John was the first guest for a new series of interviews from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, called President & People, in which Chamber president Sandra Godley OBE speaks to key figures in the region. 

In a moving and insightful interview, Sandra, who has a background in broadcasting, spoke to John about his role as Dean, what drew him to the city, his family life and his plans for retirement. 

John said the city’s links to peace and reconciliation were a major draw when he was first looking to make the move to Coventry Cathedral and that the city has had a lifechanging effect on him. 

He said: “Somebody said to me that I’d changed the Cathedral but asked me how it – and the city – had changed me. 

“I realised the answer was basically two sides of the same coin because I don’t think I’ve changed the Cathedral and I don’t know if I’ve changed the city, but I’ve helped the Cathedral to become all that it has always been called to be. 

“I’ve helped it to inhabit its own DNA. I say the same for the city. It’s a fantastic place. 

“What the city and the Cathedral have done is help me to become the person that God always made me to be. 

“I have loved my time here. I love people. I love God. I love the arts. I love reconciliation.  

“Being here in this city has given me a path to walk, and people to walk it with that I have just loved.” 

Sandra added: “It was an absolute privilege to speak to John before he heads off into retirement.  

“He’s a man who has played a massive role in Coventry and Warwickshire and we wanted to hear some of his incredible stories. 

“I am looking forward to speaking to more figures from the region in our new series and helping to tell the stories that really matter.” 

To watch the full interview with John Witcombe, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlnjdGHrCyg