worcester cathedral news autumn 2014

Plus, full events calendar and details of regular Cathedral services

Meet our new ArchitectPage 8

The Battle of Worcester2

NEWSWORCESTER CATHEDRAL

Autumn 2014

Inside this issue

Kenneth TickellRememberedPage 6

2 Worcester Cathedral News

Editorial Team Nick Drew, Peter Atkinson, Susan Macleod and Jan Davies

Photography Christopher Guy except where credited

Cover Derek Walker, ‘Autumn Halo’ entered in the Cathedral photographic competition

Worcester Cathedral News The Chapter Office, 8 College Yard, Worcester WR1 2LA

Telephone: 01905 732900

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.worcestercathedral.co.uk

3-5 Community News6 Music7 Cathedral Information8-9 Q&A10-11 Events Guide12 History & Learning13 Events14 Bellringers News15 Three Choirs Report16 Fundraising17 Cathedral in the Community18 At the Water Gate19 Information Form20 Gift Form

Contents

Twitter:@WorcCathedral

Facebook:search ‘Worcester Cathedral’

Autumn 2014

“

From the DeanThe end of summer points forward to the autumn, and the life of the Cathedral moves on as well, with some greetings and some farewells, and a busy autumn programme succeeding an equally busy summer. The Three Choirs Festival was a splendid week, and a tribute both to the artistic director, Peter Nardone, and to the outgoing Chairman of the Worcester Festival Committee, Sir Michael Perry. Our August programme, Discover Something Different, has attracted many visitors to the Cathedral. Woven through both the Three Choirs Festival and the August programme have been many events helping to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

New faces to the Cathedral community include Matthew Armstrong, the new Head of King’s, in succession to Tim Keyes, and Camilla Finlay, Surveyor of the Fabric, in succession to Chris Romain. Canon Ann Capell reaches the end of her term in September as a lay member of the Chapter. Ann has made an immense contribution to the work of the Chapter, and has taken a particular interest in the work of our Education team. The Bishop will announce her successor shortly. A sad and untimely loss is Kenneth Tickell, builder of the 2008 Quire Organ, who died on 24th July.

And a face both old and new is that of the next Archdeacon of Worcester. Canon Robert Jones was born and bred in the Diocese of Worcester, and has been an honorary canon of the Cathedral since 2003. His current stall happens to be next to that of the Archdeacon of Worcester, now vacant since the consecration of Archdeacon Roger Morris as Bishop of Colchester. But on Sunday 16 November, Canon Jones will move one stall to the west to become the new Archdeacon. Robert is a ‘man greatly beloved’ (as was said of the prophet Daniel) and we wish him well in his new ministry.

“

Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester

The Three Choirs Festival was a splendid week...

https://twitter.com/WorcCathedral

Worcester Cathedral News 3

Community News

The Cathedral offers a belated yet nonetheless warm welcome to the Rt Revd Graham Usher, installed as Bishop of Dudley in March 2014, who will preach his first sermon in the Cathedral on Sunday 14th September.

Graham Usher was born in 1970 and spent his early life growing up in Ghana. He was educated at Pocklington School in Yorkshire and then studied for a BSc Ecological Science (Ecology) at Edinburgh University followed by gaining a degree in Theology at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge whilst training for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge.

After his ordination in 1996, Graham served his curacy at St Mary’s Nunthorpe in the Diocese

of York, a large commuter suburb of Middlesbrough and then moved to be Vicar of Holy Trinity in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough.

In 2004, Graham moved to become Rector and Lecturer of Hexham. Hexham Abbey is part of the Greater Churches’ Network and, whilst very much a parish church, has many of the features of a cathedral. During his ten years their the congregation grew significantly, links with the town and county increased, and the Abbey was reunited with its historic monastic buildings which were taken from it at the Reformation.

September Debut Sermon from the Bishop of Dudley

Bishop Graham Usher at consecration

New Archdeacon of Worcester AppointedAs the Dean mentioned in his introduction to this issue of the Newsletter, Canon Robert Jones, who will be known to many in our congregation as the current Director of Development at the Diocese of Worcester, has been named as the new Archdeacon of Worcester, succeeding the Ven. Roger Morris.

Robert has been a priest in the Diocese of Worcester ever since his ordination in 1980 – indeed, he was confirmed in the Diocese even before that! His installation will take place on Sunday 16th November at 4pm Evensong. We offer him our warm congratulations and wish him well in his new role.


