Wells Cathedral Email Newsletter
September 2014
This is a printed copy of the email newsletter from Wells Cathedral. If you would like to receive this by
email please send your details to marketing@wellscathedral.uk.net or follow the link on our website.
Welcome to the September issue of the Wells Cathedral newsletter
Below is a snapshot of what's coming up this month at the Cathedral. Remember - news and events
are also always available via our website (www.wellscathedral.org.uk) and our Facebook page. We
hope to see you in the Cathedral soon!
What's On in September
Thursday 10 September from 1.05 - 1.40pm
LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL
Free Lunchtime Organ Recital
Marcus Wibberley (Director of Music, Hexham Abbey) will
give a free lunchtime organ recital on Thursday 10
September from 1.05pm-1.40pm, in the Quire. There will be
a retiring collection in aid of Wells Cathedral Music.
Friday 11 September 7.30pm
THE SIXTEEN 'The Choral Pilgrimage 2015 – Flight Of Angels'
Harry Christophers (conductor). Music by Guerrero and Lobo. Pre-concert talk at 7.00pm. Side
aisle tickets now only available at £15 per ticket. Available from Wells Cathedral Shop Box Office
(01749 672773) and the National Centre for Early Music (01904 651485).
Thursday 17 September from 1.05 – 1.40pm
BACH'S COMPLETE ORGAN WORKS
The fifth recital surveying the complete organ works of J.S. Bach, played by Matthew Owens
(Organist and Master of the Choristers), will take place on Thursday 17 September from 1.05 –
1.40pm. The programme will be Fugue in C minor (on a theme of Legrenzi), BWV 574; The
Schübler Chorales: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645, Wo soll ich fliehen hin, BWV
646, Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten, BWV 647, Meine Seele erhebt den Herren, BWV 648,
Ach, bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 649, Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter,
BWV 650; Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 541. Admission is free, with a retiring collection
in aid of Wells Cathedral Music.
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Monday 14 September - Monday 28 September
THE HANNAH WEST HISTORAL EXHIBITION
This exhibition explores how fifteenth-century registers can be used to offer a window onto the
lives of Somerset’s rural and urban parishes - their churches, religious houses, priests and
parishioners
FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
A number of free lunchtime concerts take place during September. Please see our What's On
pages on our website for more details. Admission to the Cathedral is by donation.
Lay Canon Voluntary Positions available (part time)
The three current Lay Members of Chapter will shortly be stepping
down after over six years of dedicated service to the Cathedral.
Accordingly we are looking for people to take on these roles and
each to become an active and integral part of the Cathedral’s
governance structure. Members of Chapter take corporate
responsibility for:
• Strategy & Planning
• Performance Monitoring
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Stakeholders
We are looking for people who are full members of a Christian church and are in sympathy with the
aims of the Cathedral. In addition they will need an understanding of the contemporary context of the
mission of the Church. They should have strategic experience at board level and, preferably, in one of
visitor services, fundraising or estate management. We will also consider other relevant skills.
Further information regarding the role can be found on our website. It is expected that the overall time
commitment will be the equivalent of 2 days per month, depending on precise responsibilities taken.
FREE Heritage Open Day tours at Wells Cathedral
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September
As part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days, this weekend event gives an opportunity to see areas
behind doors usually closed to the public.
Wells Cathedral has one of the very few chained libraries remaining in Britain. Come and see chained
books and hear the history of our unique library which dates from 1450. This is a taster tour of around
25 minutes, offering an insight in small groups of 6. Unfortunately the tour is not suitable for wheelchairs
or children under 10. Places are limited and MUST be booked; visit the Cathedral website to reserve a
place although some tour places have already gone.
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Early Music Wells: Unaccompanied Bach by Candlelight
Saturday 26 September, 7pm
Following a stellar performance in the Early Music Wells 2013 season,
prize-winning baroque violinist, Colin Scobie, returns to play more music
by J.S. Bach for unaccompanied solo violin, in the beautiful candlelit Quire
of the Cathedral, on the anniversary of the composer’s birth.
Tickets, at £12, are available in advance via Wells Cathedral Box Office
(01749 672773) and on the door. Proceeds will support the work of the
Cathedral.
Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Martin Cavender - Saturday 31 October at 1pm,
Wells Cathedral
Martin Cavender, who passed away recently following a period of illness, was Registrar of the Diocese of
Bath and Wells from 1977 until 1992. He also served as Clerk to the Dean and Chapter of Wells
Cathedral.
In 1992, he was asked by Archbishop George Carey to move from Wells to the national scene and
become Director of Springboard, the Archbishops’ Initiative for Evangelism.
He returned to Wells in 2008 when ReSource, the initiative that followed on from Springboard, set up
their office in Wells and he once more became a familiar figure in and around the city.
