Help Spread Festive Joy Locally with the 'Under the Tree' Gift Drive
The ‘Under the Tree’ Gift Drive is a collaborative effort in partnership with Kinship and Maggs Day Centre, two local charities dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and adults in Worcester. Every donation helps ensure that no one feels left out during the festive season.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID said: “Every year thousands come to view the sparkling trees within the Cathedral cloisters bringing delight to visitors, however for many Christmas isn’t full of joy with eyes lighting up on Christmas morning. This year think about how we as a community can change what’s under the tree for many this year. Instead of Secret Santa with your colleagues, why not be a Secret Santa for a child in need who would be over the moon to receive a gift this Christmas or to support someone who has found themselves in a troubled position of rough sleeping, bring them warmth and essentials to help their day to day lives.”
Donations for children will be distributed, by Kinship, to kids facing challenging circumstances, such as those in care or emergency housing. These gifts can bring a sense of normality and joy to children experiencing a difficult time, creating a special day no matter where.
Rough sleepers often face harsh conditions during the winter. Maggs Day Centre will distribute donated items to help provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to those without a home this Christmas.
Instead of traditional gift exchanges or office Secret Santa activities, businesses are encouraged to organise a donation drive. By reimagining workplace festive gifting traditions, you can make a meaningful local impact and show support for the Worcester community.
Drop off your contributions at one of the designated locations, making it easy for businesses, employees, and residents to participate. We’re accepting donations at the Cathedral Monday-Friday 10am-4pm at the welcome desk.
To Donate a children's gift (toys, books and games that can bring cheer)
To give a gift to rough sleepers (practical items like warm clothing, blankets, toiletries, and non-perishable food)
The Cardinal's Hat
Christmas Tree Festival 2024
It’s back and it’s even bigger than ever! With more trees from charities, schools, businesses, community groups and others from across the region to enjoy. Our sparkling Christmas Tree Festival will be open to visit from Thursday 5 December 2024 until Monday 6 January 2025 (excluding Christmas Eve* and Christmas Day**), during normal visiting hours - 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12.30-3pm on Sundays.
*Open for visiting 10am-12pm on Christmas Eve.
** Cathedral open for services only, no visiting on Christmas Day.
‘All is Calm, All is Bright’ – Your Cathedral at Night
Thursday 12 December, Monday 16 December and Thursday 19 December, 7.30pm to 9:30pm.
After the sun has set the sparkle on our trees is that little bit more special. Come and spend your evening with us, a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in hand, in your Cathedral at Night. Explore the building with members of our team providing a Christmas themed insight into its history, and enjoy an exclusive evening viewing of the Christmas Tree Festival too.
*Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome in the Cathedral during the Christmas period, including to the Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Fayre. During particularly busy times we ask owners to be mindful of the limited space in the cloisters for the comfort of all of our visitors.
Worcester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival 2024 is generously sponsored by:
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Haus Installations
"Haus Installations – Haus Installations is a local family-run uPVC specialist with decades of experience, leading the way for change in the window & door industry. Worcester is our home and as a local business with family at heart we are delighted to be sponsoring this years Christmas tree event, we have always taken the time to visit the cathedral with our family’s and it has become somewhat of a tradition amongst staff here, we were fortunate enough to participate in last years event and loved every photo, video and message we received about our tree. Now we get to leave our mark on this amazing event, located at the most iconic building in Worcester." 
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Nicol & Co
"Nicol & Co is a proud independent estate agent that support homeowners and purchasers across Worcester, Droitwich, and Malvern as they take their next steps on the property ladder. Our unique approach ensures we leave a lasting impression, and are memorable for the right reasons.
After participating in last year’s Christmas Tree Festival by decorating a tree, we’re thrilled to return as sponsors for this year’s event.
At the heart of our business is a commitment to giving back. We actively engage in community initiatives, sponsorships, and donations, with over £70,000 contributed to local charities through our community fund. Supporting the Christmas Tree Festival aligns perfectly with our values, allowing us to showcase our dedication to the community once again.
Working with the Cathedral is incredibly important to us. It serves as a pillar of the community and a cherished landmark in Worcester, making it a perfect partner for our efforts to support and uplift those around us."
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ThermaBead Ltd
"ThermaBead Ltd is the home of the most advanced cavity wall insulation to date.
We are the leading manufacturers, suppliers and installers of cavity wall insulation in the UK, helping our customers make the best choice for insulating homes, businesses or new build projects.
Sponsoring the Christmas Tree Festival allows us to engage with the community in a festive and meaningful way, contributing to a tradition that brings joy to many. Our involvement reflects our commitment to cultural and social initiatives, aligning our brand with values of celebration, togetherness, and goodwill.
Working with the Cathedral also means a lot to our workforce, who have grown up with it’s events and gatherings over the years and are proud to be associated with an iconic landmark that is deeply respected and admired within the city.
Sponsoring this event is not just about visibility; it’s about being part of something larger and more impactful."
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Vandemoortele Worcester
"Vandemoortele was originally established in 1991 supplying the UK market with unbaked frozen pastry products. To this day, they remain the sole UK manufacturer to fulfil large scale pre-proofed frozen viennoiserie for the wholesale and retail market and are still located at the original site in Lower Broadheath. Site Manager, Mark Parton said “ We are passionate about shaping A Tasty Future so that everyone’s everyday food can be enjoyed. We are delighted to, once again, be a part of the Christmas Tree festival and, in turn, support the valuable work that the Cathedral does for the local community and beyond."
Summer Will Writing Partnership with Local Solicitors Raises Vital Funds for the Cathedral
Over the Summer months we teamed up with four of Worcester’s leading firms of solicitors to raise £6,647.50 through our ‘Make a Will this Summer’ campaign.
Each firm generously agreed to give their time and expertise for free, offering appointments to the community to write or update their Wills. Everyone who took an appointment was asked to consider making a donation to Worcester Cathedral to help ensure that it remains a beacon of hope at the heart of our community.
Four firms generously took part – Knights, Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright, SME Solicitors, and Talbots Law.
Cathy Sloan, the Cathedral’s Director of Fundraising, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support that we have received from each of the solicitors taking part. They all offered multiple appointments ensuring that those who needed to write a Will, or update an existing one, had the chance to do so.
“My heartfelt thanks goes also to everyone who made a donation to the Cathedral. This support comes at just the right time. We are heading for our busy season and as always at this time of year we want to be a warm and welcoming space over Christmas. Wonderful support like this from the community will help us to be there for everyone.”
And we can confirm that the scheme will be back again next summer!
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Safeguarding audit highlights good practice
The recent independent audit of safeguarding practices in the Diocese of Worcester and Worcester Cathedral has highlighted good practice and commended the ‘solid foundation for a safeguarding culture that prioritises the well-being of individuals and fosters a safer environment for everyone in the diocese'.
The audit was carried out by the INEQE Safeguarding Group, who have been commissioned by the Archbishop’s Council, to conduct an intensive and comprehensive review of safeguarding at each diocese and cathedral in the Church of England. They visited Worcester in July and highlighted examples of good practice throughout their report, with particular note made of the trauma informed support offered to victims and survivors. Read the full report here.
The INEQE report commented on the way the Diocese seeks out opportunities to listen to their workforce and volunteers and collaborates well with internal and external stakeholders. It also highlighted the Cathedral’s ‘dedication to safeguarding, with notable strengths in policy development, risk management, and partnerships with external organisations.’ The report made a number of recommendations to ensure that safeguarding practice in both the Diocese and Cathedral continues to move forward.
Bishop Martin said:
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to feed into the audit process. We are delighted that the excellent work of our diocesan safeguarding team, our dedicated Parish Safeguarding Officers and others in our parishes, as well as our Independent Advisory Panel has been recognised through this report. Safeguarding should be at the heart of everything we do, and we will be using INEQE’s recommendations to continue to take forward our safeguarding journey, including further strengthening capacity in our safeguarding team.”
Dean of Worcester, Stephen Edwards said:
“INEQE conducted a robust audit which explored all areas of our safeguarding processes. We are pleased that the auditors recognised those things we are doing well and our commitment to continue to build on these to ensure that Worcester Cathedral is a safe place for all.”
The diocesan and cathedral’s safeguarding panels will now be looking at the INEQE recommendations and putting together a plan to integrate them into current practice. A key recommendation was the importance of increasing professional safeguarding capacity. The Cathedral has already appointed a new Safeguarding Officer, and the diocesan team will be strengthened to consist of a Director of Safeguarding and two full time equivalent Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers, one of whom will lead on safeguarding training. There is also a commitment to positively exploring a more formal link between the Cathedral and the new safeguarding directorate.
Diocean Safeguarding Adviser, Hilary Higton said:
"I was delighted that the auditors recognised the good practice which occurs on a day to day basis within our diocese and cathedral. It was also pleasing to learn that over 550 people were willing to feedback to the auditors their views and that the top three words people chose to describe the Diocese were 'welcoming' 'supportive' and 'respectful'. We know though there is still much to do. The diocesan safeguarding team want to thank you for your co-partnership working as we seek together to make the Diocese of Worcester and Cathedral a safe and welcoming place for all, especially the most vulnerable in our midst."
Read the Full Report
Worshipful Companies Attend Commemorative Stone Unveiling to Celebrate Completion of War Memorial Repair Works
It was an absolute honour this week to welcome representatives from The Associated Worshipful Companies of The Mercers’, Masons’, Cooks’ and Broderers’ who attended a ceremony to view repair works to the county war memorial, carried out thanks to their generous funding.
We are extremely grateful to have received a £20,000 grant from the Associated Worshipful Companies to support the career progression of our newly qualified stonemasons through two restoration projects – one to the county war memorial and one to the Old Bishop’s Palace boundary wall.
Members of the Associated Companies visited the Cathedral to view the completed war memorial works today, when a special stone commemorating their support was unveiled.
They then viewed the plans for the Old Palace boundary wall, which the masons are now working on.
Thanks to this generous support, the war memorial is now in excellent condition ready for this year's Remembrance commemorations. Thank you so much.
The Installation of the 47th Dean of Worcester
The Very Revd Canon Dr Stephen Edwards was officially Installed as the 47th Dean of Worcester at the Cathedral on Sunday 15 September 2024.
Stephen joined Worcester Cathedral as a Residentiary Canon in September 2019 and has had particular responsibility for promoting the Cathedral’s mission in the Diocese and local community, as well as the pastoral care and spiritual nurture of the Cathedral community. As Interim Dean, he has led the Cathedral through the vacancy and as Dean he will continue to play a key role in both the Cathedral and the Diocese.
Stephen said: “Over the past few months I have been asked by many people, why do you want to be a dean? It is a good question.
“What I have discovered and enjoyed so much over the past five years here in Worcester is that it is possible to be vicar-like, a pastor, in a cathedral and that the diversity of event and experience in this place has allowed me, especially in the breadth of my previous role, to be a priest in much the same way as in a parish: pastoral care, worship, community, friendship, and discipleship.
“As dean the pastoral care of the cathedral community is a paramount priority, one which can be easily lost in the breadth of responsibilities and competing demands.
“Wanting to be a vicar from an early age, I have always loved church buildings and cathedrals especially. Cathedrals often have the advantage of having many chapels and spaces, paths to encourage meandering and exploration, guides and signs and memorials and artefacts which throw as many questions in the air as they do provide answers. To visit a cathedral is to visit an architectural gem which holds safe the hopes and dreams, sorrows, cries, and love of unnumbered generations.
“In the past year this cathedral, like many others, has been host to a wide selection of concerts and events. Abba by candlelight and a variety of pop, rock, and dance concerts have taken their place alongside the Three Choirs, the Worcester Festival Choral Society, and an excellent programme of classical and church music. What should and should not take place in a consecrated space, and what ought and ought not to be a driving force in decision making has been rigorously questioned and challenged. In doing so, this whole area has, I believe, been beautifully opened up so that we fill these glorious spaces with people experiencing something different.
“Exploring the intersection of contemporary values with traditional spaces is nothing new for the church; proclaiming the gospel afresh in every generation requires ingenuity and an ability to see potential in new adventures. And yes in a worrying financial climate, money matters but opening up the cathedral is part of our evangelism and that means opening up to new things: concerts and silent discos, light shows and, of course, as we did last year, dogs.
“As often as I have been asked, why do you want to be a dean? so I have been asked what is my vision for Worcester Cathedral? Those of us who are part of the cathedral community know that we have a vision statement which we are already well on the way with; a vision which, with perfect timing, is due to be reviewed and revised in 2025. So, I do not wish, nor would it be wise, to change that vision but together I look forward to renewing this alongside the diocesan vision for transformation and change.
"To quote the Association of English Cathedrals, upon my appointment “Architecture, ale and a love of dogs! He's our kind of Dean.” As a short description of my character, it says enough if not all.
“If I must be drawn on my vision for the Cathedral during the time of my decanal years, I want not to be specific but to pray that they will be shaped by the character of architecture, ale, and a love of dogs.
“I long for others to experience the thrill and the awe, the safety as well as the gentle provocation which this tent of faith holds so dearly for the city and region. Our learning team have an aim of every child in the county visiting the Cathedral during their school career, and I would hope to extend that goal to every person in this city (and even beyond) stepping foot inside this holy place.
