Truro cathedral

Cathedral News

Canon Peter Walker to become new Chaplain to the Isles

At the end of September, Canon Peter Walker will be taking up a new post as Chaplain to the Isles of Scilly.  Peter will relinquish his role as Vicar of Feock, but still continue as Canon Pastor, being very much involved with the life of the Cathedral.  He will work three months on the Isles and then one month back at the Cathedral until September 2011.  This is a new initiative in conjunction with the Bishop and the Diocese and one which will hopefully strengthen links between the Cathedral and the Isles. 

Fund for Olaf Schmid Memorial Choristership launched

A generous donation of £10,000 from an anonymous benefactor has launched an appeal to establish a Memorial Choristership in memeory of Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid.

Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid who died in Afghanistan in October 2009 and who was posthumously awarded the George Cross was remembered in Truro Cathedral at a special Evensong yesterday (Sunday 27 June) attended by family members and the Friends of Cathedral Music.

During the service the local Truro and Exeter Branches of the Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM), including the national Chairman, Professor Peter Toyne, made a presentation to the Chapter on behalf of an anonymous FCM donor from the North of England to help fund a choristership specifically in memory of Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, former Head Chorister of Truro Cathedral Choir.

Professor Toyne said, “In succeeding generations, successive holders the FCM Olaf Schmid Memorial Choristership will be reminded daily of their distinguished predecessor – this most special Head Chorister, soldier and national hero. What more fitting memorial could there possibly be to one who has paid the highest price to safeguard the priceless heritage of our culture and our freedom?”

Anyone wishing to give a donation to help establish the Olaf Schmid Choristership is welcome to send a donation (Cheques should be made payable to (Truro Cathedral Olaf Schmid Memorial Choristership) and send to Truro Cathedral, 14 St Mary’s Street, TRURO, TR1 2AF

Cathedral bells ring centenary

The glorious sound of the bells of Truro Cathedral can be regularly heard ringing out around the city, calling worshippers  to services and marking special occasions.

On Monday, 21st June they rang for a very special occasion – they rang for themselves! The Cathedral bells were a hundred years old and to mark the anniversary a quarter peal of 1296 changes of Grandsire Caters was rung by the Cathedral ringers and other members of the Diocesan Guild of Ringers,

IKONS Exhibition

During Lent the Cathedral has a series of events and activities
that explore the icon tradition from Eastern Christianity.

IKONS Exhibition from 22 Feb to 27 March

The Theology of Icons, a lecture given by Father Benedict Ramsden in Chapter House on Monday 1st March at 7.30pm

Praying with Icons, a lecture given by Father Benedict Ramsden in Chapter House on Monday 15th March at 7.30pm

Icon John in residence 'writing' an icon. Would welcome visitors.
6-27 March 9-5pm most days (times will vary)

New Faith Shop opens

The Cathedral Shop has opened a small Faith Shop in the Cathedral. Supplying Communion, Confirmation, Baptism and Christening Cards as well as Bibles, Icons, crosses, crucifixes, rosaries, prayer books, etc.

Open 10-4pm in the North Transept.

Click here to download poster

New Education Officer required

The Chapter of Truro Cathedral are looking to appoint an Education and Interpretation Officer. This is a new, full time post, and creates an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to work with the Cathedral Chapter to implement the Education and Interpretation elements of the Inspire Cornwall Project.

Restoration set to go ahead after successful Heritage Lottery Bid

An application from Truro Cathedral for a £400,000 Heritage Lottery grant has been successful. This means that the restoration of the iconic central tower and spire can now go ahead. Other parts of the succesful bid will allow the cathedral to improve interpretation facilities in the Cathedral for its 170,000 visitors, build a new entrance at the east end of the Cathedral, create a new Education Centre employing a dedicated full time Education Officer and to develop the Cathedral Green giving wider access to the local community.  The grant means that urgent restoration work to the Central Spire will be able to start in the New Year. 

Funeral Service for S.Sgt Olaf Schmid

The Funeral Service will take place for S.Sgt Olaf Schmid in Truro Cathedral with full military honours on Tuesday 24th November at 11am.

