WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

NEWS Winter/Spring 2019

Inside this issue Chamber Francis Easter Choir 20th Brett Services Anniversary Young Page 9 Page 10 Page 13 Plus, full events calendar and details of regular Cathedral services From the Dean

Winter/Spring 2019 This edition will appear in mid- January, which I hope is not too late to Contents wish you a very happy new year. Just what kind of year it will turn out to 3-4 Community News be is of course hard to say. I am writing 5-6 Fundraising these words ahead of the Parliamentary 7 Education vote on the Brexit deal, and by the time you read them, December may seem to 8-9 Music News belong to another era. Whatever the 10-11 Heritage outcome of the political turmoil before and after Christmas, we must continue 12-13 Events Guide to pray that our country may re- 14 Love Worcester discover a sense of common purpose, 15 Arts that those most disadvantaged in our society are not burdened further, and that we may continue to play some useful role in 16 Enterprises building a stable and peaceful Europe. 17 Time for reflection In the life of the Cathedral, 18 Cathedral information we look forward to the outcome “Cathedrals are 19 Donor Sheet of our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Undercroft very good at 20 Love Worcester Project, and, all being well, we will see the work beginning. commemorating, Editorial Team We look forward to the arrival of but there’s much Susan Macleod, Rebecca Tovey Sam Hudson, our new Director of and Chris Guy Music, in September, and until then to be said for Photography will continue to be blessed by those Chris Guy, Susan Macleod who are maintaining the interim attending to the and others arrangements in our music department. We pray for a good present and the Cover photograph by Chris Guy outcome of the selection process for a new Residentiary Canon. future as well.” Worcester Cathedral News The City Council published a masterplan for the city centre in The Chapter Office, the autumn, with some interesting and imaginative proposals. 8 College Yard, We have been fully engaged in discussion with the Council, not Worcester, WR1 2LA only in respect of those proposals which would directly affect the Telephone: Cathedral, but also in the spirit of wanting the best for all who live 01905 732900 and work in Worcester, and those who visit it. We have applauded Email: parts of the masterplan, expressed reservations about other parts, [email protected] and have strongly encouraged the City to grasp the biggest nettle Website: of all, which is the congestion of traffic. worcestercathedral.co.uk After four years of commemorating the First World War, and the Magna Carta and King John anniversaries before that, we have a Twitter: year without a very significant centenary. Perhaps that’s no bad @WorcCathedral thing. Cathedrals are very good at commemorating, but there’s Facebook: search ‘Worcester Cathedral’ much to be said for attending to the present and the future as well. Instagram: worcestercathedral Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester

2 Worcester Cathedral News Community News New Lay Clerk Director of Music at Clive Letchford Worcester Cathedral has had a great deal of We are delighted to announce the experience as appointment of Samuel Hudson as the a singer, first new organist and Director of Music. Sam as a Lay Clerk has been the Director of Music at at Southwark Blackburn Cathedral since 2011, where Cathedral he is also the Artistic Director of the under Harry Friends of Blackburn Cathedral Music, Bramma, then at Christ Church and he regularly works for the BBC as and New College Oxford. Clive is Organist and Director of the Daily also a lecturer in Latin and Greek Service. The date of when Sam will start at Warwick University. his post is to be confirmed soon.

Farewell to Chris New Organ After 27 years of excellent service Chris Filer, our gardener, is Scholar leaving the Cathedral for a new role – he will now be the Head Gardener for St Oswald’s Almshouses. During the restoration of the north east pinnacle on the north east transept Darren Steele, our Master Mason, kindly asked Chris if he would like to have his image carved in stone. He agreed and our stonemasons produced a wonderful image of Chris and fixed it in the area where they were working. So a little message from all your friends in the Service and Works Departments: we know it’s not a gargoyle – it’s you overlooking the Cathedral’s gardens for many years to come. Joshua Roebuck comes from Knaresborough, Hello from the new Gardener! North Yorkshire, where David Whelan’s last appointment was at the he went to school and Blue Coat School in and its 16 received his first organ acre estate. There he had the pleasure of lessons in the Parish working on its grounds and gardens whilst Church. studying for the RHS Master of Horticulture Josh is now in his fourth qualification. He hopes to complete this within and final year of study at the next 6 months. David said ‘Worcester Birmingham Cathedral is a massively exciting step for me – the Conservatoire and is idea of being able to contribute to a cathedral so the Organ Scholar of rich in history is truly inspiring, and I look Birmingham Town Hall forward to settling in’. and Symphony Hall.