“The image of hospitality, a conversation over a good ale, friendship, relational openness is one which speaks of the love of Jesus Christ. The rich variety of uses of this building often compete for attention and time but we are first and foremost and always a church – a place of prayer and worship. Just as this shapes our mission and ministry, so it must also shape our learning, our events, concerts, exhibitions, staff teams, volunteers – all that we do comes from our love for Jesus Christ and a desire to see his Kingdom grow.
“And finally, a love of dogs: I shouldn’t need to unpack this one as I am sure even the extreme cat lovers understand the perfection of dogs and their love and joy, but there is a gospel reading throwaway line I always feel needs to be challenged: Do not give what is holy to dogs. What if we do give what is holy to dogs? They enjoy whatever it is by simply being themselves. Holiness is not a fragile glass or an untouchable artefact in a museum. It is a strong and strengthening presence of the divine, it is – like God from whom all things holy come – all powerful, almighty, and ours for our use. Let us dare, let us dream to dare, let us radically offer welcome and love to all, blurring the artificial line between sacred and secular. Let our ministry, our vision, our life be directed by the words of Christ: ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.’
“Thanks be to God.”
Stephen was ordained in 1996, serving first in the Church in Wales and then in the Diocese of Manchester, where he was Rector of the inner-city parish of St Agnes’, Longsight and then Team Rector of Wythenshawe. Stephen was also the Bishop of Manchester’s adviser for liturgy and worship as well as the co-ordinator of the Manchester Estate Ministry Network. As a Residentiary Canon of Worcester Cathedral, Stephen has also been involved in the Cathedral and diocesan Eco groups and the diocesan Racial Justice Forum. He is the independent chair of the Worcester Cares forum for homelessness and vulnerable people.
Read The Dean's Full Sermon
Archaeologists Unearth Clues to the Past as Landscaping Project Commences
Work is due to start in earnest next week on our landscaping project, which will see improvements to College Yard (the main approach from the High Street), transforming the hard landscaping into an accessible, welcoming green space where the Cathedral and City come together.
Over the past few months tree management and archaeological enabling work has been completed and Fitzgerald Contractors Ltd have now been appointed to start work onsite on Monday 16 September.
The archaeological work has been undertaken by Worcestershire Archaeology, alongside the Cathedral team, and some fascinating clues to the past have been unearthed in the process.
The College Yard area, on the north side of the Cathedral, was historically Worcester City’s burial ground for around 750 years, until the 19th Century. So, unsurprisingly the team has carefully excavated a small number of pre-Victorian skeletons, which will now be analysed before being sensitively re-interred in the Cathedral’s Charnel crypt.
A Roman cobbled surface was also uncovered close to the North Porch, providing a rare glimpse of Roman Worcester. In amongst the cobbles were fragments of more than one type of quern stone for grinding flour, the neck of a blue glass perfume bottle and a decorative stamp made from a sheep bone. The cobbles also contained broken pottery which will help to date the surface, which is thought to have been out of use by the 4th Century AD, as it was covered over by mud containing a coin of this date.
It is known that a medieval parish church (St Michael’s), and a detached bell tower that may even be pre-Norman once stood within the northeast corner of College Yard. The belltower had a lead-roofed steeple, but the lead was stripped during the Civil War and the tower fell into disrepair. It was demolished towards the end of the 17th century. St Michael’s remained, with a small timber-framed bell tower and adjoining houses, but these were all demolished in the 1840s. Excitingly, this latest archaeological work may have picked up hints of the bell tower, very disturbed due to the later houses and cellars that were built.
Most of the medieval archaeology discovered relates to the burial ground, but the team did also encounter structural remains, including an original Norman buttress that was cut back shortly before 1335 to construct the Sacrist’s lodging. The Sacrist looked after the Cathedral and its contents – from walls and roof to sacred vessels and vestments. The team also found the buried walls of the Sacrists’ lodging (demolished sometime between 1712-15), with a wealth of medieval painted glass in the demolition material.
Just close to this, where the trodden path to College Precincts splits from the main carriageway, was a concentration of light industrial activity which looks like it was once home to a Works Yard. Here, logically next to the Sacrist’s house, the team found significant quantities of 14-16th Century window glass of various forms, blacksmithing waste and a pit of ochre, all within a building footprint which was probably of timber-framed form with internal timber stakes that had evidently burnt down.
Further west, between the north porch and the Bishop’s house, the team also reached the buried walls of the charnel crypt, built in 1224. A chapel once stood above the crypt, but this was demolished in the 17th Century, and the below-ground crypt re-roofed in 1866. The crypt is still used today.
Cathedral Archaeologist, Fiona Keith-Lucas, said: “We found some fantastic things during enabling archaeology work. Because we know the area is so rich in archaeology, we have been doing the work largely in advance of the main contract so things will move smoothly on site and not be held up. There will still be archaeologists working alongside Fitzgerald’s team to ensure that all archaeology is excavated and recorded properly, so these are just our preliminary findings. All artefacts are yet to be analysed, but we are getting a good feel for the site and its complexity. We hope to share our findings in more detail at a symposium in the summer of 2025.”
Thanks to the painstaking work by the talented team of archaeologists, the above ground work can now commence safely, and visitors can expect to be greeted by a stunning semi-circular fan outside the north porch - made using stone types that blend in with the Cathedral; a mixture of Forest of Dean paving and Italian porphyry, featuring reds that blend with the palette of the river cobbles being relayed towards the west gate. This is expected to be in place in time for Christmas.
Work will continue into the new year and phase one will be complete by March 2025.
The longer-term aim is to create a pedestrianised route all the way around the Cathedral, from College Yard, through the west gardens, down to the river, then back through College Green and College Precincts, to the main College Yard entrance.
So, what can you expect to see in the coming weeks?
Initially Heras fencing will go up in College Yard and repairs will start on the west flowing drainage, in order to safeguard the Cathedral and the new landscaping finishes. Work will then start on the north porch fan.
There will be onsite disruption as works take place, but the Cathedral will remain open and accessible to visitors throughout, with alternate entrance arrangements clearly signposted at all times.
This project has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Kildare Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, The Dulverton Trust and the Towns Deal Levelling up Fund, as well as a number of anonymous donors.
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VOTE FOR US AS YOUR WINNER IN THE VISIT WORCESTERSHIRE TOURISM AWARDS 2024/25
We're delighted our famous CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL has been shortlisted in the 'Festival & Event of the Year' category in the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2024/25.
Now we need your help to be crowned winners!
Please vote for us 🙏...
We're celebrating being shortlisted in two categories. The Cathedral ferryman of four decades, Mark Glossop, has also been shortlisted in the Unsung Hero category.
Each December the Medieval Cloister is adorned with a glittering avenue of Christmas trees innovatively designed by local schools, charities, businesses and other organisations.
The Christmas Tree Festival is extremely popular and attracts many thousands of visitors each year. Last year’s festival saw more trees than ever, with 135 participants and for the first time ever, branched out into the Chapter House.
This year’s festival will be open to visit from Thursday 5 December 2024 until Monday 6 January 2025 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), during normal visiting hours.
Further details on visiting the Christmas Trees will be released closer to the time, so please keep an eye on the Cathedral website and social media channels for updates.
The second category sees Mark Glossop shortlisted, one of the founders (and rower!) of the Cathedral ferry since 1983, who retired this year - after 41 years at the helm!
The Cathedral Ferry has been rowing people across the River Severn from the Water Gate for over 600 years. It has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it provided a direct and convenient crossing for monks and milkmaids to cross the river to work in the meadows and the Priory of Hardwick in St John's. The ferry crossed the river every day until the late 1950s.
The service was restarted in 1983, when the current boat 'Doris' was launched. Since its inception, Mark volunteered to run and row the boat.
Mark was contacted by Nicola Milne, wife of the then Head Master of King’s School, over concerns about the distance students were walking in order to access playing fields on the other side of the river after Saturday school. Mrs Milne ear-marked Mark as someone who would lend a hand to address the problem.
Fundraising began and they decided a vessel to ferry the boys across the river and back was needed on Saturdays, and with the agreement of the then British Waterways, the idea came to fruition.
Mark sourced the boat when on holiday in Dorset that year. He found a strong, sturdy, wide vessel, built circa 1960, and it's the same ferry that still runs today. Originally called Moonraker (probably after the James Bond film), it was decided to rename the boat Doris (after Doris Kinnersley - a local woman who did much for local good causes).
The Cathedral Ferry currently operates on Saturdays but at Bank Holiday weekends on the Sunday and Monday as well, from April to September, 1.15pm - 5.15pm. You can hop on 'Doris' the ferry down by the Water Gate and cross the river for 50p per person, taking in the spectacular views of the Cathedral from the river*.
*Weather permitting.
Calling All Former Vollers! Voluntary Choir set to Celebrate 150th Anniversary
To mark the 150th anniversary of the Cathedral's Voluntary Choir, we're inviting former members to join us for a special Sung Eucharist on Sunday 13 October at 10.30am, followed by a Gala Lunch.
The service will be sung by the Voluntary Choir and the Cathedral Choir, and we are inviting former members of the Voluntary Choir to sing at the service and attend the Gala Lunch (alongside their partners) afterwards. Following the service, celebratory refreshments will be served in the Cathedral for all present.
Worcester Cathedral has commissioned Paul Trepte, former Director of the Voluntary Choir, to write a new anthem to mark the anniversary, which will be premiered at the service by the Voluntary Choir and Cathedral Choir.
The mass setting will be Charles-Marie Widor’s setting for two choirs and two organs. We invite former members of the Voluntary Choir to form the baritone choir (the Voluntary and Cathedral Choirs combining to form the other choir), with a rehearsal on the day from 9.15am.
Were you a former chorister or gentleman of the Voluntary Choir? Sign-up to sing in the service, and/or attend the Gala Lunch by filling in this form: https://forms.office.com/e/u4MwJbc4BL
Please note that places for the lunch are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so please be sure to sign up as soon as possible!
We are reliant on word of mouth to let former choir members know about this event, so please do pass this onto any former Vollers you may know. It would be wonderful to welcome many former choir members to this special anniversary event!
If you have any questions, please contact Nicholas Freestone, Assistant Director of Music: nicholasfreestone@worcestercathedral.org.uk
Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir sang its first service on 11 October 1874, beginning a near-continuous pattern of providing choral music for the 6.30pm service each Sunday, which continues to this day.
All are warmly welcome to attend this special service on Sunday 13 October at 10.30am, which is unticketed with unreserved seating.
Three Choirs Festival arrives in Worcester for thrilling week of music
The Three Choirs Festival arrives in Worcester next week with a thrilling new programme for 2024, with a celebration of nature and its enduring influence on composers and musicians at its heart. Taking place from 27 July to 3 August, the festival features a superb selection of works old and new by composers including Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, Bob Chilcott and Judith Weir.
There is much on offer for Worcestershire residents wanting to take in the festival atmosphere, with free performances taking place alongside the ticketed concerts. Situated just outside Worcester Cathedral, the Festival Village will be open throughout the week, with no ticket required to enter. There will be the opportunity to listen to local performers on the community bandstand, visit craft exhibitions and enjoy the food and drink on offer from the cafe and bar. Visitors are also encouraged to head into Worcester Cathedral during one of the open rehearsals and get a taste of the festival music for free. Full details of rehearsal times, bandstand performance times and more can be found online at 3choirs.org/your-visit/festival-village
During the week, there will be the chance to hear familiar favourites, including Elgar’s epic The Kingdom, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Holst’s The Hymn of Jesus, alongside several new commissions and the UK premiere of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered. As well the festival’s own choirs, performers coming to Worcester include the BBC Singers, Anna Lapwood, Francesca Chiejina and orchestra-in-residence the Philharmonia.
Tickets are available through the festival ticket office (01452 768928, Monday-Friday 10am until 4pm) or online at 3choirs.org
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MEDIEVALFEST 2024
Worcester Cathedral will step back in time this Summer as Medieval merriment takes over the entire estate in a week of fun for all ages from the middle-ages.
From Monday 12 – Saturday 17 August families and visitors, young and young-at-heart, can enjoy a whole host of Medieval themed festivity.
Free Activities
On Monday 12 August College Green will transform into a Medieval village. Open from 10am to 10pm daily until Friday 16 August (and 10am-5pm on Sat 17), there will be a festival village with food and bar open throughout the day, soft archery, a Medieval gift shop and much more.
At 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily, there will be fire pit building and s’mores making sessions for all to enjoy.
From 10am to 5pm each day there will also be a Dragon Quest trail around the Cathedral and grounds as visitors hunt to find the dragons and their eggs.
At 11am on Monday 12 and Wednesday 14 August pre-school children can enjoy Medieval story time, followed by craft activities in the Cathedral’s West End (underneath the pink giraffe window). Then on Tuesday and Thursday there will be family Medieval crafts in the Nave.
Pre-Bookable / Chargeable Activities
Everyday at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, turn up and climb to the top of the Cathedral’s Medieval Tower and look out over Worcester, where it is rumoured the future King Charles II viewed the Battle of Worcester during the Civil War in 1651.
Each evening at 6.30pm attend a Medieval talk in the Abbot’s Kitchen of the Old Palace, including Medicines, Myths, Mary, Science Fiction and Medieval Minds.
On Friday 16 August there will be Medieval dancing throughout the day. Enjoy demonstrations and workshops from local dance company Gloriana in the Chapter House.
