Bede Day. May 25th

I attended the College of the Venerable Bede, Durham City, in the early sixties.

It was an all male bastion of learning with 600 students.

We celebrated Bede Day with a carnival held on the spacious lawns of our college. It was a chance to show off our magnificent ancient building to the curious public. I have few recollections of Bede Day 1962. I was hit on the forehead while manning the coconut shy. The wooden ball sent me into a haze for several days after.

However, I have not forgotten the reason for celebrating May 25th.

The Venerable Bede was the most eminent historian and scholar that England produced prior to 1066 AD. Among his notable endeavours was the translation of the Bible into the English language. This single accomplishment did more to civilize England than any invention or feat of arms.

Incidentally, ten minutes after he dictated the last verse of Revelation, he breathed his final breath.

When you read your Bible, among others, you have Bede to thank.

Bede Day. May 25th. A worthy inclusion on our calendar.

Ian