Truro cathedral

Cathedral News

Truro Cathedral to stage iconic 1880 Christmas service

On Tuesday 17th December at 7.00 pm Truro Cathedral will stage a reconstruction of the first ever “Nine Lessons” service, devised by Bishop Edward White Benson in 1880.

In December each year, people in Cornwall rightly celebrate their ownership of a very special piece of Christmas history: it was here, in 1880, that the popular format for carol services, ‘Nine Lessons with Carols’, was born.

The innovative service first took place at Truro Cathedral on Christmas Eve in 1880, the brainchild of the first Bishop of Truro, Edward White Benson. The format quickly travelled to other churches and its place in history was secured when Eric Milner-White adapted it for King’s College, Cambridge from where it has been broadcast almost annually on Christmas Eve since 1928.

On Tuesday 17th December at 7.00 pm this year, Truro Cathedral will take its congregation back to 1880 by reconstructing this first ever service of Nine Lessons with Carols. Truro Cathedral’s director of music, Christopher Gray, said: “Millions of people tune in to hear the broadcast from King’s College, Cambridge each year, and millions more attend a ‘Nine Lessons’ service in person. Benson’s format has travelled across the globe and we have recently been piecing together exactly what the origins of this great institution are.”

In 1880, Truro Cathedral as we know it today was in the earliest stages of its construction so the ‘Nine Lessons’ service took place in a wooden structure where services were held until 1887. Some four hundred people crammed in to hear carols, readings, several anthems from Handel’s ‘Messiah’ and various prayers and blessings.

Christopher Gray said: “Piecing together what took place at 10.00 pm on Christmas Eve in 1880 has been fascinating. My own interest in those earliest days of the cathedral was ignited by Michael Swift, Stained Glass Adviser to the Diocese of Truro, who is currently researching a book on Benson. Michael has presented a number of fascinating lectures in recent years and it seemed a good time to revisit this specific event from 1880.

“As well as Michael Swift, I am grateful to a number of other people who have helped me to locate pieces of the jigsaw and then to piece them together. Among them are Alison Spence at Cornwall Record Office, and Richard Longman who has untangled and found solutions to many of the problems we faced with finding correct versions of the music. I am also indebted to conductor and musicologist Jeremy Summerly who has conducted detailed research into the Truro origins of the ‘Nine Lessons’ service in preparation for his forthcoming book, ‘A Cause for Carolling’. Jeremy was able to confirm our findings and provide a great deal of useful wider context.

The service on 17th December is free to attend and all are welcome. There will be a talk on the reconstruction, for those who wish to find out more, at 6.00 pm and the congregation is asked to be seated by 6.30 pm at the latest for a rehearsal in advance of the 7.00 pm start.

The service will be webcast and should be available to listen to online later in the evening on 17th December.

 

Finance Assistant required

Truro Cathedral is seeking a Finance assistant to give support to the Director of Operations. The successful candidate will be offered a six months fixed term contract while The Chapter of Truro Cathedral complete a strategic review of Operations. It is a full time role reporting to the Director of Operations who is responsible for delivering financial information to The Chapter. You will be assisting in the smooth running of the Cathedral’s finances, including looking after sales and purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations, VAT and payroll.

There is a subsidiary company which runs the Cathedral Restaurant and Shops, and the job extends to this and any other associated company that requires accounting services from time to time.

Key duties and responsibilities

Assisting with the production of accurate and timely management accounts. Monitoring performance against budget and bringing any variances to the attention of the Director of Operations.

• Responsible for the day to day maintenance of the Cathedral’s accounts, processing income and expenditure transactions, petty cash, bank reconciliations etc.
• Assisting with the running of payroll for Cathedral Chapter and Truro Cathedral Ltd.
• Ensuring compliance with all taxation matters: income tax, VAT, PAYE etc.
• Responsible for the administration of the Cathedral’s Gift Aid donations scheme making regular and timely tax relief claims.
• Assisting with the Cathedral’s audit procedure.
• Ensuring the timely maintenance of all internal controls covering accounting records, production of management information and budgetary processing.
• Assisting with the financial management of capital projects.
• Assisting with the production of the annual financial statements and associated financial reports, budgets, cash flows for the Chapter of Truro Cathedral and the directors of Truro Cathedral Ltd.

How to apply

Applications will only be accepted by Application Form (download the Application Pack -below). We actively encourage you to complete this Aplication Form electronically and submit it by email. If you are completing it on paper, please use black ink to help us photocopy and add whatever supplementary forms you need.

The Closing Date for Applications is 12 noon on Monday 28 October.  Applications should be addressed to Emma Nicholls at Truro Cathedral 14 St Mary’s Street, Truro, TR1 2AF or email recruitment@trurocathedral.org.uk

Interviews will be held on the 7th November. Please assume if you have not heard from us by 5 November that in this instance you have been unsuccessful.