Members of the public are invited to attend the service and should be in their seats approximately fifteen minutes before the start of the service.

A small private family service of committal will take place afterwards.

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on 23rd and 24th now both full

The ever popular service of Nine Lessons and Carols is full for its two dates of the 23rd and 24th December.

All the ‘free’ tickets have now been allocated.

Please let me know if you would like to go on the waiting list for returned tickets for either the 23rd or 24th by emailing me on generaloffice@trurocathedral.org.uk or by telephoning on 01872 276782.

As an alternative what about the magical Advent Carol Service ‘From Darkness to Light’ which takes place on Sunday 6 December at 6.00pm

Also the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass starting at 11.30pm or the Christmas Day Service at 10am.

The above services are not ticketed.

Former Bishop of Oxford to give Benson Lecture

Lord Harries of Pentregarth, or perhaps rather better known as Richard Harries the former Bishop of Oxford, is to give the 2009 Benson Lecture. Since his retirement Lord Harries has been very active in the media with numerous appearances on radio and television. He is also very active in the House of Lords and has written a number of books.

The lecture which is entitled ' Understanding Faith through the eyes of Stanley Spencer' is the culmination of a year of interaction between the Cathedral and the artistic community.

Education, Research & Development Officer required

Truro Cathedral are looking for a highly motivated individual to help advise Chapter on ways of developing its education programme and how the Cathedral's heritage can be interpreted so as to be more widely accessible to all. The Cathedral Chapter will use this research information to form the basis of the activity plan to take these developments forward.

English Heritage grant awarded to Cathedral

Truro Cathedral has today been awarded a £250,000 grant from English Heritage in the latest round of Cathedral restoration grants.

The Dean of Truro, The Very Revd Dr Christopher Hardwick, said, “We are delighted with the announcement of the £250,000 grant towards urgent repairs and restoration of the central Victoria tower and spire. Without this help from English Heritage and the Wolfson Foundation it would be very difficult indeed for us to maintain our precious Christian heritage. The Cathedral welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors a year and is situated in a county steeped in a rich religious tradition where our continuing ministry and mission are right at the heart of all that we do. These necessarily go hand in hand with our stewardship of the building and all that it represents.”

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.

Jobs at Truro Cathedral

Truro Cathedral has a number of Job Vacancies at the moment .

Please click on the job opportunity below to download the relevant Application Pack

The Benson Lecture DVD 2007

The DVD is now available from the Cathedral Office 14 St Mary's Street, TRURO, TR1 2AF Please send a suggested donation of £5 and stamps to the value of £1.

The Bible In Advent

Do you want to read the Bible but don't know where to start? Do you want to prepare and pray through the Bibilical readings we use?

Then this Advent why not begin using Truro Cathedral's own scheme of readings?

It contains a helpful introduction including the reason for the colours, feasts and festivals as well as all the daily portion of scripture we use.

They are available from the Cathedral Office for a suggested donation of only £5.

General Office Assistant required

The General Office functions at the heart of the Cathedral Office.  The welcome and help that visitors receive when entering the office can have an overall effect on their perception of the Cathedral and all it stands for.  The work that is undertaken in the Cathedral Office underpins and supports all that happens in the Cathedral and it is important that this work is carried out in a professional and competent manner. We are looking for a self-motivated and experienced general office assistants with a high level of computer literacy; excellent organisation and administrative skills, time-management skills, and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and competing deadlines.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Thursday 29 November 2007

Animal rights theologian to give Benson lecture

Revd Professor Linzey will be giving the Annual Benson lecture for 2007. A world authority on Christian thinking in this area he will be giving a theological perspective and spelling out some logical conclusions to his thinking.

"Animals have rights because their Creator has rights to see what is created is treated with respect."

Isles of Scilly children have a night to remember at the Cathedral

Children from the Five Islands School on the Isles of Scilly have just taken part in a major concert at Truro Cathedral.

