No. 30 August 2018 £2 / Free to members

Friendship and Generosity Contents From the Dean 3 From the Chairman 4 Comparisons 6 Report from the Director of Music 8 Friendship and Generosity 10 Three Choirs Festival Commission review 12 Church Crawl 13 Bishop John, Lord High Almoner 14 The Vergers’ Litany 15 John Hardman Powell, 1827-18950 16-18 Reflections of an ex-chorister 19 The Ifkara Bakery Project 20 Group reports 21 A final word about Christ in Majesty 22 New Friends and In Memoriam 23 From the Treasurer 23 Who’s Who 25 Administration 26

No. 30, August 2018

Compiled and edited by Sue Carpenter and Elayne Guest Photography: David Thorpe, Elayne Guest Cover photography: Chris Guy, Newberry Smith Photography Ltd. Design: davewalshcreative.co.uk Print: Modus Print, Independent House, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 3BH From the Dean

The past year has seen the completion of all the repair projects funded by the Government’s English Cathedrals First World War Repair Fund, from which we were fortunate to secure nearly £900,000. This Fund was the first – and so far the last – time that the treasury has directly funded repairs in cathedrals, and there is at present little sign that anything like this will be repeated. The two major projects funded under this scheme were the repairs of the East and West Windows, both carried out to the highest possible standard, on time and practically within budget. Each window was blessed on completion at a liturgy involving some heavenward ascension on the part of different cathedral clergy, but there were no mishaps.

Having necessarily been involved in the two window repair projects, our Stonemasons team now resumes work on the Edgar “...the Friends have Tower. Many of you have kindly ‘made your mark’ by sponsoring committed themselves a stone. Gifts from individuals and from trusts, including a major grant from Historic England, mean that we can now to funding the confidently see our way to completing work on the Tower conservation of (including, we hope, the restoration of the great gates) in the ‘Christ in Majesty...” next two years. Alongside this are our plans for the conversion of the Undercroft as our new community learning centre. This is being generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, but as you may know, the Cathedral community has £500k to find. As well as bringing the Undercroft back into use, we will (in collaboration with the King’s School) be installing a lift from down to the Undercroft and up to College Hall. We were warmly encouraged both by the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to include the conservation of the ‘Christ in Majesty’ sculpture in College Hall in the project. I am delighted that having invited the Friends, at last year’s AGM, to become a substantial partner in the Undercroft project, the Friends have committed themselves to funding the conservation of ‘Christ in Majesty’ at a cost of £50,000. On behalf of my colleagues of the Chapter, I express my thanks to the Friends for this, and indeed for the ongoing support of the Friends in so many ways.

3 From the Chairman

and Cathedral representatives support of the Cathedral’s group, and so an amendment Undercroft Project. The to the Constitution was Cathedral has received initial presented at the AGM and it support from the Heritage read: Lottery Fund to conserve and The officers of the Society bring into use the 13th will invite nominated Century Undercroft of representatives from within College Hall. Later this year the Cathedral community to the Cathedral will apply for meet informally with them at Stage 2 of the grant and part least twice a year. Advice and of this process is to secure information from the £500,000 in match funding. discussions to be reported I am delighted to report that back to the Executive. the Friends Executive has Organisations to include agreed to commit £50,000 Last year I reported that I Education, Welcomers, towards this amount, to be was nearing the end of my Bellringers, Music, raised over three years. The first term as Chairman, and I Embroiderers, Flower Guild, focus of our grant will be am pleased to be able to Stonemasons, Vergers and the conservation and report that I was elected for a Library. interpretation of the medieval second term at our AGM in This amendment was sculpture Christ in Majesty in October 2017. Our Hon. approved by the Friends College Hall. £50,000 is a Secretary, Elayne Guest, was present. The Friends’ and huge sum, but we have made also re-elected. I was pleased Cathedral representatives an amazing start, with and delighted, and I thank group have met three times so Friends making donations Friends for their confidence far hosted by our Treasurer, and also organising their own in me and for their support. Stephen Tilton, at 5a Collage funding raising events. You I also reported that we Yard. They are very sociable can read more details about proposed to amend the part of gatherings, and give the these elsewhere in The our constitution that related opportunity for the officers of Shield. The Friends had an to the role of Council. It had the Friends and the opportunity to hear more been felt by many (including representatives of Cathedral about the scheme when they the members of Council) that groups to share plans and were invited to a session in its role had become unclear information. It is felt that the College Hall where Jane and to some extent irrelevant. meetings have been enjoyable Rogers, Ben Smith and a So, after discussion and and useful. representative from the consultation with Friends, we One of the main items to Heritage Lottery Fund spoke proposed to form a Friends report this year is the Friends’ about the project and