Please ensure you provide an email address as all formal applicants will communicated with by email where possible.

 

Assistant to the Retail Manager required

Working with the Retail Manager, the retail team and retail volunteers, the Assistant to the Retail  Manager will have a passion for retail, strive to provide the highest standard of customer care and service, be experienced in dealing with e-commerce, work efficiently with a computerised stock management system and have staff supervisory experience – ideally working with volunteers.

The Assistant to the Retail Manager deputises for the Retail Manager and will be responsible for providing retail administration support.

 

How to apply

We actively encourage the submission of this application by email. If you are completing the We actively encourage you to complete this email electronically and submission it by email.

If you are completing it on paper, please use black ink to help us photocopy and add whatever supplementary forms you need.

The Closing Date for Applications is 12 noon on 8 November.  Applications should be addressed to the Emma Nicholls, Truro Cathedral 14 St Mary’s Street, Truro, TR1 2AF or email recruitment@trurocathedral.org.uk

Interviews will be held on 28 November at the Cathedral office in St Marys Street and will be followed by a short ICT test. Please assume if you have not heard from us by November 25 you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Please ensure you provide an email address as all formal applicants will be notified by email once an appointment has been made.

Music Day for Cornwall

Saturday 12th October 2013

I hope that the Music Day for Cornwall will both inspire those who come, and also equip them to strengthen and develop the music in their churches. The eclectic programme, with experienced and distinguished workshop leaders, was devised by the Music Day Committee which includes senior clergy and musicians from a variety of backgrounds. We have sought earnestly to respond to the pressing needs of churches of all denominations in Cornwall. Clergy, worship leaders, musicians and lay people from different worship styles should all find much to engage them on 12th October. My sincere hope is that everyone who comes will enjoy the day and will leave with the enthusiasm and the tools to enhance their churches’ music and worship.

Graham Kendrick Concert

Saturday 12 October at 7.30pm

Tickets £10 (or joint ticket with Music Day £17) from Liz Wallace, Truro cathedral Office, 14 St Mary's Street, TRURO, TR1 2AF, musicday@trurocathedral.org.uk 01872 276782 or on the door.

 

See pdfs below for more information

Ice Skate Truro is back bigger and better than ever

Get Your Skates On!

This Christmas, no trip to Truro will be complete without a visit to Cornwall’s ONLY open air ice rink.

Tucked just behind Truro's majestic Cathedral, in one of the city's most peaceful and undiscovered areas, skating on the rink is the perfect way to soak up the magic that is Christmas in Truro.

The rink is open every day between 20th November 2013 and 5th January 2014, except Christmas day, on Cathedral Green and can be found by walking through High Cross and down to the left of the Cathedral.

Regular sessions will start at 10:00am throughout the day until 8:30pm, with late night skating also available on selected evenings throughout the season.

Tickets for skating sessions can be booked in advance from 24th October by visiting www.iceskatetruro.co.uk or by calling 01872 245001. Tickets will also be available from the ice rink box office situated next to the Cathedral from 20th November. 

The ice is open to anyone aged 4 and over** and wheelchair access to the ice is available, please call the ticket office to find out which sessions have spaces.


Prices for Ice Skate Truro:
Adults £7
4-16yr olds £5
Students with NUS Card £5
Family ticket: 2 Adults and 2 Children (U16) £22
School Groups up to 30 children £3 per child + 2 teachers free
Groups of ten get 11th person free
Seniors over 65 £5


**Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.


Up to date details can be found at on our Facebook page.


Ice Skate Truro is a fantastic collaboration between Truro Cathedral and Totally Truro with one purpose, to make Christmas in Truro magical.

 

Organ Recital rescheduled

Luke Bond's 125th anniversary organ recital postoned from Friday 20 Sept will now take place on Friday 11 October at 7.30pm.
Truro Cathedral’s world famous Father Willis Organ will have its 125th birthday marked on September 21st by a recital and informal lecture at 7.30pm in the Cathedral. Assistant Director of Music, Luke Bond, has put together a programme of music that will help to illustrate different periods in this monumental instrument’s history. He will also give a couple of short talks with a big screen presentation designed to explain why this wonderful Cathedral organ is so famous throughout the world. There will be an interval, during which Cornish refreshments will be served! Tickets are priced at £7 (students £5, under18s free) and are available on the door (to include refreshments).

Education Assistant required

This is a part time post responsible to the Education Officer. You will be assisting in the smooth running of the Cathedral’s education programme that delivers a series of tours, visits and workshops to groups varying in age and ability from Early Years up to University level students. Currently, the majority of our on-site learning experiences are booked for Primary School classes (Age 4-11, Key Stages 1&2).

