Truro cathedral

Cathedral News

Bishop Tim's Welcome Service

In London on Friday November 14th the Archbishop of Canterbury and our Chapter took part in a religious and legal ceremony that saw Bishop Tim become Bishop of Truro. Canon Perran Gay now looks forward to the Service of Welcome at Truro Cathedral.

Over the next few months Bishop Tim and Siân his wife will be making their final preparations for their move to Truro, and for the new ministry that the Bishop will be undertaking. The final part of the inauguration of that new ministry will be the great service of Welcome and Installation taking place in the Cathedral on Saturday 7th March at 2.00 p.m. At the heart of that service, the Archdeacon of Canterbury, representing the Archbishop, will install Bishop Tim into the Cathedra (the Bishop’s Chair that gives the Cathedral its name), and then the Dean, on behalf of the Chapter, will present our new Bishop with Archbishop’s Benson pastoral staff, as a sign of our Bishop’s authority and leadership among us. The Welcome Service will of necessity include all kinds of representative people: of Her Majesty’s Lieutenancy; of the civic, cultural, organisational and business life of Cornwall; of the diocesan clergy and readers; of lay people who serve within the Diocese in significant roles; of Churchwardens from each parish; of visiting bishops and ecumenical leaders; and of the new Bishop’s own family and friends. Of the thousands of people who would like to be there, we will only be able to accommodate just over one thousand, and regrettably the service will need to be by invitation only. We will be providing overspill accommodation in Truro Methodist Church, to view the service via CCTV, and free tickets for that facility will be available in the New Year. Members of the Cathedral community will be able to meet our new Bishop the following morning (March 8th) when he will be presiding and preaching at the 10.00 a.m. Eucharist. We extend our best wishes and prayers to Bishop Tim and Siân as they prepare for their move to Cornwall, and very much look forward to working with our new Bishop in the exciting times that lie ahead.

Nine Lessons and Carols full

Tickets for the hugely popular service of Nine Lessons and Carols have been allocated and distributed in record time this year.

Advent Carol Service

Truro Cathedral has moved the date of its Advent Service from the first Sunday to the second Sunday in Advent.

Kaleidoscope Course launched at Cathedral

Truro Cathedral launches a new course which it hopes will help people make better connections between the different parts of their life including their faith. It will start in October and run for three terms. For more details contact canon Philip Lambert on 01872 245018 or 01872 276782.

Cathedral Centenary Bells Project still Viable

The Cathedral Chapter is still hopeful that the project to install the first ever ring of twelve bells in Cornwall will still happen.  This is in spite of the ‘credit-crunch’ and downturn in the economy, which has eaten into the value of blue-chip shares held in the Bell Fund, leading to a project-funding shortfall in the region of £114,000.

Latest Cathedral Newsletter

In the latest Cathedral Newsletter we welcome Bishop Tim as he is appointed the next Bishop of Truro.

Canon Philip outlines the thinking behind the Truro Cathedral Kaleidoscope Course.

Archdeacon Roger Bush reports on the recent debates at Synod.

Read the interview with Chris Gray the Cathedral's new Director of Music

Cathedral displays Eco-friendly Bags in Exhibition

Truro Cathedral will be hosting a small display of eco-friendly bags, produced by local Truro retailers, in an exhibition entitled ‘Bags of Bags’ from 24th July to 7th August.

Canon Philip Lambert from the Cathedral said, “The Cathedral Shop has just replaced its plastic bags stock with two eco-friendly designs, one made from cotton and the other from jute. We are hoping that by gathering together all these different examples that shoppers might consider using re-useable bags made from natural materials and where possible stop using plastic bags.”

Massive Crane starts Restoration Process

St Mary’s Street, next to the Cathedral, was closed on Tuesday 8th July to accommodate a giant 26 tonne crane. The crane was used so that hundreds of digital images of the Cathedral’s 250ft central tower could be taken. This marks the start of a major long-term restoration project to repair and restore the central Victoria Tower.