A warm & buzzing atmosphere awaits you in the heart of the Cathedral

Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday, 10.30am to 4pm

Community News

Cathedral StaffA new Library Assistant has joined the Chapter staff. Tom Hopkins studied Classics for his MA at the University of Birmingham. He has been volunteering at Guildford Museum, with the London

Borough of Sutton, as a collections care assistant at the National Army Museum and a registrar at the National Maritime Museum, but, as Tom himself says, ‘all the while I’ve been working for Morrisons to support myself - it wasn’t a job which allowed me to indulge in my love of history, Latin and old books! I’m therefore really excited to be starting as a trainee in the Cathedral library, and am looking forward to getting to know Worcester.’

Alice Ward joined the Works Department on 23rd June. Alice is our latest bursary student to join our team of masons. Her bursary will run for twelve months. Alice is sponsored through the National Trust

with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and over the next 12 months Alice will work towards gaining her work-based NVQ 3 Qualification - Heritage skills in Stonemasonry.

We will soon be saying farewell to Cathedral stonemason Luke Tovey. Luke joined the Works Department in August 2012 on a 12 month bursary, to complete his NVQ 3 in masonry skills – he did so with

flying colours. The Dean and Chapter kindly agreed to extend Luke’s time at the Cathedral, which enabled him to further his development. Luke has been entered for the English Heritage Angel Award for “best craftsmanship by a trainee or apprentice employed on a heritage rescue”. The results will be announced later this year. We wish him well in all his future endeavours.

During the summer season, two new staff bolstered our regular catering team in Cloister Café. Thank you to Liam and Tanika for their hard work.

Cathedral VolunteersJean Davidson, a dedicated supporter of the Cathedral and a schools’ guide, was awarded an MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this year. Jean was awarded her MBE for her services to the Worcester community. On receiving the news Jean said

‘I didn’t have an inkling this could happen. It’s very kind of whoever put me forward and I have to thank her Majesty as well of course.’

And finally – the Cathedral offers its congratulations to Service Team member Dave Skipp and his wife Katie on the birth of their son, Archie, in June.


Ronald ‘Sam’ SowdenSam, who died in June aged 92, was chairman of the friends of Worcester Cathedral from 1993 to 1998. He had a distinguished career in the field of youth work, rising to be head of the Youth Services department in the former Hereford and Worcester Council. Sam was involved in the early stages of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the Prince’s Trust. He was also County Commissioner for the Scouting movement.

Welcoming the New King’s Headmaster

From the beginning of September, Matthew Armstrong took up the position of Headmaster of The King’s School, Worcester, succeeding Mr Tim Keyes who retired in August after sixteen years of distinguished service. Mr Armstrong was prior to his appointment an Assistant Headmaster at Charterhouse.

Mr Armstrong was educated at Hutton Grammar School, where his father was Headmaster. He went on to study at New College, Oxford, where he gained an MA in Medieval and Modern Languages and a PGCE, and at Birkbeck College, London, where he gained an MA in Renaissance Studies and a BA in English Literature.

Mr Armstrong has been at Charterhouse for ten years. Before that he taught at Winchester College for five years and worked as a Business Analyst for McKinsey & Co. He is married to Kate and lists mountaineering, skiing, running and chess amongst his interests.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Armstrong said ‘I am delighted to be appointed as the next Headmaster of King’s. The warmth of the school, its close connection with Worcester Cathedral, its academic distinction and its focus on all-round education combine to make it a very special place. I am fortunate to be taking over from Tim Keyes, who has led King’s with such distinction over the last sixteen years, and I look forward to building on his good work’.

Community News

In Memoriam...

We are delighted that this year’s gala organ recital to mark the anniversary of the inauguration of the Tickell Quire Organ will be given by the internationally-renowned organist Olivier Latry.

Monsieur Latry has been Titular Organist at Notre Dame de Paris since 1985, and is one of the world’s finest concert organists and improvisers, so this recital will be a treat not to be missed.

Tickets are priced at £14 and are available online from www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/103028

6th AnniversaryGala Organ RecitalSaturday 4 October, 6.45pm

Fundraising PageMusic


The music department is pleased to announce the following appointments starting in September:

Justin Miller will be joining as Sub-Assistant Organist. Justin was most recently Organ Scholar at Winchester Cathedral and joins us having previously served as acting Assistant Director of Music at Ripon

Cathedral and Organ Scholar at Blackburn and St Alban’s Cathedrals.

