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	<title>York Minster </title> 
	<link>http://yorkminster.org</link>
	<description></description>
	<language>en-gb</language>

		<copyright>Copyright: (C) York Minster</copyright>	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:39:23</lastBuildDate>

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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Rose Planted in Dean&rsquo;s Park for the First Time]]></title>
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On Monday 1st March, at 11.30am, the York Minster Rose was introduced to the public for the first time with an inaugural planting ceremony in Dean&rsquo;s Park.
The York Minster Rose is a repeat flowering floribunda bush with creamy full petals with a delicate pink flush, echoing the centre of the wonderful Rose Window in York Minster. It will be officially launched at the Chelsea Flower show in 2011 and commercially available the following autumn.
The York Minster Rose was developed by Harkness Roses of Hitchin, originally founded in North Yorkshire, and was chosen by members of the York Minster Fund and the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones. 
The stunning new rose bed will be visible from the West End entrance to Dean&rsquo;s Park, with a plaque to commemorate this very special event in the life of the Minster. The Dean says, &lsquo;This rose will be a reminiscence of York Minster for everyone&rsquo;s garden, and a beautiful memento of a place to remember.&rsquo;
For photos from the event, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/yorkminster
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story378/york-minster-rose-planted-in-deanrsquos-park-for-the-first-time.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stone Auction Raises Over &pound;20, 000 for York Minster&rsquo;s Ongoing Restoration]]></title>
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On Saturday 20th February, visitors had the chance to take a piece of history home with them at the York Minster Stone Auction, held in the Minster School Grounds. The Stone Auction was so successful that 184 pieces of stone were auctioned off, raising a total of &pound;20, 071.59 which will go towards the restoration and conservation of York Minster. 
The stones on offer were removed from the Minster during previous restoration work and a brief description was provided within the stone auction brochure. Buyers were then given a certificate of authentication for the stone purchased.
Individual lots ranged from complex tracery panels, finials and pinnacles to smaller stones with simpler masonry detail. Stones such as these can be used as stand-alone garden features, or used to enhance a garden pond or rockery, indoors as bases for table lamps or just as ornaments. 
During stonework restoration projects on the fabric of the Minster, stone replacement is often necessary to replace decayed or structurally unsound material. All material removed is examined by the Minster Archaeologist; the pieces are numbered, listed and photographed as part of the &lsquo;worked stone inventory&rsquo;. A number of pieces are retained by the Minster as being of significance in the archaeological history of the building; this procedure is in accordance with Minster&rsquo;s legislative responsibility under the 1990 Care of Cathedrals Measure. There is not enough room to store every stone taken off the building, so the surplus stones were auctioned and the profits reinvested in the restoration of the Minster.
The auction was generously supported by Stephenson &amp; Son, leading independent auctioneers in the Vale of York.&nbsp; Rebecca Thompson, Superintendent of Works at York Minster, said, &lsquo;We are absolutely thrilled at how much money the Stone Auction raised, and incredibly grateful to the many staff who generously gave their time to this cause and the fabulous support and enthusiasm from all who attended. We hope to be able to do another auction at the same time next year&rsquo;
To find out more about the current restoration programme at York Minster, or to make a donation, please visit www.yorkminster.org
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story379/stone-auction-raises-over-pound20-000-for-york-minsterrsquos-ongoing-restoration.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Two Minster Employees Receive 25 Years of Service Certificates]]></title>
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On Wednesday 3rd February, two Minster employees received their 25 years of service certificate from the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones.
Pat Adams, 71, started work at the Minster in 1978 as a cleaner for the then Dean and his wife, Mrs Jasper. She worked at the Deanery for nearly six years before transferring to the Stoneyard after the 1984 fire, to clean the offices there. Pat has worked as a cleaner at the Stoneyard since, and volunteers at the Stoneyard Auction Days, where she keeps everyone well fed. Pat says, &lsquo;I&rsquo;ve made a lot of friends during my time at the Minster. Working here gives you a great sense of belonging.&rsquo;
Stephen Agar, 51, is a joiner in the Works Department at York Minster. Stephen started work in 1985, shortly after the 1984 fire. He came primarily to help with the restoration of the South Transept Roof, which took four and a half years, and then went on to repair almost every other roof in the building, before they were re-leaded. Stephen worked on the fire protection of the Minster in the years following the fire, and is still a joiner and general handy-man. Stephen says, &lsquo;I&rsquo;ve enjoyed my time at the Minster. It&rsquo;s nice to work with a big family of people.&rsquo;
The Dean, Keith Jones, said, &lsquo;From the look of Pat and Stephen, working at the Minster must keep you young.&nbsp; We count our blessings for colleagues like these!&rsquo;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story377/two-minster-employees-receive-25-years-of-service-certificates.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster turns Red for the British Heart Foundation]]></title>
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York Minster will be a spectacular sight of red on Monday 1 February as the British Heart Foundation&rsquo;s (BHF) launches National Heart Month this February.
From 5.30pm, the west end of York Minster from will be illumined red and the BHF logo will be displayed across the iconic building to help raise awareness of the UK&rsquo;s number one killer – heart and circulatory disease.
As part of National Heart Month, the BHF is calling on people and buildings to turn red during February and take a stand against the UK&rsquo;s biggest killer by supporting the charity&rsquo;s Red for Heart campaign.
The Reverend Dr. Jonathan Draper, Canon Theologian at York Minster, &lsquo;York Minster is delighted once again to be able to go red for the BHF. We&rsquo;re very happy to support the continuing work of the BHF and wish them well in their continuing campaign to raise awareness.&rsquo;
Lucy Watson, BHF Fundraising Volunteer Manager for the BHF in York added: &ldquo;This February, the BHF wants to see as many buildings and as many people turning red as possible and I am delighted that York Minster is supporting us again.
&ldquo;The Minster is such an iconic building in the city and it is wonderful to see it lit up in the colour of the British Heart Foundation, so it highlights our plight and raises awareness of heart disease. 
&ldquo;We are also grateful to the Dean &amp; Chapter of York for permission to use the Minster for the BHF campaign launch and I would like to thank them.&rdquo;
As part of National Heart Month, the BHF has also published a survey which reveals that UK adults are failing to get enough daily exercise with more than two thirds of people in Yorkshire and the Humber (68 %) admitting they don&rsquo;t get their 30 minutes of physical activity a day – the recommended daily amount.
Worryingly, almost half of adults (43%) are simply &lsquo;too busy&rsquo; to exercise and a third (29%) in Yorkshire and the Humber kid themselves about how much daily exercise they do, in order to make themselves feel better. 
With 73% considering themselves healthy, yet 90% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber confessing to having at least one health sin, the nation&rsquo;s heart charity is launching the new heart health online lifestyle check (bhf.org.uk/beat) to help people make the right lifestyles choices and improve their heart health.
The lifestyle check is part of the new national heart health code, the BEAT (Be active, Eat healthily, Avoid smoking and Take the lifestyle check). The online check generates a personalised report with tips and recommendations on people&rsquo;s lifestyle choices, weight, eating and drinking habits, physical activity levels, emotional health and smoking.
For further information on National Heart Month visit bhf.org.uk. Wearing red on Friday 26th February or posting a Love Note in a BHF Shop window are just a couple of things you can do to get involved this year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story376/york-minster-turns-red-for-the-british-heart-foundation.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Robert Peston to Speak at Ebor Lecture]]></title>
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Robert Peston, Britain&rsquo;s leading journalist and commentator on the financial crisis, is to speak at the next Ebor Lecture which takes place at York Minster on Wednesday 10 February 2010.
The BBC&rsquo;s Business Editor has received national acclaim for his broadcasts and articles regarding the global financial crisis and credit crunch. He was recently named as the most highly rated business journalist in the UK.* The title of his lecture is: &ldquo;What Have We Learned from the Worst Financial &amp; Economic Crisis since the 1930s?&rdquo;
The Lectures are staged by an ecumenical partnership of York-based organisations and set topical business issues against a faith and moral backdrop. Held either at York Minster or York St John University, the Lectures are free but admission is by ticket only. 
Professor Sebastian Kim of York St John University and a member of the organising committee said: &ldquo;The Ebor Lectures were established in 2006 in response to the growing need for the church to engage with public issues in the wider community. They are aimed at promoting debate on subjects such as the credit crisis which affect everyone. The time has come when we need to question our values in business dealings as well as in our personal lives.&rdquo; 
The Lectures are organised by York St John University, York Minster, The Order of Carmelites, The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire &amp; the Humber and York Institute for Community Theology.
Held annually, in the past speakers have included Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, Shirley Williams, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and Labour MP Clare Short.
The title for this the third series is: &ldquo;Business as Usual? Global Economic Crisis and the Future of Capitalism.&rdquo;
Admission (ticket only) begins at 6.30pm, and the lectures start at 7.00pm.&nbsp; Each Lecture is followed by a short question and answer session with an anticipated end time of 8.30pm. For tickets see: www.yorksj.ac.uk/eborlectures or contact the Ebor Lectures Co-ordinator on 01904 876474 or eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story375/robert-peston-to-speak-at-ebor-lecture.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Hidden Minster Tours on Sale for 2010]]></title>
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Throughout 2010 York Minster will have a range of Hidden Minster tours on offer, following their ongoing success and their high demand from visitors.
Hidden Minster tours will allow visitors to experience areas of York Minster not normally accessible to the public. The tours will take place once every two months, starting on Friday 29th January and will occur twice during the evening, the first at 7.00pm and the second at 8.30pm. 
At each time, there will be a choice of three tours which visitors can choose from, with a maximum of 10 people per tour and a minimum age requirement of 16. The tours on offer will be Early Minster, which shows visitors the secret crypt passages below the cathedral and the dizzying views at the top of the Five Sisters Window, the West End and Bell Towers, which takes visitors to see the many bells and floors that occupy the western towers, including Great Peter, a ten ton giant of a bell and the Chapter House Roof and Mason&rsquo;s Loft, where visitors can see the mysterious Mason&rsquo;s loft and the magnificent structure that is the Chapter House roof void.
Hidden Minster tours have been running throughout 2009 and have sold out at every Minster Nights (a Minster initiative which keeps the Minster open until midnight twice a year, offering the public a chance to see the cathedral in a different light) The tours are in very high demand and sell out very quickly, so the forthcoming Hidden Minster evenings will allow more visitors the chance to experience these exciting tours.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &lsquo;York Minster is a place many people love.&nbsp; Its beauty, its holiness, its grandeur, its history: it&rsquo;s difficult to disentangle these things.&nbsp; And if we can show people what there is here, and what it means, we are achieving our ambition to&nbsp; help the people of York treasure the Minster, which is in so many ways the heart of their city.&nbsp; And for many, love of the Minster will open wider the door for faith.&rsquo;
After the 29th January, Hidden Minster evenings will occur on 26th March, 28th May, 26th July, 24th September and 27th November. Tickets cost &pound;8.00 per person. To book your place on a tour, please call York Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org, where you can find further information and a full list of Hidden Minster tours on offer. Health restrictions do apply. 
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story374/hidden-minster-tours-on-sale-for-2010.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Stone Auction]]></title>
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Take a piece of history home with you at the York Minster Stone Auction on Saturday 20th February at 1pm. 
Held in the Minster School Grounds, there will be over 200 pieces of stone to choose from, all of which have been removed from the Minster during restoration work and which are going to be sold in order to help fund the ongoing restoration work at York Minster. 
During the auction, buyers will be provided with a brief description and a certificate which will explain the background to the stone.Individual lots will be available ranging from complex tracery panels to smaller stones with simpler masonry detail. They could be used as stand-alone garden features, or used to enhance a garden pond or rockery. Some pieces could be used indoors as bases for table lamps or just as ornament. All proceeds from the sale will go towards the current programme of conservation and restoration at York Minster.
During stonework restoration projects on the fabric of the Minster, stone replacement is often necessary to replace decayed or structurally unsound material. It is not always possible to remove complete stones which are to be replaced; they are often broken up during the removal process. 
However, some are able to be removed in one piece and over many years a large number are collected and put in store. All material removed is recorded for the Minster&rsquo;s archival records. A number of pieces are retained by the Minster as being of significance in the archaeological history of the building. There is not enough room to store every stone taken off the building, so the surplus stones will be auctioned and reinvested in the restoration of the Minster.
To view the stones on offer, please come along to the Minster School grounds on Friday 19th Feb, between 9am - 4pm and Saturday 20th Feb, 9am - 12 noon. 
The auction is generously supported by Stephenson &amp;Son, leading independent auctioneers in the Vale of York.&nbsp; For further information please contact www.yorkminster.org.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story373/york-minster-stone-auction.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Entrance Charges for 2010]]></title>
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From January 5th 2010, York Minster will have a new pricing system for visitors.&nbsp; All tickets will now give access to the Undercroft and Crypt as well as the rest of the Minster.&nbsp; The Dean and Chapter has found that treating them as different attractions does not encourage people to understand&nbsp; the Minster and that too many people are in danger of missing out on some of the very things you need to understand this place, including the Roman remains, the Horn of Ulph, and the shrine of St William.&nbsp; Visitors will still have to pay extra to go up the Tower, since at 275 steps a number of visitors find that a challenge.&nbsp; The new ticket should make ticket-buying simpler and quicker for most people, with faster-moving queues.
&nbsp;
As before, York residents can enter the Minster free of change by obtaining a Minster card.&nbsp; Proof of address helps staff issue them quickly, and they can be used for as many visits as anyone wants in a year. &nbsp;The new tickets will cost &pound;8, with seniors and students paying &pound;7.&nbsp; Children visiting with parents can come in free, as at present and Group charges will still apply.&nbsp; All who attend the many and daily acts of worship do so free of charge.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Dean, The Very Reverend Keith Jones said: &ldquo;Everyone wants York Minster to pay its way.&nbsp; If we could maintain and run York Minster on voluntary donations we would. &nbsp;When we did try, until 2002, to survive on voluntary donations, we realized we could not. &nbsp;&nbsp;But unlike government supported museums we have to stand alone, and York Minster costs &pound;8 a minute (all the year round) to run.&nbsp; Our charges have helped us survive. &nbsp;In many countries, cathedrals and churches receive help from taxation, but English cathedrals are required to manage without grants from government for repair or running. &nbsp;Even if we apply for grants, we have to be able to show we can pay our way before we can get help.&nbsp; Our charges enable us to employ our work-staff, keep repairing the Minster, and remain open.&nbsp; And those who come discover the most marvellous building and hear the most beautiful music you can find anywhere.&nbsp; York Minster is a place everyone should experience&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
For more information on ticket prices, opening times and group bookings, please visit www.yorkminster.org
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story371/entrance-charges-for-2010.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ease Into the New Year with the First Minster Nights of 2010]]></title>
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Visitors are invited to unwind after the stresses of the festive season as York Minster once again hosts &lsquo;Minster Nights&rsquo; on the evening of Saturday 9th January, 2010. 
&lsquo;Minster Nights&rsquo; is a popular evening which takes place at York Minster every few months and allows visitors to stay as late as midnight, experiencing the wide range of activities on offer as well as several artworks and installations by local and national artists.
This is the third &lsquo;Minster Nights&rsquo; to take place, and this time the focus of the evening will be on relaxation, contemplation and reflection. Visitors can experience the Cathedral at night, as it comes alive with light and sound installations, sculptures and performances, all of which work within the cathedral&rsquo;s space and the evening setting to challenge the visitor&rsquo;s perception.
Among the artists present will be Airvent Media who will create a light and sound walk-in experience in the Chapter House, and Tony Murray who will be installing figures around the Five Sisters window. Kayla Kavanagh, an Irish singer and songwriter, will perform using numerous instruments including keyboard, guitar, electric violin, flute and the hammered dulcimer. Local favourites, the Mooted Theatre Co., who have performed before at Minster Nights, will be returning to perform an excerpt of Chekov&rsquo;s &lsquo;The Evils of Tobacco&rsquo;.
All artwork, installations and performances will be spread throughout the interior of the Minster and visitors are able to wander at leisure and discover the evening&rsquo;s exciting programme. 
As usual, there will be &lsquo;Hidden Minster&rsquo; tours, which allow visitors to experience areas of the cathedral not normally accessible to the public. These include the mysterious Mason&rsquo;s Loft and Chapter House Roof void, the fascinating crypt passages and walkway over the enormous Five Sisters Window, and also the incredible tour of the West End Bell Towers. The three different tours depart at 7pm and 8.30pm at a cost of &pound;8 per person. Due to their high demand, tickets are available only in advance from York Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or https://www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org/public&nbsp; Health restrictions apply and visitors must be 16 or over to go on these tours.
The Undercroft and Treasury will also remain open, allowing visitors to explore the foundations of York Minster as ambient music plays. Likewise, tower top trips will be available at 45 minute intervals throughout the evening, weather permitting, offering visitors the chance to see breathtaking views of the city of York at night. Tickets cost &pound;5 for adults, &pound;3 for concessions. 
As part of Minster Nights, the Dean and Chapter are inviting all budding photographers to take part in a photography competition through the Minster Flickr site. Photographers are invited to come along and photograph Minster Nights, and then submit up to three shots they feel best captures the evening to the Marketing department (kendalm@yorkminster.org) , who will upload each photo on the Minster&rsquo;s Flickr gallery for the online community to discuss. After three weeks, the most creative and innovative shot will be chosen to be used in future publicity of Minster Nights and the winner will receive an exclusive tour of the Minster for themselves and four friends. 
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &ldquo;The Minster is a holy place, and an amazing monument to the faith of many generations expressed in stone and glass. It&rsquo;s also full of life, creativity and fascinating hidden places: so this special evening of artistic expression and enjoyment of the Minster has been arranged. We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals on the night of the 9th January to see and hear some new and different sides of a building that we all think of as a well-loved friend.&rdquo;
Minster Nights is free to York residents with either a York Minster resident card or proof of address. For non-residents of York the normal Minster admission prices apply. For further information on admission charges or the programme of events on the evening please visit www.yorkminster.org.Flickr Photograph Competition
As part of Minster Nights, York Minster is running a photography competition using Flickr, an online image gallery. The Dean and Chapter invite photographers to come along and capture Minster nights, and then to submit up to three images to the Minster&rsquo;s Marketing department, who will then put them online using Flickr. The images can be as creative and innovative as possible, following the normal photography restrictions inside the Minster, and people will be invited to discuss these images and engage with one another using Flickr&rsquo;s online community forum. After three weeks, a panel of judges will select the image they feel best captures the evening.This image will then be used in future publicity for the ongoing Minster Nights series. Please note, any use of the image will include the photographer&rsquo;s name, however the Dean and Chapter retain full copyright of the image to use in any and all promotional purposes of York Minster. The winner will receive an exclusive Hidden Minster tour for themselves and four guests and their image will appear in posters, leaflets and other promotional purposes in the future. For further information please contact Kendal Mosley-Chalk on 07540883407 or kendalm@yorkminster.org 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story372/ease-into-the-new-year-with-the-first-minster-nights-of-2010.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Fire in York Minster Stoneyard]]></title>
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Fire crews and a team of York Minster staff spent the early hours of Thursday morning moving a large number of panels of stained glass from the Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard, after fire broke out in the Stoneyard during the night. The panels of medieval glass, from the Minster&rsquo;s Great East Window, were being stored in the Stoneyard prior to undergoing conservation and restoration as part of the on-going &lsquo;York Minster Revealed&rsquo; project.
&nbsp;
Over 30 fire-fighters from York, Acomb, Huntington, Tadcaster, Selby and Easingwold fire stations attended the incident, and the fire was brought under control at approximately 2am on Thursday 31st December. 
&nbsp;
The Dean, The Very Reverend Keith Jones, said:
&ldquo;The fire at the Stoneyard is now being assessed. Our first concern, after being sure that no people were in danger, was for the precious things in store there. Thanks to prompt action by our staff who worked with the Fire Brigade, that is safe. In a few days, we shall know more about the cause and consequences of the incident.&rdquo;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story370/fire-in-york-minster-stoneyard.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Appointment of the New Canon Precentor at York Minster]]></title>
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The Archbishop of York has appointed the Reverend Peter Moger, National Worship Development Officer for the Church of England, to be the next Canon Precentor of York Minster. He succeeds the Reverend Jeremy Fletcher who left the Minster in July 2009 to become Vicar of Beverley Minster in the East Riding of Yorkshire. 
As Precentor, Peter Moger will be a member of the Minster Chapter and is responsible for planning and organising the daily and weekly worship at York Minster, including many large and complex services marking a variety of public occasions. In the fairly recent past, such services have included the installation of the Dean of York, the Reverend Keith Jones, in June 2004, and the inauguration service for the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu on the 30th November 2005.&nbsp; But there are scores of special services each year of many kinds and in many forms – especially the consecration of Bishops for the Northern Province.
Born in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Peter read Music at Merton College, Oxford.&nbsp; After postgraduate study in Composition, he taught as Director of Music at Wadhurst College in Sussex and served as organist of the local parish church.&nbsp; He then read Theology and trained for ordination at St John's College, Durham, where he was Organ Scholar.&nbsp; 
After a curacy at Whitby, Peter served successively as Minor Canon Precentor at Ely Cathedral and as Vicar of Godmanchester.&nbsp; In 2005 he was appointed as the Church of England's first National Worship Development Officer, to work with the Liturgical Commission to enable good practice in the leading and preparation of worship.&nbsp; He has served both locally and nationally with the Royal School of Church Music and has contributed music and liturgy to a wide range of publications.&nbsp; 
In 2008 he co-edited Worship Changes Lives for the Liturgical Commission, and last month published Crafting Common Worship.&nbsp; Peter is married to Heather, a professional recorder player and Suzuki teacher; they have two sons, Thomas (18) and David (16).
Peter said, "I am delighted to be taking up the post of Canon Precentor and excited at the prospect of working with colleagues to contribute to the Minster's mission through worship and music.&nbsp; My family and I are very much looking forward to moving to York and to joining the Minister community."
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &ldquo;I am delighted that the Archbishop has appointed Peter Moger to be Canon Precentor to work with us in crafting acts of worship&nbsp; in this wonderful place.&nbsp; As a member of the Chapter he will share responsibility for all aspects of this place, but his special care for worship and music is of central importance to it all.&nbsp; We are all looking forward to welcoming the Moger family.&rdquo;
The date of Peter Moger&rsquo;s Installation as Canon Precentor has not yet been fixed, but is expected to be after the end of the school term in the summer of 2010.&nbsp; 
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story369/appointment-of-the-new-canon-precentor-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The 'Persimmon Workshop' Opened at York Minster's Stoneyard]]></title>
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On Wednesday 16th December at 10.30am, the &lsquo;Persimmon Workshop&rsquo; was formally opened at York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard by John White, Group Chairman of&nbsp; Persimmon Homes.
Each year, Persimmon Homes, the UK&rsquo;s leading house builders, sponsor stonemason apprentices at York Minster to allow them to learn this highly skilled and specialist craft. The &lsquo;Persimmon Workshop&rsquo; sign indicates where the apprentices do their work at the Stoneyard, and has been installed as a thank you to Persimmon Homes for their continued support.
The sign was completed by Matt Cook on the 18th November, as part of his final year apprenticeship as a Mason at York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard. Matt did the setting out, letter cutting and painting for this sign and then installed it at the Stoneyard.
The ribbon was cut at 10.30 am on Wednesday 16th December at York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard in the presence of the stonemasons and carvers, Rebecca Thompson, Superintendent of Works, Dr. Richard Shephard, Chamberlain of York Minster and the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones.
For further images, please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/yorkminster
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story368/the-persimmon-workshop-opened-at-york-minsters-stoneyard.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Jamia at York Minster: Giant Teepees in Dean&rsquo;s Park celebrating 20 years of Children&rsquo;s Rights]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Giant teepee-style tents will be set up in Dean&rsquo;s Park on Wednesday 9th December, showcasing global music, poetry, dance, drumming and song. International Service, the York-based overseas development agency, are celebrating 20 years of children&rsquo;s rights with a special event called Jamia in the Dean&rsquo;s Park at York Minster.
Jamia brings together performers from across York and Yorkshire, representing the vibrant array of global cultures and traditions on our very own doorstep. Playing a central role in Jamia will be the winners of International Service&rsquo;s annual Human Rights Awards, who will be telling their stories all the way from Brazil, Mali and Palestine.
In the evening, the teepees will be lit by lanterns, and Jamia continues with a supper, a glass of mulled wine on arrival, and a special programme of entertainment.
Jamia makes a vibrant addition to the festive season in York, and offers people the chance to see some fantastic performances, and reflect on the world that we are all a part of.
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York, said, &lsquo;We at the Minster are delighted to welcome and celebrate the children of the world by giving a setting for Jamia.&nbsp; Real progress in this dangerous world is partly measured by our care of children, who too often suffer unseen.&nbsp; Children rejoice the heart of God who cares deeply for them.&rsquo;
Jamia is open to the public and is a free from 11am-4pm. From 7pm – 10pm, Jamia is a ticket-only evening event. For further information, or to book tickets for the evening event, please contact York Minster box office on 0844 939 0015 or visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org 
To find out more about the services and concerts on at York Minster, please visit www.yorkminster.org 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story367/jamia-at-york-minster-giant-teepees-in-deanrsquos-park-celebrating-20-years-of-childrenrsquos-rights.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[December Minster News Out Now!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Issue 20 of York Minster's quarterly Newsletter, Minster News, is out now. 
You can pick up a copy from inside York Minster or alternatively download it here 
Features&nbsp;include:
- Christmas at York Minster
- Launch of the new Minster Shop
- Information about the forthcoming perfomance by The Archers in support of York Minster Fund
- News from the Minster Staff 
- Exclusive night-time tower top trips planned for Christmas
- Latest news from the stoneyard
- Information about concerts and events and forthcoming dates for your diary
&nbsp;
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Kendal Mosley-Chalk on 01904 557248 or kendalm@yorkminster.org 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story366/december-minster-news-out-now.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Chapter House Choir's Carols by Candlelight at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Chapter House Choir&rsquo;s popular Carols by Candlelight concerts traditionally take place in the Chapter House, and this year is no exception.&nbsp; 
The programme will contain a mixture of old favourites and modern carols, the ever-popular handbell ringers, and organ pieces played by David Pipe, Assistant to the Director of Music..&nbsp; The concerts take place at 8.00 pm on December 17th, 18th and 19th, and tickets will only be on sale from Saturday 5 December (maximum of 4 tickets per person) to applicants in person only. 
In a break with tradition however, they are on sale at the new York Minster Box Office, Church House, Ogleforth at the later than usual time of 10.00 am. Please note that this is a new location.&nbsp; NB – Ogleforth is a residential area. For more information on services and concerts at York Minster, please visit www.yorkminster.org
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story365/chapter-house-choirs-carols-by-candlelight-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[School Children Help York Minster Prepare for Advent]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Friday November 27th at 9.30 am, children from the Minster School will help to finish the Advent Wreath, ready for Advent Sunday two days later.
Advent is the countdown time, full of rising excitement and the sense of Christmas coming.&nbsp; An Advent Wreath is a circle of candles which are lit in turn every Sunday in the four weeks leading to Christmas. Each candle recalls the people of the Hebrew scripture (the Old Testament) who prepared for the coming of the Messiah.&nbsp; The last is for Mary the mother of Jesus.
The Wreath at York Minster is so big that the children have to help the Head Verger, Alex Carberry, to get it ready.&nbsp; It is constructed by the Stoneyard of the Minster, is 3 metres in diameter and weights 184 Kg.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Minster&rsquo;s flower arrangers help too, using ivy from the grounds of Bishopthorpe Palace.&nbsp;&nbsp; Then every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. one of the children will light that week&rsquo;s candle and by a remote button the whole wreath rises 8 metres from the floor, directly under the central tower of the Minster.
Finally, as Christmas arrives, the fifth and central candle is lit, as a sign that Jesus Christ is born.&nbsp; And when the Advent Wreath is fully lit, Christmas will be here, and all the carols and bells ring out.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story364/school-children-help-york-minster-prepare-for-advent.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Lord Mayor To Open New Minster Shop]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Thursday 19th at 2pm, The Lord Mayor of York, Coun John Galvin and the Lady Mayoress, Val Galvin, will meet with the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, to officially open the new Minster Shop.
York Minster&rsquo;s new shop, which sits at the top of Minster Gates at number 10, will be York Minster&rsquo;s third retail shop and has been launched due to the ongoing success of the two current shops – one inside the Minster, and one opposite the new shop at number 9 Minster Gates.
In order to meet the demand of customers in the run up to Christmas, the new shop will sell only Christmas gifts until January 2010, where after it will sell similar gifts to the two current shops. There will be a wide range of high quality, exclusive goods on offer, such as hand-crafted jewellery, rich tapestries, china and glassware, and toys and games.
Graeme Ward, Manager of York Minster Shops, said, &lsquo;We&rsquo;re thrilled to be able to offer customers even more choice, especially in the run up to Christmas. The new shop has a different feel entirely to the two current ones and has a much more modern design. We hope that our visitors and customers enjoy the extended range of goods we have brought in.&rsquo;
The new shop was designed by Apple Display and Shopfitting Ltd, award-winning specialists in design, and is a new direction for the Minster&rsquo;s retail.&nbsp; Situated at the top of Minster Gates, between Stonegate and the Minster itself, it offers locals and tourists a chance to take home beautiful gifts for their loved ones. Nativity sets, Christmas decorations, ornaments and hand-crafted gifts are amongst the wide selection of Christmas items on sale.
The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, together with the Dean of York, will officially open the new shop at 2pm on Thursday 19th November. 
To visit York Minster Shop online please click here
To view photographs of events, exhibitions, services and concerts at York Minster, please click here
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story362/lord-mayor-to-open-new-minster-shop.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Christmas Concerts and Services at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster celebrates Christmas with a variety of services and popular concerts. 
The Minster choir has performed Bach&rsquo;s famous cantata, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, for many years now on the Sunday before Advent.&nbsp;&nbsp; This beautiful work, with its famous &ldquo;Sleepers wake&rdquo; melody, forms the anthem at Evensong on Sunday 22 November at 4pm.&nbsp; The service lasts approximately an hour and there is no admission charge.&nbsp; Following on from the success of last year&rsquo;s performance, the Minster choir will again be joined by the Baroque period orchestra, Charivari Agréable Simfonie who will play instrumental music before and after the service.&nbsp; Early arrival is encouraged due to the popularity of this service.
York Minster will host its annual Advent Procession on Advent Sunday, 29th November, at 6.30pm in the Minster&rsquo;s Nave. The Church year begins on Advent Sunday which is always four Sundays before Christmas Day. The Advent Procession initiates Christmas worship at York Minster by welcoming all to enjoy a dramatic procession in candlelight and a service of special readings and music.
On Saturday 5th December, York Musical Society will perform Bach&rsquo;s Christmas Oratorio in the spectacular setting of the Minster&rsquo;s Nave. York Musical Society is the oldest Musical Society in England and regularly performs in York Minster. The concert will be conducted by the former Master of Music, Phillip Moore. 
Tickets for the ever-popular Carols by Candlelight sung by the Chapter House Choir, on 17th, 18th and 19th December will go on sale on Saturday 5th December at 10am in Church House in Ogleforth. Tickets are limited to 4 per applicant because of the limited capacity of the Chapter House.&nbsp; Tickets are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Nine Lessons and Carols will be held on the Tuesday 22nd December at 7pm and Thursday 24th December at 4pm, and includes a variety of traditional Christmas Carols. Midnight Mass will be held at 11.30pm for Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December and lasts just over an hour. 
On Christmas Day there will be Holy Communion at 8am in the Quire, sung Eucharist at 10am in the Nave, Matins at 11.45 in the Quire and Evensong at 4pm in the Quire.
For more information about concerts at York Minster or to book tickets, please click here. 
For more information about Christmas services at York Minster, please click here. All services are free of charge. 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story363/christmas-concerts-and-services-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA['Come Rain, Come Shine', The Archers Come to York!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Five of the most famous voices in the land – actors from the cast of Radio 4&rsquo;s The Archers - will present &lsquo;Come Rain, Come Shine&rsquo;, a funny and heart-warming evening of poetry, prose and anecdotes at 7.30pm on Sunday 7th February 2010 at Joseph Rowntree theatre in York.
The evening will include the likes of Alan Bennett, Noel Coward, Roger McGough, Flanders &amp; Swann, Gilbert &amp; Sullivan, Laurie Lee ,and much more, in celebration of the British countryside; the seasons, the landscape, the characters and the weather!
&lsquo;Come Rain, Come Shine&rsquo; will be performed by five regular actors on the world&rsquo;s longest-running radio drama serial. Guests will be able to match faces to voices as they see Caroline(Sara Coward), Lillian (Sunny Ormonde), Neil (Brian Hewlitt) and Mike (Terry Molloy) take to the stage.
Devised for The Archers 50th Anniversary, &lsquo;Come Rain, Come Shine&rsquo;&nbsp; has played with huge success all over the UK, including at various festivals such as the Stratford-Upon-Avon Poetry Festival. The Birmingham Post called it, &ldquo;A scintillating words and music programme which played to a sell-out house&rdquo; 
The evening has been organised by ETC, the Events Team for the Campaign at York Minster, following the Big Sale in the summer and a successful Georgian Wine and Antiques Evening which took place in October. All the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Development Campaign at York Minster. 
Devised and directed by West End Director Malcolm McKee, who plays Graham Ryder in the series, &lsquo;Come Rain, Come Shine&rsquo; promises to be one of the highlights of 2010. Malcom said, &lsquo;We&rsquo;re delighted to be able to contribute to the Minster&rsquo;s&nbsp; Development Campaign and support the ongoing restoration work of this beautiful building.&rsquo; 
Viola Jones, from ETC, said &lsquo;We are really looking forward to this. It&rsquo;s my good fortune that Neil the pigman is an old friend, and that he offered to bring the show to York. These are all very busy and talented people, so we are lucky to get them&rsquo;.
Tickets are available from the Minster Box Office on Ogleforth, YO17JN, 01904 557208 or by visiting www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org. 
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story361/come-rain-come-shine-the-archers-come-to-york.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Tower Top Trips Planned to Celebrate Christmas at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Visitors will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Christmas lights throughout the vale of York from the top of York Minster&rsquo;s central tower, with two exclusive night-time trips on both the 21st and 23rd December.&nbsp; 
The two evenings will begin at 6.30pm inside York Minster, where visitors will hear about the real St. Nicholas and the true meaning of Christmas. This will be followed by a trip up the tower where children will receive a gift and all can enjoy the stunning views of the city of York lit up by Christmas lights. Mince pies and mulled wine or sherry will be served for parents once they come back down to earth!
The second trip will begin at 7.30pm with the same schedule as the first. There are only 30 spaces available for each trip on each evening, so early booking is encouraged. The climb to the top of the tower involves an exhilarating 275 steps, so restrictions apply for anyone who has any health problems or physical ailments. Children from the age of 5 are welcome, with adult supervision, and everyone is encouraged to wear warm clothes in the case of poor weather. There is strictly no alcohol at the top of the tower.
Tickets cost &pound;15 each for adults and &pound;10 for under 16&rsquo;s and are available from the Information Desk in York Minster.&nbsp; All proceeds will go towards the ongoing conservation and restoration of York Minster.&nbsp;&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story360/tower-top-trips-planned-to-celebrate-christmas-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stories and Memories at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
&lsquo;Stories and Memories&rsquo;; a new exhibition by exhibition volunteer Beth Hughes, celebrates the people who have made York Minster the vibrant community that it is today.
&lsquo;Stories and Memories&rsquo; is in the Western Crypt of the museum at York Minster, and runs from Monday 19th October throughout Christmas.&nbsp; It consists of a series of panels which display the stories and memories from the employees and volunteers at York Minster who support the daily life of the Minster.
There are over 200 employees and 300 volunteers at York Minster who have dedicated a significant amount of time to the building itself and to God&rsquo;s work. Many of them have fond memories and stories about their time in the Minster.
Amongst the stories and memories on display are those from Geoff Brayshaw, Foreman Joiner, and Richard Shephard, Director of Development, regarding their memories of the 1984 fire and its aftermath. The Dean and Verger Rob Flynn have both contributed their memories of spiritual moments which have taken place in the Minster.
David Potter, President of the York Minster Society of Change Ringers, has shared his story about the clapper of Great Peter falling in October 1982, whilst others have shared their memories of Archbishop John Sentamu&rsquo;s inauguration in 2005. 
Vicky Harrison, Collections Manager, said, &lsquo;Stories and Memories is the first in a series of temporary exhibitions to be hosted in the museum.&nbsp; We want to explore various aspects of the Minster&rsquo;s role and functions in the past, present and future.&nbsp; &lsquo;Stories and Memories&rsquo; draws on the experiences of our staff and volunteers and helps to discover the many ways in which the building is used, viewed and enjoyed.&rsquo;
Beth Hughes completed her MA in History of Art at York University in 2008 and since then has been volunteering with the Minster in one way or another. Beth has also been working at the National Media Museum as a Museum Interpreter in their learning team, where she interprets objects and displays for learning opportunities. 
Beth said, &lsquo;&lsquo;Stories and Memories&rsquo; comes from my passion for church art and church history. I really enjoyed finding out about the different roles at the Minster, the events which have taken place and what the church means to its employees and volunteers. &lsquo;
Everyone is welcome to come along and view the exhibition and share their own memories of York Minster on a postcard at the back of the crypt. Admission charges to York Minster apply, however there are no additional charges to view the exhibition.
(Pictured right: Beth Hughes)
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story357/stories-and-memories-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Young People to Refresh York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster and Cathedral Camps have come together to host a ReFresh day at York Minster, on October 27th, as part of the Make a Difference Day activities.
Make a Difference is the UKs largest annual day of volunteering, with over 50, 000 volunteers signing up to projects nationwide in 2008. ReFresh is the one-day volunteering branch of Cathedral Camps, which works exclusively with 16-25 year olds in historic places of faith in Britain. The project allows young people to take part in the conservation of historic buildings of worship to build their awareness of their community and make a positive and visible contribution to their environment in just one day.
York Minster will be working with 15 volunteers from Cathedral Camps on projects including polishing the Minster&rsquo;s brasses, removing moss from railings and cleaning the stone benches in Dean&rsquo;s Park.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story358/young-people-to-refresh-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Christmas CD Now on Sale!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York&nbsp; Minster Christmas CD Now on Sale!
Celebrate Christmas with the spectacular voices of the Choir of York Minster singing favourite and traditional Christmas Carols. &lsquo;Christmas From York&rsquo; is an ideal Christmas present and is now on sale in York Minster Shop.
&lsquo;Christmas From York&rsquo; features Christmas carols and arrangements such as Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, Once in Royal, O come all ye faithful, Away in a manger and the secular We wish you a merry Christmas
This is the first recording to be directed by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster since 2008. 
Highlights of the CD include the first recordings of two works by York Minster staff: Reges Tharsis by Organist John Scott Whiteley; and a setting of words by Canon Theologian Jonathan Draper, The Promise of Peace, by Chamberlain and Director of Development Dr Richard Shephard, which was commissioned by Robert Sharpe for last year&rsquo;s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
The CD is priced &pound;10 and is available from York Minster Shop or online at www.yorkminster.org/shop 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story359/york-minster-christmas-cd-now-on-sale.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Sample the World&rsquo;s Longest Living Wine at York Minster&rsquo;s Georgian Wine &amp; Antique Evening]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Sample the World&rsquo;s Longest Living Wine at York Minster&rsquo;s Georgian Antiques and Wine Evening, which will take place on Friday 23rd October at 7pm in the Minster&rsquo;s Chapter House and St.Williams College.&nbsp;The fund-raising evening starts at 7pm in the spectacular Chapter House at York Minster, where guests will sample different champagnes and canapés inspired by the recipes of famous Georgian cookery writers such as Hannah Glass and Elizabeth Raffald.&nbsp;This is followed by an antiques talk by well-known antiques expert John Bly, within the oak-panelled rooms of St.William&rsquo;s College. John is the author of many books and has regularly appeared on the BBC Antiques Road Show. John will discuss how different types of wine glasses and wine coolers were used in Georgian times, as well as giving insight into behind the scenes at the Antiques Road Show!&nbsp;Conal Gregory, York Based Master of Wines and former MP for York, will also present a wide range of wines which represent the Georgian era, for guests to taste and discuss. One of the highlights will be the opportunity for guests to sample the world&rsquo;s longest living wine, &lsquo;Madeira&rsquo; which was very popular in Georgian times. It was discovered that wine in ships which had crossed the equator was heated so much that its original character changed.
All proceeds from the evening go towards York Minster Fund (Charity Reg 252157), which supports the ongoing conservation of York Minster. All wine and champagne has been generously donated by Morrisons supermakets.&nbsp; 
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York, said, &ldquo; Wine is one of the most wonderful kinds of nourishment, and this will be a chance to explore its history and quality in one of York&rsquo;s most wonderful rooms.&nbsp; We are hugely grateful to John Bly and Conal Gregory for guiding us, and to Morrisons for their generous gift.&nbsp; It promises to be a most enjoyable way of preserving York Minster!&rdquo;
Dress is lounge suit and tickets are available from the Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or boxoffice@yorkminster.org. Tickets cost &pound;40 each or &pound;70 for two. For more details about this event, or forthcoming events, please visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org
(John Bly pictured to the right)
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story356/sample-the-worldrsquos-longest-living-wine-at-york-minsterrsquos-georgian-wine-antique-evening.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Big Draw Hosted at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The beauty and magnificent setting of York Minster will inspire visitors to take part in the &lsquo;Big Draw&rsquo; event during York and North Yorkshire&rsquo;s autumn half term week, from Monday October 26th to Friday October 30st, between 10.30am and 4.30pm.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&lsquo;Big Draw&rsquo; is an annual national initiative in over a thousand venues across the UK. It connects these venues with their visitors, by asking visitors to draw, paint and use a vast range of other media to interpret the spaces around them.
York Minster will have a &lsquo;drawing station&rsquo; near the Lady Chapel at the east end, where people can come and paint their surroundings; however visitors are welcome to draw anything which catches their imagination in the building. 
Although admission charges apply there is no charge for materials used. The last issue of materials will take place at 4pm. Participants are free to keep their work or submit it for possible inclusion in an exhibition which will stay in place the following week.&nbsp; 
To find out more about &lsquo;Big Draw&rsquo; please visit http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw/ For further information on events and services at York Minster, please visit www.yorkminster.org 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story354/big-draw-hosted-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[The Dragon's Tale: A New Approach to Traditional Welsh Music at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday 31st October at 7.30pm, Penrhyn Choir and Beaumaris Band, both internationally acclaimed,&nbsp; will present &lsquo;A Dragon&rsquo;s Tale&rsquo; - a new style of concert combining Celtic themes with rousing hymns and evergreen music from both male voice choir and brass band popular repertoires, in the spectacular setting of the Nave at York Minster.
The Dragon&rsquo;s Tale promises a memorable evening where the ancient legends of the Mabinogion will be presented through stunning Celtic music, in what has been described as&nbsp; &lsquo;a musical feast of Choir and Brass&rsquo;.
The Mabinogion is the title given to a group of eleven prose stories collected from medieval Welsh manuscripts. The tales draw on ancient Celtic mythology, international folktale motifs, and early medieval historical traditions and is the product of a highly developed Welsh narrative tradition.
Penrhyn Choir is a traditional Welsh Male Voice Choir which was established in 1893 in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. They headlined at the 75th Anniversary of the North American Festival of Wales 2006, in Cincinnati, following a sell-out concert at the famous Chicago Cultural Centre.
Beaumaris Band were the UK Brass Band National Champions in 2008. The band was established in the late 1800s in historic and picturesque Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. They include the area&rsquo;s most talented and versatile musicians.
Both Beaumaris Band and Penrhyn Choir celebrate the Welsh language as the most widely spoken of the Celtic languages. &lsquo;A Dragon&rsquo;s Tale&rsquo; combines rousing traditional Welsh Hymns with stirring classics to offer an unmissable evening in the magnificent surroundings of York Minster. 
To book your ticket, please visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story355/the-dragons-tale-a-new-approach-to-traditional-welsh-music-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The 2009/10 Ebor Lectures launched at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On October 14th, the 2009-2010 series of the Ebor Lectures will be launched at York Minster. This fourth series of Ebor Lectures focuses on the global economic crisis and the future of capitalism with the theme, &lsquo;Business as usual?&rsquo;&nbsp; 
Each lecture will examine the causes of the recent economic crisis, by looking at its local and global implications and suggest a future direction of the current economic crisis. They will be held from 14th October until the 26th May at both York Minster and York St. John University on Wednesday evenings at 7.00pm 
The Ebor Lectures are a response to the growing need for theology to interact with public issues in contemporary society. Their aim is to engage in dialogue with a range of communities on issues wider than narrowly defined religious matters. The Ebor Lectures is an ecumenical project that seeks to encourage interaction between academic and religious traditions in order to build bridges between the church and other religious groups. 
Dr. Jonathan Draper, Canon Theologian at York Minster, said, &lsquo;Through the Ebor Lectures we hope to make a responsible contribution to public debate from a faith perspective. People of all faiths and none are welcome to come, to hear high quality presentations and engage in dialogue about these important issues.&rsquo;
There will be a range of high-profile speakers, such as Robert Peston, the BBC&rsquo;s Business Editor and Mr Andreas Whittam Smith, CBE, Co-founder and first Editor of The Independent, who will be giving the first lecture at York Minster on the 14th October. 
The Lectures are free and are jointly organised by York Minster, York St.John University, York Institute for Community Theology, The Order of Carmelites and the Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and Humber. In the past speakers have included Dr.Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr.John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and Shirley Williams, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats. 
For more information about the&nbsp; 2009/10 series or to get tickets, please visit http://www.yorkminster.org/learning/lectures-courses/the-ebor-lectures&nbsp; or www.yorksj.ac.uk/eborlectures or contact the Ebor Lectures Co-Ordinator on 01904 876474 or eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk
The 2009/2010 Ebor Lectures Programme:
14 October, 2009, York MinsterAndreas Whittam Smith - Is it back to Business as Usual after All?
25 November, 2009, York St John UniversityDr Ann Pettifor, Exec. Director, Advocacy International/Co founder of the Jubilee 2000 Campaign – Credit, Usury and Political Power
10 February, 2010, York MinsterRobert Peston, BBC&rsquo;s Business Editor – What have we Learned from the worst Financial and Economic Crisis since the 1930s?
24 March, 2010, York MinsterRt Hon Tony Benn, President of Stop the War Coalition and Former Chairman of the Labour Party – The Kings and the Prophets
28 April 2010, York St John UniversityProf Elaine Graham,&nbsp; Samuel Ferguson Professor of Social &amp; Pastoral Theology, University of ManchesterCrisis or Opportunity? Doing Public Theology after the Church
26 May 2010, York St John UniversityCanon Dr John Atherton, William Temple FoundationBeyond Capitalism: Religious Contributions to Greater Wellbeing
Admission begins at 6.30pm, and the lectures start at 7.00pm.&nbsp; Each lecture will be followed by a short Question and Answer session with an anticipated end time of 8.30pm.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story353/the-200910-ebor-lectures-launched-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Advances in science help preserve York Minster for future generations]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Science and historical conservation might not sound like an obvious match, but at York Minster scientists and preservation experts are working together to save this historic building from decay and erosion.
Researchers co-funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) at the Universities of York and Cardiff are using advanced X-ray techniques to investigate the composition of the limestone and historic mortars used to build York Minster, and the ways in which these have decayed as a result of weathering and pollution over time. This research is part of the cross-council Science and Heritage Programme.
Researchers are using an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer to explore the limestone in microscopic detail to study the salt deposits and other compounds contained within it that can cause the stone to erode. The work is helping to advise conservation experts how best to treat the stone to prevent further decay and what materials to use in the current restoration of the Minster&rsquo;s East Front.
Dr Karen Wilson of the University of Cardiff explains the impact of the work:
&ldquo;This work is very important for society because by advising the key people involved in the conservation of such historic buildings we can ensure the survival of these beautiful architectures for future generations.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Click HERE to watch a video about the conservation project, or HERE for the IMPACT! World website which features a variety of other films and case studies highlighting the impact of science and research technology in the UK.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story351/advances-in-science-help-preserve-york-minster-for-future-generations.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ten thousand see Saint's Relics at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
It is estimated that about ten thousand people passed through York Minster during the eighteen hours of the visit of the Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux.
No formal count was made of pilgrims entering or leaving between 6.00pm on Thursday 1st October - the Feast Day of St Thérèse - and 12.00 noon on Friday 2nd October. However, about 1,200 people attended the 7.30pm service for Christian unity, and about 2,000 were present for the departure of the Relics.
The Minster had printed 10,000 prayer cards to give to pilgrims during the visit, and ran out late in the morning. Therefore it is reasonable to assume that the total number of visitors and pilgrims was about ten thousand.
St Wilfrid's Roman Catholic Church in nearby Duncombe Place remained open throughout the visit as well.
Visitors included the Carmelite sisters from Thicket Priory, Thorganby (York) and Wood Hall (Wetherby), and ordained and lay Christians of many denominations. The hourly Offices through most of the night were led by Church of England, Roman Catholic, United Reformed and Methodist ministers.
Numbers in Minster's Lady Chapel, where the Relics were displayed, fell to about&nbsp;two dozen between 3.00am and 4.00am, but for much of the evening, the night and the following morning a steady stream of visitors was carefully managed by Minster staff and and volunteers, ably assisted by Roman Catholic volunteers organised by the Knights of St Columba.
Just as the Reliquary was applauded on its arrival at the Minster on Thursday evening, so it was to ringing applause from a large crowd including about three hundred schoolchildren that it receded along Duncombe Place into the autumn sunshine.
Photo courtesy catholicrelics.co.uk

