Weekly Notices | 7 July 2024
A reflection from David Price
Exactly three years ago we were all working on projects to help lift us out of Covid restrictions – one of these was run by Kitty and involved a cross-section of our cathedral community, from choristers, congregation, choral scholars and clergy. It was a recording of people dancing to the song Jerusalema. Last month, one of our Girl Choristers pointed out it had just reached over 60,000 people on YouTube. It’s gone viral, as the saying goes.
There are lots of comments on the video of course, from fans and not-so-fans. A common thread from Christians and non-Christians alike is that they loved seeing so many in our community taking part; that it was good to see a church community doing something slightly ‘outside of the box’ so to speak and that it involved such a diverse set of people (and a puppy).
Cathedrals are good at thinking outside the box whilst maintaining and supporting our opus dei – the daily worship of God. Our team here has juggled lots of things in the last few months and worked together to make sure that we care for all the various responsibilities as a cathedral like daily Evensong, Ordinations and Civic Services whilst also holding innovative events like Interstellar, Silent Disco and Seafood on The Green as well as discussion groups like The Word is Near, Tots and The Institute. As this Word Map, produced by our excellent Visitor Experience Manager, Rayne shows really clearly.
We’re approaching a bit of a breathing space in terms of our choirs, events and outreach work, but first there is a week of School Leavers’ Services as we help Year 6 children mark their transition from Primary to Secondary School in our diocesan schools and the cathedral will be filled with celebration, singing and maybe even some dance. If so – good for them!
David Price
Organist & Master of the Choristers
Dates for your diary…
Hampshire Calligraphers Exhibition – 9 July – 21 July, 9:00am
Eucharist attended by the Mary Rose Trust – 14 July, 11:00 am
Summer ‘Songs of Praise’ – 14 Jul. 5:45 pm
Regency Rendezvous Dance Workshop – 20 July, 11:00 am
Regency Ball Talk – 20 July, 2:30 pm
Regency Rendezvous Evening Ball – 20 July, 7:30 pm
Community News
Late breaking news – Dean on BBC radio
Dean Anthony appeared on Jeremy Vine’s BBC radio programme on Friday, 5 July 2024 to reflect on Thursday’s election and the peaceful transition of power.
Listen to it here on BBC Sounds at about 1hour 55 minutes into the programme.
Summer activities for you & your family
“Bridgerton” comes to Portsmouth - 20 July
Saturday, 20 July promises to be a day of learning and enjoyment here at the Cathedral for fans of the TV show “Bridgerton", Jane Austen and/or of all things Regency.
There will be a day of talks and workshops culminating in a Regency Rendezvous Evening Ball in the evening. A live band will perform Regency music for the Ball.
Participants will spend an interactive day learning more about the codes and signals of each dance where fan movement, or indeed just how a fan was held, meant quite different things.
The day is aimed at all levels from beginners to experts of dance. Also, for those just interested in this period of history and understanding more about it.
Come to all three events on the day or just one or two – the choice is yours.
If looking for an enjoyable day and/or if you enjoyed our tango dance experience, or our Annual Barn Dance or Ceilidh, then book your tickets here.
Summer at the Cathedral for Families
During the summer holidays there will be a series of Wednesday Workshops where families can come and explore Portsmouth Cathedral. Follow different trails around the Cathedral and take part in some craft activities. Drop-in, no booking. Free entry
Wednesday 24 July 9.30 - 11.30 & 1.30 – 3.30 Family
Stained Glass Windows
Wednesday 31 July 9.30 - 11.30 & 1.30 – 3.30 Family
Arches and Roofs
Wednesday 7 August 9.30 - 11.30 & 1.30 – 3.30 Family
Monuments and Memorials
Specialist Summer Tours
Discover more about Portsmouth Cathedral this summer! This summer join us for Specialist Summer Tours. Discover more about the history of our wonderful building, as you join us for these new tours!
Stained Glass Tour - 23rd July 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers an hour-long guided tour focusing on its stunning stained glass. This tour presents a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of stories depicted in the cathedral's vibrant windows. Adults can enjoy this historical and artistic experience for £5, while a reduced rate of £3 is available for children 16 and under. Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.
Architecture Tour - 30th July - 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers an in-depth hour-long guided tour that delves into the cathedral's 800-year history and architectural features. Adults can enjoy this experience for £5, while a reduced rate of £3 is available for children 16 and under.
Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.