William Parkinson will join the Music Dept as Organ Scholar for 2014/15. William is currently a sixth-form pupil at Bromsgrove School and will spend his gap year with us, he currently holds the position of Director of Music and Organist at St Mary’s Church, Beoley.

James Beddoe has been appointed Tenor Choral Scholar for 2014/15. Formerly a chorister at Southwell Minster, James has just completed a music degree at the University of York. James is

also a member of Genesis Sixteen, an elite young singers’ ensemble run by The Sixteen.

Piers Kennedy will be our Bass Choral Scholar for next year. Piers was most recently a Choral Scholar at Wells Cathedral. Prior to this he was a chorister at Llandaff Cathedral and then a Choral Scholar at St Peter’s College, Oxford, while studying for a history degree.

We also say a fond farewell to James Luxton, who leaves us to take up the role of Assistant Director of Music at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool. We thank him for his hard work and dedication and wish him good luck for the future.

British organ builder Kenneth Tickell, who built the splendid organ in the Quire of Worcester Cathedral, died suddenly on 24 July, following a pulmonary embolism.

Having trained in organ building with Grant, Degens and Bradbeer, Tickell established his first workshop in Northampton in 1982. From that time, he built up a business of nine full-time staff members to match an impressive portfolio of mainly new instruments. Along with the fine four-manual instrument he built for us here in Worcester, which at the time was their largest commission his organs can be heard in Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as in the cathedrals of Canterbury, Lincoln, Bristol, Truro, St Davids and Hereford.

The Quire organ here in Worcester, purchased as part of the Music and Light Appeal, blends centuries-old pipe making and wood-working skills with state-of-the-art computer control systems. It was dedicated and blessed by the Bishop of Worcester in October 2008, and described by then-Director of Music Adrian Lucas as having ‘triumphantly reinvented English Cathedral organ design for the 21st Century’.

Tickell was himself an accomplished organist and graduating in Music from Hull University (where he was organ scholar) in 1978. For many years he was Director of Music at St Mary’s, Northampton.

A memorial Evensong for Kenneth will be held in the Cathedral on Saturday 4th October, the anniversary of the organ’s dedication.

Music AppointmentsKenneth TickellRemembered

Additional reporting courtesy of Choir and Organ Magazine


Weekly Services

Sunday Services7.30am Matins 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am The Cathedral Eucharist 4.00pm Evensong or Evening PrayerThere is normally a Service at 6.30pm on Sundays in School Term.

Monday to Saturday Services7.30am Matins 8.00am Holy Communion 5.30pm Evensong or Evening Prayer

Additional Weekday ServicesMonday 1.05pm Prayers for Healing (not Bank Holidays)Wednesday 1.05pm Holy CommunionFriday 11.30am Holy Communion (BCP)

Cathedral Information

Cathedral opening times 7.30am – 6pm daily, Entry free. Charges apply for the areas below.

Group Guided Tours Email: [email protected]

Young people and school group visits Email: [email protected]

Turn up for a Tour Until the end of November, Monday – Saturday, 11am & 2.30pm December to end of February: Saturdays only, 11am & 2.30pm

Tower open (weather permitting) Until the end of October on Saturdays, Bank Holidays and school holidays. Please telephone to check the Tower is open before making a special visit.

Cathedral Library Open by appointment only Email: [email protected]

Meeting rooms and to book events Email: [email protected]

Cathedral Shop Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm Sunday, 12noon – 4pm Also often open for concerts at 6.30pm and during the interval.

Cloister Café Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm Sunday 10.30am – 4pm

The Chapter Office Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5pm Telephone: 01905 732900 Email: [email protected] Website: www.worcestercathedral.co.uk

Cathedral Information

The Cathedral’s detailed monthly service scheme for the current month will give you more information about the individual services.

Visit: www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/Monthly_Service_Scheme.php

mailto:[email protected]





http://www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/

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Q&A

At the start of the summer, we bade a fond farewell to Chris Romain (left), who has been the Cathedral Architect since 1996, as he commenced a well-earned retirement. Chris’ tenure as Architect took in the lion’s share of

the major Restoration and Development programme which has left the Cathedral in excellent condition, along with a number of major projects, including the re-flooring of the Chapter House, the new toilet block off the east run of the Cloisters, the Guesten redevelopment and other major restoration projects.