_______
The Minster's Chancellor, Canon Glyn Webster, writes about the Visit:
&ldquo;One of the most humbling sights during the visit of the Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux to York Minster was the queue of pilgrims which at times stretched the whole length of the cathedral, and then as far again back round the outside. It really was a snapshot of all God&rsquo;s children – sick and well; young and old; catholic and protestant; believer and searcher; some with burdens and some with thanks. Something about the simple faith in Jesus Christ of this young woman drew them in their thousands.&nbsp;&ldquo;We will remember the visit for many reasons. There was the joyful applause that swept the Relics into the Minster on Thursday evening and out again at noon on Friday. There was the spirit of unity and celebration clearly expressed in the united service on Thursday evening, but so evident too in the close working with the local Roman Catholic churches and the other denominations. There was the sound of hundreds of children&rsquo;s voices lifted in prayer and praise just before the Relics left.&nbsp;&ldquo;But for those who saw it, perhaps the clearest memory will be of the quiet in the Minster&rsquo;s Lady Chapel at three or four o&rsquo;clock in the morning, with the reliquary bathed in light and surrounded by candles, as a couple of dozen people kept vigil together between the hourly offices and joined their own prayers with those of Thérèse. Maybe the unique flavour of those hours is best summed up in a prayer of Thérèse herself:&nbsp; &ldquo;O my God! I ask of you for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfil perfectly your holy will.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

