I am particularly trying to contact John Valentine, Damien Hone, and Keith Van Assen, but have managed to lose their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers. A disaster for which I apologise.
All are welcome, but those who are related to men who were on the ship that day nearly a century ago are most especially welcome, and a reception will be held afterwards for them in Cathedral House.
It will of course be open to the public and parts of the cathedral will also be open to visitors as usual.
We regard those who are related to a member of the crew as guests rather than merely members of a congregation, and they are also invited to a private reception after the service.
As a matter of urgency may I please ask all of you who are descendants to get in touch as soon as possible, giving the number of family members who will be coming. Could you please contact the Receiver-General, Brigadier John Meardon, at the cathedral. His contact details are:
Canterbury Cathedral, Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2EH United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 762862 (switchboard)
The plans for the day are as follows:
· 1100 Guests and others attend the daily Bell Ceremony in the SW Transept of the quire. This short ceremony starts with the ringing of a ships bell to mark 11am (six bells) and an ex-serviceman turns a page in one of the books containing names of the fallen from all wars and conflicts since 1914.
· 1130 Guests move to the Eastern Crypt for the Service of Commemoration. There will be a service booklet containing readings, a hymn and prayers and we will conclude this part with the National Anthem
· 1200 Move from the Crypt to the North Nave Aisle. Wreath laying at the HMS Kent Memorial, blessing and dismissal.
· 1230 Guests move to the Archives to view the exhibition. This will be open from earlier in the morning until closing time.
· 1300 Or thereabouts, invited guests, ie family members, move to the Chapter Room for refreshments.
· 1400 Secure.
As you can see, the arrangements mean we move around the cathedral, taking in all parts of the building.
Please! Can families get in touch with the Receiver-General as soon as possible!
With best wishes to all
Adrian