The education programme offers a range of formal learning experiences to Primary and Secondary students, with a heavy focus on experiential learning. We aim to give children the opportunity to explore the Cathedral and its reasons for being here, while offering a truly memorable experience. This involves the use of various props and costumes to help bring the building to life.

In addition to this, we continue to work with College and University students on various different projects, both adding to our own research into the building itself, and encouraging the exploration of the meaning of Christian beliefs and worship.

Our informal learning programme aims to bring more families and young people into the Cathedral, and to let them know that everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the building. In the holidays and at weekends, we provide a place for parents to spend some time getting creative with their child on our free Messy Table, taking inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. We also offer a range of free trails for children, which are available to visitors throughout the year.

Please download the Application Form (below).

The Closing Date for Applications is 12 noon on Friday 6 September. 

Completed Applications should be addressed to Liz Wallace at Truro Cathedral 14 St Mary’s Street, Truro, TR1 2AF or emailed to lizwallace@trurocathedral.org.uk

 

Christmas Shop launched in 'High Street'

Truro Cathedral has taken a lease on a retail property in the heart of Truro’s shopping centre.

Truro Cathedral Shop Manager,  James Barker, said, “The Directors of the limited company that runs the shop on behalf of the cathedral felt there was a retail opportunity to develop our presence on the ‘High St’. We have been successfully running a summer Christmas Shop in the cathedral for five years now, and we want to see if the idea will work outside.”

Initially the retail property, which is in King St, will stock a range of Christmas products including Nativity Sets, Advent Calendars, Christmas Cards and decorations.  He also said,  “We have really been surprised at how well the Christmas Shop works. People seem to appreciate the quality of the traditional range of items we hold; our nativity sets always sell well. We are going to give it a go and see what happens.”

The cathedral hopes that if the shop is successful, then after Christmas the focus will switch to stocking Easter and Fairtrade  items.

The Dean of Truro, The Very Reverend Roger Bush, said, “Some people will find this a difficult decision to understand. But the cathedral has to generate profits from its commercial arm (the shop and the restaurant) in order to help finance our core activities of worship, education and outreach as well as keeping this beautiful building repaired and open. The positive way in which the Christmas Shop in the Cathedral has been received in the past five years leads us to believe there is a genuine demand for these quality religious products.”

The Dean also commented, “ There is nothing about our Christmas shop that is exploitative in any way and our products speak directly to our Christian faith.

The message of Christmas – that God was made man in the person of Jesus Christ – is a message for the whole year and one that we want to share.”

He also said, “In many ways it’s a vote of confidence in the ‘High St’, especially after all the economic doom and gloom we’re going through. I think we can attract more shoppers into the city centre, which will be good for all retailers.” This sentiment is echoed by Neil Scott, BID Manager, Totally Truro, who said, “The opening of the Cathedral Shop in King Street is an exciting and innovative venture and a great way to bring a uniquely Truro and Cornish offer to a broader audience. It may appear to be a bizarre decision to open a Christmas shop on one of the hottest days of the year, but I understand that some of the best trading months for the Cathedral’s Christmas gift ranges are during July and August. I’m sure that the new venture will prove to be a great addition to one of the busiest streets in Truro.”

The Shop is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm.

 

Choir CD enters charts top 20

The new CD by Truro Cathedral Choir has just entered the Specialist Classical Charts, run by the Official Charts Company, at number 20. The album was released in March and features music by contemporary composer Philip Stopford who is rapidly emerging from among the younger generation of British composers as one of the most popular and prolific writers of new choral music, and is in increasing demand on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Cathedral’s Director of Music, Christopher Gray, said: “It’s a great honour for our recording to be in the top 20, alongside some of the top names in classical music. I suspect it is helped by that fact that one of the tracks, Lully, lulla, lullay, is currently in Classic FM’s Hall of Fame and is therefore being played a lot on national radio. My experience is that Philip’s music really connects with people and I can understand why they go straight out, apparently in large numbers, and buy the album when they have a taste of it on the radio. Our own cathedral shop sold 200 CDs in the space of a few days when it was launched, though it’s got plenty more in stock again now!”

In its first major review in the national classical press, the CD received a maximum five-star rating, with the reviewer concluding:"This is a superlative CD worthy of every choral music collection. Inspirational singing from one of the top cathedral choirs in the land, coupled with brilliant organ playing by a highly gifted musician on a first-class instrument, provide the perfect vehicle for Phillip's wonderful, fresh music."