_______
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story350/ten-thousand-see-saints-relics-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Plans Tower-Top Trips for Bonfire Night]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Remember remember the 5th of November in style this year, with two exclusive night-time trips to the top of York Minster&rsquo;s central tower, where visitors can watch fireworks over the Vale of York.
Visitors will be able to have York Minster to themselves on the 5th November this year, as they choose one of two times available to take a specially conducted tour around the Minster, followed by an exhilarating climb up the Central Tower&rsquo;s 275 steps with their hot flasks. Tours of the Minster begin at 6pm and 8pm and last approximately an hour. After each tour visitors will be taken up the tower for a further hour, where they can relax under the stars and watch the firework displays whilst surrounded by incredible view of the city.
There are only thirty places available on each trip, so anyone interested is encouraged to book their place as soon as possible. Children from the age of 5 are welcome, with adult supervision; however anyone with health problems or physical ailments is advised not to attempt the strenuous climb. There is strictly no alcohol permitted in the Minster or at the top of the tower. 
Warm clothes and a raincoat are recommended in case of poor weather. Photography will be permitted so visitors are welcome to bring along their cameras and capture this spectacular evening. 
Tickets cost &pound;15 each for adults and &pound;10 for under 16&rsquo;s and are available from the Information Desk in York Minster.&nbsp;&nbsp;All proceeds will go towards the ongoing conservation and restoration of York Minster. 
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story349/york-minster-plans-tower-top-trips-for-bonfire-night.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[World-Famous Choir to Perform at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Cantamus Girls Choir, described by Radio Times as, &lsquo;a choir that could stand comparison with anything in the world&rsquo;, will be performing at York Minster on Saturday 7th November at 7.30pm,
Cantamus Girls Choir originally formed in 1968 and since then successive choirs, all consisting of girls between the age of 13 and 18, have been awarded 28 first prizes in International Choral Competitions. The choir has performed in festivals all over the world, with its varied and part-choreographed concerts thrilling audiences in East and West Europe, Japan, Israel, China, USA and Canada.
Cantamus Girls Choir have performed numerous times on radio and TV and have been guests in leading orchestras&rsquo; concerts in the Royal Albert Hall. The Choir won two awards at the World Choir Olympics in Germany, 2004 and China, 2006 and earlier this year won 5 prizes at the Voyage of Songs festival in Penang.
&ldquo;Only very few musicians and performers manage to combine absolute, world-class excellence of technique and style with the ability to express themselves from the bottom of their hearts. Cantamus, miraculously, are amongst this select few.&rdquo; – Howard Goodall, TV presenter and composer. 
Don&rsquo;t miss the opportunity to see this sublime choir performing in the beautiful setting of York Minster. To find out more, or to book your tickets for this highly-anticipated concert, please visit https://www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org/public/ or call 01904 557208
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story347/world-famous-choir-to-perform-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Yorkshire Celebrated in Style]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Yorkshire Foundation, a charity with HRH The Duke of York as Patron that promotes community and education initiatives in the Yorkshire region, is bringing together a star-studded line-up of performers for a special concert at York Minster.
The charity event, on Saturday 10 October at 7.30pm, will feature home-grown musicians and the Grammy Award-winning vocal group The King's Singers.
Themed &lsquo;A Yorkshire Celebration&rsquo;, the event will include performances from The King&rsquo;s Singers, who are making a rare visit to the county, euphonium soloist David Childs, former winner of the brass section of BBC Young Musician of the Year, and Yorkshire&rsquo;s very own Brighouse &amp; Rastrick Band, conducted by brass band legend Phillip McCann. The concert will be hosted by BBC Radio 2&rsquo;s Frank Renton, presenter of Listen to the Band.
The event will also feature the world premières of two items, arranged specially for the occasion by Leigh Baker, which The King&rsquo;s Singers will perform accompanied by the band. There will also be some Yorkshire-themed items and some music reflecting the Roman heritage of the Minster.
Concert organiser Philip Wainwright commented: &ldquo;This promises to be a truly wonderful event and I am delighted that so many talented performers have agreed to take part. It just so happened that they were all free on the same day - a very rare occurrence - and I urge people not to miss out on this great opportunity."
The concert is being kindly sponsored by the David Thompson Charitable Trust, digyorkshire.com and Cicada Communications.
The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at &pound;10, &pound;15, &pound;20 and &pound;25 (concessions available) and are available from York Minster Box Office on 01904 557 208 or at www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story348/yorkshire-celebrated-in-style.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[September 2009 Minster Newsletter Out Now!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The September edition of the Minster Newsletter is out now. You can pick one up from York Minster or alternatively, download it here 
Features include:
-The Visit of the Relics of St.Therese
- A review of the second Minster Nights
- News from the Stoneyard
- The Dean's Message
- Welcome and Farewell to Staff Members
- Upcoming events at York Minster, including a full list of concert and diary dates
If you would like to receive the newsletter by post please contact Kendal Chalk on 01904557248 or kendalc@yorkminster.org to be added to the mailing list
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story346/september-2009-minster-newsletter-out-now.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster's Christmas Carol Concert On Sale Now!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Tickets for the highly popular Christmas Carol Concert at York Minster (formerly the Family carol Concert) on Friday 11th December, went on sale from noon today, available from York Minster&rsquo;s Box Office.
The Christmas Carol Concert at York Minster is one of the most highly-anticipated and popular concerts of the year. Visitors are invited to celebrate Christmas by coming along to the Carol Concert at York Minster on the 11th December, where they will be able to hear York Minster Choir inside the spectacular setting of the Minster&rsquo;s Nave. They will also be able to join in with some classic and well known Christmas carols. Guest readers this year will include Hugh Bayley MP and Vince Cable MP. The concert begins at 7pm and lasts approximately an hour and a half.
Due to the sell-out nature of this event, anyone interested in coming is encouraged to buy their tickets as soon as possible. Tickets range from &pound;10 to &pound;20, with very limited availability at the front of the Nave. All proceeds from the concert go towards York Minster Fund (Charity Reg 252157)
For more information, or to book your tickets online, please visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org. Alternatively, you can pick up your tickets from the Box Office at Church House, on Ogleforth, from Monday until Friday, 9am-5pm. To book over the phone please call 0844 939 0015.
There will be a number of Carol Services in York Minster throughout December. There is no charge for Services that take place in York Minster.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story345/york-minsters-christmas-carol-concert-on-sale-now.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster to echo to the sound of heritage]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
A unique event showcasing the links between heritage, sound-art and music will take place in the dramatic setting of York Minster next month.
I Hear Too: Live which is organised by AudioLab researchers in the Department of Electronics at the University of York, will feature seven specially commissioned music, performance, and sound-art installation works in various locations in the Minster.
They include Octo: Sotto Voce, an 8-channel sound installation presenting an audio montage of whispered voices in the Chapter House, and A Ripple on the World&rsquo;s Pool, an audio-visual piece in The Quire based on the sound of the Minster bells.
The event is the culmination of the I Hear Too Research Cluster, funded by the Science and Heritage programme sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
The initiative involved researchers, artists and scientists, as well as partners from industry, museums and heritage venues. They worked together to explore the role that acoustics, audio, music and sound-art have in our understanding and experience of heritage. 
Dr Damian Murphy, who is leading the I Hear Too project, said: &ldquo;We are trying to engage the audience – and visitors to this stunning heritage site – in new and unique ways. These new works have been designed to exploit the canvas of York Minster itself and to get people to think again about what role this iconic building has in our society.
&ldquo;Over the course of the evening, the programme will explore, interpret and re-examine the space, architecture and daily life of the Minster. We shall encourage the audience to sit, walk or interact with the works as appropriate - this is not intended to be a traditional concert experience!&rdquo;
The Dean of York Minster, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, added: &ldquo;York Minster praises God through the stone and glass and wood of which it&rsquo;s built; but just as much by the sounds that fill it and the amazing art to be found in it.&nbsp; I Hear Too Live will explore the Minster&rsquo;s spaces in all sorts of exciting ways.&nbsp; Heritage it is – but something fully alive and astonishing.&rdquo;
I Hear Too Live starts at 8pm on 7 October. Tickets at &pound;10 (&pound;5 concessions) are available now from the York Minster Box Office, Church House Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN. Contact telephone: 0844 939 0015 or online: www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story344/minster-to-echo-to-the-sound-of-heritage.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Youngsters Honoured at Archbishop's Youth Trust Launch]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Dr John Sentamu will officially launch The Archbishop of York Youth Trust with an awards ceremony tonight recognising young people who have transformed their communities in the north of England. Young people from Newcastle, Hull, Leeds and Warrington will be honoured at the event at Bishopthorpe Palace.
Among the winners is Naomi Cumming, 15, who volunteers at a youth project in Leeds, will receive an award for her work at Christ Church, Armley. The project provides a range of initiatives for children and teenagers throughout the week, including youth groups, holiday clubs and sports programmes. Naomi has attended activities run by the project since the age of five and has now become a youth leader in her own right after completing a peer mentoring course.
Fiona Holmes, 19, will receive an award for her work with Newcastle Street Pastors. Fiona works in a team of three or four volunteers, who have radio contact with the police and door staff, offering pastoral support and practical help around the city nightspots on Friday and Saturdays between 10pm and 4am. The project will be given a grant to set up a new initiative in the Eldon Square shopping area of the city, making Street Pastors available to young people in the city centre on a Saturday afternoon.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was scheduled to attend the event and present the awards, but has had to pull out due to illness. He has recorded messages for all the winners, which will be played at the ceremony.
Dr Sentamu said: "I've always been struck by how in the New Testament, Jesus saw children as examples for adults to follow.
"I want the trust to send a message out to passionate young people that they can make a positive difference in their local communities. They really can be the change they want to see in the world."
Archbishop Tutu said: "I have the highest admiration for young people and I believe very strongly that they are dreamers, they are idealists, they believe it is possible to make poverty history and to have a world without war and where there is no hunger.
"I have come to say 'go for it' - don't be affected by the cynicism of oldies like us and help make the world the place that God wants it to become. You are able to turn what is a slimy caterpillar into a beautiful gorgeous butterfly.
&ldquo;I want to say just how chuffed I am with young people. They are fantastic. I think we have got to keep saying that until we really get to know that we mean it. We frequently see in the media stories about young people who go off the rails. We are not told quite so spectacularly and sensationally about kids who are doing incredible things. 
&ldquo;I want to doff my cap to young people by saying &lsquo;You are the cat&rsquo;s whiskers!&rsquo; I know of many young people doing incredible things and I believe that the Archbishop&rsquo;s Youth Trust has already found some extraordinary human beings.&rdquo;
The Youth Trust aims to help and motivate young people up to the age of 25 to be leaders of change in their local communities, using their faith as a basis for transforming society.
It will provide funding for youth-led projects, provide grants for youth workers and encourage young people to take part in the Archbishop's Discipleship Award Scheme, a three-year accreditation programme to help school pupils develop personal skills.
Dr Sentamu is asking businesses, individuals and schools to contribute to the trust by either donating to specific projects, &lsquo;adopting&rsquo; a youth worker or by sponsoring the Archbishop's Discipleship Award Scheme.
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story343/youngsters-honoured-at-archbishops-youth-trust-launch.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Superintendent of Works Formally Installed at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Friday 11th September, Rebecca Thompson, Superintendent of Works at York Minster, was formally installed into her seat at Evensong.&nbsp;The Dean announced Rebecca&rsquo;s installation before the 5.15pm service. Choristers led the procession into Evensong and then Rebecca entered the Quire with the Dean. The Dean led Rebecca by the hand to her seat in the Quire to complete the formal installation and then the service progressed with the Dean including Rebecca, the Stoneyard and all of the Minster staff in his prayers.
Rebecca&rsquo;s family and friends were present&nbsp;and Rebecca said that everyone very much enjoyed the service.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story342/superintendent-of-works-formally-installed-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster the Host of Annual Cathedrals' Stonemasonry Apprentice Symposium]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
This year, from Monday 7th until Friday 11th September, York Minster was the host for the annual Cathedrals&rsquo; Stonemasonry Apprentice Symposium, which saw apprentices from eight cathedrals across the country come together for a week of training in order to enhance their skills and knowledge essential to the understanding of the craft.
During the week the apprentices attended lectures on a wide range of subjects relative to the craft, such as archaeology, architectural history, structural engineering and project management.
Also during the week apprentices worked on a masonry project and had some tuition in stone carving. This year the masonry project involved shaping stones which when completed formed a base and column for a garden feature such as a birdbath or sundial. The design incorporates features found amongst Romanesque remains in the crypt of the Minster, such as helicoidal (spiral) moulding. One of our team of masons, John Sutcliffe, has produced a detailed design from his and other colleagues&rsquo; ideas. They worked on the masonry project in the Lady Chapel of York Minster, so visitors were able to see their work in progress.
Master Mason John David said, 'This initiative was originally inspired collectively with colleagues from other cathedral workshops to make up for deficiencies we felt were apparent in recent training programmes. The support of our respective Cathedral Chapters has enabled us to embark on a more comprehensive and fulfilling apprenticeship training programme, to ensure that in the future we have the finest craftsmen and women who will continue to care for our national treasures. This symposium, the fourth so far, is just part of that programme.&rsquo;
To view photos of the masonry project which took place in the Lady Chapel please visit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/yorkminster/sets/72157622338482642/
The York Minster Stoneyard is one of the largest in the country, and a centre of excellence for many traditional crafts including masonry, carving and carpentry. A rare opportunity has arisen to train as apprentice on a four year contract, working with and learning from some of the most skilled craftsmen in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The contract includes a programme of part-time study at York College. We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic apprentice with a passion for developing masonry skills and contributing to the work of one of the great cathedrals of the world. 
Please refer to the job description and person specification on the website www.yorkminster.org before sending your CV and covering letter to jobs@yorkminster.org or the HR Manager, Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN. Closing date for applications is:&nbsp; 18th September 2009
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story338/york-minster-the-host-of-annual-cathedrals-stonemasonry-apprentice-symposium.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
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			<title><![CDATA[Morrisons Supermarkets Donate Wine &amp; Champagne for Minster's Georgian Antiques &amp; Wine Evening]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Morrisons supermarkets are generously donating wine and Champagne for the highly anticipated Georgian Antiques &amp; Wine Evening, which is to be held on Friday 23rd October at 7pm in York Minster&rsquo;s Chapter House and St.William&rsquo;s College. The fund-raising evening will give people the opportunity to hear how Georgians entertained in style and to taste wines and sample foods typical of the Georgian period. The evening will commence in York Minster&rsquo;s historic Chapter House where guests will listen to music whilst sampling Champagne and canapés inspired by the recipes of famous Georgian cookery writers such as Hannah Glass and Elizabeth Raffald. 
At 8pm, guests will move to the oak-panelled rooms of St.William&rsquo;s College, where they will listen to an antiques talk by well known antiques expert John Bly. John is the author of many books and has regularly appeared on the BBC Antiques Road Show. He will explore how antiques relate to wine in Georgian times.
Conal Gregory, York-based Master of Wine, will also present a wide range of wines representing those of the Georgian era for guests to taste and discuss. The evening will finish at 10pm with coffee and petits fours.
All proceeds from the evening go towards York Minster Fund (Charity Reg 252157), which supports the ongoing conservation of York Minster. The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York, said, &ldquo; Wine is one of the most wonderful kinds of nourishment, and this will be a chance to explore its history and quality in one of York&rsquo;s most wonderful rooms.&nbsp; We are hugely grateful to John Bly and Conal Gregory for guiding us, and to Morrisons for their generous gift.&nbsp; It promises to be a most enjoyable way of preserving York Minster!&rdquo;
Dress is lounge suit and tickets are available from the Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or boxoffice@yorkminster.org. Tickets cost &pound;40 each or &pound;70 for two. For more details about this event, or forthcoming events, please visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story341/morrisons-supermarkets-donate-wine-champagne-for-minsters-georgian-antiques-wine-evening.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Programme for the Visit of The Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux to York Minster, 1st – 2nd October 2009]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The programme of events during the 18-hour visit to York Minster of the Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux on the 1st and 2nd October 2009 has been confirmed and appears below. The Relics are shown (right) during a visit to Augsburg Cathedral.
The Minster will be open continuously throughout the 18 hours. 
Pilgrims of all Christian denominations and none will be welcome to the Minster to pray, spend time in the presence of the Relics and attend services and offices as detailed below.
Organised groups are asked to advise Howard Mosley on 0844 939 0016 of their estimated arrival and departure times, and the Minster may be able to offer facilities for groups to conduct their own services in a chapel between the hourly offices in the late evening and early morning.
St Wilfrid&rsquo;s Roman Catholic Church in Duncombe Place (close to the Minster) will be open throughout the visit, and Roman Catholic clergy will be available there to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spend time with pilgrims as they wish.
No admission charges to the Minster will apply until after the Relics&rsquo; departure, but contributions towards the costs of the visit will be welcome.
Thursday 1st October 2009Feast of St Thérèse of Lisieux
•&nbsp;5.15pm: The Minster&rsquo;s Service of Choral Evensong will take place in the Nave•&nbsp;6.00pm: Arrival of the Relics at the Minster&rsquo;s West Door. Relics conveyed by bearers to Lady Chapel, followed by time for prayer in the presence of the Relics.•&nbsp;7.30pm: Ecumenical Service of thanksgiving for the Malines Conversations of 1921 to 1927 between Anglicans and Roman Catholics, as commemorated in York Minster•&nbsp;10.00pm: to 12.00 midnight inclusive Offices in the Lady Chapel every hour, on the hour
Friday 2nd October 2009
•&nbsp;12.00 midnight to 6.00am inclusive: Offices in the Lady Chapel every hour, on the hour•&nbsp;7.00am: The Minster&rsquo;s Service of Matins will take place in the Lady Chapel•&nbsp;7.30am: The Minster&rsquo;s celebration of the Eucharist will take place in the Zouche Chapel•&nbsp;8.00am and 9.00am: Offices in the Lady Chapel•&nbsp;10.00am: Office for the sick in the Lady Chapel•&nbsp;11.15am: Service in the Nave for children and young people, attended by groups from York schools, during which the Relics will be moved from the Lady Chapel to the Nave.•&nbsp;12.00 noon: Departure of the Relics from the Minster&rsquo;s West Door
ENDS
&nbsp;
For further information contact Martin Sheppard on 0844 939 0014. martins@yorkminster.org
Notes:1.&nbsp;York Minster is one venue in the programme of visits throughout England and Wales at the invitation of the Roman Catholic Bishops&rsquo; Conference from the 16th September to the 12th October. It is the only non-Roman Catholic venue.2.&nbsp;3.&nbsp;Thérèse of Lisieux (1873 to 1897) is one of the major saints of the Roman Catholic Church, and many Christians of other traditions and denominations are influenced by her writings and her life. Dying aged just 24, she is one of only three women recognised as &lsquo;Doctors of the Church&rsquo;. The Relics are contained in a closed and decorated casket.
Useful web links:www.catholicrelics.co.uk www.carmelite.org www.yorkminster.org 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story340/programme-for-the-visit-of-the-relics-of-st-thrse-of-lisieux-to-york-minster-1st-2nd-october-2009.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[The Three Masters in Concert]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Old Malton Priory will be holding a unique concert on Saturday 3rd October at 7.30pm.&nbsp; Dr Francis Jackson, Philip Moore and Robert Sharpe, past and present Masters of the Music at York Minster, will be performing together for the first time.&nbsp; 
Michael Wiles, organiser of the concert said, &ldquo;This is a unique opportunity to hear three distinguished musicians who have been responsible for the Minster&rsquo;s music for over 60 years.&nbsp; They will be playing on the Priory Organ and will be interviewed by John Scott Whiteley, York Minster&rsquo;s Organist, who has worked closely with all three musicians.
&ldquo;The evening will begin with a wine reception at 6.30pm.&nbsp; Tickets cost &pound;15, and all proceeds will go to York Minster Revealed and the Old Malton Priory Music Fund.&nbsp; The event is supported by The Friends of Cathedral Music of which Francis Jackson is a Vice President.&nbsp;&nbsp; The aims of the FCM, which are to safeguard our priceless heritage of cathedral music and support a living tradition, have been the aims and ideals of all four of these musicians - it is their raison d'etre.&rdquo;
The Old Malton Priory Music Fund is raising money to make the church a better venue for concerts.&nbsp; The Priory has been given a Steinway grand piano on permanent loan, but it needs a lot of work to repair it.&nbsp; The church is a popular venue for local choirs to perform in and is used by The Ryedale Festival, but the repair of the Steinway will mean the Priory has a concert standard piano for the first time.&nbsp; 
York Minster Revealed is a five-year project with a &pound;10m Heritage Lottery Fund earmarked grant to expand training in the specialist craft skills of stone-masonry and stained glass conservation.&nbsp; Through interpretation, improved access, and conservation it will reveal to a wider audience a better understanding of the architectural jewel that is York Minster, and its place within the history of the last two thousand years.
To buy a ticket or for more information, contact Michael Wiles on 01653 618479 or email mj.wiles@btconnect.com.&nbsp; A coach will run from York to Old Malton Priory, costing &pound;7 for a seat. 
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story336/the-three-masters-in-concert.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Accounts For 2008-2009 Published]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster's accounts for the year ending 31st March 2009 are published today, and show a net deficit of &pound;523,000 which falls into two main categories.
The Cathedral's normal operations made a deficit of &pound;285,000 (compared with a surplus of &pound;314,000 for the previous twelve months), while the York Minster Revealed project (see below) incurred net costs of &pound;238,000.
The year saw a 58% increase in expenditure on restoration of the Minster's East Front (on areas not included in the York Minster Revealed project - see below) from &pound;693,000 in the previous year to &pound;1,098,000, as part of a 17% increase in total maintenance spending on stone and glass from &pound;1,408,000 in the previous year to &pound;1,647,000.
Income from visitors, including shop sales, remained stable at about &pound;2,750,000.
Income generated from property and investments rose by 7% (&pound;83,000) following the re-investment of the proceeds of some property sales. This was in spite of a drop in the overall value of the Dean and Chapter's stock market investments (which are held to generate income) by &pound;3,734,000 due to the general decline in share values. The value of stock market investments at the year end was &pound;12,000,000. 
Legacy income was 8% lower than last year at &pound;357,000. While this is impossible to forecast and cannot be relied upon, all legacies are gratefully received and are put to good use.
York Minster Fund (an independent charity which supports the Minster) contributed &pound;938,000 towards major structural repairs.
York Minster Revealed (the project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to expand the public appreciation and understanding of York Minster, improve its accessibility and restore the stonework and glass of its east end) is shown separately in the Accounts. While the Heritage Lottery Fund has set aside a &pound;10 million grant for the project, costs continue to be incurred in producing detailed plans and designs for the 'Stage Two' application which, if successful, will release the money. Some of these development costs have been reimbursed either from the Heritage Lottery Fund or from funds already raised, leaving a balance of &pound;238,000 as shown in the Dean and Chapter&rsquo;s accounts.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, "This has been a challenging year for the Minster, as for many people and organisations. It is never good news to have made a deficit, but the figures do show that we have got our priorities right. We have maintained the Minster&rsquo;s witness to the Christian faith in a turbulent world, and we continue to welcome many thousands of worshippers and visitors who come to find inspiration here. On top of that we have been able to make real progress with the endless but vital task of safeguarding the Minster&rsquo;s structure for the future, both in our spending on stone and glass, and in preparing our case to receive the money set aside for the York Minster Revealed project by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Our staff and volunteers have worked hard and well during the year, and as we strive to find the financial resources to meet the Minster&rsquo;s needs into the future, I believe we shall see that work rewarded."
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story335/york-minster-accounts-for-2008-2009-published.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Nights]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will stay open late for the second time this year on Sunday 30th August as part of a new initiative called &lsquo;Minster Nights&rsquo;.&nbsp; Visitors will experience the cathedral at night through a spectrum of art and performance, expressing something of the Minster&rsquo;s historic significance and its Christian witness and ministry down the centuries.
Minster Nights will have a wide array of special events for visitors, from 5pm until midnight,&nbsp; including performances, installations and interpretations, all of which work within the cathedral&rsquo;s space and the evening setting to challenge the visitor&rsquo;s perception. 
Visitors can go on &lsquo;Hidden Minster&rsquo; tours which will take them to areas of the building they have never seen before, including the Mason&rsquo;s loft and crypt passages. Trips up the Central Tower will run from 6pm until 11pm and will allow visitors to see spectacular views of the city of York by night.
One of the highlights of the evening is an abridged performance of T.S.Eliot&rsquo;s masterpiece &lsquo;Murder in the Cathedral&rsquo; in the West End of the Cathedral at 7.30pm and 9.30pm by the well known Mooted Theatre Company. The play will present the story of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, as he takes up residence in Canterbury Cathedral awaiting his inevitable martyrdom. 
The York Shakespeare Project will be performing some of Shakespeare&rsquo;s best known speeches in the West End at 6.30pm. There will also be a performance of &lsquo;February Fire&rsquo; in the West End at 8.30pm, which will examine the notorious life of Jonathan Martin, who started the Minster fire in 1829. 
There will be a live acoustic set performed in the unique Chapter House by Holly Taymar, a local York musician, from 8.30pm onwards. David Pipe, Assistant to York Minster&rsquo;s Director of Music, will also provide live Organ Music at 10pm in the Nave and will once again be happy to accept requests from visitors.
Glistening Cogs of Greenland will provide experimental music for visitors as they walk through the atmospheric Western Crypts at 7pm and 9pm. At 8pm there will be an audio, voice and movement performance called &lsquo;Terrain&rsquo; by the dance company Mother in the Chapter House, who will use the setting to experiment with physical and sonic boundaries. 
Local artist Steve Tomlinson will be developing ideas from his recent paintings by casting shadows of interior parts of the Minster onto a large screen in the Quire, allowing visitors a new way of looking at the Minster.&nbsp; Artist Lois Whitehead will be occupying St. Nicholas Chapel where she would like to create artistic badges based on the conversations she has with individual visitors, reflecting the setting as well as the subjects discussed and encouraging visitors to interact with each other. 
James Brook will be working on his large reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling in the North Transept. There will be a &lsquo;Light Fantastic Installation&rsquo; by &lsquo;Miles &amp; Dacombe&rsquo; in the Eastern Crypt who will have further work displayed in the North Transept. Installed in the Lady Chapel is a walk-through Labyrinth with projections on the history of labyrinths in European Cathedrals by North Country Theatre.
There will be interpretation stalls from the Minster Broderers, Flower Arrangers and Masons in the South Quire Aisle.&nbsp; New interpretation panels about the securing of the central tower and the excavation will also be in place in the Undercroft, which is free of charge during Minster Nights.
The idea for Minster Nights developed after York Minster took part in &lsquo;Night Fever&rsquo; in May, which was a &lsquo;Museums at Night&rsquo; nationwide initiative encouraging museums to open late and offer visitors unique events. The evening was so successful that the Minster has decided to make it a seasonal event. 
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &ldquo;The Minster is a holy place, and an amazing monument to the faith of many generations expressed in stone and glass. It&rsquo;s also full of life, creativity and fascinating hidden places: so this special evening of artistic expression and enjoyment of the Minster has been arranged. We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals on the night of the 30th August to see and hear some new and different sides of a building that we all think of as a well-loved friend.&rdquo;
Minster Nights is free to York residents with a Minster card or proof of address, however there will be additional charges for Hidden Minster Tours and Tower Trips. To find out more about Minster Nights and admission charges please visit www.yorkminster.org/calendar/ Due to limited space on the Hidden Minster tours, visitors will have to sign up on arrival. None of the tours are suitable for children under 16.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story334/minster-nights.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Meet the Masons, Carvers and Carpenters at York Minster Stoneyard Open Day]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Friday 14th August, from 9.30am until 3pm, visitors will have a chance to explore the Stoneyard at York Minster and go behind the scenes at one of the UK&rsquo;s leading&nbsp; Cathedral Works Departments.
Meet the Minster&rsquo;s Masons, Carvers, Carpenters and maintenance team, and watch their incredible skills with the stone, as it progresses through the Stoneyard. Take exclusive guided tours of special areas of the Minster, such as the drawing office, where York Minster&rsquo;s Master Mason creates the templates from which the Masons produce each individual piece of stone. Visit the plaster cast museum, where the historic designs used throughout the Minster are displayed. 
Tours of the scaffolding currently covering the 600 year old East Front will also be available, enabling people to see the widespread decay of existing stone and newly restored stonework, thus showing just how essential the need for restoration work on this part of the building is. Tours of the East Front will operate frequently throughout the day, weather permitting. Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis from the Stoneyard on the day on return for a minimum &pound;5 donation. No children under 10 are allowed, and children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 
Visitors will have the opportunity to buy sections of vaulting rib reclaimed from the south Transept roof after the fire in 1984, as well as special recreations of the six bosses designed by Blue Peter competition winners which are now part of the restored South Transept Roof.&nbsp; Also on sale are sections of stone mouldings removed from the north side of the Quire during recent restoration.
Admission is free, but donations to the York Minster Fund (Registered Charity Number 252157) are invited. Entrance to the Stoneyard is located on Deangate.
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story330/meet-the-masons-carvers-and-carpenters-at-york-minster-stoneyard-open-day.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Quick action by Minster staff helps stricken visitor]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Sunday 2nd August Minster staff spotted a gentleman in obvious distress with chest pains near the Roman column opposite the Minster's South entrance in Deangate.
Realising the seriousness of his condition, Operations Manager Rachael Baldwin hurried to the Minster Police cabin for the portable oxygen and defibrillator equipment kept there. 
On her return Claire Whiteley administered the oxygen immediately.&nbsp; The man went into a more stable condition and was put into the recovery position. He was taken to hospital by ambulance.
York Hospital and the gentleman's wife both said that the decisive action taken by Rachael and Claire certainly prevented him from going into a major heart attack, and stabilised him until help arrived.&nbsp; 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story333/quick-action-by-minster-staff-helps-stricken-visitor.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The Big Minster Sale: over ten thousand pounds raised for York&rsquo;s Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Organisers of The Big Minster Sale, which ran from the 29th July to the 1st August to raise money for the ongoing conservation of York Minster, have thanked the people of York for their generosity and enthusiasm both in buying goods from the Sale and for donating them in the first place. Over ten thousand pounds was raised over the four days for York Minster Fund (Registered Charity no 252157).
A huge effort by a large team of volunteers saw five marquees in the grounds of York Minster School and refreshments sold in the School itself. Popular items included clothing, china, ornaments, small items of furniture, fully tested electrical items, and books by the yard!
After months of planning, The Big Minster Sale&rsquo;s success was undimmed by the foul weather, and at the end it was largely packed away within two hours of closing on the final day.
Some of the remaining stock and one or two high-value items remain to be auctioned during the autumn at Wombell&rsquo;s, York, and Tennant&rsquo;s, Leyburn, and the final total will not be known until after this.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story332/the-big-minster-sale-over-ten-thousand-pounds-raised-for-yorkrsquos-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[&ldquo;An Armenian Journey&rdquo;: hope from a shattered city]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
A Millennium project by Christians Together in Alnwick (Northumberland) to support the reconstruction of an earthquake-shattered community in Armenia has led to an exhibition of art, &ldquo;An Armenian Journey&rdquo;,&nbsp; in York Minster until the 6th September.
In the late 1990s the plight of the shattered city of Spitak, Armenia, which was completely devastated by an earthquake in 1988, inspired the churches of Alnwick to offer support to Family Care and (from 2000) to the Missionaries of Charity who were both involved in providing medical and therapeutic services to the traumatised population. 
In particular, Family Care&rsquo;s Veratsnund (Renaissance or Re-birth) Art School combines opportunities for adults and young people in Spitak to find expression for the huge challenges of their everyday lives with a growing commercial demand for the work they produce.
Veratsnund Art School is the common link between the artists exhibiting in York Minster. Northumberland-based painter Mick Oxley travelled to Spitak as an established artist to teach at Veratsnund, and Arsen Asatryan (paralysed in the earthquake) has built a new life and career as an artist through their work and that of others contributing to the Art School.
For textile artist and retired teacher Jean Darby of Alnwick &ldquo;An Armenian Journey&rdquo; is a high point in an on-going relationship with residents of Spitak and those working to rebuild the community there. With her late husband Baz she has been involved with Christians Together in Alnwick&rsquo;s Spitak project from the beginning, travelling to Armenia initially as a volunteer at the Missionaries of Charity Orphanage. Later she helped initiate a textile group for unemployed women in Spitak, incorporating basic design and management skills to enable them to start their own businesses.
&ldquo;An Armenian Journey&rdquo; is a unique glimpse of a relationship born of suffering and compassion as well as shared talent, in the serene and bright setting of northern Europe&rsquo;s greatest gothic cathedral.
York Minster is open daily (subject to church services). Admission charges apply to York Minster: for details and charges see www.yorkminster.org.
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story331/ldquoan-armenian-journeyrdquo-hope-from-a-shattered-city.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster's Superintendent of Works Receives MCIOB at Ascot Ceremony]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Rebecca Thompson, Superintendent of Works at York Minster, received her MCIOB (Member of the Chartered Institute of Building) at Ascot last week in a formal ceremony which recognised knowledgeable and competent professionals within the industry who have a personal commitment to continual professional development.
CIOB members are drawn from a wide range of professional disciplines working with building and construction supply chains. Members include clients, consultants and contractors as well as specialist in regulation, research and education.
Rebecca followed the Experienced Practitioner Route (EPRA) for people who have managed at a senior level for more than ten years. She was awarded the CIOB after passing her oral examination and professional review. Rebecca says, "I am very proud to achieve Member status of the CIOB, it is a fabulous institution which enhances the quality of the professionals in this industry."
The CIOB recognises Rebecca&rsquo;s career achievements, experience and knowledge as well as enhancing her continued professional development thought CIOB events, courses and networking. Rebecca is also the Chairman of the Leeds and West Yorkshire Region CIOB until April 2011. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story329/york-minsters-superintendent-of-works-receives-mciob-at-ascot-ceremony.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Art and bargains at The Big Minster Sale]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York-born artist Jake Attree and 2nd Acomb and 1st Clifton Scouts are just some of those giving help to The Big Minster Sale, which opens from Wednesday 29th July to Saturday 1st August in the grounds of York Minster School, Deangate, York, in support of the ongoing conservation of York Minster. There is no charge for entry to The Big Minster Sale.
Jake Attree, now based at Dean Clough in Halifax, was born in York and learned his craft at York School of Art in the 1960s. His work has been exhibited widely in recent years including shows in London, New York and at York Minster in 2007. On Friday 31st July Jake Attree will offer &lsquo;Art For All&rsquo; classes at The Big Minster Sale – for no charge and with all materials provided. 
2nd&nbsp; Acomb and 1st Clifton Scouts are providing and erecting tents for The Big Minster Sale.
The Big Minster Sale is organised by volunteers to raise funds for the York Minster Fund (Registered Charity Number 252157) as part of the current restoration of the Minster&rsquo;s east end.
The people of York have already contributed a magnificent collection of household items, collectables, bric-a-brac of all descriptions and a large quantity of clothing including children&rsquo;s and many designer labels - so much so that there will be an ever-changing selection of goods on offer over the four days.
The Big Minster Sale will be open from 12.00 noon to 4.00pm on Wednesday 29th July; 10.00am to 4.00pm on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st July; and from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday 1st August (Yorkshire Day). Refreshments will be available in the Minster School.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story328/art-and-bargains-at-the-big-minster-sale.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Hosts Tudor Themed Family Fun Day]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday 18th July, York Minster hosted a Tudor themed Family Fun Day in support of the British Library&rsquo;s Henry VIII touring exhibition, 'Man and Monarch' which is at York Minster until 27th July.
Visitors enjoyed many Tudor activities, such as making pomanders, quill writing and brass rubbing,&nbsp;as well as learning how to arrange flowers and how to make God&rsquo;s Eyes. The Yorkshire Shakespeare Project performed an abridged version of Henry VIII in the Quire in York Minster and in Dean&rsquo;s Park, drawing in the crowds, whilst informal performances of &lsquo;Meet the Wives&rsquo;, put on by Minster staff, gave the public some background to each of Henry&rsquo;s six wives.
The Tudor camp and the Tudor Knight displays in the Minster School Yard enabled visitors to dress up as Tudor Knights preparing for battle, and learn about life in the time of Henry VIII, whilst Brother Anthony from English Heritage talked to visitors about the effects that Henry&rsquo;s dissolution had on both Rievaulx and Byland Abbey. 
Henry and his six wives could be seen wandering in and out of York Minster throughout the day, although there were no known beheadings. To see photos of this event please click here.
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story326/york-minster-hosts-tudor-themed-family-fun-day.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Summer Organ Recitals at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The 2009 summer series of Organ Recitals at York Minster begins on Saturday 25th July until Saturday 12th September.&nbsp; This year the Organ Recitals will celebrate the bi-centenary of the birth of the great composer, Mendelssohn, through eight performances of his work by an outstanding list of organists.
The summer Organ Recitals aim to present some of the finest organ music to the public, performed by leading Organ recitalists from Britain and Europe. They take place in the magnificent setting of York Minster, on Saturdays at 7pm throughout summer. All six of Mendelssohn&rsquo;s Sonatas will be performed this year, some of which will be heard at the Minster Recitals for the first time.
David Pipe, Assistant to the Director of Music at York Minster, opens the series on Saturday 25th July at 7.00pm with an impressive programme which includes Giles Swayne&rsquo;s extraordinary jazz/minimalist Riff-raff and Mendelssohn&rsquo;s fifth Sonata. David read music at Cambridge University before studying organ at the Royal Academy of Music. David performs regularly as an organ recitalist and this is his first performance in the Minster&rsquo;s summer recitals. 
On 1st August, Darius Battiwalla returns to the Minster, performing Mendelssohn&rsquo;s first Sonata within his programme. Darius is the music director of Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra and is a regular organist of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. 
Darius is followed by Mark Blatchly on the 8th August, who will be performing the second of Mendelssohn&rsquo;s Sonatas in his programme. Mark is the organist for Charterhouse School and has recorded a range of music for BBC Radio three. 
Francis Jackson, CBE, will give the third performance on Saturday 15th August which will include Mendelssohn&rsquo;s fourth Sonata. Francis is Organist Emeritus at York Minster and his given many organ recitals throughout Europe. He was Master of Music of York Minster until 1982 and has written music extensively for the church.&nbsp; 
Simon Preston, CBE, follows on August 22nd with a programme which includes Mendelssohn&rsquo;s Overture to the Oratorio St Paul. During the sixties Simon produced a milestone series of recordings on Westminster Abbey&rsquo;s Organ and has almost fifty CDs of work available.&nbsp; 
On the 29th August David Sanger, President of The Royal College of Organists, will perform Mendelssohn&rsquo;s Prelude and Fugue in Minor C, amongst other works. David composes music for organs, string and choirs and has been on the jury for many International Organ Competitions. 
On the 5th September Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, will give the seventh performance in the series, which includes Mendelssohn&rsquo;s third Sonata. Robert was appointed Director of Music at the Minster last year, after holding posts at a number of places including Truro cathedral, St Albans Abbey and Exeter College. Robert has made numerous recordings with Truro Cathedral Choir and his first recording with the choir of York Minster will be released shortly.&nbsp; This will be Robert&rsquo;s first organ recital in the Summer Series at York Minster. 
The final Organ Recital will be given by John Scott Whiteley, Organist of York Minster, and will include Mendelssohn&rsquo;s sixth Sonata. John Scott Whiteley has recently become known for his performances on BBC2 and BBC4 of the complete Organ Music of Johann Sebastian Bach. John has recorded over twenty-five CDs and has performed in Britain, Europe and America. He has published books on Bach and the composer Joseph Jongen and is an examiner for the Council of the Royal College of Organists. 
Tickets for each recital cost &pound;8 and are obtainable either on-line at www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org or at the South Door on the night. Season tickets cost &pound;50. For further information on the recitals or each of the recitalists, please visit www.yorkminster.org/calendar 
For a comprehensive list of all UK organ recitals please visit www.organrecitals.com 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story327/summer-organ-recitals-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Learn more about Henry VIII in York Minster Library]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster Library boasts more than a hundred books on Henry VIII, ranging from his main political and religious decisions to his personal life and impact on modern media.&nbsp; From the very 16th century to newly-printed books, the Library offers a unique insight into the history of his reign. 
As part of the celebrations for the five hundredth anniversary of his accession, York Minster will hold a touring programme linked to the British Library&rsquo;s major exhibition on Henry VIII. The Minster Library is the perfect companion to that exhibition for those interested in hands-on research and primary sources on England's best-known king. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story324/learn-more-about-henry-viii-in-york-minster-library.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Meet the Wives of Henry VIII at York Minster's Family Fun Day on Saturday 18th July]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday 18th July, York Minster is having a family fun day as part of the British Library touring exhibition, Henry VIII: Man and Monarch, which is in the Lady Chapel at York Minster until 27th July. 
From 10am until 4pm there will be a wide range of Tudor themed events and activities both inside and outside the Minster.&nbsp; From 10am until 12pm and then 2pm until 4pm, visitors can participate in any of the Tudor craft stalls set up inside York minster, including brass rubbing, quill writing, making god&rsquo;s eyes, pomades and crowns or going on a Dragon&rsquo;s Hunt or Henry VIII trail for children.
There will be an English Heritage display on Rievaulx and Byland Abbeys by Brother Anthony, telling people how monks lived during the time of Henry and the effects of the dissolution.&nbsp; Brother Anthony will also be walking about during the day interacting with visitors and answering their questions. John Lax, English Heritage Visitor Operations Manager, says, &lsquo;English Heritage are delighted to be working alongside York Minster to support the British Library exhibit Henry VIII Man and Monarch which comes to York this Summer. See both sides to the dissolution by visiting one of English Heritage&rsquo;s fantastic properties and witness the real destruction of Henry&rsquo;s power. Visitors to Byland Abbey, Mount Grace Priory, Rievaulx Abbey and Whitby Abbey will receive a 25% discount upon entry with a valid voucher and a York Minster receipt.&rdquo;
There will be short, informal performances of Shakespeare&rsquo;s &lsquo;Henry VIII&rsquo; by the Yorkshire Shakespeare Project inside the Minster&rsquo;s Quire at 10am, 11.30am and 2.30pm with a further outside performance in Dean&rsquo;s Park at 1pm. In addition, there will be a chance to meet and learn more about Henry VIII&rsquo;s six wives in informal productions of &lsquo;Meet the Wives&rsquo; throughout the day.
Further outdoor activities include a Tudor life camp demonstrating various activities such as Tudor cooking, which will run throughout the day, and Tudor Knight displays, where Knights demonstrate how to dress for battle, at 1.15pm and 3.15pm in the Minster School yard. 
Vicky Harrison, Collections Manager, says, &lsquo;Everyone is invited to come to York Minster and participate in the Fun Day. We hope that in particular local families come along and experience what Tudor life was like under the reign of one of England&rsquo;s most important Monarchs!&rsquo;
The Family Fun Day is supporting the British Library&rsquo;s Henry VIII touring exhibition, which examines the life and reign of Henry VIII. The exhibition consists of ten panels and an enthralling &lsquo;Turn the Pages&rsquo; interactive kiosk, enabling people to digitally flick through the pages of Henry&rsquo;s Psalter, as well as items from York Minster&rsquo;s own collections, such as the Letters Patent – new statutes for York Minster issued by Henry VIII, with Henry&rsquo;s seal still intact.
For further information about the fun day, please visit http://www.yorkminster.org/calendar/&nbsp; Normal admission charges apply for entrance to the Minster, with additional charges only for participation in the brass rubbing. As a joint promotion, English Heritage are offering visitors to York Minster and York resident card holders reduced entry to English Heritage sites throughout Yorkshire, from the 18th July until the 30th September.
To find out more about English Heritage Sites throughout Yorkshire please visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story325/meet-the-wives-of-henry-viii-at-york-minsters-family-fun-day-on-saturday-18th-july.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the South Transept Fire]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Yesterday York Minster commemorated the fire that destroyed the South Transept roof on July 9th, 1984 and celebrated the restoration of the roof and Rose Window in a public service at 12.30pm. 
Among those present were fire fighters from the Red Watch who had helped to put out the fire in the early hours of 9th July, stonemasons, joiners and carvers – some of whom still work in York Minster&rsquo;s Works Department – who were a part of the restoration team, three of the Blue Peter Boss designers and the staff of York Minster. Fire fighters from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were also present at the service and three fire engines parked outside the entrance to the South Transept marked the significance of their presence. 
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York Minster, presided over the service, with readings from Tony Burnett, one of the fire fighters involved in putting out the South Transept fire, Canon Precentor Jeremy Fletcher, who read a contemporary account of the Fire from The Times, on July 10th 1984 and&nbsp; Paul Deamer, a&nbsp; stonemason at York Minster who was part of the restoration team that rebuilt the South Transept roof.
After the service, everyone was invited to view the exhibition in the Chapter House Vestibule which contains a number of striking images and personal accounts of the fire, aftermath and restoration. The exhibition also contains original artwork from the Blue Peter Competition as well as charred bosses and ribs from the previous South Transept roof.&nbsp; Also on display is the St. William&rsquo;s Cross, which had been awarded to fire fighters by Minster authorities as a sign of gratitude for their tremendous efforts in putting out the fire.
Refreshments were served in the Chapter House, where people shared stories of the fire and had a very informal show and tell of memorabilia and images which they had of both the fire and restoration. 
The exhibition will be in the Chapter House Vestibule throughout summer. There is a box accompanying the exhibition panels for people to post their own stories and memories of the fire which will then become part of the exhibition. If anyone would like to submit any photographs of the fire, please contact Kendal Chalk on kendalc@yorkminster.org 
To view further images from the service yesterday please visit www.flickr.com/photos/yorkminster
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story323/york-minster-commemorates-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-south-transept-fire.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Hundreds of Pilgrims expected at Minster for visit by Saint&rsquo;s relics]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will be host to the Relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux from 6.00pm on Thursday 1st October to 12.00 noon on Friday 2nd October 2009.
Click here for more information on the visit.
Thérèse of Lisieux (1873&nbsp;to 1897) is one of the major saints of the Roman Catholic Church, and many Christians of other traditions and denominations are influenced by her writings and her life.
Dying aged just 24, she is one of only three women recognised as &lsquo;Doctors of the Church&rsquo;.
The Relics, contained in a decorated casket, are in England and Wales from the 16th September to the 16th October at the invitation of the Roman Catholic Bishops of England and Wales.
Wherever the relics have travelled since the 1990s, people have experienced the closeness of God through the saint.
York Minster, a Cathedral of the Church of England, is the only non-Roman Catholic venue in the programme of visits.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &ldquo;I am thrilled that the relics of St Thérèse, the Little Flower, are coming to York Minster, at the request of the Catholic Bishops'
Conference.&nbsp; She is a gift of God to us all, and this is a chance for Christians of different traditions to us to pray for unity and renew our faith and our love.&rdquo;
The Very Reverend Canon Michael Ryan of St Wilfrid&rsquo;s Roman Catholic Church, York, said, &ldquo;Therese prayed during her short life that her mission to spread the love of Jesus would cover the whole earth, and in the last few years we have seen that prayer answered as her relics have travelled the globe. Her visit to York Minster is a great gift to the whole Church in Yorkshire, and I pray that Christians of all traditions will come together here to celebrate her life and learn from her teaching.&rdquo;The Minster will be open to pilgrims and worshippers continuously during the eighteen hours of the visit.
The Relics will be greeted at the Minster&rsquo;s west door at 6.00pm on Thursday 1st October and taken in procession to the east end where they will be placed on a dais in the Lady Chapel area and made accessible for the public to make their devotions.
After a united Christian service of thanksgiving for the life and witness of Thérèse at 7.30pm on Thursday 1st October, it is planned to hold an act of Christian worship or prayer every hour, on the hour, beginning at 9.00pm and continuing until 11.00am in Friday 2nd October.
Pilgrims and searchers of all religious traditions and none will be welcome at the Minster throughout the visit, and no admission charges will apply.
A meeting for the public and the media will be held in the Minster at 6.00pm on Wednesday 8th July to introduce Thérèse and the visit of the Relics to York, and to give further details of the visit programme.
ENDS
For further information contact Martin Sheppard at York Minster on 01904 557248 or martins@yorkminster.org
Notes:&nbsp;the public and media are welcome to attend the 8th July launch and briefing event in the Minster. Media are asked to advise Martin Sheppard or Kendal Chalk on 01904 557248 if you wish to attend. The Dean of York and Canon Michael Ryan will be available for interview.
Further information on Thérèse of Lisieux and the 2009 visit of the Relics to England and Wales may be found at www.catholicrelics.co.uk and www.carmelite.org .
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story311/hundreds-of-pilgrims-expected-at-minster-for-visit-by-saintrsquos-relics.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[''Be with us to recollect and celebrate together'']]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Everyone involved in saving York Minster on the night of the 9th July 1984, when a fire destroyed the roof of the South Transept, or in its four year restoration afterwards, is invited to a public service of thanksgiving for the survival and restoration of the Minster at 12.30pm on the 25th anniversary of the fire, Thursday 9th July 2009.
Immediately afterwards at 1.00pm there will be a &lsquo;bring your own lunch&rsquo; picnic in Dean&rsquo;s Park, weather permitting, or the Chapter House, with a chance for people to share reminiscences and have an informal show and tell of photographs, portable memorabilia and their personal stories of the fire. 
The Dean of York Minster, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, says, &lsquo;The anniversary is an appropriate time for us to pause and thank God for the heroism, skill and dedication of all those involved in fighting the fire, dealing with the devastation afterwards and restoring the Minster over the next four years. I hope that all those connected with those events and those who were simply moved by them, will be with us on the 9th July to recollect and celebrate together.&rsquo;
Alongside the service, there will be an exhibition of records, photographs and memorabilia from the fire and restoration in the Chapter House Vestibule to stimulate our memories. If anyone has any photographs of the fire, or memories and stories about the fire and restoration, please contact Kendal Chalk on 08449390014 ext.2482 or kendalc@yorkminster.org 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story320/be-with-us-to-recollect-and-celebrate-together.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[The Big Minster Sale: Dean inspects growing stockpile]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Clothes, musical instruments, books, china, hats, luggage and a shooting stick are among the first items coming in for The Big Minster Sale (Wednesday 29th July to Saturday 1st August) which will take over the grounds of York Minster School for four days to raise money for the York Minster Fund (Registered Charity Number 252157) in support of the restoration of the Minster&rsquo;s East Front.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, is pictured with some of the items being amassed to sell in aid of northern Europe&rsquo;s largest Gothic cathedral.
Volunteers organising The Big Minster Sale say, "The people of York are already supporting The Big Minster Sale by the donation of good quality merchandise for which they have no further use, but may be of interest to others - it will be sold at realistic affordable prices, but there will be bargains, and the Minster will benefit from all sales."
The Big Minster Sale welcomes household items, clothing or books that you no longer use - anything except electrical &lsquo;white&rsquo; goods and large items of furniture.
You can help The Big Minster Sale -• by bringing saleable items to St William's College, opposite the East End of the Minster, on Mondays 13 and 20 July between 10.00am and 4.00pm • or by bringing items to the Minster School between Sunday 26 July and Tuesday 28 July between 10.00am and 4.00pm 
Telephone 01904 758334 with any queries or offers of help.
Collection of goods for sale can be arranged within York.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story322/the-big-minster-sale-dean-inspects-growing-stockpile.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Deacon Ordinations 2009]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Archbishop of York ordained fifteen Deacons on Sunday 5th July in York Minster.&nbsp; 
Below are the names of the men and women ordained Deacon, and the parishes or benefices in the Diocese of York where they will serve their titles.
Graham Bowkett - St Mary, Thirsk Elizabeth Carrington - St Luke, York Marie Edwards - St Agnes, Middlesbrough Margaret Ellison - St Hilda, York and St. Lawrence with St. Nicholas, York Michael Grandey - Haxby and Wigginton Elizabeth Hassall - Bempton with Flamborough and Reighton with Speeton Paul Johnson - Whorlton with Carlton and Faceby Daphne Kitching - St Barnabas, Swanland Trevor Lewis - St Martin of Tours with St. Cuthbert, Middlesbrough Anna Lindley - St Michael-le-Belfrey, York Matthew Martinson - St Nicholas, Beverley Alistair Rycroft - St Michael-le-Belfrey, York Andrew Simpson - All Saints, Hessle Carol Tetley - St Peter, Anlaby Rachel Young - Beverley Minster
These men and women have just completed their training at theological college, and are now entering parish ministry.&nbsp; They will serve as a curate, and while most will be ordained priest after a period of time, some may choose to remain as deacons.&nbsp; 
Deacons can preach sermons, perform baptisms and conduct funerals, but, unlike priests, cannot conduct marriages or celebrate the Eucharist. 
&nbsp;
For further information please contact Eleanor Course, York Diocese Communications Officer: 01904 699530 or 07946 748702.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story319/deacon-ordinations-2009.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Sales of the Unexpected: The Big Minster Sale]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Big Minster Sale will take place in the grounds of York Minster school&nbsp; - just across Deangate from the Minster itself - from Wednesday 29th July to Saturday 1st August 2009. 
Organised by York Minster volunteers, proceeds from the Sale will go to the York Minster Fund (Registered Charity Number 252157) which supports the ongoing conservation of York Minster.
Turn out that spare bedroom or attic, then hunt for bargains and the unexpected right in the heart of York, while making a contribution to the huge restoration work under way at the east end of northern Europe&rsquo;s largest Gothic cathedral. If you have any household items, clothing or books that you no longer use, the team at The Big Minster Sale are waiting to hear from you – anything is welcome except electrical &lsquo;white&rsquo; goods and large items of furniture.
You can help The Big Minster Sale •&nbsp;by bringing saleable items to St William's College, opposite the East End of the Minster, on Mondays 29 June, 6, 13 and 20 July between 10.00am and 4.00pm •&nbsp;or by bringing items to the Minster School between Sunday 26 July and Tuesday 28 July between 10.00am and 4.00pm (telephone 01904 758334 from Monday 29 June)•&nbsp;by offering to help run a stall (telephone 01653 618479)
It may be possible to organise transport for those larger items you&rsquo;ve been waiting to get rid of!
Please check www.yorkminster.org for updates on The Big Minster Sale and watch for more information.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story318/sales-of-the-unexpected-the-big-minster-sale.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Summer Carillon Recitals at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The grounds of York Minster and the narrow streets of the ancient city centre will be filled with the sounds of bells during the series of Saturday carillon recitals this summer.
The most recent recital on Saturday 6th June was entitled &lsquo;Mainly Baroque&rsquo; and featured some of the keyboard works of Bach, Handel and Purcell, arranged for bells. The next recital will be on Saturday 20th June at 11am and will move forward in time to music inspired by Second World War songs.
The carillon is a set of thirty-five chiming bells, located in York Minster&rsquo;s south tower. York Minster is the only cathedral in England to contain a full carillon. 
The carillon is played before Evensong on weekdays and Saturdays by a team of volunteers ranging in age. Some of the carillonneurs are professional musicians but the majority are keen amateur pianists or organists who have progressed from playing the practice carillon to the much larger carillon keyboard and pedals. The carillon generally plays a mixture of hymn tunes and traditional melodies, but during the summer recitals, the boundaries will be stretched to cover a much wider range of music.
To celebrate the new &lsquo;Veterans&rsquo; Day&rsquo; on the weekend of the 27th and 28th June, John Ridgeway-Wood has been asked by York city Council to play the carillon with music from the First and Second World Wars. The recitals will take place on Saturday at 1pm and 3pm and Sunday at 2.15pm, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
The carillon recital on the 4th July will be dedicated to American themes and on the 18th July to European folk music. The recitals are generally held on the first and third Saturdays of each month until the 17th October. To find out more about the carillon recitals, please visit http://www.yorkminster.org/calendar/ 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story316/summer-carillon-recitals-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Minster People Now at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Tools and scaffolding, workmen and stonemasons are amongst the subjects of Diana Simcock&rsquo;s latest exhibition, &lsquo;Minster People&rsquo;, which will be in the North Transept of York Minster from Friday 19th June until Thursday 30th July.
&lsquo;Minster People&rsquo; is a collection of linocuts, woodcuts and lithographs made from sketchbook drawings of the daily life of York Minster, including the flow of visitors around the building and some of the preparatory conservation work for York Minster Revealed, a five year project dedicated to conserving the Great East Window. Artist Diana Simcock has been visiting York Minster since early 2007 to record the work of those involved, from stonemasons and glaziers to scaffolders. 
Diana says &ldquo;My interest in the cathedral revolves around its identity as a place that, throughout its history, has provided all kinds of people with a working environment. For many years I have made linocuts in black and white; but for this exhibition I&rsquo;ll be experimenting with colour using woodblock printing and lithography. I aim to produce a series of images investigating the involvement of craftsmen and craftswomen in the maintenance and restoration of the buildings that make up the Minster&rdquo;.
Diana Simcock is widely recognized for her vibrant and distinctive prints. During her twenty year career as an artist she has exhibited in galleries and venues all over England. Diana has been involved in Art education for most of her life and has also trained as an Art therapist. To find out more about the exhibition please visit http://www.digsi.co.uk/current-exhibitions.html
For further information on events and exhibitions at York Minster please visit http://www.yorkminster.org/calendar/
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story317/minster-people-now-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the South Transept Fire]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The 9th July 2009 will mark 25 years since the fire in 1984 which destroyed the South Transept Roof. To mark this occasion, York Minster is holding a service at 12.30 on 9th July to commemorate the anniversary and celebrate the Minster&rsquo;s survival and restoration.
The Dean and Chapter would like to invite anyone who witnessed the fire or who was involved with the four year restoration of the Minster, and anyone who was moved or touched by those events, to come along to the service on July 9th. The service is open at all, and anyone who remembers the fire or the restoration work is welcome to attend. Crew members from the Red Watch Acomb fire station who helped to put out the fire will attend the service, as well as the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Also attending the service will be at least three of the six winners of a Blue Peter competition run in 1986, which gave children the opportunity to design six of the bosses on the new South Transept roof. York Minster sent out an appeal about the competition winners and so far have made contact with four of them, however it is hoped that more will come forward before the service.
After the service, there will be a &lsquo;bring your own lunch&rsquo; picnic in the Chapter House or Dean&rsquo;s Park as weather permits, and a chance for people to have an informal &lsquo;show and tell&rsquo; of any portable memorabilia or photographs they may have of the fire or the four year restoration period. 
There will also be an exhibition in the Chapter House Vestibule from the beginning of July throughout summer, looking at how the fire happened and how much skill and craftsmanship was involved in restoring the Minster to its former glory. The exhibition will focus on how the fire touched people and affected their lives. York Minster would like to invite anyone who has any photographs or memories and stories about the fire or restoration of the Minster to submit them to be part of the display. You can do this by emailing Kendal Chalk on kendalc@yorkminster.org or by visiting the &lsquo;My Minster Memories&rsquo; section of the York Minster website: http://www.yorkminster.org/minster-memories/
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story315/york-minster-to-commemorate-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-south-transept-fire.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Pedal for Parkinson&rsquo;s 2009 Welcomed at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On June 20th at 3pm, the Revd Canon Jonathan Draper will welcome Pedal for Parkinson&rsquo;s 2009 at York Minster as they cycle from Lands End to John O&rsquo; Groats. Representatives of all the 330 branches of the Parkinson&rsquo;s Disease Society will join the Pedal for Parkinson&rsquo;s group as they travel over 1000 miles, visiting ten cathedrals on the way, in order to raise money to help fight Parkinson&rsquo;s.
David Greaves, Parkinson&rsquo;s sufferer, initiated Pedal for Parkinson&rsquo;s with the aim that he and his team of six riders, four of whom also have Parkinson&rsquo;s, could raise &pound;100, 000 to fund research into a cure for Parkinson&rsquo;s disease. His message is, &lsquo;We are going End to End to End Parkinson&rsquo;s Disease&rsquo;
York Minster is particularly excited to welcome Pedal for Parkinson&rsquo;s 2009 since the Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, is their Patron. The Archbishop says, &lsquo;Please accept my prayers and best wishes to all those participating in the End to End to End Parkinson&rsquo;s Disease cycling event on behalf of those diagnosed with Parkinson&rsquo;s Disease. May you successfully raise awareness and complete your journey. With every blessing.&rsquo;
Parkinson&rsquo;s disease affects over 120, 000 people in the UK. Research to find a cure for Parkinson&rsquo;s is believed to be in its end-game phase, so David and his supporters are keen to invite everyone to donate towards their journey. If you would like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/pedalforparkinsons2009 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story314/pedal-for-parkinsonrsquos-2009-welcomed-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Refugee Action York Exhibition at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Refugee Action York will be organising an exhibition in the North Transept at York Minster to highlight National Refugee Week. The exhibition, which runs from Friday 12th June until Monday 22nd June, includes information on refugees and asylum seekers throughout the world.
The exhibition is set up to deliver positive educational messages that counter fear, ignorance and negative stereotypes of refuges whilst promoting a better understanding of the reasons why people seek sanctuary. There will be information on the voluntary bodies that work with refugees and asylum seekers across Yorkshire, as well as national organisations such as the Minority Rights Group and international ones such as Amnesty International.
The Reverend Canon Jeremy Fletcher and members of Refugee Action York will welcome the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor John Galvin, the Lady Mayoress Mrs Val Galvin and the Right Reverend John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, to the Minster at 16 30 on Friday 12th June to officially launch the exhibition.
Refugee Week was first held in 1998, and was created in response to the increasingly negative perceptions of refugees and asylum seekers held by the general public in Britain. It remains the only UK-wide event that promotes the importance of sanctuary and the benefits it can bring to both refugees and host communities. 
Refugee Action York was founded in 2002 to raise awareness of the contribution refugees make to our society, to challenge myths and misconceptions, and to provide services for refugees and asylum seekers living in York.
&nbsp;
Notes to the Media
There will be a range of events throughout Refugee Week 2009 organized by Refugee Action York (RAY). To find out more about Refugee Week in York or the work that RAY does to help refugees and asylum seekers locally please contactinfo@refugeeactionyork.org or visit www.refugeeactionyork.org or call 01904 750 753.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story313/refugee-action-york-exhibition-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Carers Forum Celebrates UK Carers Week with a Service in York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Carers Forum are celebrating UK Carers Week (8-14th June 2009) by organising several events throughout York, including a service in York Minster on Tuesday 9th June.
York Carers Forum is a constituted organisation run by unpaid carers in York. They aim to raise awareness about unpaid carers&rsquo; issues and be a voice which is empowering through unity. 
All unpaid carers and anyone with any caring connection (eg cared for, former carer, supporter) are warmly invited to attend a Service of Thanksgiving at 1.30pm Tuesday 9th June 2009 in the York Minster Quire. It will last about 45 minutes &amp; there will be refreshments served in the Chapter House afterwards. Rev. Canon Glyn Webster will officiate &amp; the Civic Party will be in attendance. 
There will be an opportunity for everyone to light a candle for a loved one or for oneself. The names of those no longer living will be read out from a &lsquo;Memorial Book&rsquo; during the service. If you have a loved one who has departed this life &amp; would like their name reading out please tell York Carers Forum when you book your free tickets. 
Because of limited space a ticket is required for each person&rsquo;s admission and refreshments. Access &amp; space for wheelchairs is available. Large print service sheets can also be ordered. To reserve tickets, wheelchair spaces, a large print Service Sheet or register a loved one&rsquo;s name to be read out please contact: 
Katie Smith (Secretary) York Carers Forum, c/o CVS, 15, Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET 
To find out more please email yorkcarersforum@tiscali.co.uk
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story309/york-carers-forum-celebrates-uk-carers-week-with-a-service-in-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[June 2009 Minster Newsletter Out Now]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The June edition of York Minster's quarterly newsletter is out now. Please pick up your copy from the Minster, or alternatively download it at http://www.yorkminster.org/involved/york-minster-newsletter/
Articles in this newsletter include:
- The touring programme linked to the British Library's Henry VIII exhibition, at York Minster from 29th June until 27th July
- The 25th Anniversary of the South Transept Fire on 9th July 2009
- A Message from the Dean - Some thoughts on the visit of the relics of St. Therese on October 1st 2009
- A welcome to new staff members and a farewell to those who have left
- A list of all forthcoming concert and diary dates
If you would like to receive the newsletter by post please contact Kendal Chalk on 01904557248 or kendalc@yorkminster.org to be added to the mailing list
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story310/june-2009-minster-newsletter-out-now.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Generous Donation Given to Minster Library]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Minster Library has received a very generous donation of books on Medieval history by John Watt. Mr. Watt, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne University, has been a regular reader&nbsp;at the Library for many years and has kindly donated material to the Minster Library on several occasions in the past.
This very significant contribution of more than a hundred books will enhance the Library's collection of Medieval studies available to all, free of charge. 
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story308/generous-donation-given-to-minster-library.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Where are they now?]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Six young people designed six bosses for the South Transept roof after winning a competition run in 1986 by the BBC TV &lsquo;Blue Peter&rsquo; programme. Their names are Rebecca-Rose Welsh, Richard Gaston, Laura Smith, Ben Kerslake, Tim Hutchinson and Joanna Biggs. 
We would like to find these six people because we want to invite them to a public service of commemoration and thanksgiving at 12.30pm on Thursday 9th July 2009 in the Minster. We would also like to invite anyone who was involved in or touched by the 1984 fire or the four-year restoration of the South Transept roof to attend the service.
The service will be followed by a &lsquo;bring your own&rsquo; picnic lunch in the Chapter House in York Minster.&nbsp; If the weather is nice we will eat outside in Dean&rsquo;s Park.&nbsp; Anyone with memories of the fire and restoration is welcome, with an opportunity to bring along any (portable) memorabilia to show and explain informally with others present. 
As well as the service and lunchtime gathering on the 9th July, an exhibition in the Minster&rsquo;s Chapter House Vestibule from early July to late August will celebrate the people who saved the rest of the Minster from destruction on the night of the fire, and who helped restore it to its former glory. 
During the restoration of the roof, which lasted four years, &lsquo;Blue Peter&rsquo; ran a competition for children to design six of the new bosses on the ceiling of the 13th century roof. Bosses are integral to the structure of any vaulted roof and are essentially the keystones of ceilings. The six winners who designed the bosses were invited to the &lsquo;Dedication of the Roof and Vault of the restored South Transept&rsquo; on 4th November 1988 where they met the Queen.
We would like to contact the boss designers and invite them to return to the Minster and join in the celebrations of what was one of the largest cathedral restoration projects ever undertaken. 
If anyone knows the winners, or has any information on how we can contact them, please contact kendalc@yorkminster.org or call 01904 557248
For further information on events and exhibitions taking place around the 25th anniversary of the fire please check www.yorkminster.org 
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story306/where-are-they-now.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Minster Commissioning by Archbishop for four Evangelists]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The College of Evangelists is a Church of England organisation which is 10 years old. 
Founded in October 1999 the College recognises the ministry of men and women who have a regional or national evangelistic ministry. To be admitted to the College an evangelist must give evidence of their work, and show that they have a support network and are accountable to a wider group. &nbsp;At the service on May 28th in York Minster four new members were admitted to the College, taking its membership to nearly 80. The Archbishop of York challenged those present never to give up speaking about Jesus, and Bishop Tony Porter, newly admitted to the College, spoke of evangelistic work in the sporting community and among drug addicts and prostitutes in Nottingham. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story304/minster-commissioning-by-archbishop-for-four-evangelists.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Journey to Priesthood]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Archbishop of York ordained twenty-one people to the Priesthood on Sunday 7th June at 10am in York Minster.&nbsp; Thirteen men and eight women from across the Diocese of York were ordained Priest: among these people were Ben Nicholson, Charles (Taff) Morgan, and Judy Cook.&nbsp; 
Ben Nicholson, 45, was a butcher in Helmsley for nearly thirty years, joining the family business when he left school.&nbsp; &ldquo;I&rsquo;d been going to church on and off all my life, but didn&rsquo;t really get involved.&nbsp; I was always happy to help with the hands-on jobs and repairs, and out of the blue, the Vicar asked me if I&rsquo;d be churchwarden, and help look after the church building.&nbsp; I started coming to more and more services, and got involved with the life of the church.&nbsp; It came to the point where I had to make a decision about which way to go with my life – butchery or the church.&nbsp; I decided to become a priest, and we sold the butchery business. 
&ldquo;I needed to fund my way through my training, so I became a postman, and it&rsquo;s a great way to meet people and make friends.&nbsp; When I&rsquo;m ordained, I&rsquo;ll become a non-stipendiary minister, which means I&rsquo;ll work as a vicar, but will need to work part time to fund my own ministry.&nbsp; So I&rsquo;ll carry on being a postman, and I hope to show the love of God to all the people I meet across Rydale.&rdquo; 
Taff Morgan, 54, was a member of the RAF for 35 years before feeling the call to ministry.&nbsp; He rose to the rank of Squadron Leader as a Navigator, flying Balkans, Tornadoes and Tucanos. He was awarded the MBE for his work in the first Gulf War, and led the Tucano flypast to celebrate the 80th birthday for the RAF.&nbsp; &ldquo;I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, but stopped attending church in my late teens.&nbsp; When I married, my wife and I church on RAF bases.&nbsp; 
&ldquo;One Vicar suggested I he become a churchwarden, and help care for the church building.&nbsp; I was dropped into the deep end when the Vicar phoned me up one Sunday morning, saying he was ill, couldn&rsquo;t find a replacement, and I would have to take the service!&nbsp; I had an hour to write my first sermon.&nbsp; But people said I&rsquo;d done a great job, so the vicar gave me a chance to lead a service again – with three months notice this time.&nbsp; 
&ldquo;When I was based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, I helped lead services when the Padre was serving overseas.&nbsp; I kept thinking about the word &lsquo;ordination&rsquo;, wondering whether God was calling me to become a priest.&nbsp; I mentioned this to his Padre, who suggested he ask 6 good friends what they thought.&nbsp; All of them said that I would make a great priest.&nbsp; I&rsquo;m now Assistant Curate in the Derwent Ings Benefice, and appropriately for an ex-RAF serviceman, living in the rectory at Elvington.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
Judy Cook, 65, trained as a radiographer after leaving school.&nbsp; Originally from Lincolnshire, she moved to Middlesbrough in 1967, and married a year later.&nbsp; &ldquo;After I had my family, I tried to go back to work as a radiographer in my 40s.&nbsp; I was told I was too old, which was devastating – I couldn&rsquo;t go back to my old career.&nbsp; I&rsquo;d always been a regular churchgoer, but around this time I started to get a real sense of calling from God, but I didn&rsquo;t know what I should be doing.&nbsp; I trained to be a Reader, and preached and did a lot of pastoral work in my parish.&nbsp; But I never felt totally satisfied – there was more I should be doing.
&ldquo;I wondered if I was called to be a priest, but I didn&rsquo;t feel worthy.&nbsp; And I was now in my sixties – I was bound to be too old.&nbsp; But I spoke to my vicar, and she thought I should go for Ordination.&nbsp; I started my training at the age of 63, and I&rsquo;m now involved in the parish of St Martin&rsquo;s, Whinney Banks.&nbsp; When I&rsquo;m ordained priest, I hope to be able to do more work with the nearby drug rehabilitation unit, and help show people that the God I serve is a loving and compassionate God, who cares for everyone.&rdquo; 
The Revd. Peter Bowes is the Associate Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of York, and it is part of his job to help prepare the candidates for ordination.&nbsp; He said, &ldquo;The service on Sunday 7th June was just the start of ordained life for these men and women, and we pray for them as they are ordained Priest – now, and for the rest of their ministry.&nbsp; Their work is to build up the Body of Christ in the Church and in the world through the celebration of the sacraments, teaching, preaching and pastoral care.&nbsp; It is a ministry of leadership and mission, enabling all Christian people to realize their potential as they witness to Christ in the world.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story307/journey-to-priesthood.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[New Minster Project Director Wants to Hear Views]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster is central to the way people see the City of York and close to the heart of Yorkshire people... or is it?&nbsp;Alison Hems the new Director of York Minster Revealed (the project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to expand the public appreciation and understanding of York Minster, improve its accessibility and restore the stonework and glass of its east end), wants to hear from the public what York Minster means to them. This includes worshippers at or visitors to the Minster; those who come regularly or seldom; those who pass by and choose not to enter: all views will be welcome as Alison builds a picture of people&rsquo;s perceptions of the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps and its place in the City and wider region. &nbsp;Dr Alison Hems has worked on a number of projects for English Heritage at sites including Bolsover Castle, Whitby Abbey and Charles Darwin&rsquo;s home at Down in Kent. Recently she ran a major investment programme for England&rsquo;s regional museums (which included the York Museums Trust) which focused on their role in education, learning and building new audiences. She moved to York Minster in April 2009.&nbsp;Alison Hems says, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s exciting to be part of this project in such an amazing place. The next few months promise to be extremely busy and challenging, and I&rsquo;m looking forward to being a part of the team that is moving the Minster forward on many fronts for a great future.&rdquo;&nbsp;Alison would like to hear all views and opinions of the Minster and its life and work. She added, &ldquo;We have a lot of information about the Minster and its history; but we want to know about what it means in the present – and to use this to help shape its future. Tell us what you or your children like best about it, what you would like to change, and what makes it special for you&rdquo;.&nbsp;Contact us during May or June by e-mail at laurac@yorkminster.org , by post at Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN or leave a &ldquo;Minster Memory&rdquo; via www.yorkminster.org. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story303/new-minster-project-director-wants-to-hear-views.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Church of England Monthly News for May]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Click HERE to read this latest church of England Monthly News.
This month's content includes:
- PRAYERS&nbsp; -&nbsp; Calm as you cram; Swine &lsquo;flu 
Audited results for 2008 – Church Commissioners 
Half a million to be invited &lsquo;Back to Church&rsquo; 
ARCHBISHOPS&rsquo; Zimbabwe appeal raises nearly &pound;300,000 
Tributes to Bishop of Peterborough 
CofE Environment Adviser on new Government task force 
Top of the Pods 
SCHOOLS – new website pinpointing Christian values 
Come on City! Archbishop of York kicks off 
Teenage vocations on Facebook 
Round up from ACC &nbsp; 
Recession forces pension contribution increase 
Financial recovery – churches&rsquo; key role 
Church House Publishing news 
Use compass of Christ urges new bishop 
Bishop of Ely to retire 
Commissioners quarterly newsletter 
New faces – appointments 
More news from the Archbishop of Canterbury 
More news from the Archbishop of York
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story305/church-of-england-monthly-news-for-may.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Gets Night Fever]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will stay open to visitors until midnight for the first time ever on Sunday 17th May as part of a nationwide initiative, &lsquo;Museums at Night&rsquo;. The evening, called &lsquo;Night Fever&rsquo;, is free to York Residents with a Minster card or proof of address. 
&lsquo;Night Fever&rsquo; offers the chance to experience York Minster in a different light. Visitors can take special Tower Trips at Dusk to see breathtaking views of the city of York at night. Hidden Minster tours throughout the evening will open up parts of the Cathedral seldom before seen by the public.&nbsp; 
Visitors can walk through Roman and Norman remains in the candlelit Undercroft with its new and helpful information panels or through the Eastern Crypt as you&rsquo;ve never seen it before, with atmospheric lights, sounds and projections
There will be music from the Ebor Singers from 7pm-8.30pm in the Quire, followed by classic and modern organ music played live in the Nave by Organist David Pipe, from 9-10pm. From 7pm-9pm in the Chapter House there will be acoustic music from Holly Taymar and Rob Hughes.
&lsquo;Night Fever&rsquo; is part of an annual &lsquo;Museums at Night&rsquo; campaign which seeks to attract people into museums by opening late and creating special events. Funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and organised by Culture 24, it takes part nationally from Friday 15th May until Sunday 17th May. 
For more information about Museums at Night please visit http://www.mgm.org.uk/press/ART64746.html
To find out more about Night Fever, admission charges and opening times please visit http://www.yorkminster.org/calendar/
Please Note: Due to limited space on the Hidden Minster tours, visitors will have to sign up on arrival. None of the tours are suitable for children under 16.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story302/york-minster-gets-night-fever.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Henry VIII: Man and Monarch On Location]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Touring programme linked to the British Library&rsquo;s major exhibition on Henry VIII visits York Minster from 29th June to 27thJuly, celebrating 500 years since the accession.&nbsp; &nbsp;Henry VIII is not only England&rsquo;s best-known king, with his wives, his girth and his bloodthirstiness; he is also our most important single ruler. When he came to the throne, Henry was the Pious Prince who ruled an England at the heart of Catholic Europe; when he died, he was the Great Schismatic, who had created a national Church and an insular, xenophobic politics that shaped the development of England for centuries after his reign.&nbsp;This superb touring exhibition highlights events that depict pivotal moments in the life and reign of Henry VIII, showing the man behind the monarch. The exhibition will examine the extraordinary transformations - personal and political, intellectual and religious, literary, aesthetic and linguistic - that took place in Henry&rsquo;s reign, taking us behind the myth and exploring the King&rsquo;s own mind. &nbsp;The display will be accompanied by an enthralling &lsquo;Turning The Pages&rsquo; interactive kiosk, enabling members of the public to digitally flick through the lavish pages of Henry&rsquo;s Psalter.&nbsp; Through the use of such technology, visitors will be able to read hand written notes, musings and annotations made by the great Tudor monarch.&nbsp; The digital display will also be accompanied by a wonderful facsimile of a Two Part Double Cannon written in honour of the King and in celebration of the Tudor dynasty.&nbsp;The exhibition will also be supported by a range of exciting educational and family events at York Minster including a Henry VIII Family Fun Day on Saturday 18th July. There is a wide range of activities planned on this day, including theatrical performances of Shakespeare&rsquo;s &lsquo;Henry VIII&rsquo;, an outdoor Tudor camp, Tudor craft exercises such as writing with a quill and a variety of displays, including how knights get ready for battle.&nbsp;The Family Fun Day at York Minster will include an English Heritage display on Rievaulx and Byland Abbeys by Brother Anthony, telling people how monks lived during the time of Henry and the effects of the dissolution.&nbsp; Rievaulx Abbey was one of England&rsquo;s wealthiest monasteries, and the Minster&rsquo;s five sisters window uses lead taken from the roof of Rievaulx after its dissolution by Henry in 1538. English Heritage are also offering visitors to York Minster and York resident card holders reduced entry to English Heritage sites throughout Yorkshire, from the 18th July until the end of the exhibition. &nbsp;The four week long exhibition at York Minster is supported by items from York Minster&rsquo;s own collections portraying what the Reformation meant to the Minster and how Henry made an impact on its liturgical life. Keith Jones, Dean of York Minster says, &lsquo;It&rsquo;s very exciting for us to have the &lsquo;Henry VIII: Man &amp; Monarch On Location&rsquo; exhibition at York Minster and we hope that it will appeal to people of all ages. We would particularly like to invite local families to come along and enjoy the Family Fun Day on the 18th July.&rsquo;