The Cathedral will be celebrating its resident Monarch on Saturday 17, with ‘King John Day’ in the Nave and Quire. Explore King John’s tomb with the man himself, learn to use a quill to write your own copy of the Magna Carta, join in Robin Hood art and craft activities and more.
The week will end on Saturday 17 August with a Medieval Banquet in the Great Hall of the Old Palace – dine in style, with dress-up encouraged!
Many of the activities on offer during MedievalFest Week are free of charge, however some are chargeable and require pre-booking to secure a place.
Plan Your Visit
£20,000 Grant from Associated Companies Supports Stonemasons’ Career Development
We're delighted to have received an award of £20,000 from the Associated Worshipful Companies of The Mercers’, Masons’, Cooks’ and Broderers’ for two restoration projects – one to the county war memorial and one to the Old Bishop’s Palace boundary wall – supporting the career progression of our newly qualified stonemasons.
Earlier this year Debbie Branford and Alfie Rollett passed their Level 2 stonemasonry apprenticeships with distinctions. They now need to continue their learning in order to progress their careers. This grant will enable them to take ownership of two specific pieces of restoration work, as part of their Level 3 training.
The County War Memorial’s steps, which have become worn and unsafe due to frost damage, will be given some much-needed TLC, ensuring all is in good order in time for this year’s Remembrance commemorations. The repairs will be made with Portland limestone to match the original stonework.
The second emergency repair is to the north precinct wall between the Old Palace and the Heart of Worcestershire College. A section of the wall, which forms part of a now lost Tudor building, has succumbed to a tree growing out of it and become dangerous. The Old Palace was the original Worcester Bishop’s Palace dating in part back to the 11th century. It became the deanery in the 19th Century.
The masons will fully draw, record, dismantle and rebuild using as many of the original sandstone blocks as possible, replace new stonework where necessary and repoint using conservation techniques.
Clerk of Works, Kate Andrew, said: “My team are excited and very grateful for the award of funds by the Members of the Masons' Company and Associated Companies to support the repair of the First World War memorial and assist with work on the Old Palace boundary wall.
“We offer a special and unique environment to work and the training we provide produces stonemasons of high-quality calibre and great ability, that go on to work on cathedrals and historic buildings, benefitting the built environment nationally. Our project is focused on enabling the Cathedral to continue to provide training and opportunities in stonemasonry to this high standard, at a time of significant financial pressures.
“Each element of restoration will be part of Alfie and Debbie’s CWF Level 3 core training and they will gain evidence for their core skills needed, including liaising with professional bodies, making templates, and cutting out stone, ordering stone, fixing stone and using various conservation techniques. They will work under the supervision of the Master Mason and Senior Mason, who will be training them on site.
“There is a gap presently in provision in formal training which makes it difficult for stonemasons to progress onto Level 4 – degree level qualification. We are working to fill this gap – and to provide training and enrichment opportunities for our Level 3 masons that will enable them to progress to Level 4 and participation in the Cathedral Workshop Fellowship Foundation degree in Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair. This project will enhance their training and help them to develop the skills which will support them throughout their careers, expanding sector capacity and benefitting stone related crafts more widely.”
Kate Andrew was presented with the award at a lunch ceremony by The Master of the Worshipful Company of Masons at Mercers’ Hall, London.
Members of the Associated Companies will visit the Cathedral to view the completed works in September, when a special stone commemorating their support will be unveiled.
The Worshipful Company of Masons is number 30 in the order of precedence of the Ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, as set by the Aldermen of the City in 1515. Today there are over 110 and the number continues to grow. The focus of the Livery Company is to preserve and encourage the use of natural stone in the built environment. This includes supporting the training of craftsmen as well as the preservation and appreciation of iconic historic stone buildings.
Kate Pryke, Deputy Chair, Masons Company Charitable Trust, said: “I am delighted that your application has been successful. It was a unanimous decision to award the grant to Worcester Cathedral for the two restoration projects which will form part of your stone mason apprentices’ CWF Level 3 core training, under the supervision of your Master Mason and Senior Mason.
“We are pleased that the grant will cover the cost of the first project - the restoration of the Grade II listed Worcestershire War memorial in the Cathedral North Gardens – in its entirety.
"As some of the second project - an emergency repair of the Old Palace Boundary Wall - is brickwork, we are delighted that the remaining amount of the grant will cover that part of the restoration cost attributable to stonework.”
Tap the link to find out more about stonemasonry here at Worcester Cathedral.
Worcester Cathedral Partners with Internationally Renowned Artist
We've teamed up with internationally renowned glass artist, Allister Malcolm to design an exclusive special edition of individually hand-crafted in-memory pieces to remember and celebrate lost loved-ones.
Cathy Sloan Fundraising Director, “We are so excited to be working with Allister whose work can be seen in galleries worldwide. Allister is well known for his glass art and for his appearances as a mentor on the TV series Make It at Market. Allister also shares our passion for the environment and sustainability making him the perfect partner for this project, as his studio moves towards increasingly sustainable practices.”
Designed to be a symbolic and poignant permanent reminder that the memory of our loved ones live on, brightly, forever the Perpetual Flame pieces are for sale, in support of the Cathedral. Each individual Flame is unique and made using Allister’s signature style of hot sculpting techniques encasing cane work, glittering gold and colour.
Stourbridge based Allister explained, “I really enjoy working on projects that allow our glass to be appreciated by different audiences. It was an honour to be approached to develop something unique for the Cathedral. The idea of creating something inspired by the process of lighting a votive really appealed to me”.
The Interim Dean of Worcester, The Reverend Canon Dr Stephen Edwards, said: “Every day in the Cathedral hundreds of candles are lit as a sign of prayer, remembrance, and thanksgiving. Lighting a candle in memory of someone we have loved and lost is a meaningful way to remember and honour their life and the time we spent with them.”
A selection of the limited Perpetual Flame pieces are currently on display in the Cathedral in the Nave for visitors to enjoy.
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NEW DEAN OF WORCESTER ANNOUNCED
The King has approved the nomination of The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Edwards, Interim Dean of Worcester, to be appointed as the new Dean of Worcester. Stephen has been Interim Dean since the retirement of the Very Revd Peter Atkinson last September. He will be installed as Dean on Sunday 15 September at 3pm.
Stephen joined Worcester Cathedral as a Residentiary Canon in September 2019 and has had particular responsibility for promoting the Cathedral’s mission in the Diocese and local community, as well as the pastoral care and spiritual nurture of the Cathedral community. As Interim Dean, he has led the Cathedral through the vacancy and as Dean he will continue to play a key role in both the Cathedral and the Diocese.
Stephen said: “Ever since arriving in Worcester five years ago I have loved this amazing Cathedral and have grown in deep affection for the people and city as well as the wider diocese. It is now a privilege and joy to be appointed as Dean of Worcester and I look forward to continuing to develop the Cathedral’s ministry and position as a place of prayer, learning and welcome.”
Bishop John said: “I am delighted with this appointment. Stephen is an exceptionally gifted priest who is much loved in Worcester and beyond. He has been a brilliant Interim Dean, and we are very blessed that God has called him to be the next Dean.”
Stephen was ordained in 1996, serving first in the Church in Wales and then in the Diocese of Manchester, where he was Rector of the inner-city parish of St Agnes’, Longsight and then Team Rector of Wythenshawe. Stephen was also the Bishop of Manchester’s adviser for liturgy and worship as well as the co-ordinator of the Manchester Estate Ministry Network. As a Residentiary Canon of Worcester Cathedral, Stephen has also been involved in the Cathedral and diocesan Eco groups and the diocesan Racial Justice Forum. He is the independent chair of the Worcester Cares forum for homelessness and vulnerable people. His interests include architecture, ales and a love of dogs!
Stephen’s biography
Stephen was educated at Lancaster University and trained for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge. He was ordained in 1996 served his curacy in the parish of Colwyn Bay, in the Diocese of St Asaph, Wales. From 1999, he served as Priest-in-Charge of Bryn-Y-Maen.
In 2002, Stephen was appointed Priest-in-Charge at St Agnes Birch-in-Rusholme, with St John with St Cyprian Longsight, in the Diocese of Manchester. From 2012, he served as Team Rector of Wythenshawe and, in 2013, he was additionally appointed Area Dean, Withington.
In 2019, Stephen was appointed Residentiary Canon at Worcester Cathedral, named as Vice-Dean in 2021, and he took up his current role as Interim Dean in 2023.
Read the Downing Street Announcement
Distinctions all Round for Stonemasons
There’s a distinct air of celebration around the works yard after two of our apprentice stonemasons scooped the highest accolade in their recent assessments.
Debbie Branford and Alfie Rollett both received distinctions in their Standard 2 Stonemasonry qualifications, meaning they now progress from apprentices to qualified stonemasons.
Master Mason at Worcester Cathedral, Darren Steele, said: “This is great news, not only for Debbie and Alfie, but for the Cathedral and heritage sector as a whole. We are delighted to be one of only nine Cathedrals in the country that has its own dedicated team of stonemasons. We offer a sought-after training programme to bring the next generation of masons through and ensure the long-term conservation of our historic architecture.
“I am immensely proud that both Debbie and Alfie have received distinctions, the highest accolades.
“This is the first time, nationwide, that masonry colleges have delivered this new qualification, where previously levels 1, 2 and 3 NVQs were mainstay. So, it has been a difficult learning curve for all parties, including the Cathedral work-based teaching team too.
“Congratulations to both of our newly qualified stonemasons on achieving their apprenticeships to the highest of standards!”
Debbie, who studied at Bath College whilst working and training at the Cathedral, said: “It’s nice to be qualified with a distinction, which just shows the quality of training we’ve received both at college and at the Cathedral. I worked in finance previously, but always had a passion for history and crafts, so I’m happy that I made the right decision to pursue the apprenticeship.”
Meanwhile Alfie studied at York College. He added: “It’s great to finally be a qualified stonemason. The Cathedral and college were both amazing, especially going to York, I feel really lucky to have been sent up there to study. It’s probably an unusual career choice for a 21-year-old, but I was inspired by a friend’s dad, who was a thatcher, to go down the craft / trade route and it’s worked out perfectly for me.”
Worcester Cathedral’s stonemasonry team is committed to ensuring that the beautiful architecture is preserved and that the health of the building is secured for worshippers and visitors to enjoy now and in the future. With over 900 years of historical stonework to look after, the team is kept incredibly busy.
Traditionally-based apprenticeships include in-house training, working and learning with the team on-site and study time to gain stonemasonry qualifications. The Worcester Cathedral workshop has become a sought-after location for bursary placements and apprenticeship training. The Cathedral, in association with the Cathedral’s Workshop Fellowship also puts forward post-apprentice stonemasons for a Foundation degree in Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair.
Darren added: “It is our hope that this ancient craft and the skills to conserve and preserve the Cathedral are passed on from one generation to the next.”
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Fond Farewell to Founding Cathedral Ferryman After 41 Years
Mark Glossop, one of the founders (and rower!) of the Cathedral ferry since 1983, is retiring after 41 years at the helm!
The Cathedral Ferry has been rowing people across the River Severn from the Water Gate for over 600 years. It has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it provided a direct and convenient crossing for monks and milkmaids to cross the river to work in the meadows and the Priory of Hardwick in St John's. The ferry crossed the river every day until the late 1950s.
The service was restarted in 1983, when the current boat 'Doris' was launched. Since its inception, Mark has volunteered to run and row the boat, and is now hanging up his oars and handing over to a new generation, and will be greatly missed by all who know him.
In 1983, Mark Glossop was contacted by Nicola Milne, wife of the then Head Master of King’s School, over concerns about the distance students were walking in order to access playing fields on the other side of the river after Saturday school.
As a parent, Mrs Milne ear-marked Mark as someone who would lend a hand to address the problem.
Fundraising began and they decided a vessel to ferry the boys across the river and back was needed on Saturdays, and with the agreement of the then British Waterways, the idea came to fruition.
Mark sourced the boat when on holiday in Dorset that year. He found a strong, sturdy, wide vessel, built circa 1960, and it's the same ferry that still runs today. Originally called Moonraker (probably after the James Bond film), it was decided to rename the boat Doris (after Doris Kinnersley - a local woman who did much for local good causes).
It wasn't plain sailing, and Mark set to uncovering the steps on the opposite side of the river, which had long since disappeared into the overgrowth. He dug them out by hand and over the years has also been instrumental in securing new railings, as well as maintaining 'Doris' to continue the task at hand.
The Cathedral Ferry offers a short but delightful journey across the river. Passengers can admire the best view of Worcester Cathedral, which many visitors might otherwise miss.
In 1983 the price of a crossing was 10p one way. Nowadays passengers can cross for just 50p and enjoy not only the ease and amazing views, but also follow in the footsteps of their ancestors who crossed the same waters centuries ago.
Mark said: "It has been a pleasure rowing people across the river for the past four decades, but I'm 88 now, and the time has come to handover to the next generation. I have met some interesting people and seen some sights over the years, including transporting a cohort of Women's Institute across the river dressed entirely in mid-19th century costumes, as part of their procession around the Diocese. We've also had wedding parties crossing over the years, ale festival goers and visitors of all nationalities to the Cathedral and city. I will miss it, but it will still be here for all to enjoy."
So, the Cathedral Ferry continues to connect Worcester’s past and present, offering a serene escape across the River Severn. Next time you’re in Worcester, consider taking a ride and experiencing this piece of living history!
