An Evening with Archbishop Desmond Tutu Print
Written by Peter Burgess   
Thursday, 04 September 2008

Related Links

A photo opportunity with one of the great icons of the 20th Century
Desmond Tutu
Walking into Paternoster Square beneath the soaring structure of St Paul's Cathedral I sat down on the first available seat.  I turned to the chap sitting next to me and I was astounded to see Terry Waite.  I started talking to him and for a while we discussed a heap of topics from the weather all the way to the architectural enlightenment of the square which used to be surrounded by hideous 1960s blocks.  As it happened we were both bound for the same event where Archbishop Desmond Tutu was to give a talk in aid of NICRO UK Trust.  NICRO is dedicated to seeking constructive solutions to crime, breaking the cycle of crime and violence, and creating a safe South Africa.

Brian Elwell painted these various portraits of Desmond Tutu
Tutu Portraits
Archbishop Tutu gave an interesting discussion about the tragedy striking many young people in RSA which struck a chord with the situation we also have at home although on a less extreme front.  Ever, as Terry Waite put, with a 'spirit of cheerfulnes and hope for the future', Archbishop Tutu went on to celebrate the youth of the world saying it is amazing that more do not sucumb in the light of media sensationalism and ease of access to narcotics and other illegal features.  Archbishop Tutu highlighted the fact that when he grew up there was only marawana and no drugs pushers.  Today there are so many temptations for young people with aggressive advertising and Internet access.

A special guest performance by Siphiwo Ntshebe showed his operatic prowess and will no doubt be a star of the not too distant future.  The evening was rounded off with refreshments in the crypt of the Cathedral and a silent auction of the works of Brian Elwell.  This was a thrilling and inspiring evening and one which I was glad to experience.  A big thanks to my dear friend Linda Gough for spotting the inch square advert in Timeout and arranging it all.

 An Audio Visual Presentation of the event:

NB - Before entering the Cathedral Mark Emery approached me for a photograph in my hat. He is a photographer and is involved in a project to photograph people on London's streets.  It was amusing to have my photo taken which later appeared on Flickr.  The link to see my mugshot is in related links above.



Bookmark with:What's this?

Reddit!Del.icio.us!Facebook!StumbleUpon!Yahoo!
 
RSS

Fellrunning's Links

email Send Peter email

Join Us

Want to participate in the OFC? Then why not join the Yahoo Message Board




"I love the Lake District. Went for first time 20 months ago. OFC website is the best thing I've found, along with all the members' sites. My kids at school log on every morning as well." Sue Sullivan