Worcester Cathedral News 3 Community News

In Memoriam Ringing bells around

Brian Edwards our world Brian was an unassuming man, had a great love of music Mark Regan, Ringing Master amongst other interests, which included photography and There are ringing bells in the British tradition in architecture. He was for twenty Australia, New Zealand, , Zimbabwe, years a loyal member of the Kenya, Canada and the United States of America. Cathedral Voluntary Choir, The next Teaching Centre for bellringing, after ours, signing in the bass section. In was built at Adelaide Cathedral. We helped the recent years he also represented Adelaide ringers with their ideas and we did a live the Choir as a member of the Skype link from the ringing room of our own Cathedral Community Council. Cathedral when it was opened. His love of the Cathedral was A few months ago I was asked to judge the annual manifest to those who knew him bellringing contest in the USA, held at the National and his presence amongst the Cathedral in Washington on Saturday 13 October. Choir will be sadly missed. I arrived in Washington in glorious autumn sunshine. On Friday a day’s sightseeing was followed by ringing Kate Platt at the Old Post Office - now a Trump Hotel. Eight Kate, a kind and generous lady, teams from six centres took part in the contest. Despite died on 9th December 2018. all the political intrigue in the Capitol, five news She will be missed by Cathedral channels covered the story and interviewed some of staff and her fellow welcomers the contestants and me. The Washington Post also who she had volunteered published a long article about the contest. alongside since December 2010. The contest was won by the home team and the Kate, an Associate of the Royal results were given in a nearby restaurant. Photographic Society, lead the Bellringers are always convivial and our judging of the Cathedral’s international friendships are important. annual Photographic The American bellringers hold Competition. Worcester Cathedral in high regard. 2020 sees the 400th anniversary of Colin Richardson the sailing of the Mayflower. The Colin sadly passed away on Cathedral bellringers are planning a 30th December 2018, began ‘pilgrimage’ to Boston, New York volunteering at the Cathedral and Washington and we have in April 2009 as a Welcomer and invited the North American Guide. Later he became a bellringers to visit Worcester. Voluntary Verger. As a Verger Washington Cathedral he took particular responsibilities was damaged by an for the Wednesday lunchtime earthquake in 2011. Eucharist and encouraging Their restoration visitors to join. Colin’s presence, appeal needs to his methodical way he went raise $34,000,000. about his duties and his quick sense of humour will be greatly missed. National Cathedral Washington

4 Worcester Cathedral News Fundraising Creative Garden Community craft project The Creative Garden community craft project Throughout the year 2200 hand crafted has been an incredible experience for all who flowers and small knitted figures plus over 300 took part. Led by Ann Blackwell, Education poppies were exhibited on a beautiful pergola Department volunteer, and Julie Smith of the constructed by the Cathedral service team and Cathedral shop, the project not only created a by the WWI memorial windows. Items were beautiful splash of colour in the Cloister, but also knitted, felted and crocheted by crafters in raised £1,552 for the Undercroft Learning Centre. and beyond, and a number of organisations took part, including the NHS and St. Richard’s Hospice. The project team were interviewed by BBC Hereford & Worcester, and the project culminated in the sale of the products at the Christmas Fayre in the Cloister. Our thanks go to all who contributed in any way to the project, whether by knitting, volunteering or buying flowers. It is wonderful to know that the project will leave a lasting legacy in the form of a Cathedral Knit and Natter social group. Education department volunteers Ann and Sue manning the Creative Garden Stall Flowers in the Cathedral

Mel Weston, Cathedral Flower Guild

At times it does feel as though we are constantly being asked to contribute towards one worthy cause after another, doesn’t it? Luckily the Cathedral Flower Guild has been extremely fortunate recently to have been gifted funds towards the annual costs of providing beautiful arrangements within the Cathedral. The Guild would like to extend huge thanks to Angela Sutton, whose considerable donation in memory of her mother Margery Milburn (Chair of the Guild in the 1960s and wife of Dean Margery and Bobbie Milburn Bobbie Milburn) was gratefully received along with a grant from the Friends of Worcester and Christmas arrangements. 2018 was the Cathedral and contributions from some of their most successful year so far and we raised more members. money than we have done in previous years. A regular fundraising fixture for the Guild is the If you would like to donate to the Guild, please annual stall at the Cathedral Christmas Fayre in contact me, [email protected], or Joan the Cloister where we sell a variety of wreaths Baker our Treasurer on 01905 345546.