The concert last Thursday evening involved 180 children from five choirs: the Five Island's Junior choir, Archbishop Benson Primary Schol (year 5), Pencoys Junior School Choir, Cornwall Junior Choir and Truro Cathedral's own boy Choristers.

Cathedral Choir to perform live on BBC Radio 3

Truro Cathedral Choir have been given the tremendous privilege of performing live on BBC Radio 3. They will sing Choral Evensong on Sunday 21 October at 4pm in the Cathedral.

Truro Cathedral Chapter confirm restructuring of the restaurant

The Cathedral Chapter met on Friday 12 October 2007. they noted with regret that a misunderstanding with the media had occurred in relation to the future plans for the Cathedral Restaurant.

PA to The Dean and Chief Executive

A unique opportunity to join the staff of Truro Cathedral in a role providing a first class confidential and professional support service to the Dean and Chief Executive.

For further information and an applicaton pack please contact the Cathedral Office on 01872 276782 or you can download the application pack below:

Cathedral at centre of £2 million government initiative

Truro Cathedral's pioneering work encouraging singing in Cornwall's primary schools has paid off. The DCSF (formerly the DfES)has followed the cathedral's outreach scheme with great interest and, on the basis of its success, has made nearly £2 million available for up to 35 cathedrals and other music foundations to run similar schemes.

Cornwall Junior Choir welcomes the Five Islands Choir from the Isles of Scilly for return concert

Cornwall Junior Choir the music outreach scheme run by Truro Cathedral and the Cornwall Music Service have a return concert on Thursday 11 October in the Cathedral.

Truro Cathedral to re-deploy restaurant volunteers

Truro Cathedral Restaurant is to re-structure its staffing with the current volunteer roles disappearing. The personnel will be re-deployed within other areas of the Cathedral's ministry.

Let the Memory of Diana transform

Nearly 500 people packed Truro Cathedral on Friday night to remember the 'People's Princess', Diana, Princess of Wales, in a specially designed service to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

People from all over Cornwall came together to share in an emotionally charged and moving service to remember Diana ten years after her death.

Princess Diana Commemoration Service at Truro Cathedral

Truro Cathedral will be holding a special commemoration service for Diana, Princess of Wales, on Friday 31st August 2007 at 7.30pm.

The service will remember the ‘People’s Princess’ ten years after her tragic death in Paris in 1997. The candlelit service will involve music, prayer and readings including the song, English Rose, written by Sir Elton John to the music of ‘Candle in the Wind’.

Because of the expected demand for this service 900 tickets have been made available on a first come first served basis.

To obtain your free tickets to this service please send a SAE marked ‘Diana – A Time to Remember’, to either:

• The Cathedral Office 14 St Mary’s Street, TRURO, TR1 2AF or phone 01872 276782.
• The West Briton, Harmsworth House, City Wharf, Malpas, TRURO, TR1 1QH

New Chief Executive starts work at Truro Cathedral

Mr Neil Parsons has joined the staff at Truro Cathedral as its new Chief Executive.

Neil is looking forward to his new job as Chief Executive, "I am delighted to have arrived in Truro and taken up post. I have received a tremendous welcome from the Dean and members of the Cathedral community. There is much excellent work being done at the Cathedral and I look forward to playing a full part in all aspects of the Cathedral's life."

Elvis 30th anniversary service fully booked!

With two weeks still to go before the 'Elvis Lives' anniversary service at Truro Cathedral, all tickets for the service (19 August) have been distributed.

The seating capacity at Truro Cathedral is 900 and these free tickets have all now been distributed. It is entry by ticket only and there will be no tickets available on the door. The service features the Cornish Elvis tribute artist,Johnny Cowling, and will contain a mixture of Elvis Presley's gospel music, and some prayers and readings.

Because of unprecedented demand it is likely that we will do another service in August 2008.

