Takeaway this history lesson

In the run-up to Easter it’s no surprise that the city’s wonderful cathedral should be the centre of attention. But this year that manifested itself in some unexpected ways.

Firstly those cheeky human chipmunks , Ant & Dec, shone a light (literally) on the cathedral when it played a starring role in the duo’s hit Saturday night TV show.

I loved the quote from a cathedral spokesperson who said: “ITV contacted us out of the blue a couple of weeks ago to say they’d come across our ‘amazing cathedral’ and thought it would be a perfect location for their takeaway rainbow segment.’’ Come across? Pardon? You can picture the scene in the TV production office with one bright young thing (BYT) saying to another.

First BYT: “Where’s Peterborough?’’

Second BYT (adopting approximation of Sean Bean’s accent): “Er, somewhere oop north, I think. Why?’’

First BYT:“I’ve just come across their rather splendid cathedral.’’

Second BYT: “Amazing, let’s book it... wherever it is.’’

Then the cathedral found itself in the middle of a rather embarrassing episode for the city’s new university.

It was a nice idea to illustrate the temporary panels boarding the site with key moments in the city’s history.

Unfortunately, they got many of them wrong!

And worst of all they managed to ‘flip’ the picture of the cathedral (see above) which is by some distance the city’s most recognisable building.

Not a great start to life for a seat of learning.

And perhaps if you’re thinking of taking a history degree (Anglia Ruskin University) Peterborough is not the place for you.

As local historian, who spotted the errors, said: “The information board is the first introduction that some people will get to the project and for that reason needs to be superlative. I like the fact it’s visually inviting and accessible for adults and children but it could be much better. The university announcing its arrival in Peterborough’s history on a substandard timeline is not a great start and I hope lessons are learnt.’’

Happily, the university authorities are going to rip it up and start again but I thought the comment from the Anglia Ruskin University spokes person was a little bit silly.

They said: “We are delighted the university development is gaining so much interest.’’

I must try that with my editor the next time (and there will be a next time) I drop a wotsit. “It’s okay, boss, at least lots of people read it.’’ I’m sure he’ll be thrilled! It would have been much better to just say: “Sorry, we must and will do better.’’

Another lesson to learn.