Whilst Chris will be missed by the Cathedral community, we needed to move forward quickly to

find a replacement (and, indeed, ecclesiastical law requires us to have the services of a Surveyor of the Fabric). So we were very pleased to secure the services of Camilla Finlay, a Director of the Banbury-based firm Acanthus Clews, who also acts as architect to Exeter Cathedral. She has extensive experience of church conservation and architecture, including designing the new building for the Anglican Benedictine Congregation of Mucknell Abbey, which won the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association President’s Award in 2011.

We caught up with her to discuss the pleasures and challenges of being a Cathedral Architect.

Building on FirmFoundations

Meet our New Surveyor of the Fabric Camilla Finlay


Q&A

What drew you to specialise in historical conservation and architecture?

It is in my genes! As a child I was brought up around church buildings, and every holiday I remember we would have to go and see four parish churches before going to the beach. So my parents passed down their love of historic buildings to me. I do the same to my children now! It also made me passionate about access to historic buildings – you learn about them by going in and experiencing them. Having places like that as part of your life is the way you fall in love with them.

What has been the most satisfying piece of architectural or conservation work of your career to date, and why?

I suppose the most important was the work I did with the Benedictine monks and nuns of the former Burford Priory to help them on their journey to create a new home at Mucknell Abbey. Their journey here to be part of the Worcester Diocese from Burford is an amazing one. We looked on it as a positive opportunity but it was clearly an enormous change, and I feel privileged to have accompanied them on that journey and to create architecture to support their new life as a community. The Oratory building we created in the courtyard is a very special place which I feel very proud to have helped to create, and it feels very special to be able to go there to pray. Brother Stuart is a Canon of the Cathedral, so it has been lovely to re-engage with that community as I find my feet here in Worcester.

What are you most looking forward to about working in Worcester?

The thing I’m really excited about is getting to know the community and to get a deeper knowledge of this enormous and challenging building. It’s a never-ending building, or at least it seems that way as I continue the process of getting round all the roof voids and other nooks and crannies which visitors don’t often get to see! It’s wonderful to be part of a team dedicated to protecting this glorious building and being part of its life and work. I feel as if I am completing my own little circle of life in a way, after having been at school in Worcestershire. I’m also very conscious that the building has been incredibly well cared-for by my predecessor – sometimes as an architect you take over a building in poor condition and you need to deal with all sorts of problems, as basic as keeping the water out! But because the place is in such a good state, we’re in a really exciting place talking about development for the future.

What do you think is going to be the most challenging element of your work at Worcester?

I’m here to support the team in serving the fabric and facilitating a way forward for the future, so a big part of it is going be continuing to develop the community vision. The challenging part is the level of knowledge you need to grow and

gather in order to do this job well – it’s a very immersive process, but one which you need to undertake in order to fully understand the fabric and share in the vision for the future. One thing I’ve been overwhelmed by is the breadth of activities that go on in the Cathedral, and the exceptional quality of those activities. The constant challenge of a major public and historic building is to make sure the fabric is well-maintained and thriving, and that it allows the activities that take place in the building to keep going.

Do you have a favourite building (other than Worcester Cathedral, of course)?

I’ve been pondering that! I studied architecture at the Glasgow School of Art, which recently suffered a catastrophic fire. To see how vulnerable this or any historic building is, brings to my mind how passionate I am about that building and how much there is a role for architects in conservation. The School of Art is not only an exceptional 20th century building, but a building built, in every detail, for purpose, like a church. It’s a building designed to allow people to paint, so there are exceptionally-scaled north-facing windows – every detail has been thought through so beautifully. It’s been very much in my thoughts ever since the fire.

I’m here to support the team in serving the fabric and facilitating a way forward for the future...

