News from around the county Cathedral grovels over guard’s racist comment
Canterbury Cathedral has issued a grovelling apology after one of its guards told an Argentinian woman: “Dover’s that way, love.”
Mortified bosses moved swiftly to contain the incident, which happened days after Britain voted to leave the EU.
Just this week Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Justin Welby spoke of “an outwelling of poison and hatred” following the referendum result.
His words now add to the acute embarrassment for Cathedral authorities who maintain “we want to be welcoming”.
Silvina Fairbrass was heading into the Cathedral precincts and needed directions to the Cathedral Lodge.
The mum-of-two, who lives and works in the city, had approached a guard at the main gate when she was met with the offensive jibe.
Cathedral bosses say they have reprimanded the guard, who they have employed for many years, and written a letter of apology to Mrs Fairbrass.
Receiver General, Brigadier John Meardon, said: “This hap- pened at the Cathedral on sensitive days following the referendum.
“This is not how we expect our staff to behave. They should definitely know better.”
Brig Meardon said he had yet to hear back from Mrs Fairbrass. She is a ballet teacher and has her own business.
She said the incident had made her feel she did not want to leave her home.
“I’ve always felt comfortable in this city. People have always been welcoming,” she said.
“But I think since the referendum, unfortunately, there has been a minority who see a platform to voice their opinions against foreigners.”
Brig Meardon said the Cathedral fully accepted that the guard’s comments, on June 27, were offensive.
“He is absolutely mortified by it and apologises profusely,” Brig Meardon said. “I think it was said in jest, on the spur of the moment.
“We are extremely disappointed to hear about it, when something like this happens involving our staff.
“We want to be welcoming.”