £77,000 has been agreed to bring forward work to pedestrianise and improve St Martins and Peacock Lane, along with £33,000 for related project management costs.

Sir Peter said: "By funding this preliminary work now, the project teams will be in the best possible position to complete in time for the opening of the visitor centre.

"We can't afford to miss this unique opportunity to create something the whole city can enjoy and be proud of.

"These projects will provide a wonderful setting for our cathedral and help to make this historic area an even more attractive destination for visitors."

Leicester Civic Society opposed elements of the scheme, such as the near removal of a grade II-listed wall, but planning permission was granted.

Acting Dean of Leicester Cathedral, Canon Barry Naylor, said: "We are delighted and thankful the city council is helping move the Cathedral Gardens project forward quickly.

"This will transform an area which had become a bit of a backwater into an oasis of peace, that is much more welcoming to visitors."

GRAFFITI SCRAWLED ON CRUCIFIX OUTSIDE LEICESTER CHURCH

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Graffiti scrawled on crucifix outside Leicester church

Vandals scrawled graffiti "tags" on a crucifix in the grounds of a city church.

The figure outside the Church of St Andrews, in Jarrom Street, near Leicester Royal Infirmary, was targeted this week.

Two designs – TW3 and, possibly, LGC3 – were written on the figure in what appeared to be black marker pen.

The incident is believed to have happened between Monday and Wednesday.

Canon Barry Naylor, who discovered the damage, said: “It has caused a great deal of upset.

“There is a 4ft fence with spiked railings they would have to get over and then the crucifix itself is quite all. So they have gone to some effort to do this.

“I am hoping that someone will be able to tell the police who did this.

“I have told the police that, if possible, I would like to speak to this person or people and explain to them how much they have upset people.

“Another reason people here are so upset is that when I first came to the church the figure on the cross was old and damaged and people in the church raised money to buy a new one.

“It has become quite a focal point and people will sometimes stop in the street and make the sign of the cross in front of it.”

Pc Tahir Mahmood, who is investigating, said: “This is obviously a distressing crime for the church, who are saddened that someone would do this to their property.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area between Monday and Wednesday and saw either anyone acting suspiciously or loitering in the area to get in touch.

"I would also like to speak to anyone who has heard anything about the incident, whether it be from, friends or heard rumours.

“Even the smallest piece of information may help.”

Contact Pc Mahmood on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

VIGIL FOR RAPED INDIAN

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Vigil for raped Indian

Hundreds of people attended a vigil following the death of a woman who was raped in India.

Prayers were read and candles were lit at the special service held at Leicester Cathedral to pay tribute to a woman who died after she was attacked by a gang on a bus in Delhi, on December 16.

Acting dean Canon Barry Naylor said: "The event went very well. There were more than 200 people there and there was contributions from people of different faiths.

"I think we just felt we ought to do something to show our solidarity."

Police in India said the 23-year-old victim was beaten with iron bars before she was thrown out of the vehicle. She died of her injuries in a hospital in Singapore.

According to national news reports, six people are due to be charged in connection with the murder this week.

ALIENATING IS AN INEVITABLE RESULT

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Alienating is an inevitable result

The Bishop's spokesman on urban issues, Canon Barry Naylor, really did the Church no favours by claiming that Anglicans "unintentionally" alienated people ("Clarification," Mercury, December 13).

I would have thought it was pretty obvious that it was completely inevitable.

How can a Church that claims to be inclusive and non-discriminatory really not understand how it might offend people when it sends it's own bishop to the House of Lords to condemn gay marriage as unacceptable?

The Anglican Church must decide once and for all whether its God loves homosexuals, or whether it sticks by its God's words in the books of Leviticus and Romans which clearly appear to outlaw homosexual behaviour.

It cannot have it both ways. Society will judge its relevance on this issue alone.

Mark Sperry, Leicester

CLARIFICATION

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Clarification

In an article in Wednesday's paper, on the Census results, the Mercury quoted Canon Barry Naylor as saying: "We seem to be at a time when the Church seems to be doing its best to alienate people."

Canon Naylor has asked us to point out that what he meant was the Church was unintentionally alienating people on several issues, such as women bishops, and not that it was intentionally doing so.

He added: "On several issues, we have shot ourselves in the foot."We are happy to make this clear.

DIVER-CITY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Diver-city

White British people now form less than half of the population of Leicester.

