An Outstanding Conversational Evensong

A report on the event featuring Lord Ramsbotham

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St Nicholas Church held another of its conversational evensongs on Sunday 4 February, when a good number of people came to listen to Lord Ramsbotham OBE (David) talk about his life as a General and later as the Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Despite his rather conventional career path he has always had extremely progressive and compassionate views.

lord ramsbottom

David was brought up in a Vicarage and had a religious background. He does not mind conveying his views on many subjects even though the hierarchy might not be pleased. He had a number of posts in the army and became a forceful General serving in many parts of the world. (Germany, Kenya, Hong Kong, Borneo, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar as well as England.) He commented on the problems in the army of the moment caused by the lack of numbers and lack of money.

When asked to select his favourite piece of music he chose a Mendelssohn Octet and shared stories about music with us concerning his friend the late Yehudi Menuhin.

When asked for some thoughts, he chose the issue of imprisonment connected to his time as the Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales (1995-2000). He quoted Alex Patterson who said; “Prison is punishment, not for punishment”, and “The purpose of prison was to prevent re-offending.”

He said that he felt the criminal justice system was rudderless and he quoted Lord Wolfe’s report on changes that need to be made, particularly how important it is for prisoners to be placed in their home area.

When asked what his favourite item is he told us an amusing story about his precious signet ring and how on two occasions it got lost and was found many miles from his home.

David is now an influential member of the House of Lords, sits on the Cross Benches and speaks about the rehabilitation of prisoners.

I have personal memories of David Ramsbotham’s influence when he used to visit the Caldecott Foundation, a Children’s home, where I was chair of the trustees. He always had outstandingly interesting ideas about working with deprived young people.

It is so good that St Nicholas Church is able to host these events and find so many varied and stimulating speakers.


Simon Rodway

February 7, 2018


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