4 answered questions. delegates, many of whom I the Sung Eucharist on Sunday The principal objective of had met at previous morning which was unusual the Friends is to provide conferences. On the first in that it commemorated the financial support for the evening we were welcomed by Reformation by following the Cathedral by making grants members of the Friends of Ely 1549 Book of Common to the Chapter and other Cathedral and given a guided Prayer. I find these groups within the Cathedral. tour of the Cathedral. On the conferences an excellent I am very pleased that the Saturday we were given a talk opportunity for exchanging Friends are supporting the by the Cathedral ideas and making links with Cathedral in this project, and Administrator (The Ely other Friends. We are all I would like to thank Cathedral Survival Kit), looking forward to the next everyone for their generosity followed by talks on social conference in 2019 at and enthusiasm. and digital media, Friends Peterborough. Moving away from literature and information, A word about GDPR. The Worcester, in October 2017, I and the General Date Cathedral has a working party attended the National Protection Regulations developing a policy about this Conference of Friends of (GDPR). In the evening the for the Cathedral. As we athedrals, Abbeys and Greater Conference dinner was held share a common database Churches, this time held in in the Lady Chapel, and the (Harlequin) I am liaising with Ely, which is a lovely place. guest speaker was the Bishop the Cathedral Steward and in The Cathedral is magnificent, of Ely, The Right Reverend due course we will be and it was good to meet other Stephen Conway. We attended communicating with Friends about this matter. Be assured, it is on our ‘to do list’! Finally, I would like to thank again my fellow officers, Elayne Guest, Stephen Tilton, our social committee members, Liz Wright, Diana Gant, Sue Thomas, Margaret Renney, the Executive and our Administrator Clare Stokes. And especially I would like to thank you, our Friends, for your friendship, enthusiasm and support throughout the Christ in Majesty in College Hall last year.

5 Worcester Cathedral Comparisons

Brian Ferris

There are about 50 cathedrals other buildings seem to have crypt is equal to it. Secondly, in England, and Worcester is priority (for example, we have the finest cathedral one of the largest and most Canterbury, York, Winchester, tower in England, both for its important of the mediaeval Wells, Gloucester, and Ely). elaborate decoration in contrast examples. In common with We could even say that it is to a plain exterior, and for its other cathedrals and major placed in the second rank along subtle proportions. Then we churches, it is formed with a with Rochester, Chichester, come to the elaborate masonry cross plan (and in this case two St. Albans, Bristol, Lichfield, of the Early English Quire and transepts), and a central tower. Chester, Ripon and so on. Lady Chapel, with their intricate It is of the Northern type with We can boast two royal arch mouldings and foliated its high east end chapels such as tombs, along with Canterbury capitals. This splendid work is we find at York and Lincoln, and Gloucester, amongst one largely ignored by art historians, unlike the Southern type where or two others. Worcester has a who exhaust their energies in the chapels are at a distinctly very cramped site and an extolling the virtues of Wells, lower level, as at Gloucester, unwelcome proliferation of Lincoln, and Salisbury. The Salisbury, and elsewhere. Our heavy traffic outside its front problem here is that they do not Cathedral was combined with a door. But we have many good like the proportions of the quire monastery, in common with points, not least about seven other cathedrals, a the fact that we system unique to England and do not charge for not found elsewhere. At the entry to any part Dissolution of the Monasteries of the church. these churches needed to have And when it new statutes, and are known as comes to its the “New Foundation” to architectural distinguish them from the glories we have orignals which are “Old much of which to Foundation.” Worcester diocese be proud. And we was originally in the Province have one of the of York, but later transferred to finest peals of that of Canterbury bells in the whole In the popular mind world. Worcester is associated with the Firstly, our famous view from across the glorious crypt river, familiar to all cricket (right), surely the lovers, but otherwise it is not finest in England, ranked as one of the most even in is present important. This is unfortunate truncated form. and perhaps a little unfair, but No other Norman

6 modernise the interior fittings. Nearly everything that had survived up to the 1860s was swept away, and in their place we have the Victorians’ ideas of church furniture and fittings. We have to thank them for some splendid windows and stained glass, a marvellous marble pulpit, and elaborate reredos. Less successful were the re-ordering of the Quire, with the destruction of some of the finest Marian choirstalls in England, a sad backwards step. And we have the black and white marble pavements, much admired but totally inappropriate to a large gothic church. The removal of the arcade, made rather squat difficulties, yet this form was pulpitum and organ loft is a by the elevation of the crypt rapidly adopted throughout debatable point; it was done to below. The carving is England. The fine cloisters are provide a good perspective view considered too elaborate, they of unusually small dimensions, of the whole interior. That is an prefer the work at Salisbury, owing to the proximity of the 18th century view of things, which has practically none. river and of earlier buildings. much copied elsewhere, with The 14th century work of College Hall is a magnificent questionable results. the nave is certainly a large mediaeval hall, originally One of our saddest losses is disappointment, for it is too the monastic refectory. There the Cathedral Close and dark and compares poorly are other monastic remains, Lychgate, removed by town with such works as Exeter. including the Edgar Tower, planners in the 18th and 20th The clerestory windows are unlike some of the other centuries in an effort to solve very small, unlike the huge monastic cathedrals who have our traffic problems. We still windows at Exeter and lost all their non-ecclesiastical have the traffic problem and elsewhere. buildings. we have lost these treasures for We now come to the When it comes to the 14th ever. Firstly College Street was monastery buildings, and here century, besides the nave we cut through the churchyard, we have the triumph of the have our glorious tower, but the buildings of the Close circular Chapter House. At 58 cloisters, remodelling of the survived until the 1960s, when feet diameter it is practically Chapter House, and much all was swept away in the name the largest in England, and the other rebuilding. This includes of modernisation. very first of this form of College Hall, with its unique With all these criticisms we circular or polygonal plan. though sadly damaged Majestas still have a wonderful building This form is unique to carving. and a vibrant and meaningful England, for in Europe We must now consider the church which still serves the generally chapter houses are Victorian restoration of the community after all these years, usually rectangular. How this latter part of the 19th century. and probably more of an asset circular form came to be Very extensive structural to the locality now than ever adopted is unknown, and it repairs were undertaken, and before in all its long history. certainly has its acoustic the opportunity was taken to