Worcester Cathedral News 5 Fundraising

wide-ranging education programme that will Undercroft update make the Undercroft Learning Centre a hub of learning, heritage and arts for the whole Jane Rogers, community. Director of Fundraising and Development Finally, we have had a wonderful response from donors, trusts and individual volunteer- The Undercroft Learning Centre project is led fundraising projects. We are delighted to making extremely encouraging progress. Our confirm that we have raised the required second-round bid for funding was submitted match-funding to deliver the project. The first to the Heritage Lottery Fund at the end of stage of the project has been very exciting and November and we hope for a positive we warmly thank everyone who has outcome in March 2019 when the result of our supported what will be a fantastic facility at application is announced. the heart of the Cathedral. Over the past few months we have worked with our architect to finalise plans for the space. Our guiding principle has been to provide access for all and our updated plans include level flooring throughout to ensure complete accessibility. The Cathedral Archaeologist have been digging trial holes and conservators have been working hard in the Undercroft and on the Christ in Majesty sculpture in College Hall to determine the best way of preserving these beautiful medieval structures. The Education Conservators analyse ‘Christ in Majesty’ Department has finalised its plans for a

A special Evensong for Edgar Tower

On 25th November the Cathedral held an The service was Evensong in thanksgiving for the Edgar Tower followed by a ‘Make your mark’ campaign. reception in the There have been 444 donations and we were Chapter House delighted to be joined by nearly 200 donors to the where the donors campaign for the service, which included stone- were able to view old related hymns and a special sermon by the Dean. photographs and prints of Edgar Tower. A variety of people donated to the campaign and for different reasons. Some chose to support the conservation campaign as it was an opportunity to literally "make their mark" on a fourteenth century gatehouse. Many wanted to commemorate special birthdays, anniversaries and in memory of loved ones. Some of the Edgar Tower donors Others bought them as presents and in enjoying the reception celebration of their connection to the Cathedral.

6 Worcester Cathedral News Education News Cathedral’s Tai Chi Historical at the Dance Cathedral Workshop In November dance enthusiasts Chapter House. After learning from across the region gathered the basic steps of the Carole, at the Cathedral for our first participants were taught the historical dance workshop. escargot and the farandole as Led by professional dance well as learning how to bow instructor Marilyn Birks, this correctly in the early modern exciting and energetic style. workshop explored a variety This quirky and engaging of medieval and early modern workshop proved extremely dances, giving participants the popular and further dance opportunity to perform them activities are being planned in the stunning setting of the for 2019. Since October the Cathedral has been hosting weekly Tai Chi classes in the Chapter House which have October Half-Term attracted a strong following. Designed as an introduction to this gentle Chinese art, Autumn Extravaganza these weekly sessions have Over the October half-term break we welcomed children and taught participants a series their families from across Worcestershire and beyond to take part of basic exercises and some in a brand new range of autumnally-themed craft workshops. of the fundamental values that underpin Tai Chi. A wide variety of activities was on offer for our young visitors, Popular around the world from making Christmas tree decorations, creating animal as a form of gentle exercise, masks, making caterpillars out of Tai Chi can improve balance conkers and using leaves to and coordination, relieve design autumn wreaths. stress, concentrate the mind Visitors also had the opportunity and promote a general to create a hedgehog and to feeling of health and see how fast it could wellbeing. complete a lap of the If you would like to get Cathedral’s very own race involved in Tai Chi at the track. A big thank you to Cathedral please contact all of our volunteer staff Benjamin Smith, Director of and the families who Education and Learning at: visited us for making our bensmith@ Autumn Extravaganza worcestercathedral.org.uk such a great success.

Worcester Cathedral News 7 Music News Worcester Cathedral Choir: finding the next generation

Nicholas Freestone, Assistant Director of Music

Daily choral worship Afternoon’ event on is at the heart of 25th November. They Worcester Cathedral, took part in singing and these services games, met the current are led by the choristers and joined the Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Choir in comprised of boy singing at the ‘Make Your and girl choristers Mark’ thanksgiving and lay clerks. evensong. We hope that Our choristers enjoy they will have been a first-class musical inspired to further education, learning explore the opportunities that choristership offers. skills that equip Cathedral Choir Photo: © Michael Whitefoot them throughout ‘Be a Chorister for an their life: those of leadership, presentation and Afternoon’ for girls aged 10-14 took place on teamwork in addition to performing and Saturday 12th January, between 2.30pm and appreciating music. They play a leading role in 6.30pm. Participants rehearsed and performed all of the Cathedral’s major festivals, in addition with the current girl choristers. to performing at the Three Choirs Festival We would be happy to hear from those interested each year. in choristership please contact Nicholas We are always looking for the next generation Freestone, Assistant Director of Music or for of Cathedral choristers, and it was a delight to further information email: nicholasfreestone welcome ten boys to our ‘Be a Chorister for an @worcestercathedral.org.uk.

