As you already know we are not having a carnival or fete type event this year. One positive aspect of last year’s carnival (other than fund raising) was the way the cathedral was able to promote itself in the wider community. By attending such events new arrivals to Bahrain become aware of the very existence of St Christopher’s Cathedral. Promoting the cathedral and its work in the wider community is still a priority, and we must therefore find alternative means of spreading the news of our presence here. 

One aspect of our promotion of the cathedral in the past has been merchandising. Currently we are involved in selling 2008 diocesan diaries with St Christopher’s Cathedral details printed inside. These have sold well and are still available making handy, reasonably priced items to use personally, give away to friends or send to former members of our congregations now living in far flung parts of the world keeping them in touch.

This modest beginning has inspired further items of cathedral merchandising such as Christmas cards, all purpose cards, wrapping paper, book marks and a re-launch of the polo shirts. These will all be available at the Cathedral office in due course.

Besides making a modest income for the work of the cathedral they act as aids to the promotion of the cathedral appropriate for use in the culture in which we are set.

So…before you rush out and buy your Christmas cards check ours out first. We think you will find they are just what you are looking for!

Alan Hayday