Memorial Tour - 6th August - 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers a new tour focusing on the memorials within its historic walls. This tour presents an opportunity to delve into the rich history and honour the memories preserved at one of Portsmouth's most revered landmarks. Adults can explore this poignant aspect of the cathedral for £5, while a reduced price of £3 is available for children 16 and under.
Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.
Click on corresponding tour names to book your place – spaces are limited.
Brass Rubbing Trails
Embark on a journey of creativity and discovery at Portsmouth Cathedral's Brass Rubbing Trail! A great activity for families where you'll get a hands-on history!
Portsmouth Cathedral is hosting a brass rubbing trail this summer, inviting people of all ages to participate in this engaging activity. For a small fee of £2 per pack, available at the cathedral shop from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday – Sunday, visitors can enjoy this creative experience. The event is scheduled to run from July 22nd to September 1st, offering a unique way to explore the cathedral and its history.
New Signage
We have some exiting news! Starting from early July, visitors to the cathedral can look forward to new interpretive signage that will provide insights into the building's extensive history. This initiative marks the beginning of a comprehensive project designed to enrich the visitor experience. Rayne, Visitor Experience Manager, has been leading the project and would like to thank all those involved.
Cathedral of the Sea exhibition in the Ambulatory
With the annual Seafarers' Service last weekend, and Patronal Festival this Sunday and the Mary Rose Service on the 14 July, there is a display around the Ambulatory of the many wonderful and unusual images we have in the Cathedral of ships and sailing vessels. These are accompanied by some prayers relevant for our own day, as well as some fascinating historical details.
Upcoming services for your diary
Patronal Festival: Thomas of Canterbury - 7th July
The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nick Papadopoulos, will be the guest preacher for our Patronal Festival on Sunday 7th July at the 11am Sung Eucharist.
With the Cathedral Choir year having come to an end, we are delighted to have a choir from the First Lutheran Church of Cedar Rapids, USA, with us to sing Evensong on Saturday and both our Sunday choral services.
Dedication of SOG pledges – 7 July
The pledges received during our recent Season of Generosity will be dedicated at our Patronal Festival Sunday on 7th July. Thank you to all who have responded and have offered your contribution to support this Cathedral’s future.
We give thanks to God for inspiring this generosity:
As we celebrate Thomas of Canterbury, our patron,
we recognise all we have received, O Lord, by your goodness,
from past benefactors.
So, we dedicate the pledges
of how we and many others will contribute, by your grace,
to the ministry and mission of this Cathedral Church,
and the whole community it serves,
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mary Rose Service - 14 July at 11:00am
We will be joined again this year by members of the Mary Rose Trust on Sunday 14th July to commemorate the lives lost when the Mary Rose sank in the Solent on 19th July 1545. Sea Cadets from T. S. Mary Rose in Basingstoke will also take part.
It was 40 years ago, in 1984, that a member of the ship’s company was buried here in the Cathedral, with some of the ceremonial drawn from the Tudor age, and the music sung then will be recalled in our service this year on 14th July.
Summer Songs of Praise - 14 July at 5:45pm
Led by Canon Angela Tilby, a chance to sing and enjoy some of our favourite hymns and hear how they have inspired individuals from our Cathedral community.
A new sort of service here for some summer Sunday evenings, Canon Angela will introduce the hymns and the contributors. Angela worked on Songs of Praise during her BBC career.
Our Sarah Shreeve: New Head of Education Policy for the Church of England
We are delighted to announce that Sarah Shreeve, a member of the #PompeySundays congregation and one of our Deanery Synod reps, is to start a new job for the national church as Head of Education Policy.
She will be moving from her role as Head of Early Years and Primary at the education charity, Teach First, to lead the education policy team for the Church of England across all stages including higher and further education. With Bishop Jonathan’s role as lead Bishop for education, Portsmouth will be playing a significant part in the Church’s initiatives around education!
Sarah says: "I couldn't be more excited to be starting my new role as Head of Education Policy with the National Church Institutions in August. I trained to teach and built my career here in Portsmouth and taught across various primary and special schools in the city before moving into teacher education and training teachers in schools across the region and, in turn, the country.
At this time of change (after nine years at Teach First), I am incredibly thankful for the support of the Cathedral and in particular the #PompeySundays community, both in recent years while I've been studying for my doctorate, working in the political and policy space and moving forward in my career, but also as I prepare for this new season at the NCIs. Working as I will be across churches of all traditions, and with educational establishments from Early Years all the way up to Higher Education, the joy of being part of such a multi-generational, inclusive and diverse worshipping community will continue to sustain and inspire me in my work. I hope it will also prove a salve to some of the frustrations that can come in working with politicians, at Westminster and in contested policy spaces. In my interview it was a privilege to talk about the innovation and creativity we've seen through establishing and growing the #PompeySundays community, and I look forward to working closely with the Growing Faith foundation to see how we can continue to learn with and from each other. I truly believe teaching and education is a vocation and am thrilled to be following God into this new position."