The Cathedral Ferry currently operates on Saturdays but at Bank Holiday weekends on the Sunday and Monday as well, from April to September, 1.15pm - 5.15pm. You can hop on 'Doris' the ferry down by the Water Gate and cross the river for 50p per person, taking in the spectacular views of the Cathedral from the river*.
*Weather permitting.
The Cathedral Ferry has supported a number of charities over the years, donating over £20,000 in proceeds to the Cathedral, St Richard's and Acorns Hospices, Maggs Day Centre and the Sea Scouts to name a few.
Happy retirement Mark - thank you for all your hard work over the years!
The ferry crew are always on the lookout for volunteers (over 18s) willing to spend a few afternoons on the river. If you are interested, please contact Mark on 01905 33265 or email mbglossop@gmail.com
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Bishop John to retire
Bishop John has announced that he will retire in October 2024.
Bishop John was enthroned as the 113th Bishop of Worcester on 1 March 2008, coming here from the Diocese of Ely where he was Bishop of Huntingdon. As Bishop of Worcester, he has been the Chief Pastor for parishes across Worcestershire and Dudley as well as serving in the House of Lords since 2012 and as Lord High Almoner to HM The Queen and then HM The King from 2013.
Bishop John will withdraw from ministry in mid-September with a farewell service in the Cathedral at 4pm on Sunday 29 September, to which all are welcome. His retirement will then formally come into effect on 9 October.
He said: “Being Bishop of Worcester has been an enormous privilege. By the time I leave I shall have been here nearly 17 years, the longest I have lived anywhere in my life. I have lived through the best of times and the worst of times in my personal life during those years and am more grateful than I can say for all the love and support I have received. I am not anxious to retire – I am deeply attached to Worcestershire and Dudley and love being Bishop here! However, I shall be 70 in February and feel, under God, that now is the right time to leave.”
Following Bishop John’s announcement, the process will begin to find the next Bishop of Worcester. This will be led by a small group of people from across the Diocese as well as from the national church and will involve wide consultation with those in our parishes. During the vacancy, the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick will become Acting Diocesan Bishop. Further information on the process for selecting the next Bishop of Worcester will be available shortly.
Bishop John will be retiring to Wiltshire with his wife H-J Colston-Inge.
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Pilgrimage for Peace and Nature
The pair will walk across four beautiful parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Malvern Hills, Pembrokeshire NP and Wye Valley, to the ancient pilgrimage site of St Davids, Pembrokeshire.
The total ascent is more than the height of Mount Everest!
Staffan explains:
"It is a journey calling for peace. Humans must learn to live and act for the benefit of all and the nature that sustains us. This means seeking peace, social justice and care for the environment. We hope to share this message as we walk.
"We had been planning to visit the Holy Land, provisionally in 2023, which was thoroughly quashed by the trouble and tragic fighting that broke out on 7 October in Israel. We hadn't planned to walk the whole way (!) but to include in our trip the 4-day hike from Nazareth to Capernaum, literally following in the steps of Jesus.
"Exactly 900 years previously, in 1123 AD, it became impossible to go there safely because of the crusades. As a result, Pope Callixtus II decreed that you could go to St Davids, at the very South-Western end of Wales, instead, and that two pilgrimages to St Davids would equal one to Jerusalem.
"The call of Callixtus remains! Here we are, 900 years on, with the Holy Land too dangerous to travel to; wars and conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, the Sahel; and the beautiful world that sustains us under threat."
The pilgrimage aims to raise funds for green spaces at Worcester Cathedral and Christian Charity, Tearfund.
Peregrine Chicks Hatch at Worcester Cathedral
We're delighted that Peter and Peggy have returned to the nest site at the Cathedral this year and four chicks have hatched!
The chicks are doing well and you can keep up to date with all the action from the nest on our You Tube livestream.
There's lots of exciting milestones to come over the coming weeks, ringing, fledging, and of course we'll be asking you to name the chicks!
And the exciting news this year is that one of 2022 cohort was recently spotted alive and well and living in Bolton! It's great to now that Peter and Peggy have introduced a new generation to peregrine falcons across the UK!
Watch the Livestream
Three Choirs Festival - Tickets on sale NOW!
Tickets are now available for Three Choirs, Worcester 2024! Explore new music, discover past masters and unearth your favourites at this year's Three Choirs Festival!
The Festival announced a thrilling new programme for its 2024 edition, with a celebration of nature and its enduring influence on composers and musicians at its heart. Taking place in and around Worcester from 27 July to 3 August, the festival features a superb selection of works old and new by composers including Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, Bob Chilcott and Judith Weir.
Highlights of this year’s festival include Elgar’s epic The Kingdom, Holst’s exotic masterpiece The Cloud Messenger, and Bob Chilcott’s thought-provoking The Angry Planet, with performances from the Three Choirs Festival Chorus, the Festival Youth Choir, Festival Voices, Three Cathedral Choirs, the world-renowned BBC Singers, and orchestra-in-residence the Philharmonia. There will also be smaller, more intimate concerts, including laid back late-nights, daytime song and instrumental recitals, and a lively programme of family events, as the festival welcomes an exciting range of soloists and performers including Anna Lapwood, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Robert Plane, Francesca Chiejina, Jocelyn Freeman and Toby Spence.
The festival marks Holst’s 150th anniversary, the 100th anniversary of Stanford’s death, and the 70th birthdays of Judith Weir and the late Steve Martland, as well as featuring a range of new music, such as the UK premiere of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered and festival commissions from Nathan James Dearden, Paul Mealor and Luke Lewis.
Chief Executive Alexis Paterson said: "We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the festival this summer. There really is so much to discover, whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer looking for world-class performances, a family wanting to enjoy music together in a fun-filled family event, or eager for something a little different in our late-night series."
Artistic Director Samuel Hudson said: "I am very much looking forward to the 2024 Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, and to a programme filled with breadth and variety, while rooted firmly in the rich tradition which the festival rightly holds so dear. I hope the festival programme will attract many people from far and wide to Worcester this summer!"
Photo credit: Michael Whitefoot
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Get Involved in the Three Choirs Festival this Summer
The Three Choirs Festival is back in Worcester this summer and there are lots of opportunities to get involved, from performing on one of our stages to event management, behind the scenes administration, assisting with Front of House at one of our flagship concerts, and much more.
Volunteer
With eight days packed full of world-class music and visitors from all over the country, our team of dedicated volunteers plays a crucial role in the running of Three Choirs each year. Whether you want to support a festival you love, are looking to start a career in arts administration or event management, or are simply passionate about music, there will be roles to suit everyone and we would love to hear from you.
As well as getting to be part of a community of friendly volunteers and staff, there is also the added bonus of free standby tickets for concerts when you’re not volunteering. Read more about the different volunteering opportunities at 3choirs.org/volunteer
Take to the stage
Performers can take part in the festival by signing up for a slot on the Community Bandstand. Located in the heart of the festival village, the bandstand will play host to local musicians and performance artists throughout the week, from solo acts to choirs and ensembles. Email bandstand@3choirs.org to find out more.
Singers and string players are warmly invited to take part in Nature Sings, the festival’s participation project for 2024 exploring the calendar year through music, which culminates in a festival showcase concert featuring a special all-abilities arrangement of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and a wide range of songs. Individuals, ensembles and choirs are all welcome! Contact hannah.roper@3choirs.org for more information.
If you’d like to take to the stage in one of the festival’s flagship evening concerts, applications are open until 10 May for the Three Choirs Festival Voices. This is a wonderful opportunity to take part in the festival and perform with the Philharmonia Orchestra, and no audition is required. Visit 3choirs.org/join-in/festival-voices for full details and rehearsal dates.
Singers aged 14-25 can also take part in the Festival Youth Choir, who will be performing in the evening concert on Friday 2 August. More information is available at 3choirs.org/youth-choir.
The Three Choirs Festival will be taking place in Worcester from 27 July to 3 August. Tickets go on sale from 29 April at 3choirs.org or by calling 01452 769828.
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The Royal Maundy Service 2024
The annual Royal Maundy Service came to Worcester on Thursday 28 March when Her Majesty The Queen distributed the Royal Maundy gifts on behalf of His Majesty The King at Worcester Cathedral. Ceremonial coins were presented to 75 men and 75 women from around the country, including 39 people from our own diocese covering Worcestershire and Dudley. The gift is presented in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years.
The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the 4th Century and in this country, the first record of The Monarch doing it is in 1213, by King Joh, who is buried here in Worcester Cathedral. In recent times it has been the tradition for the service to travel to different cathedrals and it last took place in Worcester in 1980. The service last year was attended by The King and Queen and was held at York Minster. The number of men and women receiving the Maundy Money is equivalent to the Monarch’s age. For the purpose of the service, our Cathedral became a ‘Chapel Royal’ with the Chapel Royal Choir singing alongside the Cathedral Choir.
The word ‘Maundy’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘Commandment’. It was on this Thursday, the day before he died, that Jesus gave his disciples what he described as a new commandment: ‘that you should love one another as I have loved you.’
Find out moreWorcester Cathedral's Annual Pancake Race 2024
Wolfson Foundation Grant Boost for Landscaping Project
We're so grateful to The Wolfson Foundation for awarding us a £200,000 grant towards the restoration and interpretation of College Yard.
The project will see improvements to the main north entrance to the Cathedral, transforming it into a more welcoming green square where the Cathedral and city come together. Work has begun in earnest this week with tree management plans in action and archaeological work is set to start in the coming weeks.
College Yard is blessed with significant monuments and trees, but has been plagued with car parking misuse, varying surface quality and poor signage, making it in need of a facelift.
This latest grant will assist us in achieving our vision of providing an attractive greenspace, better entrance points and gateways, improved signage and wayfinding, and providing a safe and welcoming place for visitors. The plan is to further improve accessibility, encourage active travel and reduce on-site parking, improve biodiversity, surface water management, lighting, interpretation and opportunities for learning.
Part of a bigger vision to improve the wider Cathedral precincts, work will continue throughout 2024 and beyond, laying the foundations for this exciting project.
The Archbishop of Canterbury's Visit
The most senior bishop of the Church of England, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, will be touring across Worcestershire on Saturday 3 February and visiting the Cathedral along the way!
He will be attending services in Dudley, Pershore and Worcester to pray for the Diocese as well as for peace and justice throughout the world in 2024 and beyond.
The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, said: "I'm delighted that Archbishop Justin has agreed to spend a day with us in February.
"As Christians, prayer should be the bedrock of all we do, and this day will provide an opportunity for us to support each other as we pray together.
"I hope that it will be an extremely affecting and inspirational day. Please do join us."
The Archbishop will visit the Cathedral at 2.15pm. He will lead a service of prayer and worship followed by the opportunity to visit various prayer stations around the Cathedral.
All are welcome to join us and there is no need to book.
Photo credit: Lambeth Palace Picture Partnership
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Appointing a new Dean
The process of appointing a new Dean of Worcester continues to move forward with confirmation of the names of those who will sit on the panel.
The panel for appointing each Dean is always chaired by a lay member of a church in the Diocese who has wide and senior experience in public life. Lord (Anthony) Hughes of Ombersley, a retired Supreme Court judge, will chair the panel for Worcester. The other members are Bishop John, the Dean of another cathedral, a lay member of Bishop’s Council, a member of the Cathedral’s College of Canons and a representative of the Cathedral Chapter. The Prime Minister’s Appointments Secretary, representing the Crown, and the Archbishops’ Secretary for Appointments (or a deputy) are non-voting members.
The panel will meet in late January to agree a role specification, ahead of which time consultations will have been held with representatives of the wider Cathedral community and the Diocese. The Cathedral Chapter and the Bishop also each produce a document outlining the challenges facing the cathedral and the qualities they would like to see in the next Dean.
The post of Dean of Worcester will then be advertised and the panel meet to shortlist candidates in mid-March. Interviews will be held in early May and an appointment announced as soon as possible after that.
Bishop John said:
“Please continue to pray for the process of appointing a new Dean of Worcester and for all the members of the panel as we meet. This is a crucial appointment in the Diocese and it is very important to know that people in all of our churches are praying.”
Members of the panel:
- Lord Anthony Hughes - Chair
- The Rt Revd Dr John Inge - Bishop of Worcester
- The Very Revd David Monteith - Cathedral Representative (Dean of Canterbury Cathedral)
- Revd Canon David Nichol - College of Canons Representative
- Ms Harriet Chimani - Bishop’s Council Representative
- Canon Dr David Bryer - Chapter Representative
Non Voting
- Mrs Helen Dimmock, MBE - Crown Ecclesiastical Secretary
- Mr David Wicksteed - Appointments and Vocations Adviser
Three Choirs Festival 2024: What to Expect When the Festival Returns to Worcester
It’s always nice to have something to look forward to as we head into winter, and those living in or visiting Worcester next summer need look no further than the return of the Three Choirs Festival to Worcester Cathedral. The festival moves between Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester, bringing renowned soloists and national orchestras to the three counties and showcasing the best of choral music.