Figures released yesterday revealed 45 per cent of the city's residents are white British – compared with 61 per cent in 2001.

About 49 per cent of the population is made up of people from Asian, African or Caribbean or mixed race backgrounds and about 5 per cent are white but not British.

The numbers were the latest to be released by the Office of National Statistics from the 2011 Census.

The city's 93,335 Asian or British Asian Indians make up the next biggest ethnic group in Leicester, accounting for 28 per cent of the population – an increase of two per cent since 2001.

Leicester now has the highest proportion of people of that ethnic group in England and Wales, where three per cent of the total population is Asian or British Asian Indian.

Meanwhile, two per cent of people in Leicester are Asian or British Asian Pakistani, equalling the average for England and Wales.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It has always been recognised we have a diverse community in Leicester, and I think that is a great strength. It is quite interesting these figures should come in the year the Queen chose to start here jubilee tour here – obviously it is a strength that she recognised, too.

"These statistics are so useful as they help remind us of the people in the city.

"I think you will find a large proportion of people who, for instance, might say they are Asian will actually be Leicester born and bred."

Sir Peter said the figures would be analysed to make sure the council was providing services suited to the whole population.

The statistics, which are made up of information provided by residents, also revealed 65 per cent of the city's population was born in England.

This is lower than the average for England and Wales, which is 84 per cent.

The religious make-up of the city's population has changed drastically since the last census in 2001.

The most common religion is still Christianity. However, it is now the religion of 33 per cent of city residents, compared with 45 per cent in 2001. The next biggest group is people who said they had no religion. This accounted for nearly a quarter – 23 per cent – of people in the city, and is up six per cent since the last census.

Canon Barry Naylor, the Bishop of Leicester's adviser on urban issues, said he thought the change was down to people feeling like they could be "more honest" about their religious beliefs.

"I think in the old days people would just say 'put me down as C of E,' because they felt they should," he said.

"I think when people are more honest, it helps to show where we are.

"Also, we seem to be at a time when the church seems to be doing its best to alienate people, and that means we are not very effective at communicating what the Christian gospel is about.

"That could be a factor here."

The city has the third highest percentage of Hindu people in England and Wales – 15 per cent.

Leicester has the 11th highest percentage in England and Wales of Muslims, who account for 19 per cent of the population, an increase of eight per cent since 2001.

Overall in Leicester, 51 per cent of residents class themselves as white, regardless of where in the world they are from originally, and 49 per cent as not white.

Suleman Nagdi, chairman of the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said: "I think we are seeing what makes Leicester so unique – there is no such thing as a majority.

"I think it shows we need to keep working hard to keep our relationships going."

The figures released yesterday were the second set of statistics released from the 2011 census.

Population figures were revealed in July, when the Mercury reported the city has 329,900 residents – 16 per cent more than in 2001 when the figure was about 282,800 – the fastest growth of any city in the region.

More than a quarter of Leicester's population – 27 per cent – is aged 20 or under, making it the youngest population in the East Midlands.

SYNOD VOTE IS WRONG FOR THE CHURCH, SAYS THE BISHOP OF LEICESTER

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Synod vote is wrong for the church, says Bishop of Leicester

The Bishop of Leicester says the General Synod's decision to vote against the introduction of women bishops in the Church of England was a "personal blow".

Bishop Tim Stevens said he had invited members of the diocese to Leicester Cathedral tomorrow to reflect on the decision and "pray for the Church".

Draft legislation was carried through the houses of bishops and clergy but failed at the final hurdle when it did not gain the necessary two-thirds majority among lay members of the General Synod.

In a pastoral letter to his clergy, Bishop Tim said: "It is clear to me that this is a watershed moment in terms of the relationship between the Church of England and the nation.

"It is also likely to be a watershed in terms of the relationship between the General Synod and the dioceses.

"I know there will be many who find this decision incomprehensible."Yet we must respect and seek to understand the reasons why a significant minority of the House of Laity opposed the legislation.

"For myself, after 12 years of discussion in the House of Bishops, this comes as something of a personal blow.

"All of us know that an all-male episcopate cannot be a sustainable position for the Church of England into the future.

"If some proposals for change are the expression of God's will for the Church, then I believe they will prevail. We do not lose our heart in spite of our disappointment."

On Tuesday, the House of Bishops voted 44 in favour, with three against and two abstentions.