7 Report From The Director of Music Peter Nardone, Organist and Director of Music Singing with a Soul! In September 2017, the start Conservatoire. At the end of Organist) and me. As a close- of the academic year just ended, the summer term he achieved harmony group we have we were in the rare and an exceedingly high mark in his informally traded as Tomkins fortunate position of having 16 final recital and the Six during the year and boy choristers, 18 girl choristers adjudicators wrote“…there is hopefully something of this ilk and 12 gentlemen. It is unusual simply nothing to quibble about can continue with choral for all the places to be taken in your playing… It was scholars in years to come. and, whilst we lost a few singers electrifying.” We are pleased The Three Choir’s Festival along the way for credible and that he is staying with us for a in Worcester 2017 featured a legitimate reasons, it has been a further year. Friends Commission in the wonderful year for the choir. Choral scholars David form of an Evening Service by The Friends make a Pettersson (from Sweden), Thomas Hewitt Jones and a considerable annual pledge of Matthew Welch (from Wales) review of this is mentioned support to the music, and in and Sebastian Hill (from elsewhere in this edition of The particular the learning posts Croydon!) have become quite Shield. The AGM and Friends that the music department well known to some of the evensong on 7th October was offers to choral and organ Friends, having entertained at a followed by the organ’s 9th scholars. This year’s organ number of events, not least the birthday recital by Colin Walsh scholar has been Ashley Christmas Lunch where they of Lincoln and a busy term and Wagner who has combined the were joined by Stephen Tilton productive advent and scholarship with his full-time (Treasurer of the Friends), Christmas ensued. During the course at the Birmingham Richard Cook (Sub-Assistant year the cathedral received substantial sums from both the Ouseley Trust and the Friends of Cathedral Music. These endowment grants will allow us to commit more money per annum to singing lessons for members of the choir. In February I was struck down with flu and, like so many people this year, took a full six weeks to fully recover. This meant that I was unable to sing solo in the ‘Purely’ Baroque concert in March but Andrew Randall (Cantoris Bass Lay Clerk) was able to sing his solo cantata, and the Peter Nardone, Stephen Tilton (Friends’ Treasurer) Richard Cook and instrumentalists found extra choral scholars entertain Friends at the ‘second’ Christmas lunch music to play to make up for

8 my absence. This Purely series D’Auray in Brittany. The men Freestone from St.Paul’s has now run for a number of also made their own musical Cathedral, who is to replace years and has benefitted from contributions of substantial Christopher and I hope that he the support of the Friends both works by Tallis, Franck and will contribute as fully and with financially and in their Tomkins, to name but a few. as much commitment as his attendance at concerts. Arrangements are being made predecessor. Another relatively small but for us to host the young singers Finally I wish to thank all very important grant of £500 from Nantes at some point in the Friends who pass on such from the Friends enabled the the near future and we will supportive comments and notes gentlemen of the cathedral ensure this is well advertised if to us musicians throughout the choir to visit France after it comes to fruition. year and, in particular, those of Easter. In quite an unusual but At the time of writing this the committee who work highly beneficial project of Christopher Allsop and I are closely with Stephen Tilton and outreach and engagement we working out our last few weeks me, enjoying wine and nibbles formed the back row in together. He has been a superb in our basement at 5A College concerts with two choirs of supporter and colleague ever Yard from time to time and children, those who sing since my arrival here in 2012 working tirelessly to keep regularly in Nantes Cathedral, and I wish him well in his new Worcester Cathedral a shining and those who are part of the post at King’s School, light and a tangible witness to music foundation at the famous Worcester. In September we God’s presence in our city. pilgrimage basilica of St. Anne will welcome Nicholas

9 Friendship and Generosity Elayne Guest, Honorary Secretary

Friendship and Generosity has become the strapline for our ever expanding social scene within The Friends. We have certainly experienced a wonderful level of friendship, and everyone’s generosity has helped to raise funds for the projects we support within the Cathedral. Thank you to all our Friends who attend our gatherings and who give so readily. Especially thanks to the Social Committee who work so hard to produce such delicious food and well organised, successful events. If anyone feels moved to join the team please come forward, we would love to welcome you. So to take a quick review of the wide range of events over the A relaxed Canon Michael Brierley and Christopher Allsop with Gus, past year. August saw a very the Asparagus Man successful evening in the train around the huge site to see The Dean hosted tea in the Cathedral with John Chester the monuments and memorials Deanery followed by a special from Bewdley Civic Society to so many services who have Friends Festival Evensong. giving an interesting talk on given their lives for their The highlight event of the year Stanley Baldwin followed by country. After a visit to Lichfield was in November when Bishop Pimms and a buffet in The Cathedral we were entertained Cloister, We were pleased to to tea by The Friends. spoke to 96 Friends have as a guest Beatrice Grant, about his role as Lord High The Annual General Meeting Almoner to the Queen. This Stanley Baldwin’s great- was well attended and our guest was followed by a hot supper granddaughter. speaker was Eugene (quite a catering challenge!) in September saw us travelling Schellenberg. He told us about a to The National Memorial project he and his wife had set The Chapter House. Arboretum near Lichfield where up in Ifakara. There is an article Once again we held the main most of our party took the land about their work in The Shield. Christmas Lunch at The Old