Ready, steady, flip! Worcester Cathedral choristers’ annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race is taking place in the Cathedral Cloister at 9.15am on Tuesday 5th March 2019. Boy and girl choristers from the Cathedral Choir will be competing alongside Cathedral staff and clergy. The competitors will be running the tricky relay obstacle course around the medieval Cloister in their traditional robes; the spectacle is watched and supported by pupils from King’s St Alban’s, Michael Brierley crosses the line first in last year’s who line the route to cheer the racers. pancake race

8 Worcester Cathedral News Music News

Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir celebrates 20 years of singing

Music, dining and dancing are ‘I wanted to gather the best BBC1 Christmas Eve Midnight helping to make for a very amateur singers from across the Mass live broadcast. That special Worcester Cathedral Worcestershire diocese and beyond performance has, to date, Chamber Choir’s 20th to form the first male and female had more than 67,000 anniversary season. choir to sing in the Cathedral in YouTube views. A year-long celebration is in its 900-plus years,’ says Stephen, Last year the choir was invited store for the choir which broke now Senior Lay Clerk. to sing the Hallelujah Chorus a centuries-old mould when in ‘I never envisioned that it would at the opening of the 1998 then lay clerk Stephen be such a successful and prestigious RHS Malvern Shellard outlined his dream of established part of the Cathedral Spring Show. conducting and leading his and Worcester’s musical life Barely drawing breath after own choir to the Chapter. 20 years later.’ its early January anniversary The choir has since expanded evensong and reception, the from singing at traditional choir is gearing up for a services to successful concert fund-raising celidh (February performances, acclaimed CD 9), a summer gala dinner and recordings, touring and even the big anniversary concert, backing Brit Award-winning Brahms German Requiem, on trio Blake and accompanying April 6. There are also plans rock legend and ‘Grumpy Old to perform with the English Man’ Rick Wakeman. Symphony Orchestra in this There have been visits to summer’s Elgar Festival. Dublin and Norfolk and a key Stephen, who is working with musical role in 2013’s local composers on new choir Christmas and Easter’s commissions, has more ideas Gloucester and Worcester up his conducting arm’s Cathedrals’ Mystery Plays. sleeve. ‘Watch this space,’ In 2007 the choir sang in the he grins.

Stephen Shellard, Visit www.worcestercathedralchamberchoir.co.uk or find the Conductor of the Chamber Choir choir on Facebook, Google+ Instagram and Twitter (@WCCC2).

Worcester Cathedral News 9 Heritage Francis Brett Young Worcestershire was irresistible and he lived there for the next 10 years. During this time, he became very involved in the life of the county and one of his appointments was to the Executive Committee of the Friends of Worcester Cathedral. Francis was a prolific and popular writer. Several of his novels are set in this area and some feature Worcester and its Cathedral. Have you noticed the simple Here, for example, is a short extract plaque on the wall of the North from his novel This Little World: Transept which pays tribute to “Dr Selby turned his back on the the lives of Francis and Jessica Severn and entered the Cathedral... Brett Young? If you have, He had always loved it, it was the perhaps you have wondered Cathedral to him; a graceful medieval what their connection was to lady of a church...” the Cathedral. For the last few years of his life, Francis Brett Young was born Francis and Jessica lived in South in 1884 in (then in Africa, where he died. He wished Worcestershire). Jessica was his ashes to be placed in Worcester from Alvechurch. He loved the Cathedral. His wish was fulfilled local area with a passion. and on the order of service for the In 1904, on one of Francis’ many interment, which took place in visits to Worcester Cathedral, 1954, there was this quotation from Edward Elgar himself was his epic poem The Island: conducting The Dream of “And when they asked him where he Gerontius, a cherished and much would lie, he bethought him of our revisited memory for him. Church of St Mary at Worcester Francis qualified and worked as saying: ‘I commend My body and a doctor before WWI but he had soul to God and to St Wulstan’, always enjoyed writing and so here we buried him”. became a full time writer after active service in the War. Don't miss... For health reasons he spent much of his adult life living There will be a Francis Brett Young Exhibition abroad but early in the 1930s he in the Dean’s Chapel from 12 - 31 March 2019. had the opportunity to settle in At Evensong on Sunday 17th March we will Fladbury. The chance to live be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the again in his beloved Francis Brett Young Society.