The festival has already announced the programme for the evening concerts, which will take place in Worcester Cathedral between 27 July and 3 August. With so much on offer throughout the week, highlights include Elgar’s The Kingdom, music from Holst and Stanford, and premieres of two new festival commissions from Nathan James Dearden and Paul Mealor. Taking the natural world as the source of inspiration, the programme also features Bob Chilcott’s The Angry Planet, Sarah Kirkland Snyder’s Mass for the Endangered and Respighi’s The Birds. Performers coming to Worcester include the BBC Singers, Anna Lapwood, and the festival’s orchestra in residence, the Philharmonia.
The full programme will be revealed in March, and will include daytime recitals, family events and talks, as well as a series of late-night concerts to round off the day. There will also be a lively Festival Village outside the cathedral, which will play host to local performers and food and drink stalls.
Tower Pinnacle Project
In the early hours of 27 November 2021, Storm Arwen tore a pinnacle from the Northeast corner of the Cathedral Tower.
The stone fell through the roof of the North Quire Aisle, damaging the 14th Century vaulted ceiling beneath.
The vaulting and the roof were repaired in 2022, and the new pinnacle, crafted by our talented stonemasons, was placed in November 2023.
Watch a Timelapse Journey of the New Pinnacle
Community Loyalty Card
In October we launched our brand new Community Loyalty Card. The card is free of charge and those wishing to join can simply turn up, fill in their details and pick up their card from the welcome desk.
The aim of the card is to make visitors feel part of the connected Cathedral community, to ensure that regular visitors are not asked to donate each time they visit and to receive occasional and seasonal discounts and benefits going forward.
Daniel Parnell, Director of Learning and Welcome, said: “We want Worcester Cathedral to be a welcoming place for all of our visitors, whether they attend regularly, or just once, we wanted to do something to make everyone feel part of the Cathedral community, and also to offer discounts and benefits at certain times of the year.
“Our friendly team of hardworking Visitor Welcome Assistants are stationed at the main entrance to ensure that everyone who comes through the door receives a warm welcome. They also ask those who feel able to make a donation towards the running costs and upkeep of this magnificent building. These new cards will help them to easily identify first time visitors, who perhaps need more help and guidance to make the most of their visit and allow our regular visitors and worshippers to be easily identified too.
“We hope to see lots of people picking up their cards and really becoming part of our wonderful community.”
Everyone is eligible for a card, so if you love the Cathedral, do pick one up!
More Than 6,000 Attend Big Green Eco Family Fair
Our Eco Team was delighted when more than 6,000 eco-minded local folk attended the second annual Big Green Eco Family Fair on Saturday 7 October.
Part of the Eco Group’s ‘Living Gently on the Earth’ series – Free events, funded by the National Lottery, that aim to help us learn how to live more gently on the earth - The Big Green Eco Fair launched in October 2022, to a positive response, and has grown in popularity.
This year’s event was officially and beautifully opened by Worcester Cathedral’s Youth Choir in the Chapter House, with many different green groups joining forces to demonstrate the importance of taking care of our planet and of valuing the precious nature that sustains us all.
There were gardening groups with apple pressing, potted plants and cuttings, wildflower bouquets, wood whittling, fruit and veg, children’s activities with campfire storytelling and craft workshops. There were also edible and medicinal plant foraging tours in the Cathedral grounds, with a repair café, waste reduction advice and energy saving experts on hand. These were all joined by numerous environmental campaigning and special interest nature groups such as Greenpeace and RSPB to name just a couple.
The main crowd-pulling star of the show however was the ‘Worth the Weight’ vintage clothes sale in College Hall. Based in Sheffield, ‘Worth the Weight’ was founded in 2018 as a way of fighting fast fashion. The team travels the length and breadth of the country selling tonnes of quality vintage stock every weekend.
Lay Canon and Eco Group Member, Staffan Engstrom, said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed by the masses of people that turned out for our second Eco Fair! We were stunned and delighted to welcome 6,000 or more people, with 5,500 recorded through the Cathedral’s main entrance and many more directly through College Hall.
“A huge well done to the team who planned and managed such a lovely day and a big thank you to everyone who joined us to make it the incredible success it was!”
Worcester Cathedral Eco Group
Interim Dean of Worcester Appointed by the Bishop
Following the retirement of the Dean Emeritus of Worcester, the Very Revd Peter Atkinson last month, the Vice-Dean, the Revd Canon Dr Stephen Edwards has been appointed as Interim Dean by the Bishop of Worcester, the Right Revd Dr John Inge.
Canon Edwards was installed as a Residentiary Canon at Worcester Cathedral in September 2019.
Canon Edwards said: “I am extremely honoured to have been appointed Interim Dean. Just over four years ago the Cathedral Community welcomed me as I was installed as a Residentiary Canon and I often reflect on how these past years have seen a great deal of change. One of those changes which I certainly didn’t foresee was my appointment as Interim Dean by the Bishop of Worcester. I started in this new position at the end of August and feel honoured to be taking this role for the months ahead. The retirement of a number of deans across the Church of England means that I am one of a significant number of Interim Deans – some are internal appointments like mine, others are external. The past four years have given me a good foundation for all that lies ahead but most of all I want to record my personal gratitude to Peter and to the Cathedral Community for their support and indeed continuing welcome.
“I am excited to serve the Cathedral, City and County over the next 12 or so months. Worcester Cathedral is one of England’s finest churches and is at the heart of a vibrant city and region. It is a privilege to be part of community of prayer, learning, and welcome and I look forward to the coming months working with colleagues, volunteers, congregations, and the wider community in ensuring the Cathedral’s ministry continues to be a beacon of hope and place of welcome to all.“
Stephen was ordained in 1996, serving first in the Church in Wales. He was a priest in the Diocese of Manchester from 2002 until 2019, initially Rector of the inner-city parish of St Agnes’ Longsight before moving in 2012 to be Team Rector of Wythenshawe. He was also Area Dean of Withington and the Bishop of Manchester’s advisor for liturgy and worship as well as the co-ordinator of the Manchester Estate Ministry Network. His interests include architecture, ales and a love of dogs!
It is Church of England procedure to appoint an Interim Dean to serve in the role until a new permanent Dean is installed. The appointment of a new Dean of Worcester is made by The Crown.
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The Dean of Worcester Retires After 16 Years
The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, officially retired on Friday 25 August, after more than 16 years in the post, and 43 years as a priest in the Church of England. His resignation was accepted by Queen Elizabeth II very shortly before her death.
Marking his retirement, Peter said: “To have been Dean of Worcester has been the great privilege of my life. My family and I have lived in the centre of an historic city, and at the heart of a beautiful county. I have had a small share in the custodianship of one of England’s great cathedrals and been surrounded by a wonderful team of people. I thank God for all that I have learnt during my time here, and I will continue to pray for the Cathedral under the leadership of a new Dean.”
The Vice-Dean of Worcester, Canon Stephen Edwards, has been appointed Interim Dean by the Bishop of Worcester, and will serve in the role until a new Dean is appointed and installed.
A special Evensong will be held at the Cathedral at 4pm on Sunday 10 September, to mark the Dean’s retirement. All are warmly welcome to attend. The Cathedral’s Guild of Bellringers will also ring a full peal from 12-4pm to celebrate Peter’s time in post and all that he achieved during this time.
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We're Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards Finalists!
We're Dog Friendly!
We're paw-sitively delighted to announce that from Monday 17 July we'll be welcoming visitors’ four-legged companions through our doors (with a well-behaved owner of course)!
We love animals. Our annual pet blessing service has now featured on TV twice and our Christmas Eve crib service featuring live animals attracts thousands each year.
Therefore, we will be welcoming dogs both in our beautiful grounds and inside the building this summer.
We'd like you to help us consider whether this becomes permanent by following a few simple guidelines.
Please click here to read our brand new Dog Policy!
The Vice-Dean, Canon Stephen Edwards, said: “We’ve listened to our visitors’ feedback and have decided to trial a period throughout the summer where dogs are welcome inside the Cathedral for visiting.
“We cannot wait to welcome our four-legged friends into the Cathedral. Dogs are so important to so many of our visitors and bring much love and joy to their families. So, we felt it was only right that we welcome them into the Cathedral, where we hope our visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of the building with their canine companions.”
By welcoming visitors’ four-legged friends, we hope to take the doggy biscuit when it comes to places to visit this summer.
We hope you like our new paw-licy and we're not barking up the wrong tree! We'll be listening to visitors’ feedback throughout the summer to decide whether this becomes a permanent arrangement.
Dogs are welcome to explore the Cathedral, and its grounds, during visiting hours (Monday – Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 1-3 pm).
Dogs
£20,000 Music Trust Grant is Music to Our Ears!
We are incredibly grateful to have been awarded a grant for £20,000 by the Cathedral Music Trust to support the cost of singing tuition for our choristers for a year.
Samuel Hudson, Our Director of Music, said: "We are extremely grateful to the CMT for this generous grant, which goes right to the heart of supporting music at Worcester Cathedral. The grant will enable us to continue to provide the highest quality singing tuition to all members of our choirs and maintain a safe and well-resourced environment in which all our singers can give their best. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the CMT for their support of cathedral music here in Worcester, and indeed throughout the country."
The Dean, Peter Atkinson, added: "The best case for cathedral music is for it to be heard as widely as possible.
"The Coronation had the wonderful effect of bringing English choral music to the attention of the world, and every cathedral, on a somewhat smaller scale, is doing the same in our cities and counties. We are very grateful to the Cathedral Music Trust for its support."
The grant is part of a huge funding boost by the CMT for 26 Cathedral Choirs, totalling nearly £450,000 which has been allocated to enable choirs to expand their work with musicians and young people.
Thank you so much Cathedral Music Trust!!
Learn More About the Cathedral Music Trust
All Four Peregrine Chicks have Fledged!
- Mum: Peggy
- Dad: Peter (to mark the Dean's retirement)
- Chick: Penguin (we just loved the story of the person who misheard talk of 'penguin' falcons)
- Chick: Penelope
- Chick: Percie
- Chick: Mr Lazy (the male who took forever to fledge)!
- Since Mr Lazy fledged on Saturday the nest is now empty, so the livestream has ended.
A Milestone for Red Hill
A brand-new replica milestone crafted by our stonemasonry apprentice, Debbie Branford, has been installed at Red Hill; commemorating the Worcester Turnpike Trust, which charged tolls to maintain and improve 160 miles of radial roads between 1725 and 1875.
The new milestone was unveiled at a special ceremony on Saturday 20 May.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the historical significance of such waymarkers, especially with young people and those who are responsible for their survival.
The unveiling was attended by the new Mayor, Councillor Louis Stephen, who congratulated Debbie; noting the importance of the skills that she was learning, commenting that heritage is not permanent and our historic buildings such as the Cathedral, Guildhall and milestones require on-going restoration and repair; Debbie would be part of the future in keeping our heritage alive!
Milestones are classed as Listed Buildings. The new milestone also marks the WEG’s Wild about Worcester Way and the Worcester Civic Society’s Heritage Trail around the city. The unveiling ceremony was attended by representatives of a wide range of organisations, including The Milestone Society, the WEG and the Civic Society, as well as former and current councillors, Worcestershire Highways and their contractors Ringway, who installed the milestone. The event presented a valuable opportunity for these organisations to share local knowledge and raise awareness of the historic significance of these waymarkers.
Stonemasonry
A Very Irreverend Evening with the Dean
6:30pm Tuesday 13 June, Worcester Cathedral
Join the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester, for an evening of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from the last 16 years at Worcester Cathedral.
An opportunity to hear the Dean’s tales before his final farewell on 10th September; join us for a wonderful evening of entertainment at this unique fundraiser in the nave of Worcester Cathedral, to celebrate Peter Atkinson’s service to the Cathedral and community of Worcester over the last 16 years.
Refreshments will be available in the Cloister during the interval, and we also invite you to join the Dean for a drinks reception in the Chapter House following his talk (limited tickets available).
Funds raised from the night will be used to support the Cathedral with ongoing preservation, conservation and running costs.
The Dean’s newly published book of sermons, A Way of Putting It, will also be available for purchase on the night at a special price of £10 (RRP £14.99). The book includes 50 of the Dean’s sermons, preached over the past 30 years, a foreword by the Bishop of Worcester, an afterword by the Archbishop of York, and an essay on the art of preaching by Michael Brierley and Georgina Byrne.
Book Tickets
Join us to Celebrate the Coronation
A Service of Thanksgiving in Celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III, Sunday 7 May, 4pm
Join us for Evensong with a county celebration of the Coronation of HM King Charles III and HM The Queen Consort. All are warmly welcome to join us for Evensong.
Ring for the King, Saturday 6 May, 12-4pm
Worcester Cathedral Guild of Bellringers will ring a full-peal from 12-4pm as part of the national ‘Ring for the King’ initiative.
Coronation Art Installation, 5 May – 22 May
From 5 to 22 May, a Coronation themed art installation will be on display in the West Cloister.
Coronation Floral Arrangements, 3 - 9 May
The Cathedral’s Flower Guild will display beautiful Coronation-themed floral arrangements around the Cathedral from 3 May, and throughout the Coronation weekend.
The Big Help Out, Monday 8 May
Come along and meet our volunteers, from 11am – 2pm, to learn more about volunteering at Worcester Cathedral. Find out how you could help to enhance our visitors’ experience and play your part in preserving over 1,000 years of history and heritage.
Royal Tours, Tuesday 9 May at 12pm & Thursday 11 May at 2pm
Come and explore our royal connections through history.
Royal Library Tours, Monday 8 May & Tuesday 9 May
Find Out More
We're A Silver Eco Church!