10 Palace and Laura Frangoudis new event on Valentine’s Day. President, Lady Rosalind (Green) told us about her life as A very English Afternoon Tea Morrison and her family for a ballerina. A second lunch was was taken, after an extremely allowing us to use the facilities held in The Guesten and six interesting talk about The and wander in their grounds. songsters from our music Crown Jewels. In early May our new Cathedral department led by Dr Peter The weather nearly caught us Steward, Val Floy, told us about Nardone sang some Christmas out at the end of March when her life and career at the songs for us. Once again we gathered at the beautiful Friends lunch in The Chapter thanks to Ivor Pond who played Madresfield Court to walk House. so beautifully for us on both among the daffodils after soup occasions. So as you can see we have had and sandwiches in the an exceptionally busy year and We hope many friends will Playroom. Robin Pearce, it is thanks to our Chairman, support the 2018 Christmas former owner of World’s End Sue Carpenter, Liz Wright, Sue lunch which will be in The Nurseries, Hallow, gave us a Thomas, Margaret Renney and Assembly Room at The most interesting talk about Diana Gant that these events Guildhall and will allow spring flowers, passing round run so smoothly and raise so everyone to be together. examples for people to see and much money. In February 2018 we tried a touch. Once again we thank our

Christ In Majesty Fundraising for the Scholars and the Deans of conservation of the famous Hereford and Worcester medieval sculpture is Cathedrals. progressing well. Some friends In addition Gay Adam has have sent in most generous organised the manufacture of donations and others have some very attractive mugs organised events to raise and fridge magnets. One funds. These include an version of these shows the Afternoon Tea and visit to the famous pink giraffe from the walled garden in Rose Hill. west window, the other shows Thanks to Phil and Joy one of the floor tiles from the Hancock. An Asparagus Quire. These mugs are themed supper in The Chapter available to be bought at House with entertainment Friends’ events, the Cathedral provided by Canon Michael shop and elsewhere and they Brierley, and Christopher are selling well. Allsop (John and Liz Wright The Friends have committed and Diana and Brian Gant). to raise £50,000 and we are so Cross Stitch and Wine grateful to members who have Gay Adam, Sue Carpenter and Evening at St Oswalds Elayne Guest with samples of put so much effort into Almshouses (Reverend Sue the very attractive and original raising money for us and who Irwin), Coffee Morning in The mugs and magnets! have given so generously. Sky Lounge (Elayne Guest), We still have a long way to dinner parties (Michael and with performances from Dr go and we hope that more John Schmiesing), Musical Peter Nardone, Stephen Tilton, support will be forthcoming Evening at Joanna Brickell’s Richard Cook and three Choral in the year ahead.

11 Three Choirs Festival Commission

Last year the Friends commissioned a set of evening service canticles by Thomas Hewitt Jones, that were sung at Evensong during the week of the Three Choirs Festival. This service was broadcast on Radio 3 and we were delighted to have contributed to this part of the Festival. The canticles were well received and the following is a review by Rebecca Tavener taken from The Organist.

Thomas Hewitt Jones demanding, but the rewards carry Simeon’s spirit away at The Worcester Service are high and the composer gets the end of the Nunc Dimittis SATB with organ the choir on his side with (no bump this time). I asked This entertaining (in a suitably directions such as ‘very lush’ Peter Nardone, dedicatee of the and ‘treacly smooth.’ The work, for a comment: ‘The spiritual way) setting of the organ part is both busy and setting is certainly fun and evening canticles manages to be delicate, commenting with festive, as I had hoped it would witty, responsive to the text and colour on the ‘action’, be when I commissioned it. respectful of the tradition all at sometimes with a shimmering Tommy seemed to appreciate once. Commissioned for the numinous glory and it makes that it was very much a Festival Worcester Three Choirs Festival the final gestures of each piece for Three Cathedral in 2017, the composer canticle: at the end of the Choirs whilst giving us responded to the occasion with Magnificat suggesting the something we could use in the elan: the drama of the fluttering away of Gabriel’s repertoire’. It should be taken Magnificat and the plangency wings followed by Mary sitting up where choirs look for an of the Nunc Dimittis are fully down, surprised, with a bump. exciting, imaginative challenge explored with delightful The same fluttering seems to that retains liturgical probity. originality. There are unexpected features, such as the ‘ahs’ at the opening and the ‘amens’ diminishing in power at the end. The composer’s deft touch with textures includes interesting choices for vocal scorings such as the four-part Can/Dec trebles at the beginning of the Nunc Dimittis. There are almost filmic moments, including a nod in the direction of Bernard Herrmann, and a wholly natural, even visceral, interpretation of the text. “The setting is certainly fun and festive, as I had hoped It may be fairly difficult and it would be when I commissioned it.” Peter Nardone

12 Church Crawl 2018 David Thorpe

Tim Bridges took us to five Holme Lacy church churches in Herefordshire, which (Churches Conservancy Trust) provided an excellent variety of has several unusual features, but period, style and ornament. We is dominated by seventeenth and were glad to have a full coach – eighteenth century monuments enough to make a small profit for to the Scudamore family, more the Friends and make donations extravagant perhaps than to each of the churches we visited. modern taste appreciates. Hereford Diocese is a leader in We were served a splendid supporting projects to make rural tea at Fownhope, a large and Herefordshire School Carvings from churches central to the whole life interesting Norman foundation. Stretton Sugwas (above) and of the villages – work in which Here again a Herefordshire Fownhope Tim plays an important part. School tympanum, perhaps by We started at Stretton Sugwas: the same sculptor as at the church was moved in the Dormington, has been brought nineteenth century and the new inside; there is some debate church incorporated the about what the central part important Herefordshire School depicts: it may be the Trinity sculpture of Samson and the lion, which has lost its dove (it often which had formed the tympanum does), or perhaps a Virgin and over the old church’s door. Child. At the sides are Mark’s The intense colour of the west winged lion and John’s eagle. window by Burne Jones and William Morris contrasted with Right, some Friends enjoying the charming grisaille of one of the lovely church of St. Peter’s the two small millennium Dormington, and the sunshine windows. Below, the Norman Church Moreton-on-Lugg’s glory at Holme Lacy is the mosaics by Salviati, particularly around the sanctuary. Salviati’s company revitalised the Venetian glass mosaic industry. At Dormington, as well as the vibrant Burne-Jones/Morris west window, we admired the east window (1901) of the last supper by Mary Lowndes and Isobel Gloag. The twelfth century bronze door knocker was one of those quirky surprise treasures found in village churches; too valuable to keep on the church door, it has been replaced by a replica.