10 Worcester Cathedral News 100th AnniversaryHeritage

Grammar School at Hawkshead. Wordsworth Tudor Bishops would be a pupil there. His eldest son was ancestor of the Lords Sandys of Ombersley and Philip Bowen, Cathedral Guide and Welcomer second son Edwin was one treasurer of the New World Our Tudor Bishops shed light and on his watch Rome was colony of Virginia based at on religion at our Cathedral and sacked and he was captured in Jamestown. open a window on the religious his famous castle. A few days John Whitgift (1577-1583) left and political life of the age. before his death he here to become Archbishop of Many play prominent roles in commissioned ‘The Last Canterbury. (An aunt with national life. Judgment’ in the Sistine Chapel. whom he once lodged wrote For 37 years – 1497-1534 – Two were burnt at the stake. that "though she thought at first four were Italian. I can find no Hugh Latimer (1535-39) led the she had received a saint into her parallels at other Cathedrals so great revolution here – Bibles in house, she now perceived he why Worcester? Our Italians English, the image of the Virgin was a devil.”) He placed his (‘Apostolic Administrators’) stripped of jewels and burnt. He stamp on the church of the seem to have been English fell out with Henry VIII and went Reformation, was at Elizabeth Ambassadors at Rome. from here to the Tower of I’s bedside when she died and Silvestro de’ Gigli seemingly London. Under Queen Mary he crowned James I. A shopping eliminated a rival. Cardinal was burned outside Balliol centre in Croydon is named Bainbridge, Archbishop of York, College, Oxford, in 1555 (he after him – the only one of our was killed in 1514 by Sylvestro’s himself had preached before a Bishops to have that dubious chaplain Rinaldo who confessed friar was burnt in 1538). He is honour. that he had poisoned him under credited with memorable words Richard Fletcher (1593-1594) Gigli’s orders. Our Bishop said uttered to his fellow-sufferer: as Dean of Peterborough had his chaplain was mad. “Play the man, Master Ridley; preached – disastrously - at the Giulio de’ Medici is the most we shall this day light such a candle, execution of Mary Queen of illustrious figure to have held by God's grace, in , as I Scots at Fotheringay. He led Worcester. Archbishop of trust shall never be put out.” John prayers in English while Mary Narbonne and Florence, nephew Hooper (1552-3) was Bishop of and her retainers said them in of Lorenzo the Magnificent Gloucester but the see was Latin; she won the verbal battle. (patron of Botticelli and reduced to an archdeaconry and His son John collaborated with Michelangelo), he became Pope added to Worcester. He was Shakespeare on three plays. Clement VII. He refused to burnt at Gloucester. That is just a glimpse of the grant Henry VIII his divorce, Edwin Sandys (1559-70) was fascinating Tudor Bishops of triggering our Reformation, from Cumbria and founded the Worcester.

Pope Clement VII Bishop Latimer Bishop Sandys Archbishop Whitgift

Worcester Cathedral News 11 FundraisingEvents Guide Page Events at Worcester Cathedral 2019

12 – 24 February, January 10am – 4pm Arthur: The Lost Tudor Prince Until 10 February A fascinating audio-tour around The Esque Collection a gallery of images and artefacts Exhibition by Laura White Chapter House Dean’s Chapel Wednesday 13 February, Thursday 17, 24 & 31 January 7.30pm 12.15pm – 12.55pm Lunchtime recitals Meditative Prayer Group The Guesten 15 College Green Free admission, retiring Saturday 16 February, collection 9am – 3pm 15 – 24 February The Elegant Tudor Hand Friday 18 January, 5.30pm Love Worcester Join a calligraphy workshop St Wulfstantide Evensong Heritage Festival in the Lady Chapel and learn to write letterforms of the Saturday 19 January, Wednesday 13 & Tudor Period. 12pm – 1pm Thursday 14 February Tickets £20 from Service of Thanksgiving 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm www.eventbrite.co.uk for the life of Donald Hunt Messy Church All welcome Half term activities for Saturday 16 February, 10.30am, children and families 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm Saturday 26 January, 5.30pm Free, donations invited Evensong sung by The Four Living History talks: Chamber Choir to celebrate ‘The Life of Mary Arden’, Friday 15 and Wednesday 20 their 20th anniversary Magic in the Tudor Period’, All welcome February, 2.30pm (Fri) ‘A Medieval Monk’s Life’ and 3.45pm (Wed) ‘Powick Bridge and the Battle of Worcester’ Sunday 27 January, 6.30pm Tudor and Stuart Library Tour The Guesten, 15 College Green. A Ceremony of Carols Tickets £6 from Tickets £5 per talk from Sung by the Cathedral Choir and www.eventbrite.co.uk www.eventbrite.co.uk Voluntary Choir boy choristers Friday 15 February, 7.30pm Wednesday 20 February, February Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 Concert by The Sixteen choir 2.30pm – 3.30pm Tudor and Stuart tour and orchestra, joined by the Thursday 7, 14 & 28 February of the Cathedral 12.15pm – 12.55pm Choristers of the Cathedral A historic tour highlighting Lunchtime recitals conducted by Harry some of the fascinating stories Free admission, retiring Christophers of the era collection Tickets www.thesixteen.com Tickets £6 from or 0333 010 2850 www.eventbrite.co.uk 11 – 24 February, 10am – 4pm The Great Tudor Quest 15 February – 3 March Thursday 21 February, 6pm Explore Worcester’s Exhibition of artwork by The Worcester Lecture Tudor heritage through this RGS Year 12 Lady Hale interactive quest Dean’s Chapel Free, all welcome