*Click HERE to see Henry VIII items from the Minster shop
&nbsp;
Roger Walsh, the British Library&rsquo;s Head of Learning commented: &ldquo;The British Library is delighted to be working with partners throughout&nbsp;the country to explore new aspects of Henry&rsquo;s reign with new audiences. Henry&rsquo;s impact was simultaneously national, international and local, and we hope this tour will enable visitors young and old to explore those connections for themselves.&rdquo;&nbsp;For more information on the programme and activities or to book a school visit please contact Howard Mosley on 01904 557216 or howardm@yorkminster.org&nbsp;
To find our more about Rievaulx Abbey please visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.17256&nbsp;and for Byland Abbey http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.17035.&nbsp;For further details on the British Library&rsquo;s exhibition, please contact the British Library press office on 020 7412 7105 or email press-and-pr@bl.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
&nbsp;The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest research libraries. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. The Library's collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilisation. It includes: books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, newspapers and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages. www.bl.uk &nbsp;
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story300/henry-viii-man-and-monarch-on-location.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Christian Aid Week]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Christian Aid Week 2009 is from the 10th to the 16th May, and was launched for the York area with a service in the Minster on the 30th April.
Mrs Margaret Sentamu spoke on the subject of Love - what it is and how it is shown - and the service highlighted the need for us as prosperous westerners to repent of our indifference to the suffering and need of much of God's world.
Canon Precentor Jeremy Fletcher led the service with music led by St Luke's Church from just up the road, and it ended with a re-commitment by those present of their prayers, their actions and their money to help some of those so much less fortunate than ourselves through the work of Christian Aid.