13 Bishop John, Lord High Almoner

Diana Gant

A good crowd of Friends We were delighted to discover the same number of pence gathered in the nave to hear that in one of the earliest (in 1, 2, 3 and 4 pence pieces) Bishop John talk about his role historical records our own King as the Queen’s age. After a long as Lord High Almoner to Her John performed the ceremony period of involvement in Majesty the Queen. in 1210. We also learned that preparation for the event His talk was far ranging, giving the Chapel Royal is wherever Bishop John accompanies the us a wonderful insight into the the monarch happens to be at Queen, girded in white linen biblical origins, long varied the time. When Queen towels and hands her the history and current practice of Elizabeth I washed feet they purses to distribute to as many the Royal Maundy Service as had been washed by several men and women as her age. well as the Royal Household other people first, a necessary The service is full of ancient with its esoteric titles (did you precaution given the lack of ceremony and includes music know that the current Bishop of hygiene at the time! For over from the choir of the Chapel Carlisle is the Queen’s Clerk of 100 years the royal tradition Royal. The sovereign is the Closet?) was lost and alms were given guarded by the Yeoman of the Following the example of Jesus out by the Lord High Almoner. Guard, ex-servicemen dressed washing his disciples’ feet and In recent history the ceremony in Tudor style uniforms. giving them a mandatum was revived by King George V. It was fascinating to hear novum (new commandment) Our present Queen has visited history, anecdotes and to love one another as he has every cathedral in England on personal stories from Bishop loved us, kings and queens of Maundy Thursday since her John and we were delighted England have given alms to the accession. The specially minted that HJ, his fiancée, was able poor and sometimes washed Maundy money consists of two to join him. Thank you Bishop their feet during Holy Week. purses one of which contains John!

14 The Vergers’ Litany

Raymond Fowler, former Custos, asks: Who can remember the Vergers’ Litany being sung at the Wulstan Day Party in 1994? Here is an extract:

Here followeth the litany of Blessed Vergers, Saints and Martyrs to be sung or said after Morning Prayer upon Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, especially on days off and on retirement. O God the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon us miserable Vergers. Spare they Vergers, whom Thou hast chosen for Thy special work, and protect us from all our congregations. SPARE US GOOD LORD From all Bishops, Archbishops, Suffragan Bishops, Overseas Bishops, Archdeacons, Deans, Rural Deans and Canons Residentiary GOOD LORD DELIVER US WE BEESEECH THEE TO HEAR US From all Vicars, Priests, Deacons, Sub-Deacons, GOOD LORD Incumbents, Perpetual Curates, Chaplains and future That it may please thee to control the elements when Lady Ordinands we stick posters on outside notice boards and fit GOOD LORD DELIVER US bulbs in outside lights From all Organists, sub-Organists, visiting Organists, WE BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US organ pupils, Choirmasters, Conductors, Masters of GOOD LORD Music, string ensembles, chamber orchestras, harpists, That it may please Thee to keep all Saints Days and pianists, trumpet players, organ grinders and monkeys Church Festivals well away from our days off GOOD LORD DELIVER US WE BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US From baptisms, funerals, weddings, confirmations, GOOD LORD Civic services, Assize services, Grammar School That it may please Thee to grant us a good council Founders Day service, Taize and Kings School house (with central heating and double glazing) Communion services, WARM Eucharist, Mothers when we retire Union Festivals and Girl Guides Thinking Day WE BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US GOOD LORD DELIVER US GOOD LORD From dusting pews, mopping floors, cleaning brasses, That it may please Thee to keep all Day Chaplains polishing silver, changing hymnboards, locking doors, and Visiting Choirs in their places and out of our issuing gate passes, setting alarms and disarming them business GOOD LORD DELIVER US WE BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US From the Choir Association, Flower and Embroidery GOOD LORD Guild, Masons, Carpenters and That it may please Thee to give us a true sense of our Clerk of Works own importance, to ignore all our negligences and to GOOD LORD DELIVER US endlow us with a good pension when we retire that We Vergers do beseech Thee to hear us, we may live happily ever after in O Lord God another parish May it please Thee that we may rule our churches A...MEN in the Right Way

