Weekly Notices | 16 February 2025
A reflection from Dean Anthony
Last Sunday, our 9.30am Pompey Sundays congregation were each given a teardrop shaped petal, and invited to reflect on what made them weep. The answers, many from children, were hugely varied, from physical hurt, to not getting what you wanted, cutting onions (!), tears of joy, and weeping at the loss of a loved one. ‘Blessed are you who weep now’ says the Gospel reading set for this coming Sunday (Luke 6.21), and one of the reflections from the congregation was that sometimes weeping is an indication of love.
So it was for Mary Magdalene, weeping in the garden outside Jesus’s tomb. So it was for those who wept at the recent deaths of much loved members of the cathedral community such as Muriel Allen and David Carpenter.
John Donne preached a sermon on the shortest verse in the Bible (‘Jesus wept’, John 11.35), reflecting on the gift of tears, and what the capacity for weeping revealed both about Christ and humanity in general. His sermon includes a powerful question: ‘And when God shall come to that last act in the glorifying of man — wiping all tears from his eyes — what shall He have to do with that eye that never wept?’
Whatever is going on your life as you read this, from tears of joy to tears of sorrow, and everything in between, this is a rich theme to ponder as we move closer to Lent, Holy Week and Easter. As I contribution to this, I end my reflection with two more sentences from Donne’s sermon:
‘Though there be good tears and bad tears, yet all have this degree of good in them that they argue a tender heart; and the Holy Ghost loves to work in wax not in marble.’
‘I might stand long upon the manifold benefits of godly tears, but I contract all into this, which is all — godly sorrow is joy.’
With my prayers and best wishes,
The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth
Dates for your diary…
Candlelit Vigil for UK Pride 2025 - 16 Feb 2025, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Little Hope Gallery - Ukraine's Children tell their Stories in Art - 20 Feb 2025 – 2 Mar 2025, 10:00 am
Little Hope Exhibition - Choral Evensong followed by Reception - 24 Feb 2025, 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Specialist Tour Tuesdays – Organ Tour - 25 Feb 2025 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Lunchtime Live Performance - Cardiff County & Vale of Glamorgan Symphonic Brass - 27 Feb 2025 1:10 pm – 2:00 pm
Community News
Booking now open: Festival of Early Music at Portsmouth Cathedral - 20–23 March'
We are thrilled to announce the return of theFestival of Early Music at Portsmouth Cathedral, celebrating the enchanting music of the Tudor, Restoration, and Baroque eras. This year’s festival promises captivating performances, engaging discussions, and beautiful worship experiences, all set against the stunning backdrop of Portsmouth Cathedral.
Festival Highlights
🎹The Square Pianist(20 March, 8:00pm) — Book online
Step back in time with music fromJane Austen’s collection, performed on an original Regency instrument, complete with historical insights and period costume.
🎶The Gesualdo Six(21 March, 8:00pm) —Book online
ExperienceQueen of Hearts, a programme dedicated to both spiritual and earthly queens, performed by this internationally renowned vocal ensemble.
✨Handel’s ‘Messy’ Messiah(22 March, 6:00pm) —Book online
A fresh and lively reimagining of Handel’s masterpiece, featuringPortsmouth Cathedral Choir, soloists, and orchestra.
Other Festival Events
🎵Lunchtime Live(20 March, 1:00pm) — A special performance by theChoral Scholars.
🗣️Talk on Handel’s Messiah(20 March, 2:30pm) — Discover the story behind the music withAndrew Gant.
🎼Choral Services throughout the festival, featuring exquisite music byTomkins, Byrd, Amner, Palestrina, Allegri, and Weelkes, sung by thePortsmouth Cathedral Choir.
🎟 Book your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out - use the links above to access special priority booking for these events.
Little Hope Gallery Exhibition, Evensong and Reception
Little Hope Gallery is an international program of exhibitions created and supported by volunteers who have served in Ukraine since the full-scale war started in 2022. The programme aims to help heal traumatized, injured, orphaned, and displaced Ukrainian children through their art work. Portsmouth Cathedral are delighted to host one of the only exhibitions of Ukraine's Children's art. Little Hope Gallery - Ukraine's Children tell their Stories through Art Ukraine's Children tell of Their Hopes and Dreams in Art. Come and witness the Little Hope Gallery – Stories of Ukraine's Children through Art. Each piece of art is a piece of a child's soul, and nothing stands between a child's heart and the paintbrush. The children paint with joy, hope, resilience, and in the brightest colours. By bearing witness to their art, you become part of their programme of healing, because the children know that through you, they are seen, and their stories are told, and their hearts will lift. The exhibition opens on 20 February.