12 Worcester Cathedral News Events Guide

Tuesday 12 March, 7.30pm March Meditative Prayer Group Holy Week and The Guesten, 15 College Green Easter Services Friday 1 March, 7pm An Evening with Wednesdays 13, 20 & 27 March Robin Walker M.P. and 3 & 10 April, 7.30pm Followed by cheese and Lent Lectures wine reception £12.50. The Guesten, 15 College Green To book call The Friends of Worcester Cathedral on Sunday 17 March , 5.30pm 01905 732920 Evensong celebrating 40 years of the Francis Brett Young Sunday 14 April, 10.30am 1 – 15 March Society Sung Eucharist with Studdert Kennedy Exhibition For the 90th anniversary Procession of Palms Saturday 23 March, 7.30pm of his death Mendelssohn Elijah Sunday 14 April, 6.30pm South Cloister Concert by Worcester Stainer’s Crucifixion Sung by the Cathedral Sunday 3 March, 4pm Festival Choral Society County Civic Service Tickets from Voluntary Choir www.ticketsource.co.uk/wfcs and Monday 15 April, 11am 6 March – 29 April Worcester Live 01905 611427 Chrism Eucharist Via Dolorosa – Christ’s Sorrowful Way Monday 25 March, 5.30pm 15, 16 & 17 April, 8pm Sung Eucharist for the Exhibition by Sara Hayward Compline Around the Cathedral Annunciation Thursday 18 April, 8pm Wednesday 6 March, 5.30pm 6 – 25 April The Liturgy of Sung Eucharist with the Tania March Exhibition Maundy Thursday imposition of ashes Dean’s Chapel Friday 19 April, 10am Thursdays 7, 14 & 21 March, 6 April 10am – 1pm Blessing of the Ecumenical 12.15pm – 12.55pm Poetry Workshop Walk of Witness Lunchtime Recitals Crypt. All welcome Free admission, Friday 19 April, 12pm retiring collection Service of The Word April Friday 8 March, 5.30pm Friday 19 April, 1.45pm Evensong to mark the 90th Sunday 7 April, 6.30pm The Liturgy of Good Friday Organ meditation Anniversary of the death of Saturday 20 April, 8pm Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy for Passiontide The Easter Liturgy 12 – 31 March Tuesday 9 April, 7.30pm Sunday 21 April, 10.30am Francis Brett Young Exhibition Meditative Prayer Group Eucharist for Easter Day Dean’s Chapel The Guesten, 15 College Green

Disclaimer Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the event diary at the time of publishing. However, changes may be made at a later date. Please check with the Chapter Office, visit worcestercathedral.co.uk or broadcast via social media for any latest information.

