A reflection from Kitty Price

It’s the start of the new academic year and I have already mislaid my lunchbox!  However, I have a new set of pens, which caused great excitement, plus a caddy for taking the essentials from one classroom to another.  I am more nomadic this year, which will be an organisational challenge, but it will also give me a chance to experience teaching and learning from different perspectives.  New school year, new me?  In a sense we are never the same person from year to year.
 
Several years ago, I did a test entitled ‘what type of intelligence are you?’ After being relieved that I had some, I was not entirely surprised when the leading element was music. There is at least one song for every situation.  When we recorded the Jerusalema dance in 2021, I loved the easy and repetitive set of steps, partly because I didn’t have to coordinate with a dance partner, and also, doing something repeatedly helped me to get lost in the music and enjoy myself.  I had such fun over those few months and am delighted that it has had 60,000 views online.  My response to happiness and good news is often through song and excited jumping about.
 
When the newly freed Hebrew slaves had crossed over the Red Sea, Moses and his sister Miriam led them in song, telling the story of their escape. Exodus 15:20-21, ‘Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.  And Miriam answered them: “Sing to the Lord, For He has triumphed gloriously!”’
This then got me thinking about Isaiah 55:12, where we hear that, “…you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”  It’s a bit like the mountains in The Sound of Music joining in with Julie Andrews when she is singing that the hills are alive with the sound of music.  Can you hear it?  Can you feel it?  Do you want to join in?  I do!
 
Well, you can get your jig on later this month at the Harvest Celebration Barn Dance & Hog Roast in the Cathedral on 21st September.  If you like movement, but want something more challenging, then you could take on the role of the new Cathedral Cycle Champion.  Because of our Christian faith we put beliefs into practice.  Dancing and cycling might not be your thing, but there is always something going on, from Bible study to luncheon club, supporting Fairtrade Fortnight, training on resolving conflict, to an Old Choristers’ Association gathering at the end of the month.  
 
Underpinning it all, each day there is worship taking place, and that happens 365 – or 366 – days each year.  We offer morning prayer and the eucharist, evening prayer / evensong, midday weekday eucharists, Pompey Tots, and on Sundays, an 0800 BCP eucharist, 0930 Pompey Sundays, 1100 eucharist and choral evensong.  Once a month there is Taizé.  There is something for everyone, acknowledging that we all respond to God and each other differently.  And that is a good thing, because it would be dull if we were all the same.
 
Kitty Price
Cathedral Reader

Dates for your diary…

• Speak Their Name – 8 – 27 September, 10:00am – 3:00pm

• Lunch Club – 9 September, 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 1:10pm – 2:00pm

• Choral Evensong with Blessing of the Suicide Memorial Quilt – 9 September, 5:45pm – 6:45pm

• Exploring the Bible: Mark’s Gospel – 9 September

• Lunchtime Live – Sachin Gunga – 12 September

• Restorative Training for Portsmouth Churches – 14 September, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

• Heritage Open Days – Tower Tours SOLD OUT– 15 September, 2:00pm – 2:50pm

• Portsmouth Authors Collective Book Signings – 19 September, 10:30am – 12:30pm

Community News 

Portsmouth Cathedral make top 20!

Portsmouth Cathedral has been listed as number 20 on the Top 20 Most Visited Free Attractions of the South East.* In July 2024 the Annual Visitor Attraction Trends in England Survey for 2023 was published. This is an insightful survey that helps collate all data that provides useful information on topics such as visitor trends, accessibility and post-COVID recovery, to name a few. Along with their findings each year lists are published showing the most visited attractions by region. On this list we are in such company as Brighton Pier and the Ashmolean Museum. To read more about the survey and its results, please see here:
 
*Out of the 1112 attractions that participated.
 
Richard, our COO, writes, “This is an amazing achievement and testimony to the excellent and warm greeting of our Welcomers and Guides.  The work of Crystal in the shop and all our shop volunteers has transformed the variety of cathedral-specific objects visitors can take with them when as they leave as a last memory of their time with us. 
 
I am also hugely grateful for the work of our Visitor Experience Manager, Rayne in creating new tour packages and internal signage that are bringing new folk into the Cathedral, many for the first time – up to nine bus tours have booked in!! We continue to work with the Cruise industry to have more of those visitors come by to St. Thomas. Rayne’s close work with the university is also starting to bear fruit as we look to support placement of students with us or use their translation services.