“

“


September

Saturday 6 SeptemberPeal for Civil War Anniversary

9 - 14 September‘Worlds Eye’,Installation of FlagsCollege Green

9 - 21 September‘Aspects of Worcester Cathedral’Photographic competition exhibitionDean’s Chapel

Friday 12 SeptemberWorcester College of Technology Award Ceremonies

Saturday 13 September, 10am - 4pmHeritage Open Day

Wednesday 17 September, 2.30pmMothers’ Union Diocesan Festival Service

Friday 19 September, 3pmMemorial Service for Professor Nicholas Brooks

Friday 26 September,1.10pm - 1.50pmMousehole Male Voice Choir Free Lunchtime RecitalRetiring collection

Saturday 27 September,10am – 1pmBig Bible Study For more information email:[email protected]

Saturday 27 September, 2pmFriends of Worcester Cathedral AGMLady Chapel

Saturday 27 September, 7pmWorcester Cathedral Choir Pre Tour Concert Tickets on the door for more information 01905 732900

Sunday 28 September, 2pmService of Thanksgiving for the Worcestershire Acute Trust

October

Friday 3 October, 1.10pm - 1.50pmNankersey Male Voice Choir Free Lunchtime RecitalRetiring collection

Saturday 4 October,10am - 3.30pm Diocesan Festival of HealingFor more information tel 01386 861791 or email: [email protected]

Saturday 4 October,4.30pmMemorial Evensongfor Kenneth Tickell

Saturday 4 October,6.45pmAnniversary Gala OrganRecital by Olivier Latry,Notre Dame, Paris Tickets £14 available fromwww.ticketsource.co.uk/date/103028 or on the door before the recital

Sunday 5 October, 6.30pmCounty Harvest Service

7 – 19 October‘Life’s Journey’Exhibition by Birmingham Watercolour Society Dean’s Chapel

Saturday 11 October,7.30pmConcert by Treorchy Male Voice Choir Supporting Acorns Childrens’ HospiceTickets £15, £20, £25 from Worcester Live Box Office 01905 611427

Saturday 18 October,7.30pmForty Years of WorcesterMusic MakingConcert by Elgar Chorale For more information www.elgarchorale.com

Sunday 19 October,4pmJudiciary Service

Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 October, 7.30pmThursday 23 & Friday 24 October, 1.30pm MatineesWilliam Shakespeare’s:‘Julius Caesar’ byThe Worcester Repertory CompanyTickets £17.50 evenings, £12.50 matinees from Worcester Live Box Office 01905 611427

Events at Worcester Cathedral

Events Guide



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November

Saturday 1 November, 1.10pm - 1.50pmLadybrook Singers, Stockport Free Lunchtime RecitalRetiring collection

Saturday 1 November, 5.30pmSung Eucharist for All Saints’ DayThe Oriana Singers

Monday 3 November, 7.30pmSung Requiem for All Souls’ DayChamber Choir

Thursday 6 November, 6pmThe Worcester LectureThe Nave

Friday 7 November, 7.30pmMonteverdi: ‘Vespers’ Concert by The SixteenTickets £15 & £20 from Box Office 01904 658338

Thursday 6th November, 6pmWorcester LectureGeneral the Lord Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff

Sunday 9 November, 10amService for Remembrance Day11am Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial

Friday 14 November, 3pm & 7pmLights of Love Service

Saturday 15 November, 7.30pmJonathan Dove: ‘There was a Child’, Faure: ‘Requiem’Concert by Worcester Festival Choral Society Tickets £7 - £25 from Worcester Live Box Office 01905 611427 or on the door before the concert

Sunday 16 November, 4pmInstallation of the Archdeacon of Worcester

Sunday 16 November, 6.30pmService marking Prison Week

18 – 21 November University of WorcesterAward Ceremonies

Saturday 22 November, 5.30pmRSCM Festival Evensong

Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November, 10am - 4pmFriday & Saturday, 12.30pm - 3.30pm SundayChristmas Fayre in the Cloisters

Saturday 29 November, 7.30pm Christmas Concertby the Chamber Choir

Sunday 30 November, 6.30pmAdvent Processionand Carol Service

Disclaimer Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the diary at the time of publishing, however, changes may be made at a later date. Please check with the Chapter Office for the latest details or visit our website at www.worcestercathedral.co.uk

Events Guide

Regular Events

Monday - Saturday, 11.00am & 2.30pm Turn up for a Tour£4 per person

Monday - Saturday,11am - last entry 4.30pmTower Open£4 per adult, £2 per child, £8 per family

Monday – Saturday, 10am - 4pm, Sunday 12noon - 4pmSafari Back Pack Self-guided tours around the Cathedral for children£5 + £5 deposit (with some items to keep)

Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet to access the latest events diary on the Worcester Cathedral website

History & Learning


The Battle of Worcester CommemorationOn 3rd September we remember The Battle of Worcester that took place here in 1651. Worcester was held by the Royalists and Charles II watched the progress of the battle from the top of the Cathedral tower. After heavy fighting within the city and the wider surrounding area, part of Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary army gained control of Fort Royal and turned the cannon there on the city. As a result, Charles was forced to flee from Worcester and went into exile.