Bishop Peter Hancock says, “Martin made an immense contribution to the life of the diocese of Bath and
Wells, as well as in his national work for Springboard and ReSource. He was a great advocate for
evangelism, and a practitioner in his own right. Many will be grateful for his personal ministry. Our
prayers are with Cesca and the family as they mourn the loss of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Tim Berry, who succeeded Martin as Registrar adds, “Martin was a great personality full of boundless
energy. He had a huge commitment to spreading the Gospel which he combined very effectively with his
work as an Ecclesiastical Lawyer across the Diocese. Martin’s calling to be an Evangelist caused him to
resign as Registrar in 1992 to become the Director of the Archbishops’ Initiative for Evangelism.”
All are welcome to join family and friends for a Service of Thanksgiving for Martin's life here at the
Cathedral on Saturday 31 October at 1pm.
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Be A Chorister For A Day - boys needed!
Saturday 10 October
We still have a few boys places on our next Be a Chorister
for a Day event, with a waiting list running for girls as all
places have been booked. It will take place on Saturday 10
October. The day runs from 11am-5pm, and includes singing
games, learning about the Cathedral and finding out what a
Chorister really does.
Lunch is provided, and at the end of the day the children sing Evensong with the Cathedral Choir. In the
afternoon parents can take a tour of Wells Cathedral School if they wish, and have afternoon tea in
historic Vicars' Hall before the Evensong service.
If you know a child who will be aged between 7 and 9 on this date and would like to take part, please
send your contact details to Melanie Lawlor in the Music Office via musicoffice@wellscathedral.uk.net,
or call 01749 674483. Places are limited.
Autumn Study Group ‘The Spirituality of Jane Austen
Sunday 25 October, Sunday 1 November, Sunday 8 November and Sunday 1
November
An invitation is extended to join an Autumn Study Group led by The Rev
Prebendary Paula Hollingsworth (Sub Dean Wells Cathedral) who is writing a
book on the spirituality of Jane Austen. Paula would enormously value the
opportunity to put some thoughts into the spoken word, and to engage with
participants’ responses, thoughts and questions.
A deep knowledge of the Jane Austen’s life and novels is not essential, but
please come willing to listen and respond! Each session will consist of a delivered paper (for about 45
minutes), a short break, and time for questions, comments and discussion. You are welcome to attend all
or some of the sessions.
There will be a retiring collection for Burkino Faso as part of a partnership between Wells Cathedral and
Christian Aid.
Sessions will be held in the Cathedral’s Education Education Room, 4.30 – 6pm:
▪ Sunday 25 October : Introduction to Jane Austen
▪ Sunday 1 November : How might a novel speak of God?
▪ Sunday 8 November : Ethics and Virtue within Jane Austen’s novels
▪ Sunday 1 November : Jane Austen and the Spirituality of Holiness
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Fixed Date Tours
We are running a number of fixed date special interest tours later in
September which are available to book, including two for stained
glass enthusiasts.
Tuesday 8 September, 2.30pm
'The Work of Angels in Heaven and on Earth'
As a special feature of this tour we shall look at examples of the
angels depicted through the centuries in the glass and discuss their stories. Suitable for groups and
individual bookings.
Monday 14 September, 10.30am
'Marvel at Mediaeval Glass'
A closer study of the celebrated medieval glass of Wells cathedral. Attention will be given to images that,
because of their position, can easily be over looked. Suitable for groups and individual bookings.
For ALL stained glass tours binoculars are highly recommended as this will greatly increase the enjoyment
of the experience. many images are high up and quite small!
How to book
Please contact us by emailing visits@wellscathedral.uk.net or telephone 01749 674483.
Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir attends the 12th National Festival of the Association of
Cathedral Voluntary Choirs
The 12th National Festival of the Association of Cathedral Voluntary Choirs
took place at Lichfield Cathedral on 18 and 19 July this year and Wells
Cathedral Voluntary Choir was among nine choirs taking part.
The 13th Festival will be hosted by Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir on 29
and 30 October 2016 – twenty years after the founding of the association in
Wells.
Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir was formed in 1986 to sing services in the Cathedral when the
professional choir was on holiday or performing elsewhere. It is an amateur, mixed voice choir trained to
sing liturgical music, although it does occasionally become involved in concerts with a more varied
programme. More information about Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir can be found on our website.
Wells Cathedral working with Christian Aid
Wells Cathedral have been working with Christian Aid on social justice projects over the last 12 months.
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The current project is a link with Burkina Faso – a country in central Africa. We aim to raise awareness of
this country and its issues and also to raise £5,000 which will lever in £15000 from the European Union.
An update on the kind of development work that we are helping to fund is available on our website. To
date we are over half way towards our target.
Future events include Big Breakfasts on 19th September and a quiz in October – watch this space for
further news!
Ride and Stride tour 2015 with the Bishop of Bath and Wells
From 10.00 am, Saturday 12 September
A reminder that, as Somerset Churches Trust’s most important fund
raising event, the Bishop of Bath and Wells Peter Hancock and his wife
Jane will join the 'Ride and Stride' tour at the Bishop’s Palace for the start
of the tour. For full details of the routes, as well as all the forms you need,
visit the Somerset Churches Trust website.