Torchlight Mysteries – Murder at the Cathedral

The year is 1891, and a special evening is planned at The Church of St Thomas, orchestrated by the Aldermen of Portsmouth. The air buzzes with anticipation as ambitious rebuilding plans are about to be announced for the church. However, not everyone supports this endeavour. Just as the guests arrive and the speeches are poised to commence, tragedy strikes—the guest of honour is found dead.
 
Which of the suspects hates progress, who might be taking bribes to sabotage development, and who is desperate for the Three Tun Inn NOT to be demolished?

Tonight, you are the detective. Working in teams, you have only one hour to interrogate the suspects and unravel the mystery. The stakes are high; if you fail, someone will get away with murder. Fortunately, Portsmouth's most renowned detective stands ready to assist in solving this most perplexing of cases.
 
Join us for this thrilling event on Friday, 27 September. Feel free to come as you are or dress in your best Victorian / Steam – punk costume.
 
Session 1 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Session 2 - 8:00pm - 9:30pm (Adults only)
 
Book your tickets here

Word is Near Returned!

The Word is Near has returned! We meet weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30am for an hour, in the Bishop Kenneth Room within the Cathedral. As a group, we read and discuss the forthcoming Sunday Bible readings, making connections between scripture, faith and life. All are welcome. If you would like more information, please have a chat with Canon Harriet or email harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Summer Sundays

As we welcome our own choirs back from their Summer holidays, we have extended our thanks to the visiting choirs who helped lead our worship over July and August. We only had a small number of choirs able to sing here this year for a number of reasons, so thank you to members of the congregation for stepping up and singing at the many congregational services - you did well! Thanks to Canon Angela who led two excellent 'Songs of Praise' style evening services with the assistance of members of our cathedral community who selected their favourite hymns and explained why. We were pleased to welcome many new faces to this service.

New Choir term and new Choir year

Our Cathedral Choir has returned from its summer break with the new Choral Scholars and Organ Scholar who are joining us for the year singing their first Choral Evensongs this week. There will be a full Choral Sunday on Sunday 8th September (the anniversary of The King’s Accession) with an 11am Sung Eucharist and 5.45pm Choral Evensong.
 
Our choristers return this coming week: the Boy Choristers will sing Evensong on Tuesday 10th September, and the Girl Choristers start back on Thursday 12th.
On Sunday 15th September we will admit and welcome all the new members of the Cathedral Music Foundation at 5.45pm Evensong: our new Boy and Girl Head Choristers as well as our new Choral Scholars - Joel, Theo, Jimmy, Noah and George - and Organ Scholar Kim.

Fairtrade Fortnight

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Fairtrade.  In addition to an exhibition at the Cathedral and Fairtrade Breakfast on Sunday 15 September all are welcome at a special service 4pm Sunday 8 September at St Mary's, Fratton details here.

Introducing ChurchSuite

We are excited to share that Portsmouth Cathedral is implementing a new church management system called ChurchSuite. This system has been successfully used by many churches both locally and nationally, including Harbour Church and Bristol Cathedral, to streamline daily operations and improve communication.
 
ChurchSuite will significantly reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing us to focus more on our ministry and community outreach. One of the first areas where you will notice a change is in how we manage our volunteer rotas. Volunteers will soon receive an email from ChurchSuite, inviting you to access our online rota management system. Please be assured that this email is legitimate—it is not phishing or junk mail.
 
We believe that ChurchSuite will be a valuable tool in enhancing our day-to-day processes. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dean Anthony to take part in the Great South Run

Having cheered on participants in the Great South Run as they passed the Cathedral and Deanery, I have (rashly) decided that this year I will have a go myself!  To spur me on, I will also be raising money for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).  When our third child was born with a hearing impairment, it was a worrying time as we had no experience of deafness in children and were fearful of what life would be like for him.  Discovering the NDCS was a real lifeline for us. 

They provided invaluable support and advice, as well as helping us to see how our son could thrive and reach his potential.  Although there were many obstacles to overcome, he has grown into a flourishing adult, and we are so grateful for the part the NDCS played in this.  I want to help support the NDCS in continuing its vital work with deaf children and their families.
 