15 John Hardman Powell 1827-1895

Catriona Blaker

‘The Dean Peel is a fine hearted old fellow – a real gentleman. He is always courteous and kind’. These words come from John Hardman Powell’s journal of 1860. A few days earlier he had written ‘What a chance the East Window is for stained glass – if we do not make a good work of it, we shall never deserve another Cathedral window’. (These quotations are both to be found in Michael Fisher’s excellent recent book Guarding the Pugin Flame: John Ann Pugin Powell John Hardman Powell Hardman Powell 1827-1895, from which much of my window, although he must donor of the cathedral information, though not all, surely have been delighted to restoration, the completion of comes). We can see that Powell undertake this also. It appears to which was also celebrated in rated Dean Peel, and in be the case that of the two, the 1874, at a cost of £1800. Nor particular the offer to design west window, or Great West should we forget all the other such a significant window in Window, as it is often referred fine work of the Hardman firm Worcester Cathedral, highly. to, is still the one which seems in the cathedral; the delicately It was a very special to attract the most attention, embellished painted ceilings at commission, particularly perhaps because of its the eastern end, the eagle perhaps for so Catholic a firm particularly prominent position lectern and other features. as Hardman’s. Indeed, when and subject material. this commission was suggested, Stylistically, these two windows The person from whom John there was some feeling on this are very different; the east Hardman Powell learnt all his score about the choice of window is in thirteenth century artistry was the great Gothic designer. However, Dean Peel, style, designed more tightly, Revivalist architect, designer the likeable overseer of the with many small illustrative and writer, Augustus Welby great restoration of the panels within borders, whereas Pugin (1812-1852). As a very cathedral, was well pleased, the Great West Window, not young man Powell went down although there was some finished until 1874, and to stay at The Grange, criticism of the design in other featuring the Creation and the Ramsgate, the house which quarters. It was the east window Fall of Man, has a different type Pugin had built there, as an that Powell was so gratified to of compositional plan and apprentice to assist him with have been asked to work on and palette and a particularly his many orders for stained we know less about his exuberant feel. This window was glass, church plate, and other reactions to designing the west given by Lord Dudley, the chief artefacts. Powell was the

16 nephew of John Hardman craftsmanship, initiated by many delightful and humorous Junior (1811-1867) of Pugin and then developed by letters to his wife, large Birmingham, Pugin’s great his pupil, John Hardman numbers of which have friend and respected colleague. Powell. Powell married Pugin’s survived. I feel that some of Pugin persuaded John eldest child, his daughter Anne, this inherent love of illustration Hardman, who had originally ‘Annie’ (1832-1897), and and pictorial detail manifests been a maker of buttons, to became the chief designer for itself in such commissions as become first a maker of Hardman’s after Pugin’s death the Great West Window. Under ecclesiastical metalware and in 1852. The couple were his direction the firm produced then of stained glass, all to devoted, having a very happy enormous amounts of stained Pugin’s designs. The firm marriage and bringing up their glass for Catholic and Anglican became exceedingly successful family of ten (two further churches throughout the throughout the nineteenth children died in infancy) in country (and beyond) in the century and beyond and set Birmingham. When Powell was second half of the nineteenth high standards of design and away he wrote, and illustrated, century. Powell never forgot his debt to Pugin, from whom he had learnt everything, but gradually evolved a more personal style, involving rather more elongated figures and a more exaggerated sense of movement than his master. He also wrote (1889) a vivid and affectionate memoir of his teacher, Pugin in his Home. A good example of his work near to Worcester – although there are very many more in the Midlands - is the large Immaculate Conception window, an elaborate and uplifting design, which can be seen in the north transept of St Chad’s Cathedral (designed by Pugin) in Birmingham. Birmingham was very much the hub of the Hardman empire and it was there that, in addition to the glass and metal ware workshops, Powell’s mother, Lucy, also assisted in the Pugin/Hardman business by making, and executing the embroidery for some of the elaborate and splendid church vestments designed by Pugin. This was a close-knit, family concern, covering all aspects of ecclesiastical arts and crafts.

17 Above, carving of John John Hardman Powell also Holy Well Glass of Wells I Hardman Powell, by the West designed, in addition to thought that readers of The Window, outside, on the left enormous quantities of stained Shield might like to know just a Right, the Pink Giraffe in the glass, fine domestic and church little more about this highly west window after cleaning metalware, and, as a teacher, talented, likeable and often expounded his theories about humorous man, whose whole design, which owe much to work and life were at all times Pugin (and something also to underpinned by his strong Ruskin) both to the Hardman faith, his loyalty to the workforce and also, through principles of the Gothic Revival, lectures, to students at the as they had been inculcated in Birmingham School of Art. him by Pugin, and by his aim to Some of these addresses can be promote those principles at the read in his interesting Some highest possible level through Stray Notes on Art (1888). his work as a designer, both of An obituary of Powell, in The glass and metalwork. It is a fine Birmingham Weekly Post of tribute to him that the cathedral 1895, comments: ‘Mr Powell’s masons have recently carved his modesty, amiability and charm likeness, to be placed near the of manner were on a par with Great West Window. And what his artistic qualities’. about the current celebrity of At a time when we can rejoice the Pink Giraffe, one of those in the recent fine restoration of enjoyable animals to be found the Great West Window by in that window.

If you would like to find out much more about John Hardman Powell, read Michael Fisher’s book, Guarding the Pugin Flame: John Hardman Powell 1827-1895. ISBN-10: 1904965512/ISBN-13: 978-1904965510

18 Reflections of an ex-Chorister

Michael Burgess

During my time in the choir at whether you choose to resume Worcester Cathedral from singing once your range lowers, 2009-2013 some of my first role or not. models as a pre-teen schoolboy Since my voice broke in Year were my fellow choristers. 8, I have continued to develop A system of responsibility is my choral singing. I now introduced into the front row deputise among the same Lay of trebles at a young age, which Clerks with whom I sang as a rewards commitment and treble not so long ago, as well success with a white surplice as singing in the RSCM’s to wear in services, and latterly Millennium Youth Choir. Other with medals to mark a endeavours have included being chorister’s influence in the choir the tenor soloist for Malvern vocally, but also socially as an Festival Chorus’ Handel’s example for the younger Messiah and performances members of the choir to look as Don Basilio in Opera up to. Worcester’s The Marriage of Having those older boys Figaro, both in early 2018. that one could relate, to yet also I hope to continue this through respect, has a hidden effect a Choral Scholarship at upon the majority of choristers; University whilst studying teaching them that they can Engineering, so please feel achieve/become/master free to contact me on anything they aspire towards, michaelfrederickburgess@ if they discipline themselves gmail.com if you have any effectively. This, I believe, is questions about chorister life why being a chorister is an or wish to discuss any singing- Caption both amazing start to school life, related prospects. photos above