Composer Philip Stopford said: “When I stepped foot into Truro Cathedral in May of 2012 for the first recording session, I was thrilled that Christopher Gray, Luke Bond (Assistant Director of Music) and the Cathedral Choir had agreed to recorded this CD of my choral music. And now to be in the Classic FM Hall of Fame and Specialist Classical Chart is a wonderful achievement for all concerned. As my music is published mainly in America, Truro Cathedral Choir are now being heard more globally than ever before. Likewise, fans of choral music in the UK are hearing Stopford music possibly for the first time, and ordering sheet music for their own choirs to perform. Christopher and the Cathedral Choir have excelled themselves in bringing together the best performances of my music to date. Every stage of this project has been pure joy."

The CD is available from Truro Cathedral Shop and online from Regent Records and from all the usual outlets such as Amazon.

Truro Cathedral Choir will be giving their summer concert at 5pm this Saturday (22nd) in the cathedral. Tickets £12 on the door.

Worship Administrator required

Truro Cathedral are looking for an experienced administrator to provide administrative support to the Worship Department. This includes the Head of Worship who is responsible for all acts of worship in the Cathedral and the Director of Music who is responsible for the Cathedral’s music programme.

Download an Application Pack (see below)

The Closing Date for Applications is 12 noon on Monday 10 June.  Applications should be addressed to the PA to the Chief Executive, Truro Cathedral 14 St Mary’s Street, Truro, TR1 2AF or email pa@trurocathedral.org.uk

 

Children's Coronation comes to Truro Cathedral

Children from all over Cornwall are being invited to take part in a special 60th anniversary re-enactment of the Queen’s 1953 Coronation on Sunday 2nd June 2013 at 4pm in Truro Cathedral.

The call has gone out for Children aged between 7- 12 who would like to participate in this royal performance. The children can dress up and take the parts of Lords and Ladies and join in with the processions and singing. It was originally devised in 2002 for The Queen's Golden Jubilee where the young children of St Mawes Primary School performed The Children's Coronation on St Mawes Quay. In June 2012, the ceremony was repeatedfor the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and a video of the occasion was made and sent to the Queen. (See Youtube, type in ‘Children’s Coronation’).

The re-enactment in Truro Cathedral will exactly mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation that took place in Westminster Abbey on 2nd June 1953. This St Mawes version has got the Royal seal of approval with Her Majesty the Queen congratulating organisers and children for all their ‘dedication, hard work, and attention to detail’.

Organiser Yvonne Fuller, who co-ordinated two previous re-enactments in St Mawes, said, “We are all incredibly excited that the Children’s Coronation is going to take place in the full splendour of Truro Cathedral. It is a magnificent building and a stunning setting for the re-enactment; the children are going to love it.’’

She said, “We have tried to capture the look and feel of the original Coronation in minute detail. We have created child-sized costumes, replica crown jewels including crowns, orb and sceptre, and there is even a 8ft 6in royal carriage. All this will help to re-create all the pomp and ceremony of the original Coronation.”

The Children’s Coronation performance will replace the normal Evensong at 4pm with Truro Cathedral Choir taking part and singing Parry’s I Was Glad and Handel’s Zadok The Priest.

People of all ages are welcome to attend this historic occasion.If your child would like to take part or if adults would like to volunteer their help, please contact: Yvonne Fuller 01326 270617 ymm.fuller@btinternet.com

Archbishop of Canterbury to visit Diocese of Truro

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will be in Truro Cathedral for a day of prayer on Monday 18 March. This is part of his national ‘Journey of Prayer’, prior to his Enthronement on 21 March.

The purpose of Archbishop Justin’s journey is to pray and to encourage others to pray with him; so he is keen that a welcome is extended to everyone across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

During the day, from 10.30am – 3.30pm, he will be joined by schoolchildren and members of the many groups who are currently working together to meet the challenges that we are all facing at this time of austerity.

There will be a range of resources available in the Cathedral so that people can engage with different forms of prayer. These will include:

• guided prayer;
• prayer trees;
• a prayer labyrinth;
• prayer maps; and
• a children’s prayer space.

Archbishop Justin will be spending part of the day praying on his own and, at times, with other people.

Bishop Tim says: “Please do come to the Cathedral and join with the Archbishop in prayer on Monday 18 March.  As we journey through Lent, considering our own discipleship, what better time to pray for the him as he takes this momentous step on his journey; and we can also pray for ourselves and for the wider church.

“Prayer is a radical action with enormous and unforeseen consequences. Prayer enables us to recognise that we are not in control but that God is. And so prayer allows us to be transformed into the people God wants us to be.”

Ice Skate Truro is 'OPEN'

The hugely anticipated Ice Skate Truro opened on Wednesday, November 28, running (or should that be skating?) until Sunday, January 6, 2013.

Situated in the grounds of Truro Cathedral, the 25m x 13m rink is open from 10am every day except Christmas Day itself.

