It seems that a number of businesses and organisations have to “diversify” in order to survive financially or to raise funds for basic up-keep and maintenance.  Places of worship are increasingly part of this trend and earlier in the year Canterbury Cathedral’s ‘Rave in the Nave’ attracted both praise and criticism.  The event was a “Silent Disco” - one of many being held in cathedrals up and down the country and billed as a chance to “have fun” in “special places” without necessarily causing a noisy disruption — and to raise money for their upkeep.

Last weekend my sister and I enjoyed an evening of “80s Anthems by Candlelight at Worcester Cathedral”.  In all honesty, I had thought it was going to be an orchestral rendition of hits from the 80’s - Bon Jovi, Prince, George Michael, Wham, a-ha,  Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Erasure, Queen, Madonna, Witney Houston, Simple Minds et al, however, it was a much louder affair with a full band - bass and lead guitars, saxophonist, drums, keyboard, and three singers.  It was great fun with many people dancing and singing in the aisles.  Ali and I had a good sing-along and enjoyed people-watching too!

Personally I thought the event was well-organised and mindful of its surroundings, was professionally produced and appeared to be respected by all in the audience.

Here's the touristy bit:

Worcester Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship and prayer for fourteen centuries. The present building was begun in 1084.  It encompasses every style of English architecture from the Norman Crypt built in 1084 through to Perpendicular Gothic (built in the 1500s).  The Cathedral also houses two royal burials - King John (died 1216) and Prince Arthur Tudor (died 1502).  Containing over 20,000 documents, there has been a library at Worcester Cathedral since Anglo-Saxon times

Sir Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934), the English composer was born at Lower Broadheath just outside Worcester and lived much of his life in the county and composed pieces for the Three Choirs Festival.

A memorial plaque and the Elgar Memorial Window can be seen in the North Nave Aisle. Designed by Archibald Keightley Nicholson, the window depicts Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius'. The composer's baton and autograph are also on display in the Library.
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​Have a look at: Home | Worcester Cathedral

Also see the following websites for reports and  views about this type of events in churches:

• Canterbury Cathedral defends decision to host silent disco - BBC News
• Canterbury Cathedral's 'rave in the nave' is indefensible | The Spectator
• Canterbury Cathedral’s ‘rave in the nave’: sacrilege or harmless fun? (telegraph.co.uk)
• Christians protest at silent disco in Canterbury Cathedral (telegraph.co.uk)
• Canterbury Cathedral is hosting silent discos. Not everyone is happy | CNN

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I can hardly see the hills outside of the window as I write this because the cloud is so low and grey, however, last week we enjoyed a couple of days of beautiful sunshine, bright blue skies and even balmy temperatures.  This was the perfect timing to plant out Kate's fig tree - and, for once, we followed the appropriate advice and instructions from the experts - Gardener's World, RHS and a website I came across recently - www.rootsplants.co.uk .

Fig trees are native to Syria and Persia but Brown Turkey Figs can be grown successfully in the UK. The idea is to trick them into thinking they are growing on a rocky hilltop in the eastern Mediterranean by keeping their roots restricted!
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Gardener’s World advise that “the best time to plant a fig tree is late winter or spring – it will have plenty of time to establish before cold weather sets in. It will need a deep hole, as it has a long tap root. It's thought that figs do best when their roots are slightly restricted. If you're planting your tree in the ground, dig a planting hole, and then part fill it with well-rotted manure and rubble, to help restrict roots. If you have them, using paving slabs to make a wall around the roots to further restrict them. Back-fill with compost and firm into place. Water well”.

• Brown Turkey fig trees do not need winter protection in the UK however are best positioned in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun, such as against a wall.
• Brown Turkey is fully hardy so will produce baskets full of figs; the plump, sweet, juicy fruits with deep red flesh under skins with shades of brown, green and purple,  develop in spring and ripen from August to September.
• A fantastic foliage plant in its own right, Brown Turkey has attractive, deep green lobed leaves which lend a Mediterranean look to the garden.
• Low maintenance, minimal pruning and maximum fruit returns = the perfect gift!
• Another hardy fig tree is called Brunswick.

Ultimate height:  2.5–4 metres (after / between 10 – 20 years ),
Ultimate spread: 2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions: Chalk, Loam, Sand,
pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Moisture:  Moist but well–drained

So - now you know!