The Dean of Truro, Dr Christopher Hardwick took a close-up look at things as he was raised in the crane’s cradle to view the damaged tower for himself. He said, “Even at the lower levels it was easy to spot substantial weathering and damage to the stonework. I can see how urgent this work has become.

Cathedral Choir release Vierne CD

Truro Cathedral Choir has won many plaudits in the past for its singing, but a new CD recording of the complete works of a single composer breaks new ground.

Truro Cathedral Choir has just released its latest recording (on the Regent Records label), which is a double CD (for the price of a single!) of the complete Litirgical music of Louis Vierne.

 

Cathedral Fundraising Concert Postponed

A fundraising concert due to be held on Saturday 27th September, hosted by Sir Tim Rice, raising funds for the Truro Cathedral Music Appeal, has had to be unavoidably postponed.

If people would like to be kept informed about the plans for this concert they should contact the Cathedral Office on 01872 276782 and ask to be put on the Sir Tim Rice information list.

Songs of Praise

The BBC came to Truro in May 2008 and recorded three Songs of Praise. The first was aired on Sunday 29 June. The second on, which will feature Male Voice Choirs from all over Cornwall and Hayley Westenra, will be shown on 02 Nov 2008, but this may be subject to alteration. The third is due to be shown early in 2009.

'In Paradisum' Truro Cathedral Choir Summer Concert

The choral talents of Truro Cathedral Choir and the Three Spires Singers will combine on Saturday 12th July at 7.30 pm to mark the end of Robert Sharpe’s time both as Director of Music at the Cathedral and as Conductor of the Three Spires Singers.

 Robert pays tribute to the Cathedral Choir, “ I was very fortunate to inherit a wonderful choir from my predecessor. The commitment of the Lay Vicars, Choristers and their parents, has been outstanding and has resulted in the choir receiving compliments both nationally and from across the globe. I don’t think local people fully appreciate the quality of the music at Truro Cathedral; it is one of the top cathedral choirs in this country.”

Kaleidoscope Course - a first

A new adult education course is being piloted by Truro Cathedral to help people explore their spiritual lives. The Kaleidoscope Course, as it is known, seeks to help people find a connection and connectedness by simply exploring our own senses.
It is due to start in September 2008 and will run for three terms. The cost is £90.

Canon Philip Lambert explains:

"This is a course for ordinary people, a course to which you bring your whole life. We use the metaphor of the kaleidoscope because it seems to sum up what the course is about. It's about making sense of the rich and varied patterns of our lives, God may meet you as the designs form and the different colours of your life fall into place."

Local Choir says farewell to Conductor

St Mary’s Singers is to present a free concert at Truro Cathedral on Saturday 28 June at 7.30 pm to mark the end of Christopher Gray’s time as its conductor. The programme of unaccompanied choral works will last about an hour and will feature music which has a special significance for the performers.

The choir’s chairman, Dr Ian Brown, explains: “Christopher is to stand down as conductor of St Mary’s Singers as he moves from Assistant Director of Music to be Director of Music at Truro Cathedral in September. He has made some substantial innovations during his time with the choir".

St Mewan Sinfonia Concert

St Mewan Sinfonia are helping to raise funds for Truro CathedralThey have given more than a dozen performances in the last couple of years raising much needed funds for charities and good causes in Cornwall.

 

“These concerts by the St Mewan Sinfonia are growing in popularity. After the success of last year’s concert we were delighted that St Mewan wanted to come back to the Cathedral again this year".

Longest Serving Cathedral Staff Member Clocks Up 50,000 Miles

Robert Preston will celebrate 25 years at Truro Cathedral as a verger on Friday (20th June) at a special Eucharist starting at 5.30pm. The Very Revd David Shearlock, former Dean of Truro, will give the sermon.