Worcester Cathedral News 13 FundraisingLoveWWI Worcester Anniversary Page

15-24 A welcome Love Worcester February Heritage Festival 2019 return for

For some years Morrison our The Sixteen now the Cathedral The Sixteen return to Worcester Cathedral has Librarian is Cathedral on Friday 15 been a member giving two February 2019. As part of their of the Worcester Tudor and national tour, this year The Heritage Stuart Library Sixteen performs one of the Partnership, Tours, and cornerstones of the classical in fact we were some of our repertoire, Monteverdi’s one of the experienced monumental Vespers of 1610, founding Cathedral famed for its thrilling rhythms, members, along Instagram fun Guides are grand choruses and beautiful solo movements. The Sixteen with Royal delivering a choir and orchestra is conducted Worcester, The Commandery new Tudor and Stuart by Harry Christophers. and Visit Worcester. themed tour of the The Worcester Heritage Cathedral. Partners work together to We have invited back local attract visitors to Worcester artist Dr Elizabeth Beattie, and to our various heritage who will lead The Elegant establishments, and to Tudor Hand calligraphy encourage people to move workshop, where you can between the various heritage learn to write letterforms sites. The Partnership organises of the Tudor period. Harry says ‘the Vespers is one of the annual Love Worcester In addition we have four the most significant collections Heritage Festival for the of sacred music ever written. February half-term holidays. Living History talks in the Hickes room of The Guesten We will follow Monteverdi's Look out for the eye catching dictum,‘recitar cantando - speak leaflet with the red heart on – The life of Mary Arden; Magic in the Tudor period; through music’ - to maximum that lists all the activities that effect, bringing this glorious work are going on at the different A Medieval Monk’s life; Powick Bridge and the to life in the wonderful acoustics venues during the festival. of some of the UK’s finest Battle of Worcester. This year our theme at the cathedrals. We are delighted that Cathedral during the Love Join in some of the Love choristers from many of the Worcester Heritage Festival is Worcester holiday fun and cathedrals on the tour will have ‘The Tudors and Stuarts’. The snap a photo for Instagram the opportunity to join The Education department presents of one of your favourite Sixteen on stage to perform the a new trail around the places in the Cathedral. ‘Sonata sopra Sancta Maria’ Cathedral, The Great Tudor Details of how to book are section of the Vespers.’ Quest. We are also displaying on the event pages of this Tickets for the 7.30pm concert the popular exhibition Arthur: newsletter and also on our cost £10-30 and are available The Lost Tudor Prince in the Cathedral website www. from www.thesixteen.com/ Chapter house. Dr David worcestercathedral.co.uk events/monteverdi-vespers- worcester/

14 Worcester Cathedral News Arts Laura White The Esque Collection

8 January – 10 February, The Dean’s Chapel

Meadow Arts presents Worcester-born artist Laura White’s The Esque Collection at the Cathedral, part of The Precious Clay; porcelain in contemporary art with the Museum of Royal Worcester. White’s work interrogates our interactions with the ‘world of STUFF’ and what that means. Exploring the relationship and trade of crafted and manufactured objects between China and Europe, White’s ‘Chinoiserie’ objects in The Esque Collection pull from a wealth of ‘ready-mades’ - cheap plastic imports from China, European Chinoiserie and global reproduced souvenirs- to create sculptural/ornamental centre pieces, each displayed on their own podium. Their identities are in crisis, but each is bound by an intuitive formal logic and configuration.

Concert is first chance in 16 years to hear Elijah at the Cathedral

A true choral blockbuster is returning to Worcester Cathedral this spring, for the first time since 2003. The 140-strong Worcester Festival Choral Society will perform Mendelssohn’s masterwork Elijah on Saturday 23rd March at 7.30pm. Telling the life of Old Testament prophet Elijah, the 1846 oratorio is a favourite with choral music lovers. ‘Elijah is bursting with drama, beauty and energy, from its spectacular choruses and stirring arias to the exciting orchestration,’ said Ben Cooper, Chairman. Also performing are the Meridian Sinfonia and soloists Susanna Andersson (soprano), Catherine Carby (alto), Ruairi Bowen (tenor) and Edward Tickets are available from Seymour (bass). WFCS music director Christopher www.worcesterfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk Allsop conducts. and Worcester Live, 01905 611427.

Worcester Cathedral News 15 Enterprises Winter Sale in the Cathedral Shop Anything John Lewis selection of books relating to Lent and Easter. can do, we in the We will be running our ‘three for the price of cathedral shop can do two’ offer on children’s Easter books, which better, or at least as has become a regular and popular feature. well. We aim always to be more than just a gift shop So, although we and we hope this is reflected in the range of eschewed the delights products we stock, which hopefully will of Black Friday last appeal not just to tourists and seasonal visitors. November, we are The intention is for the cathedral community nevertheless having a to regard us as the first port of call for books, New Year sale during CDs, greeting cards and general gifts all the Shop manager James Pertwee January and February. year round. We are always happy to order in There are genuine and non-stock items, including books on any substantial reductions, especially on books and subject (not just religious or historical) and CDs. This is always a quiet time of year for the any classical CD. shop, so a good opportunity to pick up some The shop is increasingly catering for churches eal bargains, and browse in peace. in the diocese, with supplies of candles, altar As the year progresses we will, as usual, be bread and wine, or indeed any other church stocking a range of cards both for Mothering requirements. Visit us soon to see what Sunday and Easter, not forgetting an interesting exciting new stock we have on offer.

New specials at the Cloister Café

The Cloister Cafe will be offering two Specials over the next few winter months. Choose from Hot Pork and Stuffing Rolls or tempting Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches. The café also has two offers to choose from too: • Before 11am buy a bacon or sausage sandwich with a filter coffee for just £3.00 • Bring along one of the Cathedral’s new re-usable take away green and white cups with the Cathedral logo on and receive a 10% discount on a coffee or tea every time you use it in the café. The cups are on sale in both the Cathedral shop and café and are priced at £4.99. Also coming soon will be a range of syrups for coffees, and the introduction of a new coffee loyalty card scheme. We are really pleased to be able to develop these new discounts, but are only able to offer one discount per transaction. We hope thatWorcesterRep our visitor and loyal café users will understand this, as all our @profitsWorcesterRep go to benefit our fine Cathedral.