To donate to Christian Aid click HERE
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story301/christian-aid-week.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Cathedral Exhibition Comes to York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
&lsquo;The Journey&rsquo;, a ten-panel exhibition by artist Jacqui Frost using natural fabrics and hand-stitching to depict the traditional Stations of the Cross, is now open to the public in the East End of York Minster.
&lsquo;The Journey&rsquo; at York Minster gives church worshippers and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Easter story through the interpretation of the Stations of the Cross. On each screen there is some red and gold to symbolise both the humanity and divinity of Christ, portraying Jesus as both man and God.
The &lsquo;Cathedral Exhibition&rsquo; of which &lsquo;The Journey&rsquo; is a part is a project which aims to illustrate biblical themes in textiles that tell people a little more about God. There are six exhibitions in this project, each with a biblical theme that tells a different story through picture, word or sound format. The exhibitions consist of up to 10 panels each and are commissioned by the Deo Gloria Trust before being loaned to different partner cathedrals.
Artist Jacqui Frost has combined both a spectacular and personal style in this exhibition, along with her Christian faith, to create an impact which draws the viewer in. Her use of natural fabrics and intricate hand-stitching creates a stimulating display which invites the viewer to think about the journey through the Stations of the Cross. 
The Deo Gloria Trust has supported evangelistic projects for over 40 years. The trust aims to convey the Gospel message using new media, and works in partnership with different agencies, such as the Christian Enquiry Agency. The Christian Enquiry Agency have provided freepost response cards with the exhibition to invite responses from viewers, particularly those who do not know Christ as their saviour. 
The Cathedral Exhibition will be at York Minster until 12th June. To find out more about the exhibition please visit http://www.cathedralexhibition.org.uk/journey.html. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story299/cathedral-exhibition-comes-to-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[43 Cathedrals, 2 Motorbikes and 7 days: Can it be done?]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On 3rd May, between 9.30 and 10.00am, Chris Jones and Steve Waddilove will visit York Minster as part of their seven day motorbike tour of Anglican Cathedrals. The tour begins on 2nd May at Chester Cathedral and will end there a week later after Steve and Chris have travelled throughout England, covering over 1900 miles and 43 cathedrals.

The &lsquo;Carpe Diem&rsquo; tour is in memory of Chris&rsquo; wife Lisa, who died of bowel cancer on 29th August 2008. Chris and good friend Steve hope that the tour will raise over &pound;10, 000 for Cancer Research and The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, where Lisa died.

All are invited to come along and show their support for Chris and Steve outside York Minster at 9.30am on 3rd May. Dr. Jonathan Draper, Canon Theologian at York Minster, will greet Chris and Steve when they arrive. To sponsor Chris and Steve and to find out more about the Carpe Diem Tour please visit www.carpe-diem.org.uk
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story297/43-cathedrals-2-motorbikes-and-7-days-can-it-be-done.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Library Successfully Launches New Borrowing System]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Since the 6th April, readers at York Minster Library&nbsp;have been able to borrow books using their bar-coded card, which updates the catalogue record available on the Internet. University of York users do not need to register anymore with the Minster Library; the University and the Library now fully share their Circulation system. 
&nbsp;
The new computerized procedure ends a 250-year period dominated by broadly similar paper-based loan registers. Those registers were designed to record a few&nbsp;hundred loans a year. With the number of books borrowed growing from 558 in 1974 to 4,341 in 2008, and&nbsp;the Library receiving five times more visitors in the same period, the system proved to be inadequate for the new reality.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The collaboration between the Dean &amp; Chapter and the University of York has produced an efficient loan service for the 21st century, greatly improving the readers' experience and the overall efficiency of the Minster Library. The Minster Library has received excellent feedback since the launch and we expect the number of visitors and borrowers to continue the positive trend in 2009.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story298/york-minster-library-successfully-launches-new-borrowing-system.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Blushes For Cancer Research]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

There was a surprise in store for York revellers over the weekend as the City skyline turned pink to highlight this years Race for Life event at York Racecourse.
York Minster&rsquo;s West Front and the Fountain in Exhibition Square were floodlit in pink as a special reminder to women all over the City to sign up for the 5k walk, jog or run and raise money to help beat cancer.
Jenny Key, organiser of the York Race for Life event said &lsquo;The Minster is the best known building in York and to be given an opportunity to use such a beautiful and iconic landmark as a way of inviting more women to take part in Race for Life is an amazing show of support from York Minster, the City of York Council and the people of York.&rsquo;
Organiser&rsquo;s were delighted with the support from Saville Audio Visual and Perspex Distribution Ltd whose generous assistance made this memorable display possible.
Cancer Research UK&rsquo;s Race for Life 2009 is the UK&rsquo;s largest women only fundraising series. Women of all ages and fitness levels are invited to do something amazing by signing up for the 5k event and joining together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer.
Places are still available for the York events, which take place at 10.30am and 2.30pm on Sunday, June 28th at York Racecourse, the Knavesmire.
In 2008, 5,500 women took part in Race for Life in York and helped raise an incredible &pound;310,000 for Cancer Research UK&rsquo;s live saving work. 
This year, Cancer Research UK hopes 6,500 women in the city will sign up to Race for Life and help hit a fundraising target of &pound;360,000
Women in York are invited to enter Cancer Research UK&rsquo;s Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 2282.
Notes:
About Race for Life&nbsp;
- Cancer Research UK&rsquo;s Race for Life 2009 is the UK&rsquo;s largest women only fundraising event. Women of all ages and fitness levels are invited to do something amazing by entering Race for Life and coming together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer.
- Cancer Research UK hopes 680,000 women will take part in over 230 Race for Life events taking place across the UK between May and July 2009 and raise over &pound;60 million to fund the charity&rsquo;s life saving work. 
- Since Race for Life started in 1994, four million women across the UK have taken part, raising over &pound;240 million to fund Cancer Research UK&rsquo;s pioneering work to help beat cancer.
- Cancer Research UK&rsquo;s Race for Life 2009 is supported by Tesco, NIVEA, Ladbrookes Charitable Trust and Diamond Car Insurance. 
About Cancer Research UK
- Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.
- Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer. 
- Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients. 
- Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make. 
- Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer. 
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 08701 602040 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org


&nbsp;

&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story296/minster-blushes-for-cancer-research.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Girls of York Minster Choir on CD for First Time]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The girls of York Minster Choir are featured on CD for the first time in a new recording of music by the Renaissance composer Orlande de Lassus. The CD, on the Regent label, is now on sale in York Minster Shop.
The CD, entitled &lsquo;Lassus, Great Choral Works&rsquo; was recorded in the magnificent setting of York Minster&rsquo;s Chapter House in July 2008. The girls of York Minster&rsquo;s choir are accompanied by the Minster&rsquo;s Songmen and Choral Scholars. The choir was directed by John Scott Whiteley, Organist of York Minster, who was then the Director of the Girls&rsquo; Choir. 
The CD costs &pound;12.95 and can be bought in York Minster Shop or online: click HERE.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story321/girls-of-york-minster-choir-on-cd-for-first-time.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Canon moves to Beverley Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Reverend Canon Jeremy James Fletcher, Precentor of York Minster since 2002, has been appointed Vicar of Beverley Minster in the East Riding of Yorkshire. He will succeed the Reverend Canon David Bailey who left at the end of 2008 to be Archdeacon of Bolton.
As Precentor, Canon Fletcher has been responsible for planning and organising the daily and weekly worship at York Minster, including many large and complex services marking a variety of public occasions. These have included the inaugural services for&nbsp; the Dean of York, Keith Jones, in June 2004, and for&nbsp; Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu on the 30th November 2005, as well as the farewell service for Archbishop David Hope in February 2005.
Ordained in 1988, he served in parishes in County Durham and Nottinghamshire before becoming Chaplain to the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham in 2000.
As Vicar of Beverley St John and St Martin, known as Beverley Minster, he will serve at one of the largest parish churches in the country. Built over two hundred years from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century, Beverley Minster is closely contemporary with York Minster and very similar in layout.
Jeremy Fletcher said, "York Minster has been a remarkable place to be over the last seven years. I am very excited about moving to Beverley, which has a superb Minster church, three daughter churches, a sister parish in Routh, and a vibrant mission community, the Minster Way Network. I think the Church of England is at its best in Beverley, and I'm privileged to be a part of it."
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &ldquo;We all wish Jeremy and Julia, Nick and Matt, well as they prepare to move to Beverley Minster.&nbsp; Jeremy has been a wonderful colleague in the Chapter at the Minster, and takes to Beverley many gifts both musical and pastoral for that great church.&nbsp; He will be missed here, but the road from York to Beverley is not that long!&rdquo;
The date of Canon Fletcher&rsquo;s last service at York Minster has not yet been announced. A process of consultation begins when the post of Precentor becomes vacant, and the appointment is made by the Archbishop of York.

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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story295/york-canon-moves-to-beverley-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Step Back in Time in York Minster's Undercroft]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Emperor Constantine&rsquo;s military headquarters building, the Doomstone which depicts &lsquo;the mouth of hell&rsquo;, the crucifix of Russia&rsquo;s last Tsar Nicholas II, Saxon and Anglo-Scandinavian period graves, and Norman period stained glass are all features of York Minster&rsquo;s revitalised Undercroft, which is now open for visitors.
The Undercroft is the area beneath York Minster which houses various collections of rare artefacts. Visitors will be guided by the new signs positioned in the Undercroft as they walk through the ancient Roman and Norman remains of the buildings that once stood on this important historical site.
The Undercroft is open seven days a week. For more information on times and admission prices please visit http://www.yorkminster.org/visiting/what-to-see-and-do/the-undercroft/


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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story293/step-back-in-time-in-york-minsters-undercroft.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Free Guided Tours Around York Minster Library]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

Public tours of York Minster Library, which includes the 13th Century private chapel of Archbishop Walter de Grey, will be run free of charge to those visiting the Minster between the 7th April and the 7th September 2009. Tours will leave at 2.00pm from the information desk in York Minster and will last approximately 45 minutes. 
York Minster&rsquo;s Library is Great Britain&rsquo;s largest Cathedral Library and one of York&rsquo;s hidden treasures. Situated in Dean&rsquo;s Park just behind the North side of the Minster, it holds over 120, 000 volumes, 20, 000 of which are early printed books. 
Visitors are invited to take a tour of the library and explore the history of York Minster through the collections housed there. The highlight of the tour is the Old Library, which houses most of the books published before the 19th Century. 
The Old Library is part of the medieval building which was originally built in 1239 as a private chapel for Archbishop Walter de Grey. After it fell out of use in the 16th Century it was restored to become the Library in 1820. 
York Minster Library is free to access and open to the public 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. There are many books available for borrowing, which cover subjects such as theology, York and Yorkshire history, Art History and Music. Last year, two new bays were installed in the library which holds specific publications related to York Minster and its history, making it even easier to find out more. 
For further information on York Minster Library and its collections please visit www.yorkminster.org/learning/library-archives-conservation or telephone the Library on 01904 625308.

&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story294/free-guided-tours-around-york-minster-library.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Redemption Song to be performed at York Minster by Riding Lights Theatre Company]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On 7th April at 7.30pm, the nationally acclaimed theatre company Riding Lights present their 2009 UK Tour production of Redemption Song at York Minster.&nbsp; The performance delivers a moving combination of powerful theatre, meditation, prayer and corporate worship.
Written by Les Ellison and directed by Bridget Foreman, Redemption Song is a communal experience of theatre and worship that starts and ends at the cross - that savage, unlooked for place which more than any other reveals the true identity of Jesus Christ.&nbsp; Commissioned by the Dean and Chapter of York Minster, the first performance of Redemption Song was on Good Friday 2008. It was admired so much that Riding Lights decided to take it on a national tour during Lent this year, with the Minster as one of the 27 venues at which the show can be seen. 
The play is full of vividly drawn characters and illuminating insights from the gospels, which take the audience under the skin of the passion story. Whether poor or powerful, privileged or dispossessed, no one walks away untouched by an encounter with the one life which constantly provokes the question: &ldquo;Who do you say I am?&rdquo;
The script is divided into six episodes to create space for other expressions of worship, music and reflection arising directly out of the drama. &nbsp;The strong and&nbsp;invocative&nbsp;set creates a powerful act of remembrance which is both participatory and reflective.
Shot through with moments of great joy and great conflict, robustly and compellingly performed, Redemption Song asks each of us to review our understanding of our own faith in the searing bright light of the crucifixion of Christ. 
Admission to the service is free, however there will be a Retiring Collection. For more information please visit www.ridinglights.org

]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story292/redemption-song-to-be-performed-at-york-minster-by-riding-lights-theatre-company.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[BOOKING NOW! Gervase Phinn and Friends at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Gervase Phinn, best-selling Yorkshire author and speaker, will appear at York Minster on Tuesday 24th March, 7.00pm for a&nbsp;unique performance to raise funds for the ongoing conservation of York Minster. He will be joined by the choir and musicians from the Minster School.
Professor Gervase Phinn is one of Britain&rsquo;s best-loved public speakers, known for his wry sense of humour and his funny and touching anecdotes of his time as a teacher and Inspector at schools in the Yorkshire Dales. An Evening with Gervase Phinn and Friends will celebrate the achievements of both teachers and children and will feature talented young musicians and instrumentalists of the Minster School Junior Choir, led by Alison Forster, Director of Music at the school.&nbsp; 
The Minster School Junior Choir has 57 children aged between seven and ten, some but not all of whom sing in the Minster choir. They will be performing a wide range of songs from the sacred to the secular and including Western, African and Gospel music. One of the highlights will be music from modern composer Bob Chilcott, including &lsquo;Can you hear me?&rsquo;, a song written from the perspective of a deaf child which involves the choir signing as well as singing. 
Alison Forster says, &lsquo;The students are so pleased to be involved in such an exciting event. They are particularly looking forward to performing alongside such a popular author as Gervase.&rsquo;
Gervase Phinn was a teacher for fourteen years before becoming an education adviser and school inspector. He is now a freelance lecturer, writer and broadcaster and has received a number of academic and honorary awards from universities. In 2006 he became the President of the School Library Association. He has published a wide range of articles, stories and books as well as editing poetry and short story collections, however he is best known for his autobiographical novels. In 2004 he received the &lsquo;Speaker of the Year&rsquo; Award from the Association of Speakers Clubs.
Gervase says, &lsquo;I am delighted and honoured to be appearing in York Minster and for such a worthy cause. The evening of song, music, anecdotes and poems will appeal to all the family so do come along and let us fill this magnificent cathedral and raise some funds to preserve it.&rsquo;
Buy tickets online&nbsp;from York Minster&rsquo;s Box Office at www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org, or&nbsp;on 01904 557208 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) or concerts@yorkminster.org. Visitors are welcome at the Box Office at Church House, Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story282/booking-now-gervase-phinn-and-friends-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Minster School Headmaster's no Cowardy Custard]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Red Nose day at York Minster School... money needed raising for good causes but a crisis arose. The school kitchen was inundated with custard.
Time is ever short, but fortunately Headmaster Alex Donaldson came up with an efficient solution to both challenges.
It involved quite a few buckets.
Buckets of cash; buckets of custard... all in a day's work at the chalk face.
And it was in the face that Mr D got the custard, due to the exceptional generosity of his pupils and colleagues, all anxious to ensure the success of the venture.
He arrived in apple-pie order but his resistance crumbled.
Revenge, they say, is a dish best served cold... but the Headmaster's cockles were thoroughly warmed by the tepid torrent.
Oh yes - and a goodly sum was indeed raised for Red Nose Day, and will be doing good work as the last of the custard trickes down the drain (and the shower waste).
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story290/minster-school-headmasters-no-cowardy-custard.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[The Policemen's Slot Was Quite A Snappy One]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Red Nose day on York Minster Tower, and the long arm of the law stretched skyward.
Fed up with the 'so-last-year' Three Peaks Challenge, the Neighbourhood Policing Team at York British Transport Police went for the Three Towers instead.
Durham Cathedral was stormed first at around 10.00am and the nine-member team pitched up at the Minster at lunch time.
With the usual traffic of visitors going up and down the Minster's central tower we needed them not to hang around, so they were given a brief slot to conquer the 275 steps and return to terra firma. 
It was a blue light helter skelter up the Tower for a photo and down to relieve visitors and staff alike of their change.
There was no time for arrest -&nbsp;before we knew it they were gone, chasing off to Doncaster Minster to complete their day's exertions and raise yet more money to help those less fortunate than us.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story291/the-policemens-slot-was-quite-a-snappy-one.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster to be involved in One Voice York's efforts in the Global Week of Prayer]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Global Week of Prayer, 24th to 31st May
Every year, Christians from different cultures and denominations gather in different venues, united by a &lsquo;Prayer for the World&rsquo;. In preparation for the Global Day of Prayer on Pentecost Sunday, One Voice York are organising &lsquo;Prayer in the Week&rsquo; from the 24th to 31st May. Several prayer rooms throughout York will be made available for private or joint prayer and prayer guides for each day will also be provided. 
Between 1.00 and 2.00pm every day from 25th to 30th May, the Zouche Chapel in York Minster will be available as a prayer room, as part of &lsquo;Prayer in the Week&rsquo;

The Global Day of Prayer on Pentecost Sunday, 31st May
The Global Day of Prayer enables Christians to participate in a process of repentance and prayer, to seek forgiveness for our sins, the restoration of the Church and the healing of the nations. All ages, denominations and traditions join together to pray for our homes, families, communities, nations and world.
Prayer on the Wall
5.45 - 6.00 pm
Thousands are expected to gather on York City Walls to pray together. The focus of prayer will be guided by the sounding of trumpets to synchronise our praying. 
Prayer in the Minster
6.30 - 7.15 pm
Dave Godfrey and band will be playing in the Minster for all the family and ages to join together.
7.15 - 8.30 pm
There will be a Prayer Walk around the Minster, followed by more worship and prayer for our communities, nation and world. 
One Voice York is the umbrella organisation of churches in York cooperating in prayer and mission. One Voice York actively builds relationships between Christian leaders and churches within the city, whilst organising events and ministries For more information, please visit www.onevoiceyork.org.uk

]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story289/york-minster-to-be-involved-in-one-voice-yorks-efforts-in-the-global-week-of-prayer.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[March Newsletter Out Now]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

The March edition of York Minster&rsquo;s quarterly Newsletter is out now. Articles include:
-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Launch of Bedern Glaziers&rsquo; Studio
-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Methodist Church Christian Art Exhibition at&nbsp;York Minster
-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; News on The Carbon Trust and York Minster&rsquo;s new Environment Policy
-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; News on the Undercroft, Development Campaign and York Minster Library
-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; News on upcoming Stoneyard and Hidden Minster tours
The Newsletter is available to download from the website: http://www.yorkminster.org/involved/york-minster-newsletter/
Alternatively, we welcome you to visit the Minster and pick up a copy inside. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Kendal Chalk, Communications and Marketing Officer, on 01904 557248 or kendalc@yorkminster.org
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story288/march-newsletter-out-now.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster to Hold 21st Annual Choirs' Festival, Hosted by Gervase Phinn]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday 7th March, York St. John University will be celebrating the 21st Annual Choirs&rsquo; Festival at York Minster. The festival will be hosted by famous Yorkshire writer and Honorary Fellow of York St. John, Gervase Phinn. 
The Annual Choirs&rsquo; Festival was launched in 1988 in order to bring together college and university choirs with a church foundation history from across the country to celebrate their musical traditions. Musically gifted and talented students from each institution perform a common piece of music to an audience of guests in a historic setting in the festival&rsquo;s host city.
This year, the concert will take place in the spectacular setting of York Minster, with the largest number of performers to date from some of Britain&rsquo;s oldest university and college choirs. Each participating choir will perform their own choral piece and will then join together for a dramatic finale group performance. 
Gervase Phinn, who will be hosting this momentous occasion, said &lsquo;Where better is there to hear the most beautiful music performed by some of the country&rsquo;s most gifted and talented students than in the glorious York Minster? It promises to be a most memorable evening.&rsquo;
Tickets are available from Visit York Box Office, 01904 550095 or at York Visitor Information Centre located at the De Grey Rooms. For further information about the 2009 Choir&rsquo;s Festival please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/choirsfestival
Gervase Phinn will be returning to York Minster on 24th March for a special, one-off performance to raise funds for the ongoing conservation work at York Minster. To buy tickets to &lsquo;An Evening with Gervase Phinn and Friends&rsquo; please call York Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org to book online. 

]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story287/york-minster-to-hold-21st-annual-choirs-festival-hosted-by-gervase-phinn.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster and York Central Methodist Church to Host the Methodist Church Collection of Modern Christian Art During Lent]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
From the 24th February until the 14th April York Minster and York Central Methodist Church will be exhibiting a unique collection of modern Christian art.
There are over forty works of art altogether, which will be divided between York Minster and York Central Methodist Church, including pictures by Georges Roualt, Mark Cazalet, Edward Burra, Elizabeth Frink, Eric Gill and Ceri Richards. The exhibition will be called &ldquo;Glory in our midst&rdquo; and will provide a wide range of treatments of Christian themes to accompany the meditations and services of the Lenten season.
The Methodist Church Collection of Christian art focuses on episodes in the life of Christ and invites the viewer to look through the medium of art to the God who can reveal himself not only through the spoken word but also through material, created things. It is an invitation to exercise our imaginations, to learn more about the richness of God&rsquo;s being, and to offer him glory and praise.
There will also be a series of Lenten reflections focusing on selected works from the collection. The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York, will speak about one of these pictures each Thursday in Lent, as a lead into meditation and prayer. The talks begin on Thursday 5th March until Thursday 2nd April and last about 35 minutes, beginning at 1.10pm.&nbsp; There will also be a series of talks at York Central Methodist Church on Wednesdays at 12.45pm from 4th March until 8th April. At Central Methodist Church, the times of opening are 10.30am to 3.30pm daily.
Keith Jones, Dean of York, says, &lsquo;We are delighted to have these fascinating and moving works of art in York, and delighted also to work with our friends of the Methodist church, locally and nationally, to bring them into our midst.&rsquo;
Admission to the talks is free at both venues and all are welcome to these acts of worship. The Three Hours Meditation, which takes place in York Minster on Good Friday (April 10th, noon to 3pm) this year, will also take inspiration from these pictures.
Ends
Notes to editors: The Methodist Church Collection of Modern Christian Art is a remarkable collection originally assembled in the 1960s under the patronage of a Methodist layman, Dr. John Gibbs, and exhibited around the country. The collection is now managed by a body of Trustees on behalf of the Methodist Church, is housed by Westminster College, Oxford, and the policy of lending out pictures continues. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story286/york-minster-and-york-central-methodist-church-to-host-the-methodist-church-collection-of-modern-christian-art-during-lent.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Minster Policeman's Book Now Available on Audio Disc, Narrated by Gervase Phinn]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
&lsquo;Close Encounters: Reminiscences of a York Minster Policeman&rsquo; by John Key is now available on audio disc narrated by much-loved Yorkshire author Gervase Phinn.
&lsquo;Close Encounters&rsquo; was first published in 2006 and is a collection of individual stories brought together by John Key about his behind-the-scenes experience of serving as one of York Minster&rsquo;s policemen. The stories are all varied, at times tragic and gripping but strung together by a light-hearted humour.
All proceeds from the book and CD go towards Martin House, Yorkshire&rsquo;s hospice for children and young people. You can buy the CD directly from Martin House by visiting them on Grove Road, Clifford, in Wetherby or online at www.martinhouse.org.uk. It is also available at the Antique Centre on Stonegate, the Little Apple bookshop on High Petergate, York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery,&nbsp;or the York branch of Borders on Davygate. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story285/minster-policemans-book-now-available-on-audio-disc-narrated-by-gervase-phinn.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Romans at York Minster!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

Half-term at York Minster will see several re-enactors dressed as Roman soldiers and civilians from Saturday 14th February until Sunday 22nd February. 
Each day from 11am until 3 pm there will be Romans wandering around in the Minster and Undercroft so that members of the public can engage with them and find out about all aspects of Roman life and the history of the Minster site.
During both weekends, there will be more activities and events for all the family to join in. There will be Roman soldiers in the Undercroft, a Roman battle drill for children outside the Constantine statue, a reading of the edict of Milan and a talk on Roman bathing habits.
The site on which the Minster now stands was first occupied by the Roman &lsquo;Principia&rsquo;, or headquarters, built around 71AD. Actual Roman characters will reveal how this building was once used, the people associated with it and the importance of this place in world history. Meet soldiers and learn all about Roman warfare, weaponry and tactics. Emperors and senators will be on hand to answer questions about York&rsquo;s fascinating Roman history. Civilians will demonstrate what life was really like for ordinary people in York, nearly 2000 years ago!
There is no need to book so families should feel free to turn up and join in the fun. Ticket prices for entry to the Minster can be found on the Minster&rsquo;s website, www.yorkminster.org. For further information on times please contact Howard Mosley, Visitor&rsquo;s Department, on 01904 557216.

&nbsp;


&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story284/romans-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Goes Red for the British Heart Foundation's National Heart Month]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster was a spectacular sight of red on Friday 30th January in support of the British heart Foundation's (BHF) new campaign - Red for Heart - to support National Heart Month this February.
The Dean and Chapter gave the BHF permission to light the Minster's west front in red from 5pm on Friday 30 January to raise awareness of the UK&rsquo;s number one killer – heart and circulatory disease – and encourage people to raise much needed donations help the fight against heart disease.
The lights were switched on by local resident and actor Andrew Dunn who has appeared in Coronation Street and the popular BBC TV show Dinner Ladies which has currently been taken to the stage for a world premier tour.
Martin Sheppard, Marketing and Events Manager at York Minster said, &ldquo;York Minster is at the heart of Yorkshire, so it&rsquo;s very fitting for it to be a symbol in the Red for Heart campaign and the fight against heart disease. As people saw the Minster close-up or in the distance on the night, we hope this magnificent building adorned in red light will have inspired them to support the British Heart Foundation in its vital work. &ldquo;
Father of three Edwin Huffington, a heart patient from York said: &ldquo;After suffering from symptoms of heart disease I had to have a new aortic valve replaced and undertake a double heart by-pass in 2007 so I feel very fortunate to be alive today.&nbsp; Thanks to advances in treatments and diagnostics I have made a full recovery and this is also down to the fantastic work that the British Heart Foundation does.&nbsp; I think it is fantastic the Minster is turning red I hope that as many people as possible will support this campaign and raise much needed funds for the charity so it can continue its vital work so that people like myself live longer.&rdquo;
People can also show support the Red for Heart campaign by Wearing Red to Work on Friday 13th February. 
Every year, heart and circulatory disease claims around 200,000 lives.&nbsp; That&rsquo;s 220 mothers and 180 fathers being taken from their families every day.
Why Go Red?
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 89 mothers and 99 fathers die every day from coronary heart disease¹
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Every six minutes someone dies from a heart attack in the UK 
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.5 million people in the UK are living with coronary heart disease
To take part in the campaign and to order your free Red for Heart Fundraising Kit today - visit bhf.org.uk/redfeb, call 0845 130 8663 or e-mail redfeb@bhf.org.uk&nbsp; 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story283/york-minster-goes-red-for-the-british-heart-foundations-national-heart-month.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster&rsquo;s Evensong accompanied by Period Orchestra Charivari Agréable Simfonie]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[



York Minster is thrilled to announce that on Sunday 1st February Evensong will be accompanied by the renowned period orchestra Charivari Agréable Simfonie.
Highlights of the service include J.S.Bach&rsquo;s Orchestral Suite no. 3 and Epiphany Music, Part VI from Christmas Oratorio, which is one of Bach&rsquo;s most joyous works, full of virtuosic orchestral writing and thrilling vocal lines. York Minster choir will also be performing Orlando Gibbon&rsquo;s beautiful setting of the &lsquo;Magnificat&rsquo; and &lsquo;nunc dimittis&rsquo;. 
Charivari Agréable Simfonie, from Oxford, are described as one of the &lsquo;classiest baroque bands&rsquo; (The Sunday Observer). They receive high acclaim for their playing and sonority and regularly collaborate with professional choirs and choral societies all over the UK, appearing in many prominent venues, including Buckingham Palace. The Orchestra includes no less than three trumpets as well as timpani, oboes, strings and both the harpsichord and organ. 
Evensong is part of the daily worship of York Minster and is generally sung, using the pattern of Evensong from The Common Book of Prayer which has been largely unchanged since 1549. For more information about services in York Minster please visit www.yorkminster.org/worship.
Evensong begins at 4pm and admission is free. All are welcome. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story281/york-minsterrsquos-evensong-accompanied-by-period-orchestra-charivari-agrable-simfonie.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster to hold Chorister Auditions]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The famous choir of York Minster will be holding Chorister Auditions on Saturday 28th February for boys and girls in year 2 and 3.
All Choristers are educated at the Minster School and receive a scholarship provided by the Dean and Chapter which covers a substantial amount of their fees, with further assistance if necessary. They will receive a first class general and musical education as well as the opportunity to sing in services in Northern Europe&rsquo;s largest gothic cathedral. They will also be able to take part in recordings, broadcasts and overseas tours with the choir.
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, says, &ldquo;This is a fantastic opportunity for a musical child to be part of the great English tradition of Cathedral music whilst receiving a superb musical and general education.&rdquo; 
No special training is required to come to the auditions, just a love of singing. Becoming a chorister gives children the chance to develop their skills whilst making many lasting friendships and contributing to the Minster Community through an active social life. Auditions are informal and candidates will be given the opportunity to watch the Minster choir rehearse during an open rehearsal. 
For further information, please contact Mrs Serena Riley, Minster School Secretary, The Minster School, York, YO1 7JA.&nbsp; Telephone 01904 557230 or email school@yorkminster.org.
Robert Sharpe is always pleased to meet prospective choristers and their parents for an informal chat and/or audition before the main one and can be contacted through the Minster School as above.