 “Robert’s silver jubilee deserves recognition. He has served the Cathedral quietly and faithfully for a quarter of a century and is now the longest serving full-time member of the Cathedral family.”

Phantom of the Opera

Are you looking for a slightly different kind of Friday night out?

On Friday 27th June at 8pm you won’t have further to look than Truro Cathedral! A unique cinema experience is being offered but with a twist. They are showing one of the greatest silent films ever made, the classic 1925 film version of Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Channey, together with live, improvised organ accompaniment from international recitalist David Briggs

 

 

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Cornwall Youth Choir Sing in Gloucester Cathedral

Members of Cornwall Junior Choir recently enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime, to sing in Gloucester Cathedral.

The group of thirty-five youngsters, aged between six and fifteen years from all over the county spent an exciting two days in Gloucester, which culminated in a Sunday lunchtime recital at the Cathedral.

New Bishop of Truro appointed

The next Bishop of Truro is to be the Rt Revd Tim Thornton, currently Bishop of Sherborne, in the Diocese of Salisbury. The announcement was made at 11am this morning in a statement from 10 Downing Street. Tim and his wife Sian are not expected to move to Cornwall until the end of the year and his Service of Welcome will take place in the Cathedral on 24th January 2009.

"I'm very excited and delighted to have this opportunity of working in Cornwall. For me the essence of the gospel is about being set free and growing up and becoming fully alive, so I look forward to getting out and about across the county and meeting lots of people and hearing and sharing something of their stories."

Thomas Merritt Service 2008

This Sunday (June 15th 2008) at 6pm in Truro Cathedral, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held to mark the centenary of the death of Thomas Merritt, one of Cornwall’s most famous musical sons.

Merritt, who was born at Illogan in 1862, composed hymns, anthems, organ music and oratorios, but is probably best known for the music he composed for Christmas carols.

Luke Bond Appointed Assistant Director of Music

The Chapter of Truro Cathedral are delighted to appoint Luke Bond as Assistant Director of Music. Luke is not a stranger to Truro and Cornwall having completed a gap-year as organ scholar at the Cathedral some ten years ago.

Luke said, “ I feel very privileged indeed to have been offered the position in Truro. I look forward to working with Chris Gray (the Cathedral’s new Director of Music) and the other members of the Worship team "

August/September Cathedral Newsletter

Articles
Bishop Tim Thornton named as next Bishop of Truro
Archdeacon Roger Bush reports on debates at Synod
Interview with Chris Gray the Cathedral's new Director of Music
Truro Cathedral Kaleidoscope Course
The Sharpe's farewell

Remember Our Child

The first Service of Remembrance took place over twenty years ago in October 1995. Since then there has been an annual service held to remember and celebrate children whose lives have been cut short. Attended by parents, siblings, friends and grandparents, the names of the children are inscribed in a special memorial book and read out during the service while a candle is also lit for each child. The Service is held on the second Sunday of May each year. Contact the Cathedral if you would like your child's name added to the Remembrance Book.

Appointment of Appeal Administrator

The post of Appeal Administrator is new and arises from the Cathedral’s need to launch an Appeal and Fundraising Campaign to restore the Central Tower and undertake other associated capital projects.  The post is available from the beginning of July 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter.   The post will be offered on a Fixed Term Contract initially to 31st December 2009.

 

Surplus is good news for Cathedral

The accounts for 2007 have been finalised - and it's good news for the Cathedral as a run of deficits have been turned around - leading to a surplus of £12,500 last year.

Eucharist for the Day of Pentecost

Sunday 11th May at 10am (Cathedral opens at 9am. All seated by 9.30am.)
Join us as we celebrate Pentecost, which will be broadcast live on BBC1. It is the day when we remember the giving of the Holy Spirit to Jesus' Apostles after his death and resurrection. This gift continues to inspire all who follow Christ to proclaim and live Jesus' good news of God's love for all.