Alan Wallace, CEO for Truro Cathedral, said, “It’s just brilliant to see the rink finally open for business and so many people enjoying themselves. Not many people know this corner of Truro, but it really is a beautiful place for a rink, especially at Christmas.”

Already hundreds of skaters have taken to the ice and on opening night the Ice Queen herself stood on ceremony in the centre of the rink.

The buzz for Ice Skate Truro has been growing over recent weeks with a social media campaign on Facebook getting over 1400 fans in just a couple of weeks.

For those that like to take things a bit slower, the Cathedral Restaurant over looks the rink and is the perfect place to watch the pirouetting, twirling and inevitable falling from.

They are even planning special ‘themed eat and skate nights’ over the festive period, with guest dishes being planned and developed.

Ice Skate Truro has been installed by Cousins Entertainment, the company behind many of the top seasonal rinks across by country and has been jointly funded by the cathedral and Totally Truro.

Set up Olympic Gold Medallist and Dancing on Ice Star, Robin Cousins, the company also stages the rink for the hugely popular TV Show Dancing On Ice.

Robin, who visited Truro recently, said, ““Cousins Entertainment are very excited to have created an Ice Rink in the grounds of Truro Cathedral for the winter season. Truro is a beautiful city and I think it will provide tremendous fun for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Skating sessions are running every hour and providing there is space on the ice, you can turn up on the day and skate. Organisers are advising people to book in advance to guarantee their skating session, especially during the busy periods such as evenings and weekends. Skating times have been extended on Wednesdays to coincide with late night shopping in the City that will continue into the weekend.

To find out more about Ice Skate Truro, find the opening times and to book tickets visit www.iceskatetruro.co.uk or call the Hall For Cornwall box office on 01872 262466.

 

Tickets for ice skating sessions now available

Ensuring that you can ice skate in Truro over the festive season has taken a big step forward with tickets for ice skating sessions now available.

Excitement is mounting as Truro’s first ice skating rink is gradually becoming a reality. The project which is funded by Truro Cathedral and Totally Truro is applying for planning permission to site an outdoor ice rink next to the Cathedral on the Cathedral Green.

Today tickets went on sale at the Hall For Cornwall box office enabling ice skate lovers to book specific one hour slots on the ice. The ice rink is due to open on 28 November (subject to planning consent) and will run through until 6th January, and is expected to attract thousands of people to the city centre .

Ticketing for the one hour slots is being handled by the Hall For Cornwall Box Office. Adults will be charged £7, children £5 (skate hire included). People can apply in person at the HFC box office, or by phone, 01872 262466 or online at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk.

Colin Reid, the Cathedral’s Communication Officer, said,

“There has been so much interest generated, it’s phenomenal. It’s really captured people’s imagination and generated overwhelmingly positive feedback. We have already had over 700 ‘likes’ on our ‘iceskatetruro’ Facebook page. I think my advice to would-be skaters is book your tickets as soon as you can!”

PA to the Dean and Chief Executive of Truro Cathedral

We are looking for a highly motivated and efficient Personal Assistant to provide a confidential and professional support service to the Dean and Chief Executive of Truro Cathedral.

The principal tasks would include acting as the first point of contact, providing excellent secretarial support, handling and prioritising queries, emails and other correspondence, helping to maintain effective channels of communication with the principal members of the cathedral clergy, their support staff and the Bishop’s office, Co-ordinating all travel and meeting arrangements, processing expense claims and credit card statements and providing pro-active diary management skills.

How to apply for this vacancy

Please complete the application form (see below). We cannot consider a CV as an application, although supporting materials can be accepted.

We actively encourage the submission of this application by email. If you are completing the application form on paper, please use black ink to help us photocopy it; add whatever supplementary forms you see fit.

If you are completing the form electronically, please take whatever space is necessary for your replies; you can add any supplementary files as attachments. Please save files as RTF (Rich Text Format).

The Closing Date for Applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 28th November 2012. Applications should be addressed to the Chief Executive, Truro Cathedral 14 St Mary’s Street, Truro, TR1 2AF
email address chiefexecutive@truocathedral.org.uk

Shortlisting will take place on Friday 30th November 2012.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 4th December 2012.

Truro to get Ice rink in time for Christmas!

An application for planning permission to construct a temporary outdoor ice rink on the Cathedral Green has been submitted by Truro Cathedral to Cornwall Council's Planning Department.

Plans and details of the project, which consists of an ice rink and marquee for changing facilities, will be made available for public consultation, and if given planning approval, the outdoor rink will be operational from the end of November running through to the first week in January.

The project, which will initially run for three years, has been jointly funded by Truro Cathedral and Totally Truro, the Business Improvement District Scheme.