In the House of Clergy, 148 voted in favour and 45 against, with no abstentions.

But in the House of Laity, 74 voted against, compared with 132 in favour, with no abstentions.

Had the measure received final approval, it would have gone before the Parliament, with the first women bishops set to be appointed as early as 2014.

In his letter, which was sent yesterday, Bishop Tim urged Church followers to "take special care of each other at a time when some people will be bearing very personally the pain and disappointment".

He said that the majority of Church of England members wanted to move towards ordaining women as bishops and that the Church "remains faithfully at the service of the people of England without any discrimination whatsoever".

Canon Barry Naylor, the bishop's adviser on urban issues, said the rejection was "so very sad".

"I think my position is that the Church must move in this direction," he said.

"I think that in the eyes of the world it does make us look vaguely ridiculous.

"I think we need to listen to God in the scriptures, in the traditions of the church, but also we have got to listen to God speaking to us today."

The cathedral will be open for reflection tomorrow at 7.30pm.

THE BISHOP OF LEICESTER EXPRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

The Bishop of Leicester expresses concerns about same-sex marriage

The Bishop of Leicester has expressed concern about proposals to allow same-sex marriage.

The Government has suggested changes to the law which would allow gay people to get married – something currently prohibited – in a civil ceremony.

The Rt Rev Tim Stevens said the Church of England wanted to see gay people further included in society but did not think this should mean redefining marriage.

The bishop also said he thought the Government's three-month consultation on the move was far too short.

He said: "The Government is seeking to meet what it perceives to be the needs of the gay community.

"I would say that the Church of England is sympathetic to those needs. 

"We want to see a society in which gay people are fully included and their needs are fully provided for.

"But this does not amount to a basis for introducing a complete redefinition of the concept of marriage based on a consultation process which is at the very least rapid."

Under the Government's proposal same-sex couples would not be allowed to be married in a religious service.

However, some in the Church of England said they expected a challenge to the ban could succeed at the European Court of Human Rights.

This, they fear, could lead to clergy being forced to conduct same-sex marriages.

If that happened, they warned, there would be an unprecedented clash between the Church's canon law – that marriage is between a man and a woman – and the state.

The outcome of this could be that it was impossible for the Church to continue as the official religious establishment of the state.

Canon Barry Naylor, the bishop's adviser on urban issues, said: "I think the fear comes from the idea that a Church of England minister could be approached by a same-sex couple asking to be married, that minister may object because it goes against their conscience and then legal action could ensue."

Canon Naylor said he was in favour of gay marriage in principle.He said: "I think the most important thing is that it is about two people who want to live in a committed relationship to each other."

Bernard Greaves, a representative of Leicester Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Centre, said he thought the Church of England was "overreacting".

He said the adoption of gay marriage would not lead to the disestablishment of the Church, nor "undermine the notion of marriage itself".

"The traditional view of Christian view of marriage is that it is a lifelong union between one man and one woman for the procreation of children," said Mr Greaves.

"In society that view of marriage has already substantially changed."We accept divorce, we accept remarriage and we accept that people get married with no intention of having children.

"None of that has undermined marriage at all.

"Allowing a man to marry a man or a woman to marry a woman is a change to the law that does not impinge on the Christian view of marriage."

He said he was not in favour of religious organisations such as the Church of England being forced to conduct same-sex marriages against their will.

"It would be absolutely wrong that any religious organisation should be forced to conduct same-sex marriages," he said.

"What is important is that people are given the maximum choice and equality."

CROWDS FLOCK TO SEE EASTER STORY BROUGHT TO LIFE IN LEICESTER CITY CENTRE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Crowds flock to see Easter story brought to life in Leicester city centre

A gruesome crucifixion scene helped bring to life the power of the Easter story for thousands of people in the city centre yesterday.

The annual Christ in the Centre event was performed in Humberstone Gate and footage shown to the crowds on the big screen.

The performance began with a prayer and a welcome by Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens.

He said: "As we watch and as we pray, we might ask that we shall be given strength to live out the message of this story in our lives, and ensure that what is acted here is made known among the communities where we live."

The performance, which takes different forms each year, was a straightforward, powerful enactment of the Bible story of Jesus's death and resurrection.

People in the audience said they found the performance moving and impressive.

Paul Kaminski, 48, from Evington, Leicester, said: "It was a horrible death, so that's how they've performed it. It's a very professional drama.