]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story279/york-minster-to-hold-chorister-auditions.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Bedern Chapel Opens to the Public!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[


York Residents will be among the first to benefit when the internationally renowned York Glaziers' Trust opens the former Bedern Chapel as a new studio, offering the public an exclusive 'behind-the-scenes' experience of conservators in action.
York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust (YGT) are now preparing to work on the Great East Window as part of the &lsquo;York Minster Revealed&rsquo; project which is supported by a &pound;10 million earmarked Heritage Lottery Fund grant. In preparation for this work, anticipated to last at least five years, the YGT has created a new studio in Bedern Chapel through their own Heritage Lottery Fund grant of &pound;390, 000.
YGT was founded out of the Minster&rsquo;s post-war glaziers&rsquo; shop to care for York Minster&rsquo;s exquisite stained glass and other historically important stained glass in Britain. It has been fulfilling this purpose for over 40 years and is acclaimed as one of Europe&rsquo;s leading centers of conservation excellence and training. YGT has recently completed the conservation of the Minster&rsquo;s outstanding St. William window.
York has more medieval stained glass than any other city in the UK, with the Minster as the jewel in the crown. With 128 medieval windows, the Minster has more glass than any other single British building. The Great East Window is the single largest Medieval stained glass window in the country and has been called the stained glass equivalent of the Sistine Chapel.
Bedern Chapel was built in the 13th Century and is the former chapel of the college of the Vicars Choral. It will now serve as a publicly-accessible showcase for stained glass conservation in general and the conservation of the Great East Window in particular. For the first time members of the public will be able to go &lsquo;behind the scenes&rsquo; to witness the work of YGT conservators. The people of York will be the first guests invited to Bedern Chapel, as part of York Residents Festival, when special tours will be conducted by the conservators themselves.
Tickets to visit the Bedern studio during the York Residents Festival are available free of charge from the York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust, 01904 557228, or info@yorkglaziers.org.uk. Tickets for York Minster during the Festival are available free of charge from the Group Desk in the South Transept of York Minster, on production of a York Minster Residents Card or a York Card with proof of residence (eg. utility bill) 
After the Residents' Festival, Bedern Chapel Tours will begin on Friday 13th February at 14.00 departing from the Group Desk in the Minster and thereafter will continue weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays. Tours can be booked in advance for specific times on these days by calling Howard Mosley, Visitors Department, 01904 557216.&nbsp; There will also be guided tours available at 14.00 every Wednesday and Friday from the Group Desk in the Minster for those not wishing to book in advance. Please note that Tours have a maximum of 15 people so spaces are limited.
Tours last for approximately 1 hour and cost &pound;5 per person. The YGT is a non-profit making studio and all ticket costs go towards the York Minster Fund
Notes to editors:
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.&nbsp; HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over &pound;4billion across the UK.&nbsp; Website: www.hlf.org.uk.
&nbsp;&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story280/bedern-chapel-opens-to-the-public.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster to host the 400th Jubilee Celebrating the Active Vocation of Mary Ward]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On 29th January 2009 York Minster will host a Catholic Mass held in celebration of Mary Ward&rsquo;s foundation of the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Around 1500 people are expected to attend the service at 11.30am.
Given the difficult history of Anglican/Catholic relations in Britain, the Congregation of Jesus is particularly delighted by the invitation from the Dean and Chapter of York Minster to celebrate the Mass in one of the most important Anglican churches in England. The Mass marks the culmination of a 400-year long struggle by pioneering Yorkshire-woman Mary Ward and her followers to found an active order of nuns on the Jesuit model. &nbsp;
Prior to this time, priests of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) served their faith actively across Europe as educators, advisors and missionaries free of the restrictions of the monastic life, while women called to a religious vocation were compelled to a sedentary life of contemplation, securely enclosed behind convent walls. Mary Ward (1585 – 1645) worked to change all that.
Centuries ahead of her time and a woman of true Yorkshire grit, Mary Ward recognized that in a time of severe political repression of Roman Catholics in England it was essential to educate women to work actively in the service of the church and Catholic girls who, as mothers, would pass on their faith to future generations. In 1609 she led a group of women to St Omer in Flanders to start &lsquo;a consecrated life without enclosure&rsquo; against the wishes of the Papal authorities. Society at this time considered women intellectually and morally incapable of doing good for themselves, let alone for others. Mary countered, &lsquo;Women in time to come will do much.&rsquo;
In 1611 she felt called by God to adopt the spirituality and Constitutions of the Society of Jesus for her sisters, gaining the name in some quarters of &lsquo;Jesuitesses&rsquo; or &lsquo;Galloping Girls&rsquo;. And gallop she did, travelling from Brussels to Rome on foot in 1621 to seek Papal approval for her Order. Initially permitted to open schools across Catholic Europe, the tide turned against her when Pope Urban VIII officially ruled against the sisters&rsquo; refusal of enclosure, suppressing the order and imprisoning Mary Ward as a heretic.* 
The Bar Convent in York, founded in 1686, is the oldest religious house in England and the foundation house of both the English province of the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto sisters).&nbsp; Mary Ward foundation schools currently include St Mary&rsquo;s Hampstead (London), Ascot, Shaftesbury and Cambridge and Loreto College and VI Form College in Altrincham, Manchester and St. Alban&rsquo;s. Today Mary Ward&rsquo;s sisters are active in 44 countries across five continents.
Sister Gemma Simmonds of the Congregation of Jesus says:&nbsp; &ldquo;Mary Ward is one of Britain&rsquo;s best kept secrets.&nbsp; She is a saint for the third millennium and someone we should be proud of as a great pioneer for women.&nbsp; Despite centuries of struggle in a Church and a world unprepared for Mary Ward&rsquo;s pioneering vision, her sisters today are fulfilling her dream of apostolic service and opportunities for women all over the world&rdquo;.
&ldquo;During the Mass the Dean of York Minster has invited us to use the Braganza Crozier, donated to the Minster by Charles II&rsquo;s Catholic queen Catherine of Braganza, who supported the convent and school which we ran secretly in Hammersmith.&nbsp; We will also be using the Mercier Chalice.&nbsp; This incorporates Cardinal Mercier of Belgium&rsquo;s ring, given to the Earl of Halifax after an attempt to unite the Anglican and Catholic churches, and afterwards donated to the Minster by Halifax&rsquo;s son.&nbsp;&nbsp; Although that attempt was a failure, Mary Ward has many Anglican admirers and we are thrilled to be celebrating at the Minster.&rdquo;
For further information contact Patricia Lotery, PoLo PR, 020 8876 4242 e-mail: polopr@blueyonder.co.uk or Sister Gemma Simmonds, Congregation of Jesus London Tel.&nbsp; 0793 0532014 e-mail: g.simmonds@heythrop.ac.uk
For questions relating specifically to the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto) sisters, contact Sr. Magdalen O&rsquo;Neill 0208 993 6931
&nbsp;e-mail: m.oneill@heythrop.ac.uk
*Mary Ward is currently being considered by the Vatican for canonisation

]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story278/york-minster-to-host-the-400th-jubilee-celebrating-the-active-vocation-of-mary-ward.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster call for prayers for suffering children as John Bibby's vigil for Gaza ends]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster marked the end of John Bibby's ten day fast for peace in Gaza at 1.30pm on Sunday 18th January 2009 with the lighting of a long-burning candle in St Nicholas' Chapel, which is dedicated to the welfare of children world-wide.
There was a final one-hour vigil in the Minster's North Transept from 12.30pm to 1.30pm before&nbsp;Mr. Bibby&nbsp;left for his vigil to be continued by others for 100 days in the Church of St Martin le Grand, Coney Street, which is a Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.
The candle will remain lit in the St Nicholas Chapel (near to the scene of Mr Bibby's vigil) for the same 100 days, with an explanatory notice inviting visitors to pray for the suffering of children throughout the world, and offering the opportunity to contribute to the humanitarian relief work of Christian Aid. Prayers in the Minster will continue to call for an end to the Middle east conflict.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, says, "John Bibby has spoken for many who are aware of the number of children caught up in conflicts in today's world, in Gaza and elsewhere. We at York Minster pray for all those children and mark our concern today by lighting a candle and inviting prayers at the Chapel of Nicholas."
2009 is the 30th anniversary of the United Nations' Year of the Child in 1979, and is being marked by many UK churches as a time for reviewing our work with children and young people, celebrating their contribution in the life of the Church and of wider society, and challenging the Church to fresh vision and expression, inspired by the spirit of the child.

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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story274/york-minster-call-for-prayers-for-suffering-children-as-john-bibbys-vigil-for-gaza-ends.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Consecration of the Bishop of Sheffield at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Sunday 25th January at 11am, the Reverend Dr Steven Croft was consecrated as the new Bishop of Sheffield by the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, in York Minster
Steven Croft&rsquo;s appointment as Bishop of Sheffield was announced in November 2008. Dr Croft was born in Halifax in 1957. He graduated from Oxford in 1980 and went on to study for the priesthood in Durham at Cranmer Hall, St John's College, where he was awarded his doctorate four years later. He served as Curate of St. Andrew's, Enfield in the Diocese of London between 1983 and 1987 before returning to Yorkshire as Vicar of Ovenden in the Diocese of Wakefield until 1996.
In 2004 Dr Croft was appointed as Archbishops' Missioner and Leader of the Fresh Expressions team. In that capacity he has travelled widely across Britain encouraging new forms of church in a changing world.&nbsp; As Warden of Cranmer Hall and team leader of Fresh Expressions, he has worked very closely with the Methodist Church.&nbsp; 
Steven Croft has written widely about his experiences as a parish priest, expressing increased concern about how urgent the task is for the Church to re-engage with the parts of population with which it had completely lost touch. He is a co-author of Emmaus: the way of faith (1996-2003), a set of resources for Christian nurture widely used in the UK and across the world. He is author and editor of a number of books including Ministry in Three Dimensions (1999 and 2008); and Mission-shaped Questions (2007). His first novel for children and adults, The Advent Calendar was published in 2006.
As the Diocesan Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Croft will be the source of authority and the focus of unity within the Diocese he leads. Supported by the Suffragan (or assistant) Bishop of Doncaster, he will care for parishes in the whole of South Yorkshire. 
During the service the sermon&nbsp;was preached by The Reverend Judy Hirst, Local Ministry Development Officer for the Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle. At the Consecration, Dr Croft&nbsp;was presented by the Bishop of Oxford, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, and the Bishop of Doncaster, the Right Reverend Cyril Ashton. 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story275/consecration-of-the-bishop-of-sheffield-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Presents Brought to York Minster's Crib Service Have Been Donated to Charities]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

Presents brought to York Minster&rsquo;s annual Crib Service have been given to four local charities.
The popular annual Crib Service held on Christmas Eve is a chance for all to enjoy the story of the nativity in the unique setting of the Minster. Children are encouraged to dress up as a participant in the nativity story, to make up a &lsquo;living crib&rsquo; during the service.&nbsp; They assemble on the altar as the story of Jesus&rsquo; birth is told and hymns are sung by the congregation. Many children bring gifts which are then placed in the Crib at the end of the service.
After Christmas these presents are donated to local charities which work with young families and children. This year the charities were Home Start, The Women&rsquo;s Refuge, The Salvation Army and The Family Room. 
All the charities involved have sent their thanks and said that the presents donated to them are an essential part of the service they are able to offer.&nbsp; 

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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story273/presents-brought-to-york-minsters-crib-service-have-been-donated-to-charities.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Archbishop John Sentamu Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights was commemorated on Wednesday 10th December at York Minster. The event, called &lsquo;Born Free and Equal&rsquo; was organised by International Service and brought together a range of people from school children and educational institutions to charities and businesses. All were asked to celebrate and reflect upon what it means to have the right to live a life of freedom, dignity and justice. 
The event included music and African-drumming from Fishergate school in York; faith leaders from across the region and their thoughts on human rights and the winners of International Service&rsquo;s 2008 Human Rights Award,s who come all the way from Algeria, Zambia and the Kyrgyz Republic. Matthew Snell, Chief Executive of International Service said &ldquo;International Service promotes the idea that human rights are not only about politics or articles of law. Human rights start at birth – they help us understand how all human beings throughout the world are connected, and how our actions have an impact on the world around us.&rdquo;
School children across the Yorkshire region also took part in a human rights poetry competition, judged by the distinguished African poet Jack Mapanje. Their work was displayed in the Minster and will also feature in International Service&rsquo;s &lsquo;Same Difference&rsquo; global art exhibition. The Archbishop handed out awards to the winners of the poetry competition and asked the school children to recognise their duties to one another and to the wider world. He said, &ldquo;This is your world and one day, you will be responsible for it.&nbsp; What do you want your world to be like in 60 years time when perhaps your children or even grandchildren may be gathered at a similar service?&nbsp; The choices are up to you.&rdquo; 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story272/archbishop-john-sentamu-celebrates-the-60th-anniversary-of-the-declaration-of-human-rights-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Stonemasons Given National Awards]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Steve Coupland, a banker mason, and Matthew Hodgkinson, a carver, have just been awarded certificates for completion of the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme at an awards evening at the Tower of London. 
The bursary was created to enhance the number of skilled workmen in the heritage sector. It is largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is being run in partnership with English Heritage, The National Trust, the National Heritage Training Group and ConstructionSkills. Dr Jo Reilly, head of Participation and Learning at the Heritage Lottery Fund, presented certificates to the 25 people who had been awarded the bursary, worth &pound;1.2 million.
The bursary enabled Mr. Coupland, 55, to take six months off from his job with William Birch and Sons where he worked as a brick layer whilst taking evening classes in stone masonry. Upon completion of his level 2 NVQ, Steve gained York College&rsquo;s Marazion Prize for &lsquo;Dedication in Stonemasonry Studies&rsquo;. His six month placement at York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard will end on Christmas Eve and will contribute to his completion of a level 3 NVQ next year.
Matthew Hodgkinson, 28, completed his six-month placement as a stone-carver at York Minster last June, and was then offered a permanent position at the Stoneyard. He studied joinery and stonemasonry at college, before working as an apprentice carver at Linford-Bridgeman. Both Matthew and Steve have been working on the stone-work of the Great East Front, as part of the five-year repair and restoration programme included in York Minster Revealed (YMR).
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story271/minster-stonemasons-given-national-awards.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Medical Equipment Donated to York Minster by Park Grove School]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
A defibrillator and an oxygen consumables kit have been donated to York Minster to further enhance safety precautions for visitors wishing to climb to the top of the central tower. The NHS supplied both the defibrillator and oxygen consumables kit after Park Grove School donated funds raised through a sponsored walk in July
Park Grove School decided to raise funds for medical equipment in memory of Kath Luck, a member of staff at Park Grove, who died of a heart-attack earlier this year. The school contacted Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), who suggested the donation of the defibrillator and oxygen consumables kit to the Minster, following the airlift of a visitor from the top of the tower in April.
Both pieces of equipment are installed on the roof of the tower, and act as a safety measure should anyone suffer a cardiac arrest. If such an emergency should occur, the machine allows potentially life-saving treatment to be given to the victim while cardiac arrest &lsquo;crash&rsquo; teams arrive.
The defibrillator dramatically increases the chance of survival if a person should go into cardiac arrest, enabling the victim to receive chest compressions which help maintain blood flow to the heart and brain. The oxygen consumables kit increases the chances of revival and preservation, providing a steady stream of oxygen whilst &lsquo;crash&rsquo; teams arrive.
Alongside the medical equipment, the YAS also provided full training to ten staff members at the Minster on how to operate the defibrillator. A further five staff members are due to receive this training from the NHS, who are donating another defibrillator to the Minster early next year, to be positioned on the ground floor.
Kieron Learoyd, Health and Safety Manager at the Minster, said, &lsquo;It is an essential part of the Minster&rsquo;s drive to make every part safe and welcoming to the public that such safety measures are in place and updated whenever necessary. The donation of this equipment, alongside the training provided by the NHS, has been of tremendous value in ensuring that people are better protected in case of emergencies. It is important that we continue to develop an improved relationship with the NHS. We are incredibly grateful to Park Grove School for their generous donation.&rsquo;
Park Grove schoolchildren and headmaster were accompanied by members of Kath Luck&rsquo;s family, including her daughter, sister and parents,&nbsp;when the the equipment was presented to Canon Glyn Webster, who said, &lsquo;We are delighted to have this equipment at the Minster and would like to congratulate Park Grove School on their tremendous efforts to raise funds. Obviously we hope that we do not have to use it, but it is a great and essential addition to York Minster&rsquo;s health and safety.&rsquo;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story264/medical-equipment-donated-to-york-minster-by-park-grove-school.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster's Carillon Welcomes Christmas]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Thursday 18th December at 6.30 p.m. Trevor Workman, President of the British Carillon Society, will play a recital of Christmas music on the new carillon at York Minster to cheer late night shoppers as they make their way into the City centre to purchase Christmas presents. All the traditional tunes from &ldquo;Jingle Bells&rdquo; and &ldquo;I&rsquo;m Dreaming of a White Christmas&rdquo;, to &ldquo;Mistletoe and Wine&rdquo; and all the favourite Christmas Carols will ring from the Minster&rsquo;s bell towers in the hour long recital.
The carillon is being used daily to announce the many services that are taking place at this time of the year, chiming out traditional Advent Hymns and Christmas Carols, but this recital is a special gift from the Minster to York&rsquo;s citizens to spread happiness at this season of goodwill towards all men.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story270/york-minsters-carillon-welcomes-christmas.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Oyster Shells Used in East Front Restoration]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Masons from York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard are using local oyster shells in their restoration work of the East Front. 
Conservation of existing stonework began in spring this year on the south buttress and turret of the east front of the Lady Chapel. This work will lead into the York Minster Revealed programme, a five-year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, that includes the repair and restoration of the rest of the East Front. During the building of this area between 1361 and 1373, medieval masons often used oyster shells in joints between stones.
Oyster shells proved useful as a natural packing material, both between stones and in areas rendered with lime mortar. In horizontal joints the oyster shell would allow the stonework to be built up without the bedding mortar being squeezed out. Oysters would have been part of a staple diet in the Middle Ages and so their shells would have been easy to obtain, whilst many would have been found along the banks of the Rivers Ouse and Foss.
Stone mason Nico Zimmermann and Carver/Conservator Lee Godfrey decided to procure local oyster shells about four months ago, when the spirelet which crowns the turret was dismantled, and many of the rendered areas inside the turret were found to be lined with shells. Using oyster shells in this process complements the Stoneyard&rsquo;s ethos to stay true to the same methods that were employed by the medieval masons.
After contacting a number of local restaurants which specialise in seafood, they found success at Harvilles, a steak and seafood restaurant on Fossgate, York. Manager Laurent Forestier said, &lsquo;On average we donate around 50 shells a week. We are very happy to contribute to this ongoing project. It is interesting that these shells will be used today in the same way as they would have been hundreds of years ago. We like to tell customers who order oysters how their shells are helping the restoration work at the Minster, and they are always surprised and pleased.&rsquo;
The strange shape and many angles of the oyster lids bond very well with mortar, and can be manoeuvred to fit the space perfectly, providing the most efficient kind of binding for these stones. The shells are high in calcium carbonate which is a perfect fit &lsquo;chemically&rsquo; with the limestone, and gives the shell a tough composition. Wherever possible, shells that were used in the original bedding will be reused, and the mortar will be mixed with river-sand, as it was in the 14th Century.

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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story263/oyster-shells-used-in-east-front-restoration.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[December Newsletter Out Now!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The December issue of York Minster&rsquo;s Newsletter is out now. Articles include:
- Fundraising for York Minster Revealed
- &lsquo;Music and the Minster&rsquo; in the Minster Library
- Journeymen at the Minster Stoneyard
- An evening with Gervaise Phinn
- York Minster: A Living Legacy
Please feel free to collect a copy from the group desk in the Minster, or alternatively you can download it from: http://www.yorkminster.org/involved/york-minster-newsletter/

&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story262/december-newsletter-out-now.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Journeymen and a Compagnon at the Minster Stoneyard]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

The Minster Stoneyard benefits this autumn from the services of two &lsquo;Journeymen&rsquo; and one &lsquo;Companion&rsquo;. 
A journeyman is a fully qualified stonemason and member of a &lsquo;brotherhood&rsquo;, who promises to uphold the values of their Company – friendship, sharing work and learning about new cultures. Once started, they are not allowed to return within 60km of their home for a minimum of three years and one day.
Florian Wagner, 26, is from Lanshuf near Munich, Germany and has been a journeyman for about 18 months. He will leave the Stoneyard mid-December, returning to Germany for a few weeks to celebrate with one of their number that he has kept his promises. He then hopes to continue his work in South Africa.
Mattias Goetz, 27, who started in September 2008 alongside Florian, is from Biberach. He has been a journeyman for two years. He leaves York at the end of December, moving onto Aberdeen, the Shetlands and ultimately Trondheim, Norway.
Journeymen&nbsp;must always wear their uniform: their black hat is a sign of freedom and is taken off in respect only in church and when they eat. Their blue tie denotes to which brotherhood they belong and their badge shows they are qualified stonemasons. They also wear a waistcoat, which they must button up when they meet a fellow journeyman to show they come in friendship. 
There are a number of &lsquo;brotherhoods&rsquo; for all the &lsquo;old&rsquo; crafts such as stonemasons, joiners, carpenters, tailors and goldsmiths. Florian and Mattias belong to the oldest &lsquo;brotherhood&rsquo; of stonemasons established in 1891. The brotherhood is called Rolandbruder and is part of the Rolandshacht company.
Sebastien Gariston, 21, is part of another association called Les Compagnons, a brotherhood of craftsmen who literally worship work and believe that transformation of matter by a man&rsquo;s hand is a noble calling. Their training is steeped in ritual, organisation and craft guild methods inherited from the Middle-ages. The brotherhood includes joiners, blacksmiths, carpenters and stonemasons, like Sebastien. 
Sebastien has been a stonemason for five years now and will leave the Minster Stoneyard in July, after being here for one year. It is a custom of Les Compagnons that each year for nine years they must move on from one location to another. Sebastien hopes to move to Strasbourg next where he will continue his work. 
&nbsp;

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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story261/journeymen-and-a-compagnon-at-the-minster-stoneyard.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Traditional Nativity Play at the Minster School]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

School children from The Minster School have put on a traditional Nativity Play which will take place on Wednesday 3rd December in the Chapter House at the Minster.
The Nativity Play is called &lsquo;The Little Fir Tree&rsquo;, and has 50 children from Reception years one and two. Jane Donaldson, Head of the Pre-Prep school, said, &lsquo;Although the children didn&rsquo;t write the play, they decided what they wanted to say themselves. They have really enjoyed being in the play and we are very proud of their achievements. It is very much a Christian Nativity play, that gets across the real meaning of Christmas.&rsquo;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story268/traditional-nativity-play-at-the-minster-school.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Prepares for Advent]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

Children from The Minster School came to the Minster on Friday to help prepare the Advent wreath for the beginning of Advent on Sunday.
Advent is the beginning of the Christian year and starts four Sundays before Christmas Day. It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ, filled with hope and affirmation that God is the origin of all life.
The wreath itself symbolises the keeping of Advent and was made in the Stoneyard, the Minster&rsquo;s Works Department. It is 3 metres in diameter and once dressed, weighs 184kgs. &nbsp;The &lsquo;greening&rsquo; of the wreath is done by the Minster&rsquo;s volunteer flower arrangers and anyone who is on hand to help, using ivy from Bishopthorpe Palace.
Five candles are then placed on the wreath, each representing a different part of the Christian story. One candle is lit each week, at the Sunday Communion Service. The first candle represents The Patriarchs, the second candle represents The Prophets, the third candle represents John the Baptist and the fourth candle represents Mary, mother of Jesus. The fifth and central candle marks the birth of Jesus and is lit on Christmas Day. The candles are always lit by children and are accompanied by specific Advent prayers.
The school children, assisted by Head Verger Alex Carberry, placed each candle in the holder and then the wreath was electronically raised to approximately eight metres above the ground. The wreath is suspended under the central tower, and is lowered on Sundays for the lighting of each candle.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story259/york-minster-prepares-for-advent.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Advent Procession]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will host its annual Advent Procession on Advent Sunday, 30th November &nbsp;at 6. 30 pm in the Minster&rsquo;s nave.

The Church year begins on Advent Sunday which is always four Sundays before Christmas Day. Advent means &lsquo;coming&rsquo; or &lsquo;arrival&rsquo;, and points ahead to the birth of Jesus celebrated at Christmas whilst looking forward with hope to His second coming at the end of time. It has been celebrated for over 2000 years and affirms that God is the origin and goal of all life.

The Advent Procession initiates Christmas worship at York Minster by welcoming all to enjoy a service of special readings and music. The Advent Wreath, which hangs from the Central Tower, symbolises the keeping of Advent and Jesus as the light of the world. There are five candles on the wreath - one lit each week – which remind people of the different parts of the story of salvation.

Christmas at York Minster is celebrated by young and old alike. There is a variety of services and concerts held, from the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols Service to the Crib Service, where children bring along presents for the Crib that are later donated to local charities that work with children and young families.&nbsp; 

The Dean and Chapter welcome all to celebrate the Advent Procession and start the festivities with an act of worship. Entrance is free. 

For further information about Advent and Christmas at York Minster, please contact Minster Box Office: concerts@yorkminster.org or 01904 557208

]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story260/york-minster-advent-procession.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Family Carol Concert 2008]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster is to host its ever-popular Family Carol Concert on Friday 12th December at 7.00pm. Proceeds will go to the York Minster Fund (Registered Charity No 252157) which supports the ministry and continuing conservation and development of York Minster. 
York Minster's acclaimed Choir will sing traditional Christmas Carols, joined by the St William Singers and the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers. There will also be readings by well-known guests Wendy Cope and Dame Janet Baker.
Dame Janet Baker is a distinguished English mezzo-soprano, known world-wide as an opera, concert, and lieder singer until her retirement in 1982. A Yorkshirewoman, Dame Janet served as Chancellor of the University of York from 1991 to 2004. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1976 and a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1993, and received the Léonie Sonning Music Prize of Denmark in 1979.
Wendy Cope was born in Erith, Kent. After university she worked for fifteen years as a primary school teacher in London. Her first collection of poems, Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis, was published in 1986. In 1987 she received a Cholmondeley Award for Poetry and in 1995 the American Academy of Arts and Letters Michael Braude Award for light verse. 
The audience will be invited to sing favourite carols such as &ldquo;O Little Town of Bethlehem&rdquo; and &ldquo;O Come all Ye Faithful&rdquo;. The readings will range from the traditional to the humorous.
Tickets range from &pound;10 to &pound;15 and are available from the York Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or in person at Church House, 10-14 Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story258/york-minster-family-carol-concert-2008.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster: A Living Legacy]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster: A Living Legacy is a beautifully illustrated portrait of the Minster community, its day-to-day life, the people who make the Minster work and the skills of the craft workshops that maintain its fabric for future generations.
Click HERE to buy the book from York Minster Shop
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York, comments in his introduction, &ldquo;York Minster is a prodigy of a place. But while the splendours of the architecture, glass and treasures of the Minster are often recorded, in this book we want to complement those dazzling images with a record of the people of the institution. In describing something of the present life of the Minster we are illuminating what is usually hidden from view or overlooked as too mundane to notice."
Including much new photography, the book offers a fresh look at this wonderful building in all the richness of its 1500 year old history, in the grandeur and quirkiness of its fabric and, most importantly, in the people who have shaped it and continue to shape it today.
Much more than a history, the book explores the rich and complex relationship between the cathedral and the communities it serves. For the city of York, the Minster is a cultural icon whose twin towers represent York and Yorkshire, and whose magnificent interior hosts concerts and recitals along with daily services the year round. Former Culture Secretary, Chris Smith, has been quoted as saying: &ldquo;York Minster is one of the most glorious Gothic buildings in the world. It is unique and special and has enormous importance for all of us.&rdquo;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Roy Pawsey, a member of the Minster Police Force, remembers very fondly the occasion&nbsp; when he observed on camera late one night a young man looking up and down the road to see if the coast was clear, before going down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend by the South door.&nbsp; &ldquo;If only I had known how to contact them, they could have had a video of the whole event, said Pawsey.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
York Minster: A Living Legacy reveals a great deal about those who have inspired, funded and organised the Minster, and have sustained its life through the centuries. The book also gives us a better understanding and appreciation, not only of the Minster itself, but also of the history of York in which this great institution has played such an important part.
Copies of York Minster: A Living Legacy are available direct from Third Millennium Publishing or can be ordered through the Minster Shop and other booksellers.
DETAILS:
Imprint: &nbsp;&nbsp;Third Millennium Publishing, LondonAuthors: &nbsp;&nbsp;The Dean of York, Dr Richard Shephard and Louise Hampson&nbsp;Publication date: &nbsp;13 November 2008 / RRP: &nbsp;&nbsp;&pound;35ISBN: &nbsp;&nbsp;978 1 903942 75 8Specification: &nbsp;Hardback, 176 pages, 270 x 230 mm, over 225 images in colour and b/w
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story257/york-minster-a-living-legacy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Archbishop welcomes new Readers to serve in York Diocese at Minster Service]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

[photo opportunity]
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will admit twelve people to serve as Readers at churches in the Diocese of York at a service beginning at 11.00am in York Minster on Saturday 15th November 2008.
Those lay people selected for Reader training undertake a course of study in the Scriptures and aspects of Christian ministry, and are licensed to serve in one or more parishes where they support the work of the clergy in many capacities. Readers may preach, lead prayers and worship, and are frequently involved in leadership and ministry in many aspects of parish life.
The Diocese of York, which includes 600 local churches between the Humber and the Tees and from the A1 eastwards to the Yorkshire coast, is served by about 300 Readers, and the annual Reader service in York Minster is a celebration of the enormous contribution they make to the Church and to the communities in which they minister.
Those to be newly admitted as Readers are as follows, with the parishes in which they will serve:
Margaret Barr Monk Fryston and South Milford (near Selby)
Bernadette Burbridge St Michael-le-Belfrey and St Lawrence, York
Richard Byas Dringhouses, York
Dianne Colbert Eston with Normanby (Middlesbrough)
David Heading Ingleby Greenhow, Bilsdale Priory and Kildale with Kirkby-in-Cleveland
Janet (Jenny) Howarth Forest of Galtres (parishes near Easingwold)
Janice Midwood Derwent Deanery (parishes between York and Selby)
Philip Newell Scalby (Scarborough)
Elizabeth Pacey Drypool (Hull)
Jane Perkins Kirk Fenton with Kirkby Wharfe and Ulleskelf (near Tadcaster)
Jason Robinson Eston with Normanby (Middlesbrough)
Gwyneth Southall Hutton Cranswick with Skerne, Watton and Beswick (East Riding)
Additionally, the Archbishop will licence the following seven Readers who have recently moved from other dioceses to serve in the Diocese of York:
Sandra Archer Derwent Deanery (parishes between York and Selby)
Janice Hutchinson St Luke the Evangelist, York
Frances Lewis Whitby
Margaret Pay Woldsburn (parishes near Driffield)
Stephen Pay Woldsburn (parishes near Driffield)
Wendy Plant Selby Deanery
Jennifer Skedd Pocklington Group
The Archbishop will confer the title Reader Emeritus on two long-serving Readers:
Don Elcoat St John Newland, Hull
Richard Brooks Barlby and Riccall (near Selby)
Photo opportunity: the Archbishop and the newly admitted and licenced Readers will emerge through the Minster's West Doors (at the end of Duncombe Place) at the end of the service at approximately 12.30pm and will be available for group photographs for approximately two minutes.
ENDS
For further information contact Martin Sheppard, York Minster Marketing and Events Manager, on 01904 557248 or 07531 546532. martins@yorkminster.org
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story256/archbishop-welcomes-new-readers-to-serve-in-york-diocese-at-minster-service.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster fall steeplejack discharged from hospital]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

Luke Parsons, aged 23, the steeplejack hurt in an accident at York Minster this morning (29th October), has been discharged from hospital this afternoon and is not seriously injured.
He fell while abseiling in connection with the installation by contractors of a full-sized graphic print of York Minster's Great East Window on the scaffolding currently surrounding the window's site, while the window itself is undergoing a ten-year programme of restoration.
Mr Parsons was attended immediately by one of the Minster's first aiders and then by ambulance paramedics before being taken to York Hospital.
The installation of the window print was completed during the afternoon.
York Minster is working with the Health and Safety Executive in investigating the accident.
York Minster spokesman Martin Sheppard said, "Luke Parsons' accident was an awful moment and everyone at the Minster was shaken by the news, and so we're extremely relieved to hear that he isn't seriously injured. We will be keeping in touch with his recovery and wish him all the best as he gets over what must have been a frightening experience as well as a very painful one. This has underlined the importance of our commitment to safe working conditions for all those working on the Minster's restoration, whether York Minster staff or those employed by other organisations like Mr Parsons."
&nbsp;

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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story255/york-minster-fall-steeplejack-discharged-from-hospital.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Life-size print of York Minster&rsquo;s Great East Window to be hung in spectacular style!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

The largest single graphic ever printed is to be hung in spectacular style by abseiling steeple-jacks at York Minster on Wednesday 29th October 2008 beginning at 7.00am. The replica of York Minster&rsquo;s Great East Window will measure 14 by 27 metres (approximately the size of a tennis court) and is to be hung on the internal scaffolding which now covers the window itself. 
All of the panels of the window have now been removed and will gradually be restored over the next decade as part of the In the Beginning and York Minster Revealed projects which are both supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. 
The replica of the window will mean that visitors to the Minster will still be able to experience the masterpiece that has been described as "the Sistine Chapel of stained glass" while the window itself is being restored. 
The giant graphic has been printed by Leeds based company Electronic Print Services, run by Steve Farley. Hewlett Packard Printing Equipment has been used to print the giant graphic, which is the largest of its kind ever printed.