We pray God’s blessing on Sarah as she prepares to start the role.
Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Yearbook
The 2024 Friends Yearbook will be posted to members next week. If you would like to know more about membership of the Friends, please contact friends@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.
Scaffolding Advisory
Scaffolding will remain on the west end of the Cathedral until 23 July.
This is to enable access to the Upper Nave roof that will be undergoing repointing work from 4th to 23rd July 2024 as part of our planned summer maintenance programme of works.
Thank you
Cathedral Choir end of year
We have now marked the end of the Cathedral Choir year and for some members of the back row as well as Nora our Organ Scholar.
This year has been truly exceptional in a number of ways – no less than four BBC live broadcasts on television and radio, two sets of recordings sessions, two international tours and D-Day80.
We are joined by a small number of visiting choirs over the summer months, though there will be a few Sundays for congregational mass and cantor. However, we are delighted to welcome The Choir of First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids (USA) for our Patronal Festival weekend.
Seafood on the Green – Thank You!
Thank you to all who came to Seafood on The Green last month!
Thank you also to all the Choir Parents and other volunteers who made the 10th anniversary of the Seafood on The Green event such a success. Originally started by Choir Parent Vanessa Fenton in 2014, it has now become a Portsmouth tradition!
We raised over £1,700 for the work of our choirs and it was wonderful to see so many people there from across the community. Over 150 people were served Seafood Platters and Paella in under two hours!
The funds that the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association raise are used to support the pastoral side of the choir, for example team building end of term treats, but also to directly supporting some choristers who would otherwise not be able to join us on trips such as choir tours.
Being able to support choristers, ensures our Choirs remain as inclusive as possible for all. This support is so important to their sense of belonging and experience of the choir and in turn helps nourish the quality of their work – which we all benefit from in the amazing performances they produce under the experienced guidance of our Organist & Master of the Choristers - Dr David Price.
If you’d like to know more about our Choirs, please visit Music & Choir at Portsmouth Cathedral — Portsmouth Cathedral
Summer Celebration Update
The Summer Celebration on June 1st was a fabulous community event and raised over £2500, so thank you to all involved! The Douse the Dean stall delighted the young and old alike and even the participants enjoyed themselves as you can see from the fabulous picture of Canon Harriet (from the news article linked here) in the stocks, created by the Portsea Men’s Shed.
The dedicated teamwork of the volunteers allowed a range of stalls to run alongside those from small businesses and local charities, supporting the work of the Roberts Centre and Veterans’ Outreach Support. The atmosphere outside was fabulous with singer Stacey Mogg delighting guests with her dulcet tones. The BBQ, Bar and Strawberries and Cream were enjoyed by both familiar faces and new The Cathedral Shop benefited from increased visitor numbers and Ems Friendly Farm, back for their second visit, was a hit with the children. Volunteer Coordinator Rachael commented, “Thanks to everyone who was involved in making this event a success, both to those who volunteered on, and before, the day and to all those who donated and made goods.”
Vacancies: Come work with us
Cathedral seeks sessional Visitor Experience Assistants
Are you interested in history, religion, architecture, visitor experience and/or events management?
Do you enjoy interacting with visitors?
As part of an exciting new programme, Portsmouth Cathedral has a number of sessional visitor experience assistant roles available.
Working with our existing marvellous volunteer welcomers and guides, these part-time roles will help us at peak times, normally the summer holidays, Christmas and Easter when we experience an increase in the number of people visiting the Cathedral. Your role will be to be the face of the Cathedral, welcoming people in and inviting them to explore our glorious Cathedral and learn more about the building, its history and its purpose.
If this sounds of interest, please click here for the Application Pack
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.
Prayers & Intercessions
We give thanks for the improvement in health of Aidan and Bevan, following the treatment, care and prayer support they have received.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Chris, Wendy, Jan, Tom, Rosy, Richard, Catherine, Zoe, Gordon, Yolanda, Paul and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: John, Andrew, Jill, Suzy, Philip, Mathai, Alistair, Alison, Graeme, Rachel and Muriel.
We remember those who have died recently and all whose anniversary falls at this time.
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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