We're delighted to have achieved the Silver Eco Church Award, by A Rocha UK – the Christian environmental charity committed to equipping churches and their congregations to care for the environment.
After achieving Bronze last year, the Eco Group has been busy working towards Silver, implementing a number of initiatives to improve our eco rating and involve the whole community.
The most recent of which, a rewilding project to create a wildlife habitat, has been picked as one of Co-op UK’s Local Community Fund causes for the second year running.
Last year the Eco Group was awarded National Lottery Funding for its ‘Living Gently on the Earth’ project; a series of community events, talks and workshops on caring for our planet.
Around 10, well-attended sessions have been hosted over the past year, including a vegetarian cooking demo, ethical investments, reducing and acting on waste and plastic, growing your own food, active travel, energy use and measuring and acting on your carbon footprint.
We also held a Big Green Eco Fair in the medieval cloister last October and look forward to making it an annual event for the whole community to come together and celebrate eco-friendly living.
Amongst other work, an Energy Assessment and Carbon Emissions Report has also been completed, renewable energy sources explored, rainwater collection facilities and bird-feeders installed around the site, annual wildlife and wildflower surveys implemented and composting facilities utilised. We have also been engaging with local MPs on a number of issues.
Visit Our Eco Pages
We had a wonderful time at our animal blessing service on Thursday 30 March. And this year it was filmed by BBC’s The One Show for a feature which aired on Friday 7 April. We also welcomed back Pablo the Goat and his friends from Attwell Farm Park, who were up to their old tricks again!
It was a wonderful service to celebrate all creatures great and small!
2023 marked the 1000th anniversary of the death of Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester (1002-16), Archbishop of York (1002-23) and revered uncle of St Wulfstan (1062-95).
His power influenced kings, directed laws and combatted Viking invasions.
We welcomed internationally renowned experts for two unique days of learning at the Old Palace, Worcester Cathedral, on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 March 2023 to explore the life of this fascinating archbishop.
Wulfstan was one of the most powerful bishops in the history of Worcester Cathedral, and left his mark on its library, lands and diocese. He was a major player in the turbulent politics of the reign of King Æthelred the Unready, influencing the King´s policy in combatting the Viking attacks which eventually overwhelmed the Kingdom. Under the conquering King Cnut, Wulfstan continued to guide national policy. He composed lawcodes for both kings and was a legislative innovator, protecting English rights. The road to Magna Carta starts with Wulfstan.
Ever wondered how many Christmas Carols are sung at the Cathedral each year?
Our stats have revealed a record Christmas 2022 when, for the first time since 2019, the community came together to celebrate the festive season with no restrictions in place.
More than 13,000 people attended services in the week leading up to Christmas Day. A total of 44 Choral Carols were sung and 56 Christmas Carols, with a staggering 235 verses echoed around the building.
Throughout December, nearly 50,000 people flocked to view the stunning Christmas Tree Festival in the medieval cloister.
This year saw more trees than ever, with 100 local schools, charities, businesses and organisations taking part.
We also hosted a packed programmes of Services, with 2,743 people attending Christmas Eve services. This year’s Crib Services featured even more animals than usual to delight visitors and share the story of the nativity.
More than 600 people wrote a tag to hang on the community Christmas tree, which is kindly donated by St Peter’s Garden Centre each year, or left a message on the virtual online tree.
The Revd Dr Robin Parry has been licensed to Worcester Cathedral as an associate priest with a remit for eco-spirituality, working to promote the Cathedral’s ecological mission, with a special view to exploring the intersection of spirituality, worship, and ecology.
Since 2018 Robin has worked as a self-supporting assistant curate in the Worcester South East Team, ministering across four parishes in the city.
Robin grew up in Merseyside and North Wales before studying for a BA hons in theology (Westminster College in Oxford) and an MA and PhD in Old Testament (University of Gloucestershire). He taught religious studies and philosophy at Worcester Sixth Form College (1991–2001) before moving on to work in publishing, first to run Paternoster Press (2001–2010) in Carlisle and then to be an editor for Wipf and Stock Publishers in the USA (2010–present). Publishing remains his full-time job. For a hobby he writes books and aspires to be a Doctor Who nerd.
Robin is married to Carol, a forest school teacher, and they have two daughters, Hannah and Jessica, plus a three-legged cat.
The Chapter is delighted to announce that HM The King has approved the appointment of the Reverend Kimberly Bohan as Residentiary Canon of Worcester Cathedral. Kimberly will also be Chaplain of St Oswald’s Hospital, the almshouse in the Tything, which is an ancient part of the Cathedral foundation.
Kimberly will work with the Dean and Canons, the Director of Learning, and the Librarian, to promote the Cathedral’s learning programmes and the work of the Library as essential parts of the Cathedral’s mission.
Kimberly grew up in the United States and moved to Britain after studying in St Andrews. She was ordained in the Scottish Episcopal Church in 2003 and served her curacy in Glasgow. She was a rector of Holy Trinity, Dunoon, with St Paul's, Rothesay, and St Martin's, Tighnabruaich; and then rector of St Mary's, Dunblane. Since 2013, she has been rector of the Waltham Group in the Diocese of Lincoln and has served as Rural Dean of Haverstoe since 2020.
Kimberly was installed at Evensong at 5.30pm on Friday 27 January 2023.
For the first time since Storm Arwen, Worcester Cathedral’s quire organ was back in action in time for the Gala Anniversary Recital, on 21 January, having been postponed from October 2022, due to the organ being out of action.
Our popular lunchtime recital series has also recommenced, following a break to accommodate repair works to damage caused by Storm Arwen in November 2021.
Saturday, 26 November, marks one year since Storm Arwen caused extensive damage to the Cathedral when part of a pinnacle from the tower fell through the roof.
12 months later, repair works near completion and the new pinnacle, crafted by the Cathedral’s own team of stonemasons, is taking shape.
The pinnacle will commemorate both the Late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023. It incorporates all of the home nations, featuring a lionhead with a crown for England, a unicorn for Scotland, a dragon for Wales and shamrocks for Northern Ireland.
Since the storm, repairs have taken place on the roof and vaulting that were damaged, more than 3,500 pipes have been removed, cleaned and restored in the quire organ, dust has been cleared (several times) and adjustments have been made to keep the Cathedral operating during this lengthy period of repair.
The Dean, Peter Atkinson, said: “We are very happy to report that work is now nearing completion. It is with great pleasure that we are able to return to the quire for the Sunday morning eucharist on Advent Sunday and to have the Cathedral and quire organ back in action in time for Christmas."
Our famous Bourdon Bell tolled for 30 minutes as we joined others across the globe to #RingOutforClimate on the eve of the COP 27 Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh. The initiative started in 2021 and saw over 1,000 church bells around the world ringing out their warning to world leaders about the climate crisis. We were proud to once again sound our Bourdon Bell in warning and solidarity in support of climate justice 🌎
On Sunday 6 November Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service carried out one of its biggest training exercises in recent years, using the Cathedral as a venue. Worcester Cathedral is one of the biggest and most historic major landmarks in the area and it is important that necessary planning for major incidents takes place. HWFRS carried out a ‘dry run’ of a portable high-volume water pump which draws water from the River Severn up to the Cathedral. HWFRS also helped us in actioning our Salvage Plan in the event of a major incident. The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said: “It is very important for historic landmarks like the Cathedral to be prepared for all eventualities. The Cathedral and its famous Library house very important books and archives (some of them Saxon), as well as other historic artefacts, portraits, and monuments (including two royal tombs). “It is obviously our hope that the training carried out as part of this exercise will never need to be put into practice, but it is equally important that we prepare for any such incidents and ensure that we protect our visitors, staff and the important historical items in our care. “We were extremely happy to provide a venue to assist the fire service in its training in the use of the high-volume water pumps, as the closest major building to the River Severn, which could one day prove vital should a major incident occur.”
Pablo the goat delighted TikTok users after a video of his antics at our Animal Blessing Service racked up over 2.5 million views! This year's service was filmed by BBC Songs of Praise for a feature which will air on 20 November in an episode designed to celebrate and give thanks for the way animals can enhance our lives. The feature is presented by the Reverend Kate Bottley, a great animal lover herself. The service is a celebration of our beloved pets, and was conducted by the Precentor, Canon John Paul Hoskins. Canon Hoskins said: “We were so pleased to be able to hold our pet blessing service once again this year. “Animals make such a difference in our lives; they are part of our families, there for us in good times and bad and give us unconditional love. Many people take great pleasure in the companionship of a pet. And for those who have suffered and are grieving, pets can bring great comfort to their owners."
The Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said:
“We are all deeply saddened by the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, monarch for the whole of the lives of most of us. We give thanks to God for her life of selfless and unstinting service, to which she dedicated herself at her Coronation. We give thanks too for her inspiring Christian witness. We pray for the Royal Family in their time of grief, and especially for our new King and Queen. As at so many times in the history of our City and County down the centuries, we welcome all people to come to Worcester Cathedral to give thanks, to mourn, to remember, to reflect, and to pray for God’s blessing on the new reign.
“GOD SAVE THE KING!”
A dramatic sound and light installation that takes visitors on a journey of scientific discovery is visited the Cathedral in September.
The SCIENCE event saw the interior of the majestic building transformed to take visitors on a journey of exploration and intrigue.
Created by award winning artistic duo ‘Luxmuralis’ – made up of sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper - sound and light art was projected onto the stunning architectural features within the Cathedral and visitors enveloped with bespoke music as they made their way through the breath-taking installation.
SCIENCE was designed to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us.
The artwork examined Chemistry and Biology and interpreted artistically the scale of molecules, cells and DNA, as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists past and present.
The artwork also respects the sacred space it is viewed within and offers contemplation of religion and science together within the Cathedral, offering reflection on the ways in which science and religion neither prove nor disprove the other; exploring how wisdom and beauty both serve to kindle our imaginations and enlarge our capacity for wonder.
Visitors hear bespoke filmic arrangements, composed and produced by David Harper, that capture the visuals and invigorate the senses. The artwork and visual imagery are created by Artist Peter Walker, who uses light as if painting on a canvas.
Paul Grime, who is 58 and worships at the Cathedral, joined the Eco Group earlier this year, after relocating to the city.
He is running the Worcester Half Marathon to raise awareness of the Loss and Damage Petition - an online petition for the creation of an international fund to redress the injustice of climate change, i.e. that those who contribute least to causing climate change suffer the most from it.
The Worcester City Run falls on Climate Sunday this year, and rather than asking for financial sponsorship, Paul is asking people to sign and share the petition.
Paul is passionate about social justice and climate change in particular and has volunteered as a speaker for the past 10 years with Christian Aid.
He has previously run the London Marathon in 2017 and the Edinburgh Marathon in 2019, in support of the charity.
In June 2022 Paul took on the voluntary role of Climate Campaign Organiser with Christian Aid in order to campaign about climate justice.
Paul said: “The aim of the petition is to ask the Prime Minister to set up international funding so that those countries that contribute the least, but suffer the most from climate change, can have some redress.
“As part of my role with Christian Aid, in 2019 I was fortunate enough to visit Ethiopia where I witnessed first-hand some of the impacts that climate change is having. We asked local people what message they would send back to the UK, and they simply said, ‘please stop doing the things that cause climate change.’ It was quite sobering to hear their message. We all contribute to climate change, be it through driving petrol cars or using fossil fuels, and we notice it when the river floods, or we have a particularly hot summer. But for the people in Ethiopia, it really is life and death. They're so vulnerable because they have no buffer. When crops fail and they can't feed their livestock, their children die. We spoke to people in their 30s who told us how much the climate had changed in their lifetime.
“I’m very passionate about climate justice and the work I do for Christian Aid, supporting the charity in trying to eradicate poverty and changing social structures that perpetuate it.
“I hope that by completing the Worcester Half Marathon I can raise awareness and get more people to sign this important petition.”
The Vice-Dean at Worcester Cathedral, Canon Stephen Edwards, added: “In running the Worcester half marathon for climate justice, Paul is drawing attention to the ways in which our actions directly affect the lives of others across the globe, often in the most vulnerable places. Worcester Cathedral declared a climate emergency last year and we are committed to encouraging action and lifestyle changes to make a positive difference in the face of climate change. Christian Aid’s campaign highlights our inter-dependence and provides an opportunity to make our voices heard. Run well Paul!”
The petition has just over 7,000 signatures so far and you can sign by visiting www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/climate-change/loss-and-damage-petition
Repair work is nearing completion following damage caused by Storm Arwen in November 2021. Although the Quire reopened in April, it will be closed again for approximately two weeks, from 1-15 August, as internal works take place.
This means there is no access to King John's Tomb, Prince Arthur Tudor's Chantry and the misericords.
The King John replica, donated by the British Library, is once again on display in the west nave for all to enjoy, along with our popular King John touchscreen.
The repair works are now in their final phase. Over the summer months there will be a lot of activity as the vault repair is completed, the roof tiles replaced, and the cleaned organ pipes restored to their position. Whilst these various contractors complete their vital work the Cathedral may be noisier than usual, and we may need to change the visitor route on occasion. We give thanks for the skill and expertise of all those working on the repairs and all who support and maintain the fabric of the Cathedral.
Music and our choirs are an integral part of Cathedral life and after the difficult, silent years of the pandemic, it is joyful to be immersed in music and singing once again.
