Palatinate

A proud day as parents as our daughter was a graduand for her Masters from Durham University.

The degree ceremony - the Congregation - was held as usual in Durham University. The Chancellor, Sir Thomas Allen the opera singer, led a relaxed, informative and suitably emotional event.

There were two striking views in the Cathedral. The first was the purple light bathing parts of the building in the palatinate colour associated with Durham University.

The other was the sight of Christmas trees on 15 January. We are so used to the message that it is unlucky to keep decorations up after 12th night. However ther is another tradition, followed in the Catherdal that Christmas should be celebrated for 40 days after Christmas- up until 2 February. It certainly added another dimension to the event. It was cold enough for Christmas!