The Dean of Truro, The Very Revd Roger Bush, welcomes the new initiative, "We are delighted to submit these plans for planning approval. Using the Cathedral Green in this way captures the essence of our Inspire Cornwall development project; to share cathedral resources and facilities with people who live in or visit our local community."

Some of the Funds raised by the project will go towards the restoration of the Old Cathedral School to develop a major cultural and creative centre for Cornwall.

Neil Scott, BID Manager of Totally Truro, is equally upbeat, "Christmas in Truro just keeps getting better and better. The addition of an outdoor ice rink is a major coup for the city. Over the last few years the success of projects like the City of Lights parade, the extra Christmas street lights and the introduction of the park and ride system has drawn even greater numbers into the city for a wonderful Christmas experience. An open air ice skating rink will not only add to that offer but it will also be great fun."

New Dean Installed

On Saturday 22nd September at Truro Cathedral the Very Revd Roger Bush was installed as the Dean of Truro.

Canon Perran Gay, Acting Dean and Head of Worship, welcomed a large congregation to Truro Cathedral on Saturday as the Very Revd Roger Bush was installed as Dean Of Truro.

The 350 strong congregation included the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, and the Deans of Exeter and Wells.

The Service consisted of a number of parts, some legal, some religious, with some unscripted humorous exchanges between Roger and the Bishop of Truro, demonstrating the close working relationship the two already have, Roger having been part of the Bishop’s Staff group for a number of years as Archdeacon of Cornwall.

The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, represented Her Majesty the Queen, and invited Roger Bush to swear allegiance to her as Defender of the Faith and Head of the Church of England. After the new Dean was robed he was physically led and placed in his stall by Canon Perran Gay who then led the congregation in a rousing round of applause.

Towards the end of the service The Cathedral Choir were joined by St Mary’s Singers (The Cathedral’s Voluntary Choir and one that Roger Bush has belonged to for a number of years) singing Edward Bairsow’s Anthem: Blessed city, heavenly Salem.

Camborne Brass Band and Camborne Youth Band entertained the congregation before the service with a selection of music and ‘Cornish Cavalier’ by W.E Moyle during the ‘Peace’.

In his sermon Roger Bush linked together the three themes of creativity, curiosity and commitment as foundations for our shared journey of faith. “We are all on a journey to a greater understanding of God’s nature, and it’s through our questing spirit that this is undertaken. I may have to rely on the creativity of others, but I am innately curious and am deeply committed to the Gospel, and I know that with a shared purpose we can all travel joyously towards he undiscovered country of God’s grace, God’s love”.

After the service The Very Revd Roger Bush said, “The Dean of Truro not only has care and concerns for the Cathedral community but as Dean of the Truro Diocese in Cornwall, also has a wider role to proclaim the gospel message; that God is there for everybody. I hope that as a Cathedral we can play a vital role in supporting such initiatives across Cornwall.” Asked about his priorities for the coming few months the new Dean identified two.  One, is to keep pushing forward with the Cathedral’s Inspire Cornwall development project. This is a £1.5m project to restore the Old Cathedral School and transform it into a community centred creative hub. And the other is to continue to develop the Cathedral’s outreach and mission. He said, “I think that over the last few years, the Church of England has increasingly recognized the importance of reaching out to the local community in which the church, or cathedral, sits. I’d very much like to be part of the development of creating links and fostering debates over the many contemporary issues affecting our unique Cornish community.”

Nine Lessons and Carols Service this Christmas

The entry system to the popular service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Truro Cathedral will change this Christmas.

Kings College, Cambridge, might be famous for their Christmas broadcasts of them, but they can’t lay claim to have invented the format, because it was here at Truro Cathedral that the first ever service of Nine Lessons and Carols took place on Christmas Eve 1880.

The service, which was designed by the first Bishop of Truro, Edward White Benson, has run unbroken for 132 years and is a much-loved favourite for people both near and far. 

The structure of the service is little changed comprising nine short Bible readings interspersed with nine carols that together tell the wonderful Christmas story.

In recent years, the Cathedral has had to set a maximum capacity limit for safety reasons, and introduced a free ticket entry system to control the numbers of people entering the building. This was done in order to allow safe evacuation of the building in the event of an emergency. Chapter has decided not to ticket these services this year.