Many of you supported us through those trying times - and we are SO grateful.
As we look to the future the challenge is to raise enough funds each year to maintain our choirs, Cathedral organs and our world-class choral tradition.
In order to do this, we need your help...
The return of live music has been a collaborative effort and we are grateful to be part of such a supportive community. It was wonderful that our recent afternoon event to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Tomkins, one of my distinguished predecessors here at Worcester Cathedral, was so well-attended. I am delighted that we have much still to share with you, including our participation in this year’s Three Choirs Festival, our popular lunchtime recitals, and in September the start of another school year when our amazing choirs return to their schedule singing eight Cathedral services per week. The autumn term of course culminates in our Christmas Carol Services, which we know are a highlight of the Cathedral’s calendar for many, as they are for me!
Music plays a very special role here, and we continue to be enormously thankful for your support.
At the start of this academic year, I was privileged to lead a process of significant change to the chorister programme in order to present equal opportunities to boy and girl choristers in the Cathedral Choir. At the same time, significant step changes were made to the Cathedral Voluntary Choir, which was opened to all boys and girls from the local area, and we also created a brand new Youth Choir, the first of its kind at the Cathedral.
As we look to the future the challenge is to raise enough funds each year to maintain our choirs, Cathedral organs, and our world-class choral tradition. That’s why, today, I am writing to ask for your help - could you please consider making a donation to enable us to continue to sustain the music, singing and music education that enrich life and worship here in Worcester?
Of course, music is an important part of many strands of the Cathedral’s life, from our bells which ring out in support of the city during times of both sadness and celebration, to regular musical events, festivals and concerts featuring international artists, to performances by local musicians and school children. We are proud that Worcester Cathedral makes music for all and enhances the cultural life of the city and region.
If you would like to help ensure that music here at the Cathedral can be sustained, strengthened, and developed, then please consider making a gift to our Summer Music Appeal.
Live music is unparalleled in its ability to bring out the best in those performing, and to create a real energy and excitement for all those listening. I very much hope that you will be able to join with us at one of our upcoming events, services, or concerts. In the meantime, please accept in advance my sincere and grateful thanks for any contribution you feel able to make to support our music at this crucial time.
With all good wishes,
Samuel Hudson
Organist & Director of Music
Matthew Hall has joined us from the Diocese of Bristol, where he has worked for the past 14 years, most recently holding the position of Deputy Diocesan Secretary (Finance & Operations).
Matthew will play a central role in delivering the Chapter’s strategy and plans, managing its day-to-day operations and nurturing its unique character and vision.
Matthew is a Chartered Accountant by background. He has previously worked at Bristol Cathedral and is also a trustee of a regional environmental charity. Matthew is currently studying for a master’s degree in Voluntary Sector Management with the Centre of Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School in London.
On being appointed, Matthew said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Operating Officer and to join the Cathedral at this exciting time, as we come out of the pandemic and with so many opportunities ahead. Worcester Cathedral is an outstanding centre of faith, heritage and community and I am very much looking forward to working with the Chapter and gifted colleagues to serve all those who connect with this unique place and its history and mission."
The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said: “Matthew has a wealth of knowledge and experience which make him highly qualified for the post of Chief Operating Officer, and we are thrilled that he is joining the Cathedral community.
“We are delighted to welcome Matthew and we wish him well in his appointment, and after several months without a COO in post, it will be very good to have him with us.”
We are delighted to announce that our Undercroft Learning Centre is once again celebrating award success after scooping the top spot in both the Conservation and Client of the Year categories in the RIBA West Midlands Awards 2022.
We're really excited to share the names of the peregrine chicks that hatched here at the Cathedral in April.
We received LOTS of fantastic suggestions, over 200 in fact! Thank you so much to everyone that sent names in, we genuinely loved them all. We've decided to honour both our wonderful Cathedral and, of course, the Jubilee year had to be marked, so please meet...
King John, aka 'Johnny'
Prince Arthur Tudor, aka 'Arty'
Earl Stanley Baldwin, aka 'Stanley'
and, Queen Elizabeth II, aka 'Beth'
The cheeky chicks are currently residing at the top of the tower, learning to fend for themselves and making lots of noise!
For the first time since 2010, four peregrine chicks have hatched at the Cathedral.
Earlier in the year, a mated pair of peregrines nested, producing four eggs successfully in a nestbox built by the Works Yard team.
The chicks hatched in late April and a team of experts from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has been monitoring them closely since.
Ringers from the BTO have rung the chicks, measured their wing spans, weighed and recorded them on the national database. Each colour ring has a unique letter code so the individual birds can be identified when seen in future as adult birds. Peregrines can live 15 and more years.
You can watch a video of the ringing below.
The chicks are expected to fledge at around 45-50 days old, so roughly around mid-June.
After 2 years of closure, the Tower can now be visited as part of a guided tour on certain Saturdays from April to October 2022 in fine weather, or for pre-booked group visits on other days (please see below).
The Tower had to close, along with the rest of the Cathedral, in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
So, we're really happy to be able to open it up once more.
Individuals can join a tour to the top of the tower on certain Saturdays.
Tickets can be purchased on the day inside the Cathedral at the Welcome desk, close to the main North Door (opposite the High Street).
Tours cost £10* per person and last approximately one hour.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the tour.
Tours may use sanitised headsets to enable the group to better hear their guide. Tours are for people aged 10 years and over and each individual child must be accompanied by an adult.
*Introductory price
Adult Groups can also pre-book a Tower tour by emailing an enquiry to visits@worcestercathedral.org.uk.
These tours cost £10.00* per person and last one hour. An extended tour lasting 1.5 hours, costs £15 per person.
*Introductory price
Tours for schools or groups of children can be booked by emailing and enquiry to the Cathedral Learning Team on schools@worcestercathedral.org.uk.
The Tower is the Cathedral's third tower. The first fell down in 1175 and the second was taken down because it was unsafe. The present tower was completed in 1374. The stonework internally is 14th century in date, but the exterior of the tower was re-faced in the 19th century as part of the Victorian restoration. The present tower was strengthened in the late 1980's/early 1990's, to ensure it is safe for the next 200 years. During the civil war in 1651, it was said that the future King Charles II viewed the Battle of Worcester from the top of the tower.
On a clear day there are spectacular views over the city centre, River Severn, County cricket ground, Pitchcroft racecourse, Malvern Hills and countryside beyond.
Head over to our 'Visit Us' page for more info!
After 800km and 20 days, Bishop John and H-J have completed their pilgrimage to Santiago De Compostela.
Bishop John has been raising money for the Cathedral, while H-J has been raising funds for the Trussell Trust.
Bishop John has raised a fantastic £3959.77 (£4552.04 with Gift Aid) for the Cathedral - 131% of his £3,000 target!
Bishop John said: "Cycling the 500 miles from the Pyrenees along ‘the Camino’, ‘the Way’ to Santiago has been an amazing experience. We were acutely conscious, as we did it, of the thousands and thousands of people who have made the journey before us. We were encouraged, too, by the very large number of present-day pilgrims from all over Europe and the world we encountered on ‘the Way’ today. It brought home to us the rich heritage of Christian faith we all share. That faith is first referred to as ‘The Way’ in the Acts of the Apostles. I pray that we may all be encouraged to continue on ‘The Way’, the way of life."
We are so grateful to Bishop John for choosing the Cathedral to benefit from his pilgrimage. The money raised will be used in the way he originally asked, to ensure the future of our wonderful Cathedral.
We’d like to thank Bishop John and everyone who made a donation in support of his pilgrimage.
Congratulations to them both!
An extraordinary exhibition of 12 enormous, embroidered silk panels that explore the story of Creation visited the Cathedral from April - June 2022 as part of its three-year tour to 16 Cathedrals.
Inspired by the poetic verses of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, textile artist Jacqui Parkinson re-imagines this ancient story in a vibrant combination of silk, hand-dyed materials, metallic leathers and gold leaf, miles of thread – and more than eight million stitches!
We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the A Rocha UK Bronze Eco Church Awards.
Since its formation, the Cathedral Eco Group has been working towards the Eco Church scheme, and this is the first milestone on our journey to becoming an Eco Cathedral.
The overall aim of the Eco Church award scheme is to celebrate the ways that church communities have been engaging with caring for the earth as a key part of our Christian faith.
A Rocha UK (ARUK) is a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world and committed to equipping Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment.
Responding to the biblical mandate to care for the earth, and demonstrating the Christian hope for God’s world, working with churches and Cathedrals through the Eco Church programme.
Now onto Silver!
We are delighted to have been 'Highly Commended' at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2022. Thank you so much Visit Worcestershire!
The Quire Reopened for Visiting on Monday 14 March
The East End of the Cathedral had been closed since November 2021, following damage caused by Storm Arwen.
We know how much you missed visiting King John’s tomb and Prince Arthur’s chantry housed in our beautiful Quire, so it is just fantastic that we can once again welcome you to enjoy our wonderful attractions.
We still have a way to go with repair work, and the rest of the East End will remain closed off for now whilst work continues.
Our friendly team will be on hand to welcome and direct you when you arrive at the visitor welcome desk.
The organ pipes have been removed for cleaning off-site and will be reinstalled, hopefully over the summer, so we will need to briefly close the Quire again to accommodate this. Services will remain in the Nave for now, but we will be sourcing a digital organ, with the hope of services returning to the Quire in time for Holy Week.
But for now, please do drop in for a visit and enjoy this glorious space once more...
We can’t wait to see you.
We're celebrating scooping a national award for architectural excellence!
In collaboration with Acanthus Clews Architects, the conversion of the former monastic storage rooms into the new Undercroft Learning Centre provides an innovative and versatile venue for learning and discovery for the whole community.
The Civic Trust Awards scheme was established in 1959 to recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment.
In awarding the accolade, the Judges commented on the project: “A challenging and well resolved scheme, the project addressed complicated access to the vault, allowing it to be opened-up and appreciated by a wide audience. Technical challenges associated with archaeology, environmental conditions in the space and ensuring the former monastic refectory cellar maintained its integrity was a colossal task and one that has been expertly executed.”
Camilla Finlay, Director at Acanthus Clews Architects, said: “Receiving this award from the Civic Trust is so important because it is given to projects that demonstrate the highest level of building conservation - this is the level all involved in the project strove to deliver in the conversion of the scheduled Undercroft. The Civic Trust awards also celebrate accessibility and inclusivity which was at the heart of our work in creating a centre for learning in the Undercroft - to provide an invitation that we hope will reach new audiences to come and share the spaces and activities that take place within.”
Our Director of Learning, Daniel Parnell, added: “The aim of the Undercroft project was for the centre to play a decisive role in maintaining the education department’s existing status as a beacon of excellence in educational outreach and a model of best practice.
“We are hugely honoured to be given this award that recognises the uniqueness of the building and the excellence of our education programme coming together to offer a diverse space for use by the whole community.
“It is a brilliant achievement for all involved in the development and delivery of this project. Thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors, a team of skilled crafts people have created a unique venue and we now have a space for inspiration and discovery, and we are keen to make sure everyone has the chance to use it.
“And thank you to the judging panel for their support in recognising the achievements in creating this space!”
On Thursday 3 March 2022 at 12 noon, the Cathedral's bourdon bell tolled for 10 minutes as an act of solidarity and prayer for Ukraine.
We asked that during this time everyone remained still for a moment of reflection.
We're really pleased to announce plans for fully reopening, following damage caused by Storm Arwen in November last year
During the storm on 27 November 2021, part of a pinnacle from the side of the tower fell through the roof of the north quire aisle.
Since then, visiting and services have been restricted to the nave and the cloister. The east end of the Cathedral has been completely closed, including the quire which houses King John’s tomb - one of our most popular attractions.
We have been displaying a scale replica of the ‘bad’ King’s effigy, previously donated by the British Library, in the south of the nave in recent weeks, but we're counting down the days until we can once again access the real tomb, as well as the chantry of Prince Arthur Tudor (older brother of Henry VIII).
Staff and professional advisers have been hard at work assessing the damage and we are now in a position to share an approximate timeline of repairs, leading to the full reopening of the Cathedral, it is hoped by the end of the summer.
The programme of repairs will comprise three main stages.
January - March
Scaffolding is currently being erected in the quire to facilitate the cleaning of the organ pipes.
The majority of the pipes will be removed (around 3,000 in total!) and taken off-site for cleaning to remove dust.
It is hoped that the east end of the Cathedral, excluding the north quire aisle, will be cleaned and reopened for visiting towards the end of March.
Work will also begin to repair the vault and roof, at the main site of the damage, which will remain sealed off whilst this work is completed. As a result, accessibility will unfortunately be limited to the east end, as the disabled lift and access ramp are housed in this area.
Once the scaffolding is de-rigged, the quire can be thoroughly cleaned and re-opened for services; a temporary digital organ will be installed in the interim.
April - August
When repairs to the vault are complete, scaffolding will once again be erected and the organ pipes reinstalled, resulting in the quire again becoming inaccessible for a short time to facilitate this work.
Ongoing Work
The third part of the repair work is the carving of the new pinnacle; work which will be largely undertaken by the Cathedral stonemasons. The design of the new pinnacle is currently under discussion and we hope to engage with members of the community to produce a commemorative design marking HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. It is hoped this work will be completed before the end of 2022.