"I've enjoyed it and I think the good turnout reflects the fact that there's an interest in the message of Easter."

David Spendlove, 54, from Shepshed, said: "It was very good and a very professional performance with excellent acting. I always come into Leicester to watch it and I like the fact they do it every year here."

Folake Olonode, 30, from Glenfield, was watching the performance for the first time, with her daughter.

She said: "I was surprised there were so many people here. It's so nice to see people coming together to celebrate Easter like this.

"I'm very impressed – they've done an excellent job."

Daughter Farique Fuller, nine, said: "I like it because it reminds me of the story of Jesus."

The performance, which was the 10th Christ in the City event, featured professional actor James Mathison-Kelly as Jesus. A number of paid technical staff supported the dozens of volunteers behind the event.

About £40,000 was raised to cover the cost of staging it.

This year, organisers decided to stage the play entirely in Humberstone Gate, rather than have the performance wind its way through the city centre as it has done in the past.

Nicola Wright, 45, from Stocking Farm, Leicester, who was also in the crowd, said: "I did like it when the actors walked through the city centre, but it is good with the big screen.

"I come most years to see it and it's always a really good performance and a nice way to mark a very important day in the Christian Church."

Pauline Hudson, 55, from Thurmaston, said: "I've been coming here for several years – it's excellent."

Canon Barry Naylor, who chairs the Christ in the Centre organising committee, said: "This year, it's about the hope at the heart of the Christian gospel, which is so relevant right now."

Canon Naylor said he was pleased with the number of people who massed in the city centre to watch the play.

He said: "It's an excellent turnout – there are clearly thousands of people here."

"The wonderful thing is the dedication of the actors and all the others who help bring it off on the day."

The organisers are already appealing for help and volunteers for next year's production.

Meanwhile, hundreds of worshippers gathered in the centre of Market Harborough for a service organised by the town's churches yesterday.

A procession through the town was held before the service, which included hymns and prayers and a puppet show. It was followed by hot cross buns being handed to shoppers.

PASSION PLAY TO DRAW CROWDS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Passion play to draw crowds

Up to 10,000 people are expected to gather in the city centre on Good Friday for a dramatic retelling of the Easter story.

The annual Christ in the Centre passion play, which will be held in Humberstone Gate, will portray the events of Holy Week – from Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his trial, crucifixion and resurrection.

A cast of more than 40 amateurs will be led by Australian-born professional actor James Mathison-Kelly in the role of Jesus.

Mr Mathison-Kelly said: "The challenge to the whole cast is to honour that powerful script and explain why Jesus did what he did.

"I am always conscious that there will be people in the audience who know little or nothing of the story, so we need to tell them what it is about as well. Whenever I read the Easter story, I get a sense of energy from it. Being part of the cast makes you think about it more seriously."

The annual event, which regularly draws a crowd of up to 10,000 people, usually features a procession through the city centre before the play.

However, organisers have said that, due to a drop in funds, they have decided to drop the procession and focus on the play in Humberstone Gate instead.

The event will cost up to £40,000 to stage.

Group spokesman Jonathan Wheeler said: "We were very conscious of the economic situation and cut our cloth accordingly.

"We decided to base all the activity in Humberstone Gate so that we can invest in the staging and communications.

"We are very grateful to the people and organisations who have generously donated to the running costs of this year's event."

Canon Barry Naylor, who chairs the event's organising committee, said this year's event was about spreading a message of hope.

He said: "We know from the fabulous feedback we get every year what a special place Christ in the Centre holds in people's hearts.

"Every year it generates an extraordinary response from the audience, and reminds all those who witness it of the true meaning of Easter.

"In the current economic climate, and with so many people worrying about the future, the message of hope for the future is very relevant."

For more information, visit: www.christinthecentre.co.uk

INDEPENDENT ADVISORY GROUP DISCUSSES EDL DEMO

In Leicester Town Hall this afternoon, where Leicester City Council has called a meeting of the Independent Advisory Group to discuss the proposed demonstration by the English Defence League (EDL) and counter-demonstration by Unite Against Fascism (UAF) in Leicester city centre on Saturday 4 February.