On Monday 24 February there will be a special evensong to mark the exhibition and to offer prayers for peace in Ukraine. The Ukrainian community choir Two Colours will sing at Evensong with our own cathedral choir. This will be followed by a reception in the Nave with music from Two Colours, to which all are welcome.
Specialist Tour Tuesdays 2025!
Join us for a range of hour-long tours led by one of our knowledge Guides throughout 2025 to learn more about Portsmouth Cathedral!
25 February 1:00pm – 2:00pm - Organ Tour
Join us for an hour-long Organ tour led by Dr David Price, Organist and the Master of the Choristers. Learn how the organs of Portsmouth Cathedral work and feel the building with music daily, with exclusive access to unseen areas of the Cathedral.
18 March 1:00pm – 2:00pm - Architecture Tour
Join us for an in-depth hour-long guided tour, that delves into the Cathedral's 800-year history and architectural features.
Half Term Family Activities
During half term we will be running some half term family activities in the Cathedral. The activities will run on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February from 9:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Our theme will be Creation. They will be activity stations in the Nave retelling the story of Creation including craft activities for you to enjoy. Why not join us? Drop in, no booking is required, and it is free!
Friends Talk - Serving as Lord-Lieutenant: A Role of Duty, Honour and Community – 13 March
A Talk by Nigel Atkinson Esq, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire
The Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral are delighted to host Nigel Atkinson Esq, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, for an insightful and engaging talk exploring the role of the Lord-Lieutenant in the modern world.
As His Majesty The King's personal representative in Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson has carried out a wide range of ceremonial, civic, and community duties since his appointment in 2014. This talk will shed light on the significance of the Lord-Lieutenancy, an institution that dates back to the 16th century, and how it continues to evolve today.
Mr Atkinson will share his experiences working closely with local government, the armed forces, voluntary organisations, and businesses to promote civic life across the county. He will discuss his role in welcoming royal visits, supporting community initiatives, and fostering strong relationships between different sectors of society.
With a career spanning military service, business leadership, and extensive charitable involvement, Mr Atkinson brings a wealth of knowledge and personal insight to this talk. He will reflect on the values of duty, honour, and service, and the importance of these principles in an ever-changing world.
The evening will conclude with a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for guests to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the Lord-Lieutenant's work.
This promises to be a fascinating and inspiring event, offering a rare glimpse into a role that blends history with contemporary community leadership.
🎟 Free to attend - secure your space by booking online, donation greatly received.
About Nigel Atkinson Esq
Nigel Atkinson Esq has served as HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire since 2014, acting as The King's representative in the county. His service in the Lieutenancy began in 1999 when he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant, later becoming Vice Lord-Lieutenant in 2007. In recognition of his contributions, he was made a Knight of Grace of the Order of St John in 2015.
Mr Atkinson maintains strong connections with the military and holds several honorary positions, including President of the South-East Reserve Forces and Cadet Association, Honorary Colonel of the 4th Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, and Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy.
Born in London, he was educated at Haileybury & Imperial Service College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before serving for six years with the Royal Green Jackets. He later transitioned to the brewing industry, becoming Chief Executive of Gales Brewery for 16 years. In 2010, he was honoured as Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers in the City of London.
Beyond his official duties, Mr Atkinson is deeply involved in charitable work and serves as Patron or President of numerous organisations, including SSAFA Hampshire, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, The Rainbow Centre Fareham, The Roberts Centre Portsmouth, Trinity Winchester, and The Rowans Hospice Waterlooville. He has a long-standing commitment to youth development, serving as Vice President of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for over 25 years, President of Hampshire Scouts, and Patron of the Hampshire Constabulary Volunteer Police Cadets.
An enthusiastic sportsman, he enjoys skiing and tennis, and in his earlier years competed in club, league, and county squash across Hampshire.