Notes
The Great East Window was created by Master Glazier John Thornton between 1405 and 1408. It is approximately the size of a tennis court and is the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. York Glaziers Trust will now restore the Creation and Apocalypse cycles of the window as part of the In the Beginning and York Minster Revealed projects. 
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the In the Beginning project &pound;390,000 and the York Minster Revealed project an earmarked grant of &pound;10 million.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story254/life-size-print-of-york-minsterrsquos-great-east-window-to-be-hung-in-spectacular-style.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Catenians' celebration Mass at York Minster, 18 October 2008]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday 18th October York Minster hosts a major national celebration of the centenary of the Catenian Association, a group of Roman Catholic men promoting family life, mutual help and friendship.
Over 2,200 members and their families will attend Mass at 11am at the Minster, with the kind permission of the Dean and Chapter, who will also attend together with the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Brian Watson, and the Lady Mayoress, the Sheriff of York Hon Alderman David Wilde and the Sheriff's Lady, Mrs Annebel Wilde.
His Eminence Keith Patrick Cardinal O'Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh will preside, accompanied by the Right Reverend Terrence Drainey, Bishop of Middlesbrough, as Chief celebrant, the Most Reverend Mario Conti Archbishop of Glasgow, and the Right Reverend John Rawsthorne Bishop of Hallam.
Hosting the event will be the Association&rsquo;s Grand President David Taylor and his wife Kathleen.
York President of the Catenians, Victor Nicholls, said, &ldquo;I am thrilled that such a major event is coming to York. One hundred years of our Association is a huge achievement and we continue to go from strength to strength, spreading our wings across the world, strengthening family life through friendship and faith. We have been working hard here in York to make today&rsquo;s event happen for over a year now and I am especially grateful to the Minster authorities for their warm welcome and permission for us to hear Mass in such an ancient, historic and beautiful place, that has been a site of Christian worship for so many centuries.&rdquo;
The Catenians will follow their worship with a Gala Dinner at the Racecourse later in the evening.
____________________________________
The Catenian Association Province 3 (North) 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story253/catenians-celebration-mass-at-york-minster-18-october-2008.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Calm and Contemplation: 'The Still Hours' at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Still Hours, a national touring exhibition of still life paintings, will be on show in York Minster from Monday 29 September until Monday 27 October, 2008. 
The genre of still life has long been an important stimulus to meditation in European culture. The Still Hours expands this traditional function within a contemporary form. 
The Still Hours are the work of the Cambridge based painter D.F.S. Stubbs (www.dfsstubbs.com). For this cycle of paintings, grouped into powerful polyptychs, the artist has drawn inspiration from the medieval Book of Hours where the hours of day and night were given liturgical significance. Each painting communicates different moods associated with certain periods of day or night. 
To prompt reflection upon the experience of human life bounded by time, Stubbs uses the familiar European symbols of candles, skulls and empty shells alongside stones, pebbles and blocks of cast plaster. In some Asian traditions stones and rocks are understood as being symbols of the universe and also as particularly beautiful or precious in an aesthetic sense. In an age of increasing awareness of other cultures and their religious traditions, the artist thus contributes to a positive inter-cultural dialogue through the use of symbols in his painting to various Asian traditions: an attempt to reach the core of our common humanity.
Stillness is not part of contemporary life, yet Stubbs&rsquo; paintings possess an immediate ability to calm the viewer to contemplation; to give an uplifting break from the constant motion of modern life. The paintings are &lsquo;still-lives&rsquo; and provoke reflection. They are also works of great beauty; rich in colour and finely painted in a realist manner, yet with abstract qualities in the use of light and form. They are significant works.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story252/calm-and-contemplation-the-still-hours-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA['Odyssey' Comes to York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

York Minster&nbsp;welcomes 'Odyssey', a striking exhibition which has travelled from Poland and has been exhibited throughout the UK. Odyssey consists of thirty two carved wooden figures, each 2.5 metres tall, produced by the Hove-based artist Robert Koenig. It is on show in the North Transept of York Minster from 1st to 29th September 2008.
Odyssey has been described "a search for ancestral and sculptural roots… an attempt to call up the spirits of his ancestors by carving male and female figures out of lime trees that grew in his mother&rsquo;s home village, Dominikowice in Poland. Trees that had their roots where the artist has his." Once carved, the Odyssey figures followed a route taken by the artist&rsquo;s mother in 1942, from her home in Dominikowice, through Krakow, and the Nazi slave labour camps in Germany during World War Two.
This search for Polish ancestral roots, however, gradually started to take on wider dimensions. Prior to York Minster for example, Odyssey was shown at All Saints Church, Hove, Chichester Cathedral, Portsmouth Cathedral, Milton Keynes Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Rochester Cathedral, Stockport Art Gallery and Salisbury Cathedral. 
The artist, Robert Koenig (pictured with the figures) now describes the exhibition as an exploration into "important issues of migration, forced or voluntary. During its journey it bears witness to past events, on a family level, a national and international level. It can represent many people&rsquo;s experiences. It talks about heritage, displacement, belonging and people&rsquo;s place in the world." 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story251/odyssey-comes-to-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[&pound;9MILLION RAISED BY YORK MINSTER: &pound;2million donation from Hamish Ogston of York-based CPP plugs the funding gap]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster has successfully raised &pound;9m towards its five-year project York Minster Revealed to preserve the Minster for future generations. 
This includes restoration of the Apocalypse Cycle and all of the stonework of the Great East Window – a national treasure and one of the largest areas of medieval stained glass in the world. &nbsp; 
York Minster Revealed lies within the &pound;30million Development Campaign launched three years ago and is supported by a &pound;10million earmarked grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). 
The outstanding &pound;9million had to be raised by York Minster directly; with a recent donation of &pound;2million reaching the required amount to kick off the project in 2009. The work will be completed in 2013. &nbsp; 
The contribution of &pound;2million is a donation by the founder and non executive director of CPP Group Plc, Hamish Ogston (pictured, centre, with Eric Woolley, left, and the Very Revd Keith Jones, right). 
The donation is the single largest private gift for York Minster Revealed and has been made possible thanks to the continued support and growth of CPP, which has its international headquarters in the historic city. &nbsp; 
Eric Woolley, CEO of CPP said: &ldquo;CPP is delighted that Hamish has made this donation. York Minster is a building with national and international significance and we are pleased the success of the business has enabled Hamish to plug the funding gap and ensure it is saved for not only York, but for the entire nation.&rdquo; &nbsp; 
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &ldquo;In the circumstances, the words thank you seem barely adequate, but they will have to do. Hamish Ogston, Founder of CPP is the latest and most significant in an army of benefactors who, over the centuries have built, maintained and beautified the Minster. Mr Ogston&rsquo;s donation means that we can start the York Minster Revealed project, confident in the knowledge that all partnership funding is in place. This gives us an enormous psychological boost and means that we have breathing space in which to look for the funding for the stonework of the South Aisle and Clerestory, and other vital projects which are lining up. &nbsp; 
&ldquo;Mr Ogston has been meticulous in the questions that he has asked and his exceptionally generous donation not only helps us financially, but also sends out a message to other potential donors that there is confidence in York Minster and an understanding that we must hand it on to future generations in as good a condition as possible.&rdquo; &nbsp; 
The current structure of York Minster was begun in 1220 to complete the replacement of the extended 11th-century Norman building already in existence. The fragile stonework of the Minster East End, begun in the late 14 century, will be conserved along with the main glass panels of the much loved Great East Window – the finest and largest example of Gothic art of its kind in Europe. Over 2,500 individual stones will have to be removed successfully to preserve it. 
A national treasure today, the window was created by the renowned John Thornton of Coventry between 1405 and 1408. &nbsp; 
York Minster Revealed focuses on preserving the Minster through four key areas: education, access, specialist craft skills training and conservation. One of the aims of the project is to recruit, enthuse and train future generations in the crafts of stone carving and stained glass conservation, which are so crucial to the conservation of the East Front and continued development of the Minster. &nbsp; 
With no state funding to preserve ancient monuments, York Minster Revealed is one of the largest restoration projects to have been funded by a combination of Lottery money and private and business donations. 
In addition to his personal donation which ensures the restoration can be completed in the five years required by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Hamish Ogston has also been involved in plans of the Dean and Chapter of York to make provision in the Minster&rsquo;s annual accounts for setting aside money to boost the designated fund. The fund will be used specifically for future restoration and conservation projects. &nbsp; 
Dr Richard Shephard, the Minster&rsquo;s Chamberlain, who has the oversight of all fundraising, said: &ldquo;The funding of cathedral restorations has never been easy, and in the present financial climate, many cathedrals will experience severe difficulties. At York we have been immensely fortunate because of the great help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, but also because of the marvellous generosity of private individuals and businesses from Yorkshire and beyond. &nbsp; 
&ldquo;This donation to the cause is exceptional. We are, of course, immensely grateful for the financial support, but also for the care and interest Mr Ogston, in particular, has shown in all of the discussions leading up to the gift. We look forward to maintaining a close relationship with Mr Ogston and CPP and are delighted that one of York&rsquo;s major employers in the city has seen fit to support the Minster, which is the magnet drawing so many people to the area.&rdquo; &nbsp; 
Upon completion of York Minster Revealed, the Minster carvers, masons and glaziers will be able to tackle some further outstanding work to the great building: the exterior stonework of the South Quire Aisle and Clerestory, the bays of the North Quire Clerestory need attention and at least ten of the most important stained glass windows are in urgent need of conservation. 
These projects will all require separate funding. &nbsp; 
CPP is one of York&rsquo;s biggest employers, currently employing more than 1,000 people in the city and 2,000 worldwide. The Life Assistance business has always been committed to the York community, through investments in education and young people by the means of specialist business workshops, sport and charity sponsorships. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story250/pound9million-raised-by-york-minster-pound2million-donation-from-hamish-ogston-of-york-based-cpp-plugs-the-funding-gap.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster accounts for 2007-2008 published]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

York Minster&rsquo;s newly-published accounts for the financial year 2007/08 reveal an operational surplus of &pound;340,000 compared with &pound;41,000 in 2006/07. 
Income from visitors has grown (including an increased uptake of Gift Aid) and sales at the Gift Shops have risen, contributing greatly to the good result in the year. 
Legacies have continued as a major support to the Minster and its work, although the Chapter is concerned that it relies so much on a source which can vary a great deal from year to year. 
The Dean and Chapter sold some of their endowed properties in central York during the year in order to re-invest the money raised for the long term, with the prospect of attracting higher returns for the Minster&rsquo;s future needs. These &lsquo;endowment&rsquo; funds are held in order to generate income, and the Dean and Chapter do not have the power to spend the capital. 
The York Minster Revealed (YMR) project was the main focus for the Minster&rsquo;s development during the financial year, during which the Heritage Lottery Fund &lsquo;earmarked&rsquo; a grant of &pound;10 million towards the total of &pound;19 million needed for the restoration of the Great East Window and improved access to and interpretation of the Minster for those visiting. During the year great progress has been made towards raising the funds to match the possible grant from the HLF. 
The Dean and Chapter must now look beyond YMR to how funds can be raised for the care of the rest of the great building, and the work of education and development of the musical tradition. In doing so, the Chapter works with the York Minster Fund, which manages the bulk of the money raised until it is needed. 
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: "This was a good year, and full of promise for our future. We are especially pleased that so many people have remembered us, and value the Minster and what is done here day by day. Every penny we receive is much valued and is put to use."
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story249/york-minster-accounts-for-2007-2008-published.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Explore York Minster's Stoneyard]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Visitors are to be given a chance to take a look behind the scenes at one of the UK&rsquo;s top Cathedral Works&rsquo; Departments and meet the talented Masons, Carvers and Carpenters who help to keep York Minster in all its glory. York Minster Stoneyard will hold its annual open day&nbsp;this Friday 15th August 2008 between 9.30am and 3.00pm.&nbsp; Entrance to the Stoneyard, located on Deangate, will be free of charge, and everyone is welcome to come and look behind the scenes at one of the Minster&rsquo;s most exciting areas.&nbsp; Donations to the York Minster Fund Development Office are invited.&nbsp; 
Members of the public will be able to take a trip up York Minster&rsquo;s East Front to view the essential and painstaking restoration work on this part of the building. The East Front is over 600 years old, and visitors can see how the years have taken their toll on the stone, with widespread erosion of the stonework, including the delicate tracery of the Great East Window.&nbsp;&nbsp; The restoration of the&nbsp;East Front&nbsp;forms part&nbsp;of the York Minster Revealed project to open up the beauty of the Minster for future generations.&nbsp; This project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.&nbsp;Trips up the East Front scaffolding are available throughout the day; weather permitting, for a minimum donation of &pound;5.&nbsp; Tickets for the East Front Tours will be available from the Stoneyard on the day on a first come, first served basis.&nbsp; Children of 16 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and no children under 10 years old will be admitted.&nbsp; 
Visitors can explore the progress of stone through the Stoneyard, see the work of the stone sawing and shaping machinery, and talk to York Minster&rsquo;s Masons, Carvers and Carpenters about the work they do.&nbsp; Several of the Masons and Carvers have recently taken part at the European Stone Festival in Freiburg.&nbsp;&nbsp; There will also be guided tours of special areas of interest, including the drawing shop, where York Minster&rsquo;s Master Mason creates the templates from which the masons produce each intricate stone.&nbsp;&nbsp; Visitors will also be able to view some of the work of the York Minster Broderers - a group of volunteers who create all the wonderful embroideries which can be seen inside the Minster.&nbsp; The Broderers&rsquo; current projects include a set of long altar rail kneelers and a Low Mass set.&nbsp; 
Visitors will also have the chance to take home a piece of history as sections of the timber vaulting which survived the fire in 1984 &nbsp;- complete with the Dean and Chapter brand and a certificate of provenance will be available for sale on the day.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story239/explore-york-minsters-stoneyard.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[360 degree perspective of the Minster showcased in exhibition]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster&nbsp;today welcomes an exciting exhibition of &ldquo;Photospheres&rdquo; by Edward Hill which will run until 29th August 2008.&nbsp; The exhibition will be held in the North Transept.&nbsp; Edward Hill&rsquo;s novel circular photo montages contain everything above, below and around you at a given point – creating a truly 360 degree perspective in a single image.&nbsp; 
The exhibition is made up of &ldquo;triptychs&rdquo; of the Minster which show everything visible at various points around the Minster in 3 different ways: a &ldquo;down&rdquo; photosphere holds the viewer suspended over a miniature world whilst the &ldquo;up&rdquo; photosphere frames the vastness of space overhead.&nbsp; The central photosphere is made up of our normal view with our flat horizon perspective. 
Artist, Edward Hill has had a varied career which began with his training at Venini Glass Factory in Venice,&nbsp;Italy, 1973.&nbsp; He then spent the next 16 years designing and working with glass in a studio in Greenwich.&nbsp; Mr Hill then worked as a landscape photographer, moving on to creating photospheres in 1999.&nbsp; Between 2000 and 2005, Edward Hill developed a digital photographic method of creating the unusual photospheres.&nbsp; He has exhibited his work frequently since 2003 at Cathedrals throughout the UK.&nbsp; Recently he has been selected for international exhibition by the Royal Photographic Society.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story248/360-degree-perspective-of-the-minster-showcased-in-exhibition.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[South Africa's "Green" Bishop preaches at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Right Reverend Geoff Davies – known in South Africa as &lsquo;the Green Bishop&rsquo; and Coordinator of the Southern African Faith Communities&rsquo; Environment Institute (SAFCEI) -&nbsp; preached a thought provoking sermon&nbsp;at the&nbsp; 10.00 am Sung Eucharist Service at York Minster on Sunday 27th July 2008.&nbsp; Bishop Geoff Davies&rsquo; sermon highlighted our need to care for and nurture our natural environment – using a dramatic visual display of waste which was collected from paths and roadsides in the UK.
SAFCEI has representatives of all the major faith communities of South Africa who are united in a commitment to &ldquo;cherish the living earth&rdquo;. The purpose of the organisation is to raise awareness and encourage action by faith communities to care for the natural environment and to respond to the current crisis. Bishop Davies&rsquo; Sermon demonstrated that one core element of mission is to protect the world in which we live.&nbsp; His visual demonstration highlighted that we have a long way to go in achieving this aim with issues such as waste, pollution, over use of natural resources and economic injustice, all of which contribute to the environmental problems we face today.&nbsp; 
Bishop Geoff Davies is currently in the United Kingdom on behalf of the &ldquo;United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel – Anglicans in World Mission&rdquo; and the Anglican Communion Environment Network. 
To read the full text of Bishop Davies' sermon, please see our Sermons Page.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story247/south-africas-green-bishop-preaches-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Organ Recitals at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The summer season of evening organ recitals begins this year at York Minster on Saturday 26 July.&nbsp; The recitals will be performed every Saturday at 7.00pm, and the series ends on Saturday 6 September.&nbsp; Tickets cost &pound;7 (concessions &pound;5), including a programme, and are available on the door. 
The 2008 summer series of recitals features recitalists from across Britain and Europe.&nbsp; The series will begin with a recital by Anthony Froggatt, formerly Organist at Portsmouth Cathedral on 26th July. Philip Moore will perform his last Organ Recital as York Minster&rsquo;s Master of the Music on 2nd August. Organist at Antwerp Cathedral – Peter van der Velde will give the recital on 9th August
Francis Jackson, Organ Emeritus of York Minster, will be performing on 16th&nbsp; August.&nbsp;&nbsp; The recital given by the Minster&rsquo;s Organ Scholar Richard McVeigh on 23rd August and that given by Minster Organist John Scott-Whiteley on 30th August form part of the Complete Organ Music of Olivier Messiaen series which is taking place between 21st and 30th August.&nbsp; (For further information on this series please see the list below). Roger Sayer of Rochester Cathedral will then complete the summer&rsquo;s organ recital series on 6th September.
York Minster&rsquo;s organist, John Scott Whiteley said, &ldquo;It is an exciting opportunity to present the complete organ music of the great Olivier Messiaen as part of this year&rsquo;s recital series. The variety this will bring will ensure there is something for everyone:&nbsp; the more popular works which will be heard at the regular recitals and the wonderfully coloured music of Messiaen beloved of devotees.&rdquo;
Full list of recitalists in the Complete Organ Music of Olivier Messiaen series taking place between 21st and 30th August
21 August&nbsp;Jeffrey Makinson, RNCM
23 August&nbsp;Richard McVeigh, Organ Scholar, York Minster 
25 August&nbsp;Andreas Jetter, Winner: Moscow Conservatory Rachmaninov Competition
27 August&nbsp;Stephen Farr, Formerly, Guildford Cathedral
28 August&nbsp;Thomas Trotter, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
30 AugustJohn Scott WhiteleyOrganist, York Minster.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story246/organ-recitals-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Fond farewell to Philip Moore]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Philip Moore was given a fond farewell on Sunday afternoon following his final Evensong as Master of the Music at York Minster.&nbsp; Mr Moore conducted the Minster choir for the final time in a lovely service of Evensong&nbsp;held in&nbsp;the&nbsp;packed Nave of York Minster.&nbsp; The service ended with the reading out of choristers, choral scholar and organ scholar, and a presentation and farewell to Mr Moore.&nbsp; 
The Revd Canon Glyn Webster spoke of Philip's service to the Minster over the past 25 years and the hope that his retirement as Master of the Music will allow him more time to compose and further enjoy his career as a musician.&nbsp; He also read a message from the Dean in which Philip was given the title Organist Emeritus of York Minster.
Philip was presented with a cheque&nbsp;which he wishes to put towards a watercolour of the Minster and&nbsp;he spoke of how lucky he felt that he has been able to pursue the career he had always wanted to and work in several wonderful&nbsp;cathedrals.
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story244/fond-farewell-to-philip-moore.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[First play of new carillon]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster has become the first cathedral in England to have a full carillon of bells, as twenty four bells were added to the existing eleven of the Nelson chime earlier this year.&nbsp; The new carillon has now been completely installed and was played properly for the first time yesterday by expert carillonneur, Trevor Workman. York now joins all the major cities of Northern Europe in having a carillon to add to the ambience of the city.
The Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher, Canon Precentor at York Minster said:&nbsp; &ldquo;The ringing of simple tunes has become a real feature of the Minster's life in recent years. We are delighted that we have such a remarkable carillon which will add so much to the sound of York Minster and to life of York in general" 
The Carillon of thirty five bells now means that many more hymn tunes can be played to announce Evensong, as the range of the instrument has been greatly increased.&nbsp; On certain special occasions, tunes ranging from Beethoven to the Beatles could be heard.&nbsp; 
The bells will be played by a carilloneur using a baton clavier sited in the ringing chamber which is below the bell chamber in the south west tower. A group of volunteers are being trained ready to play the carillon regularly before Evensong each day.&nbsp; They will be rehearsing on a practice clavier, which is currently being installed.&nbsp; The baton clavier is played by the carilloneur using both hand batons and feet pedals that look like a church organ pedal board.
The chiming of tunes on the Minster bells dates back to the building of the present cathedral&rsquo;s towers in the mid 15th century.&nbsp;&nbsp; Chiming fell out of fashion during the 17th century and eventually the Minster&rsquo;s chiming machine was removed in 1750.&nbsp; In 1989, 11 chime bells were installed above the ringing-peal in the Minster&rsquo;s South West Tower, which has enabled the playing of tunes once again.&nbsp; With only eleven notes, the range of tunes was limited. The installation of the further twenty four bells will mean that almost any tune can be played.&nbsp;&nbsp;
If you would like to learn more about the bells of York Minster, the York&nbsp;Minster Society of Change&nbsp;Ringers are putting on several evenings which will raise money for the society.&nbsp; 
These events will take place on Thursday 7th August, Monday 1st September and Thursday 2nd October, all starting at 7pm. 
Each evening will include a talk about the Minster Bells and Bell Ringing, a demonstration of change ringing and of the newly installed carillon and the opportunity to speak to some of the change ringers themselves.&nbsp; 
Tickets for the events cost &pound;10 and are available from Christine Potter, Secretary of the York Minster Society of Change Ringers.&nbsp; Tel: 01904 627757 or e-mail: secretary@ymscr.co.uk. &nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story245/first-play-of-new-carillon.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Philip Moore's final service as Master of the Music]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Philip Moore, Organist and Master of the Music at York Minster for twenty five years will lead the music at his final service on Sunday 20th July 2008.&nbsp; Philip will conduct the Minster choir for the final time at a special service of Evensong at 4.00pm on 20 July – all are welcome to attend this service. 
Philip Moore has recently received the St William&rsquo;s Cross from the Archbishop of York in recognition of his time as Master of the Music at the Minster.&nbsp; The St William&rsquo;s Cross is an award given by the Archbishop of York in recognition of special service to the&nbsp; Province of&nbsp; York.&nbsp; During the Sung Eucharist service at the Minster on Sunday 6th July, the Archbishop also gave Mr Moore a specially commissioned Wedgwood bowl which is inscribed with all of Philip&rsquo;s qualifications and achievements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr Moore was presented with the bowl by Director of Wedgwood, Mr John Mohin. 
Mr Moore began his time at York Minster in 1983 when he succeeded Dr Francis Jackson as Master of the Music.&nbsp; He began his career teaching at Eton College in 1965, moving to Canterbury Cathedral to become Assistant Organist in 1968.&nbsp; In 1974 he became Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral before his move to York Minster in 1983. 
In Philip Moore&rsquo;s time at York Minster he has overseen the music for the enthronements of three Archbishops of York and for the installation of three Deans.&nbsp; He has composed pieces of music for each of these special services.&nbsp; With the Minster Choir he has produced several recordings of hymns, psalms, anthems and carols which have met with much critical acclaim.&nbsp; Mr Moore has run several choir courses in the USA and, as well as directing the Minster Choir, has been conductor of the York Musical Society since 1983.&nbsp; He will continue in this role following his retirement. Although he is well known as a composer and has overseen the music at many special services and events, Mr Moore&rsquo;s main love is to oversee the music at the daily services held in York Minster.&nbsp; To mark Philip Moore&rsquo;s retirement, the Friends of Cathedral Music commissioned an anthem from him which had its world premiere at Evensong on 3rd May.&nbsp; 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story242/philip-moores-final-service-as-master-of-the-music.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[As you Like it in Residence Gardens]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The York Shakespeare Project's production of As You Like it opens in the Residence Garden on Wednesday July 16th at 7.30pm. It will run until Sunday July 27th (excluding Tuesday July 22nd.)Tickets (&pound;8.00/&pound;6.00) are are available on the door or from York Theatre Royal. 
The intention is to present all Shakespeare's thirty-seven known plays over twenty years. As You Like It is YSP's thirteenth production, and the company has a well established reputation.
For more information: visit www.yorkshakespeare.org.uk&nbsp; 