This meeting, which takes place in the Council Chamber, includes much the same dramatis personae who attended the meeting last Thursday in the Mayor’s office at New Walk Centre: City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, and Leicester City BCU Commander Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon are out front. Dotted around the chamber are Deputy Mayor, Cllr Rory Palmer, Deputy Mayor; Assistant Mayor and Joint Cabinet Lead for Community Cohesion, Cllr Sarah Russell; Assistant Mayor and joint Cabinet Lead for Community Cohesion (and Chair of Leicester Council of Faiths), Cllr Manjula Sood; several City Council officers; and representatives of VCS organisations and other stakeholders, such as:

• African Caribbean Citizens Forum
• British Hindu Voice
• Federation of Muslim Organisations
• Leicester Hebrew Congregation
• Leicester Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Centre
• Leicester LINks
• The Race Equality Centre
• St Matthews Community Social Centre
• Sikh Welfare and Cultural Society
• Somali Development Services
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire

The meeting has been called so that the Mayor and Police can give us a position statement: to tell us where we are now and what's in the pipeline over the next few days. In the spirit of open sharing and transparency, our part is to be critical friends. The meeting is conducted under the Chatham House Rule.

All leave and rest days have been cancelled for Leicestershire Police officers on Saturday 4 February. Rob Nixon assures us that all neighbourhood officers will be on their usual beats that day and that no one will be extracted to work in the city centre. For the first time, we discuss how the situation is being addressed in the county, not just the city.

Iconic buildings and sites throughout city and county have been identified by the authorities and special efforts will be made to ensure their security.

Older people throughout the city feel threatened by the impending event. Police and City Council are doing their best to counteract that feeling and are making visits to day centres, care facilities and nursing homes to reassure residents, staff and volunteers. Age UK in Humberstone Gate was closed on the day of the last demonstration and counter-demonstration. This made those older people who depend on Age UK for regular services feel vulnerable. And, of course, the most notable act of destruction during the social disturbances in the summer was the torching of Age UK's minibus, which doesn't help them feel any safer this time round.

The Tigers are playing at home that day against Newcastle Falcons, with 18,000 fans expected to turn out for the match. Police are in discussions with the Tigers about shifting the kick-off time from 1500.

Not for the first time, we recognise the importance of keeping the heart of the city beating on the day. Last time, the city centre was locked down for 24 hours, starting 1800 the evening before. Videos posted on YouTube show the city centre deserted save for those involved in the demonstration and counter-demonstration, which gives the whole event a surreal and uncanny appearance. We don't want that to be the image of Leicester that stays in people's minds. Friday 3 February is the first night of Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival. People should be able to enjoy themselves without worrying about what might happen the next day.

There will be another meeting of the Independent Advisory Group next week, when more details will be known about what's expected to happen on the day.

After the meeting, I talk with Urban Canon Barry Naylor about the vigil to be held in Leicester Cathedral on the Friday evening immediately before the day of the demonstrations. It sounds like it's set to be a genuinely inter-faith event, I'm glad to say. I offer my services to help out in any way I can.

ELIZABETH & ALAN'S WEDDING

At St Andrew's Church, Jarrom Street, for the wedding of Elizabeth Wayne and Rev Alan Hawker.

Elizabeth is Head of Religious Education at Soar Valley College, long-standing member of Leicester Council of Faiths and a mainstay of Leicester SACRE. She's been very supportive of me in my post and was particularly helpful when I was writing the series of leaflets on each of our member faith communities and putting together my first training presentations. Her dress is very distinctive, having a lovely Pre-Raphaelite look about it.

I'm here with Harry and Grace and there's a good turnout of members of the Council of Faiths (about a dozen of us I'd say, from a variety of religious backgrounds). The three of us arrive early (very early by Ballerntyne standards, with more than ten minutes to spare before the start time of twelve noon) but there's standing room only, in what is a pretty big church. The service is conducted by Canon Barry Naylor (afterwards I tell the ubiquitous Barry that I'm beginning to believe there's more than one of him ).

I've never been to a Church of England wedding ceremony before - and St Andrew's seems very High Church. There's something in the service that I've not heard before: after the bride and groom have exchanged vows, the congregation is asked, "Will you, the families and friends of Alan and Elizabeth, support and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to come?" to which we all respond "We will!" If that's normal in a Church of England wedding ceremony, then how nice; and if it isn't - then how nice!

It's such a pleasant afternoon and the kids have a lovely time too. I'm grateful to Elizabeth and Alan for inviting us to share in their special day.