Mr Atkinson resides in Alresford with his wife Christine, and they have a son and two daughters.
Cathedral Choir Tour to Estonia and Latvia
Our Cathedral Choir (Girls) tours to Tallin, Estonia and Riga, Lativa this weekend.
Our Girl Choristers, Choral Scholars and Lay Clerks are off to The Baltic this weekend to sing three concerts and a Eucharist. We shall sing the morning service in Charles Church Tallin this Sunday and an afternoon concert at St John's Tallin. On Monday we will sing at The Holy Ghost Church. This is our fourth trip since 1998 to sing for our friends at Puhavaimu Chuch, Tallin with whom we are twinned. This church contains an identical memorial to ours in The Navy Aisle in memory of the 1919 Baltic Campaign which commemorates the defence of the Baltic from Soviet Russia by The Royal Navy.
Installation of Head Choristers
Following our recent farewells to Head Chorister David and Deputy Stanley, we're delighted to install Niki as our new Wilson Head Chorister along with Alex and Sam as Deputy Head Choristers. Congratulations to the boys! Readers may be interested to know that we appoint new Head Choristers following extensive discussion amongst key music staff and the choristers have a chance to vote. Following all this, the Precentor and The Cathedral Organist make a recommendation to The Dean.
Choir sings at Greatham
Cathedral Choir sings for St John's 150th!
Last Sunday we took the Cathedral Choir to sing at St John The Baptist, Greatham. We were pleased to help them mark their 150th Anniversary with a Festal Evensong. We joined a packed church from people across the village to mark this important milestone just before their Vicar, Revd Canon Peter Sutton (one of our Hon Canons) retires from ministry.
Choir Taster Sessions
This week we held two chorister taster sessions for prospective girls and boys from PGS and St Jude's School to join our Cathedral Choir. On Monday we welcomed nine boys to try out for our Junior Choir and five girls on Thursday.Please continue to help spread the word about opportunities for children in our music programme at the Cathedral.
Career Opportunity - Chief Operating Officer
Join the team leading the iconic Cathedral of the Sea. As Portsmouth Cathedral’s COO, you will deliver the Chapter’s strategy, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure the Cathedral thrives as a centre of ministry, mission, heritage and events.
Closing date 9.00am, Monday 10 March 2025.
Details and how to apply here.
Volunteer Opportunity: Chair of the Hampshire & the Islands Historic Churches Trust
The Hampshire & the Islands Historic Churches Trust is seeking a new Chairperson to lead their Executive Committee. This rewarding voluntary role involves overseeing the Trust’s vital work in awarding grants—totalling around £75,000 annually—to churches of all denominations. With a well-established fundraising programme, including the popular Ride and Stride event, the Trust welcomes fresh ideas to support its mission.
The time commitment is modest, with three committee meetings a year, an annual Trustees’ meeting, an AGM at Winchester Cathedral, and a day-long autumn outing. If you’re passionate about preserving historic churches and have the vision to guide the Trust forward, contact Ven Adrian Harbidge at 07720 054365 for more details.
Find out more at Diocese of Portsmouth website
Cathedral Archaeologist
Congratulations to Alfred Hawkins, our Cathedral Archaeologist, on his promotion to Curator of Historic Buildings at HM Tower of London and Historic Places.
Worship & Visiting
Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.
Services this weekend
Saturday 15 February
9:00am - Morning Prayer
5:45pm - Choral Evensong sung by the Wheatsheaf Consort
Sunday 16 February - Third Sunday Before Lent
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays
11:00am - Choral Eucharist sung by the Wheatsheaf Consort
5:45pm - Choral Evensong sung by the Wheatsheaf Consort
7:30pm - Pride Vigil
The Cathedral Choir (Girls) is singing services and concerts in Tallinn, Estonia, this weekend
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Peter, Elizabeth, Tom, Pauline, Chris, Paul, Marion, Ian, baby Lottie and baby Etta.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Jill, Alison, Spencer, Suzy, Alistair, Richard, Graeme, Rosy, Mathai, Philip and all in need.
We remember those who have died recently, including: David Carpenter (Cathedral funeral Monday 24 February at 11:00am), David Yates, Michael Brotherton, Veronica Shuttleworth RIP.
Upcoming Services & Events
Getting in touch
Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!
Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.
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