The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said: “There is good news and bad. Although it is disappointing the repair work will take around six months to complete, it is not unexpected. With buildings of this age, it is the case that when things go wrong, there is no quick fix.
“We are hopeful to be able to stick to the programme of repairs outlined above. However, we are of course reliant on everything going to plan and nothing being thrown up along the way to stall progress. We are cautiously optimistic, advised by our team of experts and contractors, that we will be able to fully reopen the Cathedral by the end of the summer and once again welcome visitors to enjoy our many attractions and services.”
Meet our Carpentry Apprentice, Ewan Pollock...
Meet our Stonemasonry Apprentice, Debbie Branford...
The Revd John Paul Hoskins was installed as a Residentiary Canon and Precentor of Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 29 January in a special service of Evensong.
John Paul joins the Cathedral Chapter from the Diocese of Gloucester, where he was Priest-in-Charge of Winchcombe and will have particular responsibility for the Cathedral’s music and liturgy.
Worcester Cathedral currently has two Residentiary Canons. They are appointed by the Queen and are priests with responsibility alongside the Dean for the spiritual life of the Cathedral. They have day-to-day liturgical, pastoral and preaching duties. They take turns to be ‘Canon-in-Residence’ or duty canon for a week at a time. As members of the Cathedral Chapter, they share in the governance of the Cathedral and are trustees of the Cathedral almshouse, St Oswald’s Hospital.
In addition to these shared duties, each Residentiary Canon has a particular area of responsibility. The Precentor has the responsibility, on behalf of the Chapter, for supervising the liturgy and music of the Cathedral, and working with all those engaged in this important aspect of the Cathedral’s mission.
Among his previous posts John Paul has been a Minor Canon of Gloucester Cathedral and Chaplain to two Bishops of Gloucester. Before ordination he was a Lay Clerk at Guildford and Durham Cathedrals.
John Paul said: “I’m enormously excited to be installed as the new Precentor. Worcester Cathedral has a tremendous history of welcome and worship, with an outstanding musical tradition. I’m hugely privileged to have joined the Cathedral as part of a great community of prayer and praise to God.”
The Bishop of Worcester, the Right Revd Dr John Inge, says: “I am delighted with the installation of John Paul Hoskins as Precentor. He is a very gifted priest with a wealth of relevant experience. We warmly welcome him to the Cathedral community.”
The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said: “We are delighted to welcome John Paul as the new Canon Precentor of the Cathedral. With his pastoral and musical background, John Paul is highly qualified for the post of Precentor, and I’m thrilled that he has joined the Cathedral community.”
John Paul is married to Liz, who is a consultant ophthalmologist and who grew up in the Teme Valley, west of Worcester. They have a daughter Suzanna, who is 8 and the household also includes two border terriers.
A series of grants have been awarded to community-led projects that encourage everyone to get involved.
And our Eco Group aims to do just that! Made up of volunteers from the community who have come together to take positive climate action, the Cathedral Eco Group was instrumental in securing the funding; testament to their passion and commitment to climate action.
These eco warriors will be putting the money to good use and have a number of exciting initiatives to share over the coming months. So please, follow us, share and watch this space for details on how you can join in and stand #togetherforourplanet!
We are really excited to be finalists in the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards Large Visitor Attraction Category.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at Stanbrook Abbey in March.
Fingers crossed!!
The damage caused to the north quire aisle roof by Storm Arwen overnight on Friday 26 / Saturday 27 November, though serious, is confined to the aisle and the hole in the roof now has a temporary, weather-proof covering.
The nave and cloister remain unaffected and the shop and cafe are open as usual.
Our team of experts has conducted investigations and we are working towards a programme of repair. We do not yet know how long the programme of repair will take, nor how much it will cost, but we do know that it will be several months and the cost will be significant.
The area of damage in the north quire aisle and the quire itself will be closed as our team works on temporary protections and cleaning of the local area.
The organ was not damaged during the incident, however we must safeguard and clean the instrument during the period of ongoing work, so we are disappointed to report that it too will be out of action for some time. We will continue to use our electric organ in the meantime.
A rope access team carried out investigations, and the Cathedral bells and clock chimes were silenced whilst these investigations took place. Both have now been reinstated.
The nave and cloister are safe and warm for visiting and services.
Once a frame to stabilise the vault has been installed, we hope to open the rest of the quire and the east end for services and visitors once more.
We are sorry to bring a mixed update, but hope that you will understand the difficulties we face over the coming months.
The Cathedral Reopened on Monday 29 November 2021 After Suffering Extensive Damage During Storm Arwen
The doors re-opened at 10am on Monday morning, with visiting and services restricted to the nave and the cloister, and the shop and café open as usual.
During the storm on Friday evening, part of a pinnacle from the side of the tower fell through the roof of the north quire aisle.
The Cathedral’s staff and professional advisers worked hard and fast to assess the damage and ensure the safety of those visiting the Cathedral.
The Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said: “A team of experts is on-site conducting investigations and making the affected area of roof water and weather-proof. The nave and cloister are unaffected and open and safe for services and visiting.
“The roof’s ribbed vault appears to have buckled under the impact but has not given way. This is a tribute to those unnamed masons who built the east end of the Cathedral in the thirteenth century.
“The damage, though serious, is confined to the aisle. The hole in the roof now has a temporary covering. A programme of repair is being planned and a rope access team have today been assessing the tower.
“Our plans for Christmas are, at present, able to go ahead, working around the new situation we find ourselves in.
“We do not yet know how long the programme of repair will take, nor how much it will cost, and it is the knock-on effect that we cannot account for. We have already lost income over the weekend and are sadly unable to release additional tickets for our popular Christmas Carol and Crib Services as we had planned to this week, as a result of losing capacity in the north transept.
“This is a terrible thing to have happened, particularly in the run up to Christmas. Whilst repairs take place, we will be operating under temporary measures designed to maximise our use of the building; but it will take time for us to be back to normal once more.
“We are grateful to still have the use of the nave and cloister and are so looking forward to welcoming the community to come together and celebrate Christmas with us here at the Cathedral."
We were delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to the Cathedral on a very bright and sunny Tuesday morning, 2 November
As the Chancellor of the University of Worcester, The Duke made the time, ahead of his ceremonial duties during graduation week, for a visit with Cathedral clergy and staff and Civic dignitaries and a tour of the newly launched Undercroft Learning Centre.
Dean Peter said: "It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to view the Undercroft Learning Centre. As a former architect, The Duke seemed very interested and impressed by the space below College Hall, previously the monastic storage rooms, which has been transformed into a vibrant centre for learning and discovery."
Worcester Cathedral among 142 historic sites across England to receiving grants worth £35 million through the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund
We're delighted to have been awarded £328,794, which will be used to continue essential repairs to the medieval library.
The funding will not only help to secure some of the Cathedral’s most valuable treasures - including the will of King John and a 1225 copy of Magna Carta – but also enable us to enhance our environmental sustainability.
During autumn 2019 the Cathedral library team started to report water ingress to the building. A resulting inspection made clear there was a significant issue with the roof and associated masonry.
During lockdowns, environmental conditions in the library deteriorated further, placing some of the Cathedral’s most important artefacts at risk.
With support from round one of the CRF, the skilled team was able to fully overhaul and re-cover the roof of the ante-library and thermally stabilise the conservation room, which houses the most sensitive items of the collection.
Phase two of the essential improvement works to the main library means that they can now continue to improve the thermal and sustainable measures of the rest of the library; encouraged by the aims of the 2030 Net Zero Carbon Target set by the Church of England.
Funding through phase two of the CRF will enable us to: provide temporary protection to the library; re-cover the lead roof, improving the detail where possible; improve rainwater disposal locally and; install a latch-on man safe system to the roofs.
In addition, some of the high roofs needing urgent attention immediately above the library can also be repaired to prevent water ingress.
Emily Draper, Estates Manager, said: “I am delighted by the news that our plan for phase two of the library roof works has been supported and funded by the Culture Recovery Fund for Programmes of Major Works. This work will make such a difference to the health of the main library and ensure we are protecting the precious collection for the future. It is wonderful that we can repair the tiles and give the south transept and south slope of the nave some much needed love and attention too. I am excited for the project to start and looking forward to being able to clip onto our new safety system and tour the upper roof spaces!”
Worcester Cathedral houses one of the most important libraries and archives of any English Cathedral and it attracts visitors and scholars from all over the world.
It has collected manuscripts since the seventh century and now has the second largest collection of medieval manuscripts in any cathedral in the United Kingdom.
It contains nearly 300 manuscripts, maps, plans, drawings, books and archives dating from the 10th Century onwards and many still have their original bindings. The library also holds many early printed books and music (from medieval to Sir Edward Elgar), historical documents and ancient artefacts.
About the Culture Recovery Fund
This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund - funded by Government and administered at arms-length by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Both funds are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.
Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, said: "From local churches to ancient buildings and landscapes, the UK's unique heritage makes our towns, cities and villages stronger, more vibrant and helps bring communities together.
"This latest funding - £35 million from our unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund - will help protect sites for future generations and help them build back better from the pandemic."
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s Chief Executive, added: “Funding from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund is hugely welcome at a time when the people and organisations who look after our vast and varied array of heritage urgently need support to carry out essential repairs. Heritage is a fragile eco-system, with an amazing cast of characters who keep our historic places alive, with specialist skills that take time to learn and experience to perfect. These grants will protect their livelihoods, as they use their expertise to help our heritage survive.”
Money from the Heritage Stimulus Fund will also keep our nationally and internationally significant heritage assets in good condition and sustain the skilled craftspeople that look after them.
Worcester's Bellringers Join nationwide Call for Churches to Ring Out Ahead of the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow
The Ring Out for Climate Change campaign is led by Edward Gildea, a Christian Aid climate campaign organiser, who asked churches to ring their bells as a warning of the climate emergency and to mark the start of the conference.
The Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said: “Here at Worcester Cathedral, we believe that today is a time of real national crisis and so, on Sunday 31st October our young ringers sounded our bells to warn the people of Worcester of the threat we face.
“Extreme weather events have already affected us in Worcester through flooding, and as Christians we are deeply concerned with the millions around the world who are being profoundly affected.
“We are proud to join this initiative to sound the alarm for climate justice, as we work towards our goal of becoming an Eco Church.”
The UN Climate Conference, CoP26, sees world leaders and delegates meet in Glasgow and work together to commit to a reduction in emissions to avoid a climate emergency.
It comes just months after the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change described global warming as a ‘code red for humanity.’
The bell ringing campaign was endorsed by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, the CoE’s lead bishop on the environment, and part of the delegation in Glasgow.
He said: “Church bells have traditionally been rung through the centuries to raise the alarm for local communities. The recent ‘code red’ report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an alarm call for us all.
“I am happy to endorse a nationwide ‘ring out for climate change’ as a symbol of warning, but also of hope, that this conference will lead to action for us all, like Jesus, to tread more gently on our single island planet home and care more for those already adversely affected by climate change, especially in the economically poorest places on earth,” he added.
As well as this special ringing, Worcester Cathedral is carrying out a number of initiatives to show its commitment to the climate crisis.
During the COP26 conference, there will be a dedicated prayer space and prayers offered every day for the conference attendees; members of the Cathedral Eco Group and community will take part in an Ecumenical Walk of Witness through Worcester on the National Day of Action for COP26 (6 November), walking between local churches, offering readings, prayers and reflections.
Image courtesy of Ring Out for Climate FB Group
Visitors Journeyed to the Edge of the Universe... and Beyond!
SPACE is a spectacular internal sound and light show created by award winning artistic collaboration ‘Luxmuralis’ - made up of Sculptor, Peter Walker, and Composer, David Harper.
Visitors went on an immersive journey through light and sound that transformed the interior of majestic Worcester Cathedral. The visual spectacular allowed viewers to go on a journey through space and time and the chance to walk amongst the stars. Sound and light art was projected onto the stunning architectural features within the Cathedral and visitors were enveloped with bespoke music as they viewed and experienced a journey to the edge of the Universe and back!
A Reflective Memorial to the Pandemic
Throughout August, an installation of steel 'Hope' leaves, by artist Peter Walker, lined the floor of the Cathedral's Lady Chapel, as a reflective memorial to the effects of the pandemic. Designed to honour those who have lost their lives, but also to allow everyone to take a moment to contemplate what we have been through and to think about loved ones.
The leaves were laid out on the Cathedral floor, creating a beautiful impression of autumn leaves fallen from the trees. Appearing as though naturally scattered by the wind, the leaves symbolised the past and what has transpired. However, the leaf is also emblematic of the future. The artist chose a sycamore maple leaf as it symbolises strength, protection, eternity and clarity.
The bells were heard across the city in tribute to our NHS heroes
In case you missed it, we were delighted to welcome BBC Midlands Today to the Cathedral to help us mark the first national NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day.
Our famous bells were heard across the city at 8pm for 45 minutes on Monday evening to mark this first national day of recognition to mark the anniversary of the birth of the National Health Service in 1948.
The Dean of Worcester Cathedral, Peter Atkinson, said: “The NHS has been treasured since its inception, but never more so since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.
“We were proud to ring our bells to show our gratitude and support to all of our doctors, nurses, paramedics, carers and other critical workers who gave their all to keep our essential services running while the country faced the pandemic.
“We also remember all those who have lost their lives to this dreadful disease and their loved ones who are left behind.”
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