The Choir process on Palm Sunday 2018

19 The Ifakara Bakery Project and The Free Bread Funds, Tanzania Eugene and Margaret Schellenberg, Guest speakers at our Annual General Meeting 2017

We went for a holiday in For many this is a lifeline Tanzania and stayed in and they are very grateful. Ifakara where our son This has been made David directed a Malaria possible by all the generous Vaccine Project. We met giving for this project. Any Sisters of St. Francis of gifts, small or large are used Assisi who had a vision to 100% for the purchase of run a bakery. They wanted freshly baked bread as all to provide an alternative administration and staple food all year round travelling costs are borne by when their own Maize us. We were touched when harvest failed and the local we realised that following population were going our talk The Friends hungry and even suffering spontaneously gave us starvation. We did some for 17p – now 25p) and during £140.47 which has turned research, made a business bad Harvest times around 900 into 562 Loaves of Bread. Yours plan and considered such a loaves daily are produced. The support is important and we project viable. first local bakery also provides thank you for your help. Back home we raised £30,000 employment. We were also able to help the to buy all the machinery, oven This prompted us to create first Anglican Church in Ifakara and equipment including a “The Free Bread Funds” and last to provide material so that they generator. It was not easy, but year we funded 120,000 loaves could build the roof of their with a considerable effort and and over 80% reached children new Church. Their helped by many donations from 3 to 7 years. As costs per congregation increases weekly. from individuals, and some loaf had risen to 25p we had to We are also providing water organisations, we were able to raise £30,000. The impact on the pumps to improve health and buy all the equipment, pay for children’s health and learning help with their education. the transport, clearing charges ability has improved and installation costs. In 2001 we followed the goods to install The daily bread also reaches: For more information you and commission all of the l can visit our website at equipment and to teach the Nine wards of the District Hospital – The Nazareti Leprosy www.ibpfreebread.com or Sisters the art of making bread contact us at The Ifakara Bakery and the safe handling of the Centre and the Lepra Village l Project and The Free Bread machinery. The Bethlehem Centre for Funds – Reg Charity No The bakery is self-funding and children with learning disabilities 1114531. C/O Margaret and the demand for fresh bread has l Nine Nursery Schools, Eugene Schellenberg, telephone grown to 400 loaves daily. Bread Kindergartens and Primary 0121 458 5488 or email: has become very popular (sold Schools [email protected]

20 The Ifakara Bakery Project and Group Reports working and ringing in the tower. It also includes The Free Bread Funds, Tanzania Cathedral Bellringers first aid, fire action and safeguarding. There are two Susan Young hard copies kept in the tower, one in the Teaching Centre and one in the Ringing Room. A copy is During the last year (April 2017 – March 2018 also available via the website. inclusive) WCGoB have rung for 53 services New First Aid boxes have been installed for the (Sundays 10:30 and Christmas Day. 12 special four Teaching Centre, Ringing Room and a Mobile peals were rung for church and civic events, and Worker First Aid Box to be used by anyone working 13 quarter-peals were rung for Sunday Evensongs. in the tower. These will be checked on a regular We also rang for weddings, funerals, memorial, basis and refreshed as necessary. ordination and carol services; there was general We are always looking for new ringers and a ringing for local and national events and occasional “Welcome Pack” is being developed which will ringing by groups of visiting ringers – also usually include information about the WCGoB, ringing in before or after services. Other ringing includes general, health and safety and safeguarding Old St Martin’s in the Cornmarket on Saturdays. information. Together with the pamphlets on Events held during the year have included the 2017 progressing their ringing. young ringers competition held in Birmingham for The WCGoB is always looking at how we can which The Friends contributed to the cost of the update our facilities, and this will include replacing polo shirts for the team members, and a successful our outdated laptops in the Teaching Centre with Summer barbecue held in Worcester. We hold a new Tablets to help all our ringers learn and Christmas Party plus the New Year’s ringing and progress through our main practice on a Monday party held in the Tower. evening. We are actively raising funds for this In the last year the ringers have introduced a project, and if you would like to know more about Health & Safety folder, and updated policies learning to ring, or how to donate to help the around their activities. This now contains all Teaching Centre please contact the WCGoB at policies around good health and safety during [email protected].

Embroidery Guild Flower Guild Rosemary Hall Helen Cook

The Embroidery Guild continues to meet in the Worcester Cathedral Flower Guild has 44 St John Chapel on Thursday mornings in term members who are all volunteers and provide time between 10.30am and 12noon. foliage, time and skill to arrange 4designs each week except Lent and Advent,and change the silk flowers in the Crypt and Jesus Chapel as the seasons change. We raise our own funds by fund raising and earning a little from flowers we arrange for special events such as weddings funerals memorials and 3choirs. This year we also helped on the Easter Garden for the 3rd time. If anyone is interested in joining our team please contact me at [email protected]

21 A final word about Christ in Majesty

Throughout this edition of The Shield we have is original. The polychromy can be found on the talked about the Undercroft project and in lozenge decoration in black lines on the belt and particular the sculpture Christ in Majesty, and here draperies and other decoration at the base of the are a few more details. mandorla. The most substantial survival is the The sculpture is situated in College Hall (right), delicate cusped halo of the Evangelist Symbol set the former monastic refectory, and dominates the against a red background. whole east end wall. Through the Undercroft The Cathedral intends to undertake a detailed project it is hoped to conserve and better condition survey of the Christ in Majesty, and at understand this internationally significant the same time, monument, which is thought to be the source of recording and inspiration for Graham Sutherland’s huge tapestry scientific in Coventry Cathedral. It dates from c.1220-30, examination will flanked by 14th century niches and was only be undertaken to rediscovered in 1872 when pieces of later plaster establish whether fell from the walls and revealed a piece of sculpture the polychromy is of great antiquity. The Christ in Majesty retains late 14th century, traces of its exquisite polychromy and it is of or whether it considerable interest as to whether this polychromy might be original.