16 Worcester Cathedral News Time for Reflection

News from Chapter the Friends & Verse Sue Carpenter, Friends Chairman Canon Georgina Byrne

In my piece for the It is difficult to contain Autumn/Winter light. Light will find a way newsletter, I wrote that I through the smallest of was looking forward to cracks, gaps or hinges. our AGM on 29th Light spreads, it spills out September. The meeting beyond itself, into the dark, was very well attended. transforming the darkness The only elections this year as it travels. Light knows were for the two ex-officio no borders or boundaries. members of the Executive, and I am pleased Light brings the promise of day, and the hope to report that Michel Schmeising and Julie of the future. Slack were elected into these positions. Between Christmas and Lent, as we look After the business meeting, the Friends forward to more daylight with the coming of enjoyed a talk by John Thornes, a member Spring, we enter the season of Epiphany. This of the Friends and Emeritus Professor of is the time when we celebrate Christ who is Meteorology at Birmingham University. described as the light to the nations: the His talk, ‘John Constable – skies in Worcester’, fulfilment of the promise made to the prophet was fascinating. Afterwards we enjoyed tea Isaiah. After the intimacy of Christmas and in the Deanery, followed by the Friends’ the story of the baby laid in a manger, now we Evensong. record the coming of the Magi, travellers from During the AGM I took the opportunity of the East, with their gifts for the child, and our speaking to Friends about a proposal to offer gaze is directed outwards to the wider world financial assistance to the Flower Guild in the from which they come. In the season of Epiphany, we read of Jesus’ form of individual donations. In addition, at baptism, and by it are reminded of our own a recent Executive meeting, we were pleased baptism. At the end of every baptism service, to approve a one-off grant to the Flower Guild the newly-baptised person is given a lighted of £875. The Flower Guild is one of the candle as a sign of the call on every Christian Groups with long-standing links with the to live as lights for the world. Friends. They are currently looking for It’s a moment to pause and reflect, and to funding, as they have lost some of their pray that Jesus, the Light of the World, will fill long-standing donors, and the Executive is the darkest corners of our hearts with his pleased to assist them in their work creating light, and that we, as his followers, will help to the wonderful displays in the Cathedral. bring the light of hope to the whole world. We have just finished compiling our diary of social events for 2019, and once more we have a full and varied programme. If you would like to be involved with the Friends, and perhaps take part in some of these events (!), please contact the office on 01905 732920.

Worcester Cathedral News 17 Cathedral Information

Weekly Services Cathedral Information

Sunday Services Cathedral opening times 7.30am Morning Prayer 7.30am - 6pm daily, entry free. 8am Holy Communion Charges apply for the areas below and for some events. 10.30am Sung Eucharist Group Guided Tours 4pm Evensong or Email: [email protected] Evening Prayer Young people and school group visits There is normally a service Email: [email protected] at 6.30pm on Sundays in school term. Turn up for a Tour March to November, Monday to Saturday, 11am and 2.30pm. December to February, Saturdays only. Monday to Saturday Services Climb the Tower From February, Saturday 11am - 5pm, Sunday 12,30pm - 7.30am Morning Prayer 3.30pm, During February half-term, 11.30am - 3.30pm. 8am Holy Communion Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Weather/events 5.30pm Evensong or permitting. (Please check the website for detailed schedule). Evening Prayer Cathedral Library Open by appointment and on special occasions. Additional Weekday Email: [email protected] Services Monday Meeting rooms and to book events 1.05pm Prayers for Healing Email: [email protected] (not Bank Holidays) Cathedral Shop Wednesday Until 31 March, open Monday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm. 1.05pm Holy Communion Closed on Sundays until February half term. From 17 February, Friday Sunday opening hours 12pm - 3.45pm. From 1 April, Monday to 11.30am Holy Communion Saturday 10am - 5pm. (BCP) Cloister Café Open Monday to Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. The Cathedral’s detailed monthly Last orders for food 4pm. service scheme for the current The Chapter Office Connect month will give you more information with us about the individual services. Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm. Telephone: 01905 732900 Visit: www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/ Monthly_Service_Scheme.php Email: [email protected] Website: www.worcestercathedral.co.uk

18 Worcester Cathedral News Gift Form

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