'Trev the Rev' gets into print; BOOK: Former cathedral chaplain tells ofMission.

Byline: Tina Junday

A FORMER chaplain of Coventry Cathedral has written an insightful tale about his role in the reconciliation between the city and Germany following the Blitz.

The Rev Trevor Cooper, aged 77, organised regular exchange visits with young people in both the city and Berlin with the aim to break down barriers of prejudice following the Second World War.

His book, Who Goes There - A Challenge to Humanity, tells his story of how a small group of industrial chaplains worked with people drawn from different backgrounds in the cities to come together and share common interests.

The father-of-two, who lives in Tile Hill, Coventry, persuaded industrial employers, trade unions and education authorities to get involved in the programmes as part of the Coventry Industrial Mission, established by the cathedral and diocese of the city in 1962.

"This is a practical experiment to encourage people to realise that we are all human beings," he said.

"With support of other organisations we were able to make people from both sides of the wall get together. They met at homes, through work and social situations.

"This original idea was developed by the industrial chaplains to give a realistic prospect for the future of humanity."

Trevor, who is known as Trev the Rev by family and friends, also spoke of his disappointment about the introduction of admission charges at the cathedral.

He said: "It just shouldn't charge. I'mcompletely against it. There was always problems over finance at the cathedral - it never got to grips with it."

Trevor will be signing his book at Borders, Arena Park tomorrow from 12-3pm.

The book is published by AuthorHouse and costs pounds 8.99. It is available at book stores including Waterstones, The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, city centre, Coventry Cathedral bookshop and Kenilworth Books, in Talisman Square.