22 New Friends 2018 In Memoriam We are delighted to welcome the following The Trustees record with deep regret the new members: deaths of the following members: M H Shakespeare Mr & Mrs G Scott Mrs P Pimley Mr P Thomas Mrs P Bould Mr R Allen Miss E Watson Mr H Berkeley Mr L Joynes Mr B Skidmore Revd R M C Jeffery Miss M Wade Mr R Bruce Mr & Mrs T Cox Mrs K D F Norbury Miss A Pakington Revd & Mrs S Owens Ms S Haywood Mrs E Watson Miss B M Fisher Mrs G Baker Mrs V Floy Miss A Smith Mrs F Mountain Mrs A Bell Mr M Owen Mrs F P Hildick-Smith Revd H Caine Mr & Mrs B Matthews Revd Canon D Rogers Mrs S Harvey-Morffew Mrs H Nolan Mrs J Hancock Mrs S Del Mar Mr N Chammings Revd S Irwin Mr & Mrs J McCarthy Mr & Mrs C Shaw Mrs & Mrs K Roper Ms M Fastiszewski

From the Treasurer Grants for the year ended 31 March 2018 (subject to independent verification)

We have seen a modest increase in the level of ANNUAL GRANTS £ grant-giving this year over last, but still reflecting Cathedral Music Grant 15,000 our more limited financial circumstances. Chapter ‘administration’ grant 2,000 17,000 We have, however, begun to make smaller grants OTHER GRANTS to various sections of the cathedral where we can Specialist Lighting for make the most impact with our limited resources. Cathedral Library 7,409 This approach will continue in the current year Information Panels 4,747 ahead, and it is expected that this trend will remain Commission of Evensong Canticles for the next few years. for Worcester Three Choirs Festival 2017 2,000 The Friends continue to support the cathedral with Workwear for Vergers 392 ‘annual’ grants, in particular with respect to the Contribution to book on music of the cathedral. However, given the ‘Woodbine Willy’ 320 Friends’ commitment to support the ‘Christ in Polo shirts for Bellringers 250 Majesty’ project to the tune of £50,000, it is 15,118 unlikely that we will be in a position to provide further ‘large’ grants until this project has been 32,118 completed.

23 24 The Friends of Worcester Cathedral

Patrons The Lord The Right Reverend The The Archbishop of Birmingham

President Lady Rosalind Morrison

Vice President The Dean of Worcester

Trustees and Mrs. Sue Carpenter (Chairman)* Executive Mr. Stephen Tilton (Hon. Treasurer) Committee Mrs. Elayne Guest (Hon. Secretary)* The Dean of Worcester Mrs. Joanna Brickell (2017-2020)* Mr. Peter Kendal (2017-2020)* Mr. Andrew McCrea (2016-2019)* Mr. David Thorpe (2017-2020)* Mrs. M. Renney (2017-2020)* Mr. David Newman (2015-2018) Revd. Canon Brian Gant (2016-2019) Ms. Julie Slack (ex officio) Mrs. Susan Young (ex officio)

*serving a second term

Representatives Mrs. Rosemary Hall, Guild of Embroiderers Dr. Peter Nardone, Director of Music Mr. Richard Cook, Voluntary Choir Mr. Russell Jones, Ministry of Welcome Mrs. Susan Young, Bellringers Mrs. Helen Cook, Flower Guild Dr. David Morrison, Library Mr. James Prior, Vergers Mr. Ben Smith, Education Mr. Darren Steele, Stonemasons

25 The Friends of Worcester Cathedral Registered Charity Number 517009

The Friends of Worcester Cathedral is a society of people of all ages who value Worcester Cathedral and wish to contribute regularly towards its mission, maintenance, music and enhancement of its beauty. They achieve this objective by contributing through their subscription, supporting fund-raising events and giving time for activities associated with the Cathedral.

Subscription rates for membership Individual annual subscription £15 Joint annual subscription £25 Individual life subscription £225 Joint life subscription for two persons £375 Corporate membership is open to companies and organisations such as PCCs or schools

Donations, in addition to the basic subscriptions, are most welcome. For tax payers, completing a Gift Aid form (available from the Hon. Treasurer) increases the income for the Friends of Worcester Cathedral.

Contact Details Administrator Mrs Clare Stokes Address 8 College Yard, Worcester WR1 2LA Telephone 01905 732920 / 732900 Email [email protected] Website www.thefowc.org.uk Office opening hours Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am–12noon

Leaving a Legacy

It would be wonderful if ‘Friends’ would consider leaving a gift in their will so we are able to sustain our support for the conservation of our beautiful Cathedral.

The bequest could be open ended to be used at the discretion of the Trustees of the Friends of Worcester Cathedral or for a particular purpose which would be stated within the legacy.

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