One of the Royalist commanders, the Duke of Hamilton, was wounded in the battle and died in The Commandery a few days later. He is buried in the Cathedral’s High Altar sanctuary.

Lord Selkirk, a descendant of the Duke and his nephew Alexander, the current Duke of Hamilton, are visiting the Cathedral on 7th September to lay a wreath on their ancestor’s grave and the Duke of Hamilton will climb the tower.

In July 2014 new material was added to the Cathedral’s interpretation touchscreens and mobile app, exploring Worcester Cathedral’s links with the First World War, its close relationship through the centuries with Worcestershire regiments, the role of chaplains then and now, and the continuing need to support and care for serving soldiers and their families.

A new touchscreen programme brings to life the impact of the First World War in Worcester and compares the contribution of famous Worcester-linked chaplains, such as ‘Woodbine Willie’ and E.V. Tanner, with the role of chaplains in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the present. A ‘Remembering’ mobile app trail allows visitors and the local community to reflect on the cost and challenges of conflict, past and present. A new banner will enhance the re-ordered St George’s Memorial Chapel, where visitors can place poppy petals on the altar in memory of those who have died or been wounded in conflict.

This material has been produced with the full support and help of the Ministry of Defence, The Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire), and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Museum Trust.

Worcester Cathedral, World War I and Conflict Today

For more information about the Battle of Worcester visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/The_Civil_War.php

Family Learning is Fun

Brass rubbing

The Education department now have a planned series of activities during short and longer holiday periods which include those which can be engaged in as a family group without staffing, and those which require some direction from Sue and Sara.

We are extending our portfolio of trails to now include a Safari trail, and Fruit and Flower Trail, as well as the simple family trail which is still popular. The Safari trail is offered with a back pack in which is important equipment such as binoculars, a hat to make, emergency rations, and the gift of a pencil and postcard.

This summer during Discover Something Different, Brass Rubbing has been enjoyed by participants of all ages. Although there are few brasses in the cathedral and they cannot be ‘rubbed’ we have purchased some resin moulds and have a vast collection of donated ‘rubbings’ to display from all over the country.

http://worcestercathedral.co.uk/The_Civil_War.php


Events

This year’s Worcester Lecture, an annual lecture which is co-hosted by the University of Worcester and the Cathedral and which explores moral questions in public life, will be held in the nave of the Cathedral at 6pm on Thursday 6th November 2014.

General the Lord Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff 2006-2008, will be this year’s lecturer, and his subject will be that of ethical issues in modern warfare, the centennial anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

This October the Worcester Repertory Company return to Worcester Cathedral and present William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar directed by Chris Jaeger. Performances are Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 October at 7.30pm and Thursday & Friday matinees at 1.30pm. Tickets are £17.50 (matinee £12.50). Contact the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427.

During the 17 years that I have been selling at the Christmas Fayre, I have seen it grow in size and variety. Providing a welcome haven from the hectic bustle of the High Street, customers can sample the delights of the Cathedral - including organ recitals and choir - in addition to the mince pies, mulled wine and tempting selection of gifts on offer in the Cloisters.

It is without doubt my favourite craft fair; a chance to meet old friends and customers and a wonderful start to the Christmas Season!

Janice Waldron

Choristers to perform with The Sixteen

On Friday 7 November our Cathedral choristers will have the fantastic opportunity to join world-class choir The Sixteen for a performance of one of the cornerstones of the choral repertoire – Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610.

Our choristers will sing the treble line in the Sonata which closes the work.

Conductor Harry Christophers said: ‘the Vespers is one of the most significant collections of sacred music ever written. We will follow Monteverdi’s dictum recitar cantando - speak through singing - to maximum effect.’

Tickets are available now from the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427.

WorcesterLecture

Christmas Fayre28-30 November

Beware the Ides of March!

Following the success of Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice in previous years we look forward to welcoming Chris and his team back. With the inclusion of a raised stage, microphones and an absorbent sound cloth (behind the audience) the early acoustic problems in the Lady chapel were rectified and we can expect a dramatic and entertaining performance with a bit of fun thrown in!