Cathedral Quiet Day
A Cathedral Quiet Day will be held on Tuesday 24 November from 10am - 4pm. This will take place at
Abbey House, Glastonbury. Further details concerning the day will be available from next month.
Louis the Cathedral cat
Whether he’s warming himself next to a radiator or sleeping in his
favourite basket in the gift shop, Louis the cat has become a muchloved feature of Wells Cathedral and is well-known to Cathedral
visitors and staff alike.
At the ripe old age of 17 he’s unfortunately not been well for a while
which we have been dealing with, on advice from the vet, through medication. Unfortunately the
vet recently informed us that he now needed to have an operation on his thyroid. Axe Valley Vets
have been kind enough to offer their services to perform the operation and to take care of him
through his recovery.
We are delighted that, following his operation, Louis is now strong enough to be back amongst his
friends at the Cathedral.
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Free Weekly Walks : September
Stained glass window walks take place each Saturday and Wednesday.
and our theme for September will be 'Shining Shields'.
The heraldry contained in the windows of the North Quire Aisle and
the North Transept show us how the royal coat of arms developed
from Tudor times to the present day, and also reveal some interesting
stories from the time of the Reformation.
Our free embroidery walk for September will explore our 'Heraldry'. The embroideries in the
Quire contain many coats of arms, and we will be looking at those of the Monastic Houses of
Somerset and the Knights of the Shire, as well as the most recent embroidery celebrating the
Diamond Jubilee.
Lasting 20-25 minutes, from April to October, our stained glass walks begin at 11.15am and our
embroidery walks at 11.40am every Saturday and Wednesday. There is no booking required,
simply gather at the Information Desk in the Entry Cloister to join the Window Walk tour of your
choice.
Cathedral Library book of the month for September
Our book of the month for September is Sylva Sylvarum by
Francis Bacon (1639) .
The life of Francis Bacon, Viscount St Alban (1561–1626), embodies
many of the ideals and expectations of the Renaissance humanist.
We have Bacon’s complete works at L 1/26 -29; his History of the
reign of Henry VII at A 2/38; his Of the Advancement of Learning at
A 2/43; the Resuscitatio at A 2/37; and two copies of Sylva Sylvarum.
Calendar of Events September 2015
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Tu
1
W
2
Th
3
F
4
Sa
5
M
7
Tu
8
W
Th
F
9
10
11
Sa
12
12.25 pm
5.15 pm
9.30 am
5.15 pm
1.05 pm
5.15 pm
10.15 am
5.15 pm
5.15 pm
5.15 pm
6.15 pm
12.25 pm
5.15 pm
9.30 am
1.05 pm
7.30 pm
12 noon
2.00 pm
5.15 pm
M
14
Tu
15
W
Th
16
17
F
18
Sa
19
Su
M
Tu
W
F
Sa
20
21
22
23
25
26
Su
M
Tu
27
28
29
W
30
5.15 pm
12.25 pm
2.15 pm
9.30 am
11.30 am
1.05 pm
10.45 am
2.00 pm
1.05 pm
3.00 pm
3.00 pm
5.15 pm
12.25 pm
9.30 am
1.05 pm
1.05 pm
5.15 pm
7.00 pm
4.00 pm
5.15 pm
12.25 pm
5.15 pm
9.30 am
Holy Communion
Evening Prayer said
Holy Communion
Evening Prayer said
Lunchtime Concert: Theodora Poole (pianist)
Evening Prayer said
Wells Cathedral School Beginning of Term Service
Evening Prayer said
Evensong with the surplicing of Probationer Choristers, and the
induction of Head and Deputy Head Choristers (Boy Choristers, Girl
Choristers and Vicars Choral)
Solemn Evensong
Taste & See in the Chapter Room
Holy Communion
Solemn Eucharist for The Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Communion
Lunchtime Organ Recital: Marcus Wibberley, Hexham Abbey
Heritage Open Day
The Sixteen Concert
Somerset Churches Trust Ride & Stride Event
Heritage Open Day
Eucharist with Healing
Wedding Service
Evensong with celebration of HM The Queen as the longest reigning
monarch
The Hannah West Historical Exhibition in the South Cloister until 28
September 2015
Solemn Eucharist for Holy Cross Day
Holy Communion
Be a Chorister for a Day
Holy Communion
Mothers Union Prayers
Bach Complete Organ Works, Recital 05: Matthew Owens
Millfield School Beginning of Term Service
Wells Cathedral Junior School Beginning of Term Service (Quire)
Lunchtime Concert: Voices of the Forest
Mendip Hill Hash House Harriers using the Cathedral Green
Evensong and Celebration of Learning
Solemn Evensong for Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Holy Communion
Holy Communion
Lunchtime Concert: Boo Kapella
Lunchtime Concert: Vox Chamber Choir
Joint Evensong with Wells Cathedral Choir and the Wells Cathedral
Voluntary Choir
Early Music Wells Concert: Unaccompanied Bach by Candlelight
Organ Recital: Somerset Organists Association
Solemn Evensong
Holy Communion
Solemn Eucharist for Michael and All Angels
Holy Communion
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