On Sunday 20 October I’d grateful for your cheers and waves, and if you felt able to sponsor me as well that would be hugely appreciated.  My fundraising page can be found here.

Fabric Advisory Committee

We are looking for two new members to join Portsmouth Cathedral’s Fabric Advisory Committee (FAC). The committee has eight members. Half are appointed by Chapter. The other half are appointed by the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England.
 
Terms last five years, but members are eligible for reappointment. The chair is chosen from among the members.
 
We will celebrate our centenary in 1927 alongside that of both the City and Diocese and the Fabric Advisory Committee will play a critically important role in ensuring the conservation of our history as we prepare to serve our community for the next 100 years.
 
More details on the application pack here

Chapter Appointments 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new members of Chapter, the trustee body of the Cathedral.  Mark Emerton as Senior Non-Executive Member, appointed by the Bishop; Santosh Mathew and David King (also Chair of Finance) as Non-Executive members appointed by Chapter.

Dean Anthony writes: ‘I am delighted to welcome Mark, David and Santosh as Chapter members. They bring with them a wide range of talents and experience and a clear desire to ensure that the Cathedral achieves its Vision and Strategy as we approach our Centenary in 2027.   Their contribution will build on the work of both current and those who have come to the end of terms of office: Emma Broome, Mary Makin and David Carpenter, at an exciting and challenging time for the Cathedral.   We look forward to welcoming them formally to the Cathedral during Choral Evensong on Sunday 22 September.

Chapter consists of up to 12 members and following this initial round of appointments, we are now looking for other people who are willing to build on the commitment, enthusiasm and energy of members as the Cathedral diversifies its strategic thinking.  

Read more on our website →

Nameboards

In the coming weeks, the nameboards of Bishops, Provosts, Deans and Archdeacons are being temporarily removed from the South Tower Transept while they are updated with additional names.

Charity Quiz Night in aid of the Friends – 7 Oct

Early booking advised! The Costal Family Group, the firm that owns The A Bar, The Briny, Canteen and the 10th Hole will be holding a Quiz and Curry Night on Monday, 7th October 2024 at the 10th Hole.
 
All proceeds going to support the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral.
 
The cost is £12.50 per head or £50 per table.  To find more about how to book a table for this popular event and to support The Friends please click on the link here.

Meet the Dean – Sunday 8 September

All are invited to the next session in the series of informal chats with Dean Anthony to be held after the 11:00am Eucharist on Sunday 8 September in the Bishop Kenneth Room. 

The Parish Lunch Club - 9 September

The Parish Lunch Club restarts on Monday 9 September.
 
The Parish Lunch Club restarts on Monday 9 September providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends following the Summer break, as our fantastic volunteers create and serve a delicious two course meal followed by tea or coffee.
 
New members are welcome to join the Parish Lunch Club which runs fortnightly during term time on Mondays and provides a sociable occasion to catch up and meet new friends.  Arrive in good time at Becket Hall for lunch which is served at 12.30pm.
 
The cost of a two-course hot lunch is £5. New member registration details are taken on arrival. Please make a note of the autumn term Parish Lunch Club dates Monday 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 14 Oct, 4 Nov, 18 Nov, 9 Dec 24. Monday 9 December will be the Christmas meal including turkey, all the trimmings and even a glass of wine, at the final Lunch Club date for 2024.

Exploring the Bible: Mark's Gospel - starting Monday 9 September

Canon Harriet will be leading a new series called "Exploring the Bible", starting in September. We will begin with Mark's Gospel and look to explore more books from both the Old and New Testaments during the year.
 
Mark's Gospel is thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels. It's written in a style that is direct and "to the point", an exciting and short read. It's an excellent place to start if you have been considering reading more of the Bible and delving into its depths!
 
Mark's Gospel will run from Monday 9 September, for 6 weeks. We'll meet on the following dates (all Mondays): 9, 16, 23, 30 September, 7, 14 October at 6.45pm in Bishop Kenneth Room.
 
All are welcome. You don't need to have any prior knowledge to take part, just a readiness to read, and enjoy some discussion. Please bring your own Bible.
 
If you would like to join, please email Canon Harriet at: harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Hampshire & IOW Memorial Quilt - starts Monday 9 September

The Hampshire & IOW Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt is a beautiful ongoing piece of art created with love in memory of people lost to suicide by their bereaved friends and family. This project has been inspired by the quilts made in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.
 