Pho

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Bellringers News

On Saturday 5 July the Cathedral’s Guild of Bellringers organised the fourth Ringing World National Youth Contest. Our own Cathedral band was one of the 16 teams from all over the UK who came to Worcester to compete for the Whitechapel Trophy. Over 500 people visited the city and rang at the city’s churches. Many stayed for the weekend.

The feedback for the event has been wonderful, especially via Facebook. This message was received from David Salter, an Ipswich ringer whose sons competed in the Suffolk band.

‘I have searched the George Pipe book of ringing superlatives to find a word to describe Saturday in Worcester but to no avail. Let’s just say that Mark and the cathedral ringers scored a spine tingling eleven out of ten for organising a wonderful day out. Virtually all the young ringers got a chance to ring on the magnificent cathedral bells and all will have gone home with wonderful memories that should last a lifetime.’

The competition took place at Old St Martin in the Cornmarket and during the day ringing took place at All Saints, St Swithun, Barbourne, St John Bedwardine and our Teaching Centre. Many groups have asked to come back again. Handbell workshops took place in the St John Chapel.

Over 300 people rang at the Cathedral in the three hours up to Choral Evensong. For many, including ringers aged under 11 this was a great experience. The Cathedral’s bells have an awesome reputation

and are very difficult to ring. However, everyone did ring, and did so to a high standard. 200 people stayed on for a hog roast and barbeque on College Green and a spontaneous football match between choristers and bellringers took place to end the day.

The support we received from the Cathedral staff and volunteers made a significant contribution to the day. Lots of people said how friendly and accessible we are as a church community.

The contest was won by a team from Bedfordshire. Our own fledgling band came 15th. We will do better next year when the competition is held in Oxford on Saturday 11th July 2015.

The Sounds of a Successful Event

Anniversary of the Great WarOn 4 August 2014 the Cathedral’s bells were rung half-muffled as a mark of respect to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great Britain entering the Great War.

The bells were recast in 1928 under the instigation of Dean Moore Ede and were first rung on Armistice Day that year.

In memory of the Worcestershire men who gave their lives in the Great War


Three Choirs Report

New in the Cathedral ShopAs our thoughts turn to the outbreak of the Great War we are reminded of the great poetry of that period. The Cathedral shop stocks a Naxos double CD of some of the finest poems read by eminent actors interspersed with evocative music, £11.50.

We also have a brand new CD from the Proteus Ensemble directed by Stephen Shellard (the Cathedral Choir’s senior Lay Clerk). It is a moving sequence of music and readings for remembrance, £13.99.

Another new publication is a mini guide to the Cathedral’s musical heritage, giving an overview covering the Worcester Antiphoner, Thomas Tomkins, Elgar, the Three Choirs Festival and much more, £2.99.

For a full range of gift ideas why not visit the Cathedral shop online at: www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/Shop_online.php

There’s nothing quite like fine weather for creating a festival atmosphere, and with the Cathedral and College Green bathed in sunshine at the end of July this year’s Three Choirs Festival certainly got off to a good start. Strong advance sales for the musical programme were boosted by

unprecedented activity during the week at the onsite Ticket Office in the King’s School, making this one of the most successful festivals of recent years. The tented Festival Village on the green brought together the café tirelessly run by the Friends of the Festival, the beer tent run by The Pickled

Plum of Pershore and a bar run by Malpas Stallard, and the craft pavilion and Festival Shop; informal performances in the mini marquee added to the convivial atmosphere.

The premiere of A Foreign Field by Torsten Rasch attracted significant attention from the national music press and we were joined for the performance by a group of singers from Chemnitz in Germany, underlining the work’s message of reconciliation.

As ever, the festival celebrated the rich choral tradition of our three cities, with the Festival Chorus, the boys, girls and men of the cathedral choirs, their directors and organists at its heart.

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Torsten Rasch receives a raptuous applause


Fundraising

The Pilgrim’s boots Benefactors get a first look at the Worcester Pilgrim

Celebrating Our Benefactors

For further information on the Guild events programme, and how you can join, please contact Nick Drew, Director of Fundraising and Development: email: [email protected] or telephone 01905 732912

Worcester Cathedral established its Guild of Benefactors in 2012 as a way of recognising and rewarding supporters who agree to a regular annual gift.