This is a ticketed Service. To apply for 'free' tickets please send an SAE marked 'Pentecost' to Truro Cathedral Office, 14 St Mary's St, Truro TR! 2AF, by Friday 2nd May.

For more information please contact 01872 276782

Cathedral Newsletter April / May

In this edition:
* News from the Cathedral
* The Friends of Truro Cathedral
* Archbishop Rowan Williams
* Diocesan Synod at Truro Cathedral

 

Songs of Praise coming to the Cathedral

The ever popular BBC1 religious flagship programme Songs of Praise, now in its 47th year, is coming to Cornwall in May. Ticket Application forms for the general public are now available.

With Bishop Bill through Holy Week and Easter

 

Bishop Bill Ind, Bishop of Truro, gave his final sermon at Truro Cathedral on Easter Day. He retires after ten years service as the Bishop in Cornwall.

During Holy Week and Easter he gave a series of linked reflections and sermons which we have published as a booklet. To download your copy see below.

New Director of Music Appointed for September

The Chapter of Truro Cathedral is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Christopher Gray as the Cathedral's new Director of Music. Chris will take over from Robert Sharpe in September 2008.

"We are very keen that there should be a strong sense of continuity for the Choir and the Cathedral's musical life, and consider that in Christopher we have a person of outstanding ability and proven experience who can build on our past and present achievements." Dean Christopher Hardwick

Lights Out at the Cathedral

It’ll be difficult to see Truro Cathedral during the night of Wednesday 27th and early morning of Thursday 28th February, as the floodlights that usually illuminate the towers and spires are switched off as part of Energy Saving Day.

" Canon Missioner Philip Lambert said, “We are supporting this initiative because we believe everyone has a responsibilty towards reducing our over-consumption of the God given resources of this planet. This is not just for our own sake, but for that of our children and for the sake of all the creatures and plants which share the earth with us.At the moment the Cathedral floodlights are on all night but for Energy Saving Day they will be turned offas a part of a national urgent wake up calltoremind us to reduce energy consumption now. The Cathedral floodlights provide visitors and residents of Truro with a comforting and inspiring sight. The lit spires pierce the gloom of night, giving hope and brightening our lives. We willcontinue toilluminate the Cathedral at night, but need to investigate ways in which we can reduce our overall energy consumption.”

 

Shop Supervisor required

Required immediately as a Shop Supervisor to assist the Shop Manager and Assistant Manager with the smooth daily operation of the Cathedral Shop.  To help maximise sales whilst ensuring that customer needs are met and exceeded.

The closing date for Application Form is 12 noon on Friday 7th March 2008. 

Director of Music moving on

Robert Sharpe, Director of Music and Organist at Truro Cathedral has been appointed as Director of Music at York Minster. He was appointed from a talented shortlist and will take up his appointment next summer.

Robert Sharpe said, “Although I am very excited about becoming part of the Minster community, I shall very much miss the cathedral here in Cornwall, especially all the friends I have made.  This is a great opportunity to work with organist John Scott Whiteley as well as having the privilege of succeeding Philip Moore whose music I greatly admire.”

Cathedral receives grant from English Heritage

 

Truro Cathedral has been awarded a £30,000 grant from English Heritage as part of a major on-going restoration project. The grant will be used to fund a photogrammetric survey of the central Victoria Tower and spire. It is hoped that the work will be carried out before Easter.

Amazing Film to raise funds for the Cathedral

The Friends of Truro Cathedral have secured the largest screen at the Truro Plaza Cinema at 8pm on the 26th February for the special charity screening of the film ‘Amazing Grace’ starring Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon and Rufus Sewell. This unusual opportunity has arisen thanks to the generosity of Mr David Williams, Director of WTW Cinemas who has donated the use of the cinema free of charge. Further generosity has been shown by Momentum Pictures, the UK’s leading independent film distributor, who have also very kindly waived any fees. Tickets are £10 and available from Mrs Evans on 01872 271330.