The initial quilts are being sewn ready for their unveiling at an event “Let’s get talking about suicide” in Victoria Park, Portsmouth on the 7 September and will then be displayed in Portsmouth Cathedral from 9–27 September.

During the exhibition, there will be a special evensong to remember those whose lives have been lost, and also some times set aside for quiet prayer and reflection as well as other events.
 
If you would like to make a square for a loved one you can get in touch with the Hampshire and IOW group, by emailing hampshirequilt@gmail.com.

Restorative Training for Portsmouth Churches, Saturday 14 September

Christians across Portsmouth are invited to a Restorative Training Day, which will be delivered by John Swindell of Portsmouth Mediation Service.
 
Restorative Practice teaches people relational skills, which strengthens relationships and equips people with the skills to positively handle conflict. Restorative Practice follows the biblical mandate of ‘peace and reconciliation’.
 
These restorative skills will be beneficial to the whole church and for anyone in a leadership role, it will provide them with a restorative approach to leading which has maximum impact but with the minimum stress. 
 
The day runs from 9:00am to 4:30pm on Saturday 14 September at St Margaret’s Church, Highland Road, Southsea.
 
For more information and to book, click here:

Ride and Stride 2024 – Saturday 14 September

Portsmouth Cathedral will once again be welcoming Riders and Striders for the annual event in aid of Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust. 
 
We also hope to put together a team of Riders and Striders to support the Trust through sponsorship as they visit other churches in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight that day.   50% of the sponsorship raised is returned to your nominated church so your participation can also help the Cathedral.  If you would be interested in taking part please contact us through info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. 

Anna Chaplaincy - World Alzheimer's Day Coffee Morning – Saturday 21 September 

World Alzheimer's Day will be observed on Saturday 21 September.  The day is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and combatting the stigma associated with various forms of dementia. 
 
The Anna Chaplaincy invites anyone affected by dementia including carers, friends and family to join them in the Cathedral Nave for light refreshments and an opportunity to reflect, from 10:30am until 12:00pm.
 
Alzheimer’s disease is among the most prevalent forms of dementia, which is a set of disorders that disrupt mental function.  It is estimated that 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80 will be affected by Alzheimer's in the UK.
 
Anna Chaplaincy – a ministry of the Christian charity BRF – has been established specifically to provide care for older people, especially those living in care homes and sheltered accommodation, and to their families and the staff that look after them.
 
Anna Chaplains promote the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges living independently.  Anna Chaplains are named after the widow, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s gospel; both are good role models of faithful older people.

Harvest Celebration Barn Dance & Hog Roast – Saturday 21 September 

Dig out your checked shirts, brush off those cowboy boots and join us for a for an evening of lively entertainment and traditional dancing lead by the Woodsiders Ceilidh & Barn Dance Band. 
 
Doors open 6:30pm, dancing commences at 7:00pm with a break for a Hog Roast supper at 8:00pm. 
 
This is a fundraising event for Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association
 
Tickets include Hog Roast or vegan alternative: Adults £20, Children £10, Under 5s and small dogs free, cash bar.

Get your tickets here.

Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral AGM – Sunday 22 September

We look forward to seeing many members of the Friends at the AGM on Sunday 22 September. The meeting will be held in Becket Hall at 4:00pm and our President, Bishop Jonathan, will be present. Tea/coffee will be available after the meeting.

More details here.

The Fishermen's Mission - Sea Showcase

Portsmouth and our surrounding coastline have a steep history of deep-sea fishing and the industry around it. Come along to an evening including singalong sea shanties, stories, poems, films, crafts and more! Produced and in support of The Fishermen’s Mission.

Learn more and book online →

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 pray for Harriet to be baptised on Sunday
and for Reuben to be baptised next Wednesday at Pompey Tots.
 
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  Sue, Jane, Chris, Tom, Wendy, Richard, Zoe, Paul, Gemma, Geraldine and all in need.  
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Rosy, John, Alistair, Alison, Jill, Suzy, Philip, Mathai, Graeme and Muriel.
 
We remember those who have died recently, including: Joan Benning, Kenneth Gibbons and Margaret Wilson and all whose anniversary falls at this time. 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.

Have news or story you’d like to share? Submit a notice 📰