In Spring and Summer this year, we launched our inaugural events programme, and there are still a number of events to come this year, including a special tour of the Cathedral library focussing on benefactors of the past, and a Stonemasons’ Yard Experience day, where Guild members can see and join in with the work of the Masons. We also give Guild members the opportunity to take a “first look” at significant Cathedral projects – earlier this year, for example, Benefactors were able to see the official unveiling of the Worcester Pilgrim artefacts after they

returned from conservation work. The Benefactors’ receptions before the Advent Carol Services and the Guild Summer Party are also becoming regular fixtures in the Cathedral calendar.

Membership of the Guild is priced at £250 annually for individuals and £400 for couples or joint membership. All income from the Guild goes towards the urgent needs of the Cathedral – the maintenance of the fabric, supporting the Cathedral’s music, and developing our educational outreach work.

In particular, all income from the Guild this year will be put towards the vital work to restore Edgar Tower (see last issue for details).

Cathedral in the Community


Perhaps less well known than the cathedral’s excellent work with school-aged children is its work with both Heart of Worcestershire College (formerly Worcester College of Technology) and the University of Worcester, both of whom have their awards and graduation ceremonies in the Cathedral in September and November respectively. Our connections, however, are much more than these ceremonies.

Students of photography and of art at Heart of Worcestershire College, recently graded ‘good’ in an OFSTED inspection, often come to the cathedral to sketch and photograph, and regularly leave inspired, and eager to make a return visit. Canon Alvyn Pettersen has, for a number of years, been a Governor there, and the chair of the College’s Standards and Achievements Committee.

The University has also been a close friend of the Cathedral, ever since the celebrations when it first achieved full University status

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University of Worcester (below) and Heart of Worcestershire College (bottom)

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Sir Richard Dannatt

were held in the Cathedral in 2005. Two very important developments in the Cathedral – University partnership have occurred.

One is the annual Worcester Lecture, where moral issues in the public sphere are addressed. Previous speakers and subjects have included Dame Anne Owers on the place of prisons in society, Keir Starmer QC, on the press and privacy, and Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws QC on human rights. This year’s speaker will be General, the Lord Dannatt, formerly the Chief of the General Staff.

There has also been significant collaborative working between our two institutions, with our stonemasons, Education Department, and the Cathedral library working together with departments at the University.

‘Partnership’ clearly is the word which captures the Cathedral’s relationship with Heart of Worcestershire College and the University of Worcester.


“At the Water Gate”

Chapter & Verse

Churches and cathedrals often suffer from infrequent regulars and religious addicts. The one are hardly ever present, the others hardly ever absent.

The former perhaps should reflect on this saying of the 4th century monk, Anthony,

Just as fish die if they stay too long out of water, so monks who loiter outside their cells or pass their time with worldly men lose the intensity of inner peace.

And the latter perhaps should reflect on another of Anthony’s saying,

A hunter in the desert saw Anthony enjoying himself with the brethren and he was shocked. Wanting to show the hunter that it was necessary sometimes to meet the

brethren’s’ other needs, Anthony said to him, Put an arrow in your bow and shoot it. This he did. Anthony then said, shoot another. This he also did. Anthony then said, and shoot yet another. The hunter cried out, but if I bend my bow so much, I will break it. Anthony then said, it is the same with God’s work. If we stretch the brethren beyond measure, they too soon will break.

Those of us meanwhile who see ourselves as neither perhaps should reflect on both sayings, and attend to establishing a yet better balance between faith, leisure and work, between Sunday, and Saturday, and Monday to Friday, that we may increasingly know an accommodating God’s strengthening.

We are blessed with over 300 volunteers helping us at Worcester Cathedral, taking part in a wide variety of activities. We have great feedback from visitors about one of the key voluntary roles, our Welcomers.

As the title suggests having responsibility for giving a warm and friendly welcome to all those coming into the Cathedral, remaining calm under the pressure of a high volume of summer visitors and retaining a bright and

encourage the purchase of a photo permit, take a guided tour or climb the tower for the fine views.

If you know anyone who would enjoy being part of our community we are looking for some more help to welcome visitors on our busiest day, a Saturday.

Please contact Susan MacLeod, the Operational manager at the Chapter office or email her on [email protected]

Help Us Give a Warm Welcome

interested countenance in the quieter midwinter months.

Our Welcomers also need to have a touch of the salesperson about them, enjoy talking to strangers, especially about our shop and café, be willing to

Revd Canon Dr Alvyn Pettersen

Signed: Date:

worcester cathedral news autumn 2014

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