This was not a decision that Chapter came to easily or lightly, but one based on considerations about how best to use costly administrative time (ticketing this service takes many many hours of work to administer); our experience (and that of several other cathedrals) of empty seats when people have taken free tickets they don't use; abuse of the system by people reserving seats for others who turned up with their tickets at the last minute; the ludicrous situation of having to tell people during mid-October that there will be no room in the inn for them on Christmas Eve; and the whole business of ticketing an act of worship in the first place and making it seem more and more like a concert. Our research shows that several cathedrals that used to ticket have now ceased doing so for the same set of reasons.
Of course this will mean that people may have to wait a little longer than at present.. We do have plans to patrol the queues and count people off, so as to let people beyond the capacity limit know almost immediately that they do not have a realistic chance of getting in. We also plan to offer refreshments to those waiting outside, so as to make it a slightly more pleasant experience.
Having gone public with the new scheme we are determined to see it through, probably for two or three years so that we get a real chance to see how it is working without confusing everyone by changing the arrangements yet again. I am sure that it will be far from perfect, and we do know we need to carefully analyse what happens so as best to inform our long term planning. If people want to hear our choir at Christmastime with a guaranteed (and specific) seat and with no need to wait, they are able to pay to come to the equally full Christmas concert. And of course there are many other Advent and Christmas services where we will not be at full capacity, and where good seats will be available free of charge again without any waiting. Our aim for the changes we have introduced is to see if we can return to a simpler and fairer way of administering our carol services for all.

Canon Perran Gay
Canon Precentor and Head of Worship

New Dean announced

An announcement from Downing Street has confirmed the appointment of the Venerable Roger C Bush, Archdeacon of Cornwall, as the new Dean of Truro. He will be installed later this year at a special service in Truro Cathedral on 22 September 2012.

Commenting on the news, the Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Tim Thornton, said: “I am very pleased indeed that Roger is to be the Dean of Truro. We have, of course, worked closely together since I arrived in the Diocese and Roger is a good colleague who I know will do a very good job.

“Roger and Lois are no strangers to the Cathedral and I know they will be welcomed by the whole community. Roger has an important task to undertake in leading the work of the Cathedral and also in continuing to fulfil the roles he has across the Diocese, most importantly as Chairman of the Board of Education.

Expressing his delight at his appointment, Roger Bush said: “First of all I need to say what an immense privilege it is to be invited to serve as Dean of Truro. I have been very fortunate in being involved in the life of the Cathedral in some way or another for many years, so to have the opportunity to lead the Cathedral community is a wonderful opportunity for me, to which I am greatly looking forward.

“I see the Cathedral as being pivotal in furthering Bishop Tim’s aim of Discovering the Kingdom and Growing the Church; of being one of the leading witnesses of the Christian Gospel in Cornwall; and of using its significant symbolic importance as valuing and enhancing Cornish life in all its forms and varieties.

“The Christian Church is there to serve the whole community, not just to have regard for itself, and I want to ensure that the Cathedral plays its part in that life of service across the whole of the Diocese of Truro.

 

Cathedral Architect

Truro Cathedral wishes to appoint a Cathedral Architect/Surveyor to the Fabric who will work under the terms of the Care of Cathedrals Measure 1999 (as amended).

The Cathedral was built by J L Pearson in 1880-1910, but incorporates part of the Parish Church of St Mary, dating from 1504 – 1518.

The Chapter House and shop are 20th century additions. Applicants will therefore need to show a strong track record of working with historic buildings in a sensitive context.

The appointment will be for five years in the first instance. An information pack setting out the duties and background may be downloaded from

Or further details please contact: Alan Wallace,  Chief Executive
Truro Cathedral Office, 14 St Mary’s Street, TRURO, TR1 2AF

Telephone:  01872 245006

Email:  chiefexecutive@trurocathedral.org.uk

Closing date:  Thursday 12 July 2012

Interviews:   Wednesday 25 July 2012

Aled Jones Concert at Truro Cathedral

ALED JONES - Singer, actor, author & radio/TV presenter has confirmed a unique tour taking in some of the nation’s most beautiful Cathedrals and venues throughout October culminating with a show at London’s Union Chapel.

Loved by the nation originally for his pure treble voice Aled recently celebrated over 25 years as a household name and his career is going from strength to strength. Aled currently has 29 albums to his name - selling over 6 million to date and has been a Presenter on Songs of Praise for over 10 years.

Performing in Cathedrals has been part of Aled’s life since his days in Bangor as a boy chorister This tour sees Aled visit the length and breadth of the country including Durham, Exeter, Ely, Truro, Manchester and before making a return to Bangor. Despite visiting many Cathedrals regularly on ‘Songs of Praise’, this is going to be Aled’s first comprehensive live UK Cathedral tour. He has said:

“This new UK tour is going to be very special to me as at each show either the Cathedral choir or local choirs from the area are going to take part making each occasion unique. I also can’t wait to perform all my favourite songs.”

Aled Jones’ Musical Director Simon Lole is commissioning each choir and full details will be announced soon.

Aled has his own radio show on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday morning from 6-9am called 'Aled Jones says Good Morning Sunday'. He also presents BBC Radio 3's 'The Choir' as well as having his own chat show on BBC Radio Wales. Along with his radio shows Aled has also been busy filming 'Escape to the Country' and 'Cash in the Attic' for the BBC and performing and presenting at one-off shows around the UK and in Australia. He has also been filming all over Europe for 'Classical Destinations’ a series about famous composers.