Truro Cathedral Choir Summer Gala Concert

Music lovers are in for a real treat on Wednesday 11th July when the Choir of Truro Cathedral perform a thrilling programme of beautiful choral music. The programme includes works by Michael Tippet, William Byrd, Patrick Gowers, William Walton and Herbert Howells as well as a Cornish piece, 'Pader an Arleth' by local composer and school teacher, Russell Pascoe.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to hear one of the best cathedral choirs in the country. The programme includes a number of 'classics' and nicely rounds off the year's work."
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music .

St Mewan to play fundraiser for Cathedral

St Mewan Sinfonia are Cornwall's premier string orchestra. Their concert programme features both Bach's Fantasia and Fugue in G minor and the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. Works from other composers include Handel,Vivaldi,Schumann, Elgar, Legrenzi and Sibelius.

Souvenir Book Exhibition

The Exhibition, called ‘Reflections’, highlights the prominence of the images in the new Souvenir book which boasts three double page image spreads and nineteen single page image spreads in a 48 page publication. The images reflect both the inside and outside of the Cathedral; its architecture, stained glass, monuments and people.

We have been able to include far more information in the Souvenir Book than we could ever have done at the back of a guide book; it’s a real insight into the life and work of the Cathedral”.

Carbon Footprint

Truro Cathedral is probably the biggest building in Cornwall, and it's about to get its carbon footprint measured. Nick Osmaston from the Carbon Trust is coming to the Cathedral on Wednesday 13 June at 10am to undertake a survey that will help the Cathedral to identify its Carbon footprint.

Four new bells for the Cathedral

A major project at Truro Cathedral has been given the green light.at a meeting this morning. The bell ringers would like to celebrate the centenary of the dedication of the bells, in 2010, by adding four new bells to the existing set to give a ring of twelve. The bell ringers themselves have pledged to raise the necessary funds. Robert Perry, Master of the Ringers, is delighted by this development

"This is a very exciting project which will give Cornwall its first peal of twelve and will enable us to ring a greater variety of sequences. It will also be a major draw for other ringers, both within Cornwall and from further afield."

Elvis returns! It's official

Johnny Cowling, Elvis tribute artist, is back by popular demand at Truro Cathedral for another performance of Elvis Presley's gospel music on Sunday 19 August at 6.30pm.

It is 30 years since Elvis's death in August 1977, and our 'Elvis Lives' service celebrates the gospel music and inspiration that is Elvis Presley. Last year the 'His Hand In Mine' Elvis service attracted over 900 people for a mixture of gospel music, readings and prayers and formed part of the Cathedral's ongoing exploration of different styles of worship. It is part of a programme that has seen both Jazz and Country & Western style worship take place in Truro Cathedral.

New Chief Executive announced

Neil Parsons, presently Bursar at Salisbury Cathedral Choir School, has formally agreed to take on the role of Chief Executive at Truro Cathedral. Neil, who will take up the position later in the summer, is excited by this new challenge,

"I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed Chief Executive of Truro Cathedral.  I join the Cathedral at an exciting, yet challenging time.  I very much look forward to working closely with the Dean and members of the Cathedral Chapter as we embark on a period of strategic planning to realise the vision, aims and role of Truro Cathedral in the twenty first century”

Two General Office Assistants required

The General Office functions at the heart of the Cathedral Office.  The welcome and help that visitors receive when entering the office can have an overall effect on their perception of the Cathedral and all it stands for.  The work that is undertaken in the Cathedral Office underpins and supports all that happens in the Cathedral and it is important that this work is carried out in a professional and competent manner. We are looking for two self-motivated and experienced general office assistants with a high level of computer literacy; excellent organisation and administrative skills, time-management skills, and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and competing deadlines.

Deadline 5pm Wed 28 March 2007

Chief Executive post advertised

Today the quest for a new Chief Executive has begun with adverts placed in the national press. This position is a demanding and multi-faceted role leading the Cathedral Executive in responding to the challenges and opportunities facing the Cathedral.  It requires vision, commitment, and excellent communication skills to deliver strategic outcomes, strong financial management, pursue collaborative relationships, realise sponsorship and funding opportunities, and develop the skills of others.

The deadline for applications is Monday 12 February 2007

The Job Application Pack can be downloaded below.