His theatre credits include playing Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat’, in 2008 he performed as Caractacus Potts in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' at the Wales Millenium Centre and he also played the lead role in Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' in 2009 and 2011 in Manchester, Plymouth, Dublin and Liverpool.

This tour will not only see Aled performing in some of the country’s most beautiful buildings but also a chance to see him collaborate with wonderful local choirs in each town.

Friday 26th April 2013 in Truro Cathedral

www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051
www.ticketmaster.co.uk /0844 826 2826

www.aledjones.com

Cathedral launches Jubilee Thank You to Queen

The Bishop of Truro, The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, is inviting the people of Cornwall and it’s parishes across the Diocese to say a special thank you in an open letter to the Queen in this her Diamond Jubilee year.

Truro Cathedral is one of many churches and cathedrals throughout the country leading the way in expressing the nation’s thanks to Her Majesty the Queen in her Diamond Jubilee year.

Bishop Tim has set the ball rolling by putting his signature to the ‘Big Thank You' letter which will be on display in Truro Cathedral, along with a pile of blank pages for visitors to add their own words of appreciation and expressions of goodwill as part of ‘The Big Jubilee Thank You’. These will be collected up at the end of May and delivered to Buckingham Palace.

New Inspire Cornwall Development Coordinator required

Truro Cathedral has established this exciting new Executive Office position to fulfill a need for creative development now and in future.

The part time post has been established to assist the Cathedral, a vibrant member of the Cornish and national communities, to reach its strategic objectives to better serve the thousands of people who worship and visit each year.

Initially, it is anticipated the Development Coordinator will work in cooperation with the Cathedral's Chief Executive, Chapter and Development Consultant, to complete phases 2 and 3 of its Inspire Cornwall appeal. The post holder will also move on to assist the Cathedral to raise necessary funding for other capital projects as well as on-going revenue. Tasks will include assisting to research potential donors, create development materials and communications, organise events, draft reports and keep accurate records.

This new post has been designed initially to be primarily administrative but with opportunity for advancement.

The post holder will have the opportunity to forge this new role at the Cathedral and to adapt it as needs and circumstances change. See Application Pack below.

Innovative Cathedral Films to lead the way exploring rich Christian Heritage

Truro Cathedral is mid way through a ground breaking Heritage Lottery Funded project to help visitors to the Cathedral explore and understand the rich heritage of the building.

The project is a collaboration between the Cathedral, University College Falmouth and Three S Films of Penzance.

Sarah Hughes, Cathedral Education Officer, explains, “What we really wanted to do was bring alive as many of the human and physical treasures in the Cathedral as we can, by linking objects, say for instance a replica chalice, with a short 1-2 minute film that expresses something of its history and use.”

It is hoped that by the summer, the system will be installed in a dedicated part of the cathedral for people to use. Visitors would simply pick up and interact with real and replica objects from all areas of the Cathedral and arrange them on the display, this will then trigger a short film related to the object.

 

Busy year for the Cathedral

Truro Cathedral is looking forward to an extremely exciting and busy year with the likely appointment of a new Dean, the start of Phase II of its Inspire Cornwall development project, the planning of a number of cathedral events celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and later in the year, the Cathedral’s own 125th anniversary celebrations.

 

Truro Cathedral searches for choirboy stars

Truro Cathedral Choir will soon hold auditions for boys currently in Years 2, 3 or 4 who want to join its ranks.

The Cathedral’s Director of Music, Christopher Gray, said: “Music is really flourishing at the Cathedral. We are blessed with no fewer than four different choirs at the moment, offering singing opportunities to girls and boys from age 7 to 19, as well as adults. All four choirs are always pleased to hear from prospective new members, but this month we are especially looking for boy choristers to join our famous Cathedral Choir”.

Cushion Concert to showcase Chorister musical talent

Cushion Concert Saturday 14 Jan at 2.30pm

Come to the Cathedral this Saturday when the Cathedral Choristers will present their annual Cushion Concert. It’s at 2.30 pm and completely free. The Choristers, aged 8 to 12, will introduce and sing a selection of popular pieces aimed at a younger audience, to include Maria, Pie Jesu, Panis angelicus and much, much more. See attachment for more details.

Also, if you know of any boys currently in Years 2, 3 or 4 (coming up to their 7th, 8th or 9th birthdays) who might like to look into the possibility of becoming a Chorister, please pass on the attachment. Auditions will be held on Saturday 28th January and I would be pleased to speak to interested parents as soon as possible. There is an open rehearsal before the Cushion Concert on 14th January at 1.30 pm.