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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story243/as-you-like-it-in-residence-gardens.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Barefoot for Burma walker visits York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Secondary School Teacher Ewen Hardie is currently walking barefoot from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh&nbsp;to Westminster to raise awareness of the plight of the Burmese people.&nbsp; On Sunday 7th July Ewen passed through York and met the Dean at the Minster. 
Ewen was so affected by the massacre of the Burmese monks in October last year that he shaved his distinctive dreadlocks for the first time in eleven years and has walked barefoot in solidarity with the Burmese people ever since. Ewen set off on his epic journey between Edinburgh and London on 25th June and has covered over 200 miles so far.&nbsp; During his journey through York he visited the Minster and met with the Dean.&nbsp;Ewen's prayers at the Minster called for peace and justice for all the people on Earth and especially the people of Burma and expressed a hope that they will soon&nbsp;realise their dream of freedom.&nbsp; 
Speaking of Ewen's journey and his visit to the Minster, The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: "When we see the oppression of the people of&nbsp;Burma, we feel angry and powerless to help.&nbsp; Ewen&rsquo;s walk will send a message of support from our distant land,&nbsp; provide a focus for our own prayers, and be a clear, public declaration of what we require for the people of Myanmar.&nbsp; We are thrilled to identify York Minster with his prophetic sign."
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story240/barefoot-for-burma-walker-visits-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Dr Richard Shephard receives honorary degree from University of York]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster's Chamberlain and Director of Development - Dr Richard Shephard has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of York.&nbsp; Dr Shephard recieved the honour on Thursday 10th July 2008.
Dr Shephard is a composer and practitioner of Choral music, is a visiting fellow in the Department of Music at the University of York and is also a member of the University's Court.&nbsp; He began his musical career&nbsp;as a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral.&nbsp; He studied at Cambridge.&nbsp; After graduating he taught in Salisbury and was a lay vicar in the cathedral choir.&nbsp; Dr Shephard was Headmaster of the Minster School between 1985 and 2004.&nbsp; He then became Director of Development at York Minster.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story241/dr-richard-shephard-receives-honorary-degree-from-university-of-york.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Glaziers Trust welcomes New College Choristers]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Today, Friday 11th July, the York Glaziers Trust welcomed a visit from the Choir of New College Oxford.&nbsp; The Trust has recently created a new stained glass window which incorporates fragments of displaced medieval glass retrieved from some recently restored windows at New College.&nbsp; The new window will be placed in the New College Song room, where the choir rehearse.&nbsp; The choir visited the York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust workshop to view the newly created window and speak to some of the Glaziers who have helped to design and create it. 
The new window depicts an angel along with an inscription which reads &ldquo;Sing Unto the Lord&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The window has been designed by York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust Deputy Senior Conservator Rachel Thomas and has been painted and glazed by staff at York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust.
The York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust (YGT) is responsible for the preservation and conservation of the stained glass of York Minster, and is also involved in other stained glass restoration and conservation projects throughout the United Kingdom.&nbsp; YGT has now begun the painstaking conservation of York Minster&rsquo;s Great East Window - a project which is partially funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story236/york-glaziers-trust-welcomes-new-college-choristers.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster School Choral Outreach concert]]></title>
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The Minster School and its choristers have once again been taking part in a choral partnership project with primary school pupils in York.&nbsp; This term, staff and pupils from the Minster Schoolhave been working with&nbsp;Fishergate Primary School, Hempland Primary School and Archbishop of York&rsquo;s C of E Junior School.&nbsp; Their hard work will culminate in a Choral Outreach concert which will take place at York Minster&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday 11th July at 5pm.&nbsp; 
Each week, musicians have visited the primary schools to work with groups of children and their teachers. The project is part of a national initiative involving choir schools that has been running for nearly a decade now. The government has built on this work which has now become part of the national Sing Up strategy led by composer Howard Goodall. The work attempts to increase children&rsquo;s opportunities to sing and to safeguard Britain&rsquo;s unique choral traditions. 
At&nbsp;the&nbsp;concert, the young singers will have the opportunity to perform before an audience of proud parents and members of the public.&nbsp; All are welcome to attend the concert.&nbsp; 
Mr Alex Donaldson, Headmaster of the Minster School said: &ldquo;This project is all about encouraging all children to sing.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re thrilled that we&rsquo;ve been able to work with Primary Schools from across York to help achieve this&rdquo;.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story237/minster-school-choral-outreach-concert.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[New Exhibition at York Minster Library]]></title>
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Turning the pages of history: An Exhibition of the History of&nbsp;York Minster Library 
A new exhibition has recently opened at York Minster Library - charting its history right from its beginnings in the 8th century to the present day. More than 70 items are on display, including 13th-century manuscripts,&nbsp;a 15th century book of hours, materials from the Golden Age of printing, unique copies of the Wicked Bible and the Charles I Bible from the 17th century, the manuscripts of James Torre and examples from some of our historic donors such as Archbishop Tobie Matthews and Edward Hailstone. 
The exhibition is located in the Old Library and will run until Friday 10th October 2008. Entry to the exhibition costs &pound;2.
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story238/new-exhibition-at-york-minster-library.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Philip Moore presented with Cross of St William]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Philip Moore, who has been Master of the Music at York Minster for 25 years and will be retiring later this month, was yesterday presented with&nbsp;the cross of St William from the Archbishop of York, The Most Revd and Rt Hon. Dr John Sentamu.
At the end of the Sung Eucharist service yesterday, Sunday 6th July, Dr Sentamu presented Philip with a specially commissioned Wedgewood bowl which&nbsp;has been&nbsp;engraved with&nbsp;his qualifications and achievements.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Mohin, Director of Wedgewood&nbsp;also&nbsp;took part in the presentation.
Philip&nbsp;was also presented with the Cross of St William which is given by the Archbishop of York to those who have made a special contribution to the Province of York.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Picture: The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu presents Philip Moore with the Cross of St William.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story235/philip-moore-presented-with-cross-of-st-william.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Park Grove School raise funds for First Responder Equipment for York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Children from Park Grove Community School&nbsp;took&nbsp;part in a fancy dress sponsored walk&nbsp;today,&nbsp;Friday 4th July 2008 to raise funds which will go towards Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) installing a defibrillator at the top of the Minster&rsquo;s central tower.&nbsp; Funds will also go towards creating a memorial at the school to Kath Luck, a member of staff at Park Grove School who died of a heart attack earlier this year. 
Park Grove School decided to raise funds for medical equipment in memory of Kath earlier this year and contacted the YAS for advice on what would be of use in the&nbsp;York area.&nbsp; A defibrillator for the Minster tower was suggested following the airlift of a visitor from the tower on the 25 April 2008.&nbsp; A defibrillator is used to treat a cardiac arrest within the crucial first few minutes and can save lives.&nbsp; 
Over 250 children ranging from 4 to 11 years from Park Grove Community School, along with YAS&rsquo;s Community Defibrillator Officer Neil Marsay, walked from their school, along the city walls, under Bootham Bar and past the Minster in fancy dress on Friday.&nbsp; 
Yorkshire Ambulance Service will be training members of Minster Staff to use the equipment as part of the Ambulance Service Community First Responders Scheme.&nbsp; This scheme runs throughout Yorkshire and includes over 1500 volunteers in the region who are trained to provide immediate treatment at certain emergencies before the arrival of an emergency vehicle. 
Any donations to the school&rsquo;s fund will be welcome, please contact Park Grove School on 01904 659727. 
Kieron Learoyd, Health &amp; Safety Manager at York Minster, said, &ldquo;Tens of thousands of visitors climb up the Minster&rsquo;s central tower each year and although it&rsquo;s very rewarding it is hard work too. We do our best to help people make sure they are confident of their fitness before they start up the 275 steps, but it will be very good to have this potentially life-saving equipment at the top as well as the first aider who is always on duty. This is a great gesture by the pupils of Park Grove School and I hope they all enjoy their walk.&rdquo;
(The picture shows children from Park Grove School who took part in the walk on the West steps of the Minster)
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story234/park-grove-school-raise-funds-for-first-responder-equipment-for-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[New Canons collated, admitted and installed at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Today, five new Canons were collated and admitted to the College of Canons.&nbsp; Four of the Canons were installed into their stalls in the Quire during the Holy Communion Service. 
The Four new Canons who were installed during the service are:


Mrs Linda Ali, a lay member of the Church of England's General Synod representing the Diocese of York

Mr Richard Liversedge, Chairman of the House of Laity of the York Diocesan Synod; 

The Revd Chris Simmons, Vicar of Pocklington and Owsthorpe and Kilnwick Percy with Great Givendale and Millington, and Priest-in-Charge of Londesborough and of Nunburnholme and Warter and Huggate and of Burnby;

The Revd David Wilbourne, Vicar of Helmsley.
(The Photograph shows the new Canons being presented during the service of Holy Communion: back row, left to right - The Revd Chris Simmons, The Revd Canon Glyn Webster and The Revd David Wilbourne;&nbsp; Front row, left to right - Mr Richard Liversidge, Canon Maureen Loffil and Mrs Linda Ali)
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story231/new-canons-collated-admitted-and-installed-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Youth Mystery Plays held in Dean's Park]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York's&nbsp; Mystery Plays have been updated courtesy of the city's young people.&nbsp; The York Youth Mysteries were performed all over the city on Saturday 21st June, including performances in Dean's Park (Minster Gardens) with the Minster as a back drop.&nbsp;The mystery plays date back to medieval times&nbsp; and the aim of the project was to bring them firmly up to date by incorporating a range of creative mediums, including dance, film-making, circus and song. 
Many organisations took part in the project - &nbsp;including York College, York Theatre Royal, York St John University and the Riding Lights Theatre Company. 
More than 300 young people took part in the updated&nbsp;versions&nbsp;to present their own unique take on the internationally acclaimed plays, which cover Christian history from the Creation to the Last Judgement.&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story233/york-youth-mystery-plays-held-in-deans-park.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Success for Minster stonemasons at European Stone Festival]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Six of York Minster&rsquo;s own masons and carvers joined other top masons from across Europe to take part in this year&rsquo;s European Stone Festival which took place in Freiburg, Germany at the beginning of June.&nbsp; Dave Willett, Danny Sampson, Martin Coward, Payson Muller, Tim Foster and Bob Morris all took part, with Dave receiving a prize of a mallet and a set of chisels for the piece of work he completed during the festival. 
Each stonemason had 2 working days at the Festival to produce their own interpretation on the theme of Europe&rsquo;s strength is its cultural diversity.&nbsp; At the end of the festival, the stones were auctioned off to raise money to fund the annual festival and to fund vocational training run by a College in the Freiburg area.&nbsp; The stones produced by the Minster&rsquo;s stonemasons and carvers did particularly well in the auction.&nbsp; 
The photograph shows Dave Willett's work which he carved during the weekend.



A range of miniature copies of carved heads from York Minster's Chapter House is available from the Minster Shop online.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story232/success-for-minster-stonemasons-at-european-stone-festival.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Refugee Week Exhibition]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster&nbsp;has welcomed&nbsp;an exhibition of information on refugees and asylum seekers throughout the world to mark National Refugee Week. The exhibition will run between Friday 13th June and Sunday 22 nd June 2008. Refugee Action York&nbsp;has organised the display, which includes not only information about voluntary bodies working with refugees and asylum seekers across Yorkshire and Humberside, but also national organizations such the Medical Foundation for Victims of Torture and the Minority Rights Group, and international ones such as Amnesty International and UNHCR. 
The Revd Canon Dr. Jonathan Draper, and members of Refugee Action York will welcome Bishop of Selby - The Rt. Rev. Martin Wallace, The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York - Councillor Brian Watson, and the Sheriff of York - Hon. Alderman David Wilde, to the Minster on Monday 16th June 2008 to officially open and view the display.&nbsp; The Canon will greet the party on the South Steps of the Minster at 14.00 hrs.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dates, times and venues for other events during Refugee Week are as shown in the attached programme leaflet.&nbsp; Refugee Action York is a local voluntary organisation which was founded in 2000 and has been organising local events for Refugee Week since 2002.&nbsp; The principal aim of Refugee Week is to raise awareness and understanding of the reasons why people seek sanctuary, dispel the many myths surrounding asylum seekers, and to celebrate the contribution of refugees in the United Kingdom. Refugee Action York works throughout the year; in particular it runs a weekly drop-in centre at St Columba&rsquo;s URC Church for Kurdish and Turkish mothers and their children resident in the city.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story230/refugee-week-exhibition.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Spectacular Minster Dinner raises funds for York Minster Revealed]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Nave of York Minster was the setting for a unique and spectacular fundraising dinner on the evening of Saturday 7th June 2008. Midsummer Minster Merriments – A Grand Cabaret Dinner celebrated the 600th Anniversary of the completion of the Great East Window and helped to raise funds for its vital restoration as part of the York Minster Revealed project. The funds raised from the dinner will go towards the match funding for this project, which has been awarded an earmarked grant of &pound;10 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund. 
Guests enjoyed breathtaking entertainments including acrobatic group Viva Aerial and unusual string quartet String Fever. Generous prizes were donated to be auctioned by a range of sponsors. Prizes included a black and yellow Smart Car, 2 weeks skiing holiday in Bulgaria, tickets to see Dame Judi Dench in Madame de Sade and a Visit to the garden at Highgrove House. 
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: &ldquo;The stylish and spectacular festivities at York Minster have not only helped us to raise money for our work and the care of this great place.&nbsp; They have brought new friends together to realise what a marvellous treasure this is for the world.&rdquo;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story229/spectacular-minster-dinner-raises-funds-for-york-minster-revealed.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Change of Time and Venue for Evensong 7th June]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Evensong will be held at St Helen&rsquo;s Church, St Helen&rsquo;s Square, York at 3.15pm on Saturday 7th June 2008. This change in venue is due to preparations for a Fundraising event at the Minster.&nbsp; 

The Minster choir will sing the Smith Responses and the Anthem will be Vaughan Williams&rsquo; Lord thou hast been our refuge.&nbsp; The organ voluntary will be Bach&rsquo;s Partita Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig, BWV 768. 
All are welcome to attend the service.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story228/change-of-time-and-venue-for-evensong-7th-june.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The spacious firmament]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
"The Spacious Firmament", a new anthem by Philip Moore, Master of the Music at the Minster, and commissioned by the Friends of Cathedral Music, was performed for the first time at the FCM Gathering in York on May 3rd.&nbsp; The commission was made to mark the retirement of Mr Moore this coming July after 25 years at the Minster.&nbsp; It was also made in recognition of his great contribution to church music over the past fifty years and to say thank you for his support for the work of The Friends of Cathedral Music. 
&nbsp;The anthem was received with great enthusiasm by the 70 FCM members who were present at evensong, and by members of the Minster congregation and choir members.&nbsp; It is a piece which will &ldquo;enrich the English choral tradition enormously,&rdquo; said Mr Ian Little, Director of Music at Ampleforth College.&nbsp; Ampleforth is a corporate member of the FCM and sixty FCM members had met there earlier in the day to experience the college&rsquo;s excellent music.&nbsp; 
Although the commission was organised by the York area of the FCM, donations have been received from people nationwide as well as from members of the Minster Community and the Minster Stewards.&nbsp; The presentation was made by Michael Wiles, the FCM&rsquo;s local representative.&nbsp; Also present was Prof: Peter Toyne, Chairman of the FCM.&nbsp; 
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story227/the-spacious-firmament.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stephen Magson Memorial Trust donates tool kit to new apprentice mason]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Apprentice Masons at York Minster continue to benefit from a Trust set up in memory of Stephen Magson, who tragically died on Ko Phi Phi Island in the Asian Tsunami of 26 December 2004.&nbsp; Steve joined the Minster Stoneyard as an apprentice mason in the mid 1960s.&nbsp; Genevieve Abranson&nbsp;today became&nbsp;the fourth apprentice mason at the Minster to receive a toolkit funded by the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust.&nbsp; Genevieve was presented with the toolkit by Stephen&rsquo;s widow, Denise Magson. 
&nbsp;Although active fundraising has now finished, the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust continues to support projects in York and in Thailand in Steve&rsquo;s memory. &nbsp;If you would like to support the work of the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust, donations can be sent to PO Box 42, York, YO24 4WR or online at www.stephen-magson-mt.org 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story226/stephen-magson-memorial-trust-donates-tool-kit-to-new-apprentice-mason.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Radio 3 Evensong broadcast]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Evensong on the feast of Pentecost (Sunday 11th May) was broadcast on BBC Radio Three and was a huge success.&nbsp; The service is available to listen to online on the BBC website.&nbsp; 
If you would like to learn more about services at the Minster please see our Worship and Spirituality Pages.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story225/radio-3-evensong-broadcast.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[From across the road or across the world]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Centre for School Visits caters for groups from far and
wide.On Thursday 24th April we were delighted to welcome a large group of
pupils who were visiting from Capetown, Abuja and Middlesborough.The visit was part of a British Council-led collaboration
between 9 different schools in South Africa, Nigeria and England. After being
greeted by the Dean and a quick photo call, we divided for tours of the
Minster.I was looking after the South African contingent and we  were approached by the duty chaplain who was
keen to meet the students from Capetown. He had been in South Africa a few
weeks before to conduct the marriage of his son. When he mentioned the part of
Capetown he had visited everyone started nodding, and one member of staff piped
up that she had been born there! It really is a small world.However the prize for the school who travel furthest
to visit the Minster each year must belong to St Hilda&rsquo;s School. They have had
an annual visit to the Minster for the
past 10 years, all the way from Buenos Aires, Argentina!
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story224/from-across-the-road-or-across-the-world.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Friends of Cathedral Music to attend Evensong]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday May 3rd the York area of the Friends of Cathedral Music will be&nbsp; holding its annual Gathering. 
Because Ampleforth Abbey and College&nbsp;recently became corporate members of the FCM, the morning and afternoon activities will be taking place there and will include short&nbsp; concerts by the Schola Puellarum Girls&rsquo; Choir, instrumentalists of the school, the Saturday morning Outreach Choir and the organ scholars of the college.&nbsp; A guided tour of the church, a talk on the history and present day use of plainchant and a&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; resumé of the school&rsquo;s music by Ian Little, Director of Music, complete the visit. A coach will transport people between York and Ampleforth.
The Gathering will reconvene in The Minster for Evensong where the anthem The spacious firmament on high by Philip Moore, newly commissioned by the FCM to mark his retirement, will be performed for the first time.
Following Evensong is a buffet and then a concert of music by Byrd and Tallis by The Ebor Singers (Harmonie Universelle) in Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate.
The Friends of Cathedral Music, which exists to promote the continuation of our priceless and unique tradition of music in cathedrals, recently gave a grant of &pound;17,000 towards a choristership here in York Minster.&nbsp; 
Anyone interested in finding out more about the FCM, or in taking part in the&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gathering or contributing to the commission, should contact the local FCM&nbsp;Representative, Michael Wiles on 01653 618479, mj.wiles@btconnect.com or here in the Minster. Non-FCM members are welcome at the Gathering.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story223/friends-of-cathedral-music-to-attend-evensong.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Chorister Auditions]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Could your son be a chorister at York Minster?&nbsp; The Minster School will be holding chorister auditions on&nbsp;Saturday 17th May&nbsp;2008 for boys currently in School Year 2, born between September 2000 and August 2001.&nbsp; Being a chorister is a superb experience for a child and gives a wonderful start in life as a musician. Choristers are educated at the Minster School, and the Dean and Chapter provide a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards the cost of school fees.&nbsp; Choristers receive an excellent general and musical education, and opportunities for taking part in services, concerts, broadcasts and tours.&nbsp; Becoming a chorister will also give children the chance to make many lasting friendships and have an active social life as part of the Minster Community. 
The chorister auditions will be held on Saturday 17th May 2008, and no previous musical tuition is needed.&nbsp; The auditions are informal and the Minster School is looking for potential, not the finished article.&nbsp; Candidates will be&nbsp;given the opportunity&nbsp;to watch the Minster Choir rehearse during an open rehearsal.&nbsp; They will then be asked to sing a song they have prepared, and take some simple vocal tests.&nbsp; There will also be a simple reading test to gauge academic ability. &nbsp;For further information, please contact Mrs Serena Riley, Minster School Secretary, The Minster School, York YO1 7JA; telephone 01904 557230 or email school@yorkminster.org. 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story222/chorister-auditions.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[New Bells for York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will become the first cathedral in England to have a carillon of bells with the arrival of a further twenty-four small bells on Friday 4th April. These will be added to the existing &ldquo;Nelson Chime&rdquo; that is played to announce Evensong around 5 pm each day, giving a carillon of 35 bells in total (3 chromatic octaves). The new bells have been cast at the Loughborough Bell Foundry of Taylors, Eayre &amp; Smith, where all of the existing Minster bells were cast.&nbsp; The new carillon is a gift to the Minster. Once installed it will be the first new carillon in the British Isles for forty years.&nbsp; Before Evensong each evening, hymn tunes are played on the bells.&nbsp; But on certain occasions anything from Beethoven to the Beatles may be heard. 
The bells will be played by a carilloneur using a baton clavier sited in the ringing chamber which is below the bell chamber in the south west tower. A group of volunteers is being trained in readiness for its installation. The baton clavier is played by the carilloneur using both hand batons and feet pedals that look like a church organ pedal board.
The chiming of tunes on the Minster bells dates back to the building of the present cathedral&rsquo;s towers in the mid 15th century. &nbsp;&nbsp;Chiming fell out of fashion during the 17th century and eventually the Minster&rsquo;s chiming machine was removed in 1750.&nbsp; In 1989, 11 chime bells were installed above the ringing-peal in the Minster&rsquo;s South West Tower, which has enabled the playing of tunes once again.&nbsp; With only eleven notes, the range of tunes was limited. The installation of a further 24 bells will mean that almost any tune can be played.&nbsp; 
The Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher, Canon Precentor at York Minster said &ldquo;The revival of chiming at the Minster has added to the sounds of York in recent years.&nbsp; We are delighted that York will be gaining a splendid carillon and hope that the quality and variety of the music played will add further to our worship and mission.&rdquo; 
It is hoped that once the carillon is completed it will provide another link between the Cathedral and the City for all to enjoy. York will then join all the major cities of Northern Europe in having a carillon adding to the ambience of the City centre.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story220/new-bells-for-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[RAF celebrate 90th Anniversary at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
RAF Linton-on-Ouse has today celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force at York Minster.&nbsp; Nine Tucanos performed at flypast in formation and the Turning of the Page Ceremony then took place at 12 noon.&nbsp; The Turning of the Page was performed by Groop Captain Mark Hopkins.
In the corner of the North Transept in York Minster, under the Astronomical Clock is a Book of Remembrance containing the names of over 18,000 airmen from 15 countries who died flying wartime missions from RAF fields in Yorkshire and the North East.&nbsp; Each day a page is turned to show a different list of names,&nbsp; This is usually carried out by the Minster Police, but four times a year, to mark speical occasions, it is turned with full ceremony by personnel from RAF Linton on Ouse and members of the RAF Association.&nbsp; Today's ceremony has marked the anniversary of the formation of the RAF.&nbsp; the ceremony is also performed to mark New Year's Day, 6th June (D Day in Europe) and 15th September (Battle of Britain Day).
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story219/raf-celebrate-90th-anniversary-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[The Great Art Show and Auction]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster has been a magnet for artists for many centuries and is still an inspiration for many people. It has among its own community a whole host of talented painters:&nbsp; from members of the congregation, to the Minster&rsquo;s Surveyor of the Fabric and a former Archbishop of York. These and many more who love the Minster will be supporting the York Minster Revealed project by displaying their own works based on their interpretation of the building they love in an exhibition in the Minster between Saturday 29th March and Friday 18th April. 
Eighteen artists, all associated with York Minster in some way, have produced works expressing their feelings on York&rsquo;s own wonderful Cathedral.&nbsp; These paintings will form an exhibition in the North Transept of York Minster between Saturday 29th March and Friday 18th April 2008.&nbsp; The paintings will then be sold at an auction to be held in the Minster on the evening of Friday 18th April 2008.&nbsp; The varied styles and methods of all the artists involved in the exhibition mean this will be a truly unique display and the only chance to see these varied interpretations of York Minster together.&nbsp; At the auction taking place on Friday 18th April, Jake Attree, well known Yorkshire Painter, will speak about his love of the Minster and how it has inspired his work. Tickets for Jake Attree&rsquo;s talk and the auction of paintings will cost &pound;5 and are available from Church House Reception, Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN, Tel: 01904 557208 or on the night in the Minster.&nbsp; 
The proceeds from the auction of the artworks will go towards the York Minster Revealed project, which will open up the beauty of the Minster and increase craft and skills training in stone masonry and stained glass conservation.&nbsp; The project has been awarded an earmarked grant of &pound;10 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp; The funds raised from the auction will go towards the match funding for this project.
To take a lok at all of the paintings please see the online catalogue.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story215/the-great-art-show-and-auction.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Rathbone Exhibition at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster has welcomed an exhibition of works produced by young people from the Rathbone charity based on Nursery Drive, York.&nbsp; The young artists have used their palms and fingers to create a four foot canvas featuring a cross, crown of thorns and a dove and have also developed a number of individual pieces around the theme of Easter.&nbsp; These works will be on display until Monday 31st March 2008 in St Nicholas&rsquo; Chapel in York Minster. 
The aim of the project was to get the young people to combine traditional images with their own modern thoughts.&nbsp; The artists who have produced the artworks are: Liam Wyard, Chantelle &lsquo;B&rsquo;, Danny &lsquo;Chucky&rsquo; Cross, Danny Hilton, Tamara &lsquo;B&rsquo;, Chris &lsquo;P&rsquo; and Sean &lsquo;B&rsquo;. Their artworks will be there for all to see during the Easter break and the hope is that it will stimulate viewers to look at this well-known story in a different light.&nbsp; 
Becoming involved in the project has not only fed the artists&rsquo; imaginations – it has got them thinking about the significance of the most important period in the Christian calendar.&nbsp; Martin Brennan, Rathbone Training Advisor said: &ldquo;The young people have been learning all about different religions so working on a project with York Minster has made them consider the meaning of the resurrection and their own place in the world.&rdquo;
For Acomb lad Liam Wyard, the experience has been particularly rewarding. The 15-year-old, who has been on the Youth Choices training programme for 14-16-year-olds at Rathbone, created a stunning three-dimensional crucifixion sculpture.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story217/rathbone-exhibition-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Merchant Adventurers support York Minster Revealed]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Company of Merchant Adventurers of The City of York has&nbsp; made a very generous donation of &pound;68,745.84 to the York Minster Fund Development Office, in aid of the York Minster Revealed project.&nbsp; The Company held a fundraising dinner in November 2007 to raise funds for York Minster Revealed. &nbsp;This substantial donation has today been presented to The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York at York Minster. 
Nicholas McMahon Turner, a Past Governor of The Company of Merchant Adventurers, who was responsible for organising the fundraising event said: &ldquo;The Company of Merchant Adventurers is delighted to have been able to contribute towards the York Minster Revealed project and I am most grateful to the many people both within and outside the Company who have helped us to raise this large sum of money.&nbsp; For many years The Company and The Minster have enjoyed a close relationship which continues today&rdquo;
Dr Richard Shephard, Director of Development at York Minster said: &ldquo;This is a very significant sum, and all of us at the Minster are most grateful to the Merchant Adventurers and all those who helped to organise this magnificent piece of fundraising. It is splendid to see a continuing relationship between these two ancient York organisations.&ldquo; 
The Company of Merchant Adventurers is a group of men and women in a variety of different careers and backgrounds who are united by an entrepreneurial spirit.&nbsp; The York Company celebrated its 650th anniversary in 2007.&nbsp; The Company, originally set up as a religious fraternity, now plays an important role in the civic and business life of York, administers charities and runs the Merchant Adventurers&rsquo; Hall as a registered museum. 
The York Minster Revealed project will open up the beauty of the Minster and increase craft and skills training in stone masonry and stained glass conservation.&nbsp; The project has been awarded an earmarked grant of &pound;10 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp; The funds raised by the York Company of the Merchant Adventurers will go towards the match funding for this project.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story216/merchant-adventurers-support-york-minster-revealed.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Memories needed]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York are calling on York Residents to share some of their memories of the Minster during the twentieth century for use in a book on York Minster to be published in November 2008. York Minster – A Living Legacy will tell the story of the people and community behind the Minster, particularly focussing on events which have shaped the Minster&rsquo;s history in the 20th and 21st Centuries.&nbsp; 
The Dean and Chapter are particularly interested in learning of memories of the 1960s restoration of York Minster and the 1984 fire which damaged the South Transept.&nbsp; But any special memories, anecdotes or photographs will be of great interest.
If you have any special memories or mementoes of York Minster and would like to contribute to this unique book, please contact the Editor, Pamela Hartshorne, c/o TMI, 2-5 Benjamin Street, London, EC1M 5QL or e-mail minsterbook@tmiltd.com.&nbsp;&nbsp; Contributions must be received by Monday 31st March 2008. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story218/minster-memories-needed.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Minster School Choral Outreach Concert]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;
The Minster School and its choristers have been taking part in a choral partnership project with primary school pupils from Clifton Green (York) and Settrington (nr. Malton). 
Each week, musicians have visited the primary schools to work with groups of children and their teachers. The project is part of a national initiative involving choir schools that has been running for nearly a decade now. The government has built on this work which has now become part of the national Sing Up strategy led by composer Howard Goodall. The work attempts to increase children&rsquo;s opportunities to sing and to safeguard Britain&rsquo;s unique choral traditions. 
On Friday 14th March, this term&rsquo;s project culminates in a concert in York Minster, where the young singers have an opportunity to perform before an audience of proud parents and members of the public. The Choir of St. Lawrence&rsquo;s School, who participated in last term&rsquo;s project, will join the other schools as they try to raise the roof of York Minster. 
Alex Donaldson, Headmaster of the Minster School, said, &ldquo;All children can sing. We just need to give them the opportunity - that&rsquo;s what this project is all about. It&rsquo;s particularly good to welcome back the choir of St. Lawrence&rsquo;s school. It shows that the work goes on even after our musicians have left. We hope that things will continue to snowball – I look forward to welcoming every primary school in York, eventually.&rdquo; 
&nbsp; 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story214/minster-school-choral-outreach-concert.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[New Chapter Steward for York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York have appointed as the next Chapter Steward of York Minster Mr John Morris, who has been Administrator of Leicester Cathedral since September 2003.&nbsp; Mr Morris previous to his present post, worked in the textile industry for various international companies.&nbsp; He is 57 years of age and lives at Southwell where he worships at Southwell Minster.&nbsp; He is married with three children, who are now grown up. 
Details of when Mr Morris will come to work for York Minster are being worked out.
The Chapter Steward is the chief administration officer responsible for the support, business and commercial functions of the Minster.&nbsp; The Chapter Steward assists the Dean and Canons in developing key policies and strategies and the role is a key link between the Chapter and York Minster&rsquo;s workforce of over 150 lay staff and 500 volunteers.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story211/new-chapter-steward-for-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA["Admitting the Strange Angels" Exhibition]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster is to welcome an exhibition by Burnley-based artist, Daniel Paulo.&nbsp; A selection from Daniel&rsquo;s work &ldquo;Admitting the Strange Angels&rdquo; will be on show in York Minster&rsquo;s magnificent Chapter House between Monday 17th March and Thursday 17th April 2008.&nbsp; 
Daniel produced &ldquo;Admitting the Strange Angels&rdquo; between 2004 and 2005, drawing inspiration from religious imagery and stained glass windows.&nbsp; The works have previously been exhibited in Ripon Cathedral and Dean Clough, and after the exhibition at York Minster they will go on to be exhibited at Lincoln Cathedral later in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Admitting the Strange Angels&rdquo; have been produced using acrylic on Canvas. 
Daniel Paulo said of his forthcoming exhibition at York Minster &ldquo;I am thrilled that Admitting the Strange Angels will be exhibited in York Minster.&nbsp; These works are based on religious imagery and the Minster is the perfect context in which to be able to view them.&rdquo;
Daniel was born in Leeds in 1968.&nbsp; He lived in Sutton-in-Craven for 28 years, then moved to Burnley in 2001.&nbsp; He completed a Foundation in Art and Design at Jacob Kramer College in Leeds and then went on to do a Fine Art degree. The northern landscape has been a very important influence in Daniel&rsquo;s work for many years.&nbsp; His current works, although now based on the human figure, draw much inspiration from churches and cathedrals in the North of England. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story213/admitting-the-strange-angels-exhibition.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[New Lay Canon for York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The latest appointment to the Chapter of York Minster as a Lay Canon will be Dr Andrew Green.&nbsp; On Saturday 8 th March he will be collated to the College of Canons by the Archbishop of York and then admitted to the Chapter in the Chapter House, before being installed in the Quire during Evensong at 5.15pm. 
The Chapter, which governs the Minster, comprises the Dean, three residentiary Canons and two other Lay Canons. As a Lay Canon he will hold the Prebend of Bramham, in succession to Canon Emeritus Lindsay Mackinlay. 
Dr Green is Managing Director of BPI Recycled Products and BPI Consumer which are both divisions of British Polythene Industries PLC. He is also a member of DEFRA&rsquo;s Advisory Committee on Packaging and is a Non-Executive Director of Valpak Ltd.
Dr Green is married and has two sons.&nbsp; His interests includeMilitary History, triathlon and rowing. Dr Green is also a member of the Vale of York support group for the children's charity, Hope and Homes for Children.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story212/new-lay-canon-for-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Ebor Lecture]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Dr Daleep Mukarji, Director of Christian Aid will be delivering his lecture on &lsquo;Poverty and Prophets: Faith based Agencies and Social Justice&rsquo; in Temple Hall at York St John University on Wednesday 5th March at 7pm.&nbsp; 
Daleep Mukarji said: &lsquo;I am delighted to participate in this series of Ebor Lectures. &nbsp;I hope to focus on the scandal of poverty and inequality in a world of plenty. &nbsp;In this context Christians, and people of faith and goodwill, need to speak out and help build a movement for global justice and poverty eradication. &nbsp;Recent experience in the UK and overseas has shown people are willing to get involved – we need to build on this.&rsquo; 
&lsquo;Poverty is a major scandal today. &nbsp;Recent movements such as Jubilee 2000 and Make Poverty History have shown how faith based agencies can take a lead. &nbsp;This is a revitalisation of mission – Christians putting their faith into action and preaching a gospel that must be good news to the poor.
The Ebor Lectures series has been jointly organised by York Minster, York St John University, and The York Institute for Community Theology, The Carmelites and The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber.&nbsp; It is an ecumenical project, building bridges between faith communities and relating faith to public issues such as politics, economics, contemporary culture and spirituality.

Entrance to the Ebor Lecture is free of charge, but tickets must be booked in advance: Tel: 01904 876474 or e-mail: eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk. 
There will also be a display of paintings by Jenny Baker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jenny Baker is&nbsp;a part-time postgraduate student in Theology and Religious Studies at York St John University, with a particular interest in the relationships between theology and the visual arts.&nbsp; As a&nbsp;painter&nbsp;she is intrigued with the theological insights which can result from the painting process; and as a non-stipendiary Anglican priest (in rural Shropshire) she experiments with using the visual arts in ministry. 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story210/ebor-lecture.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Success for Building Skills Bursaries Scheme at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Matthew Hodgkinson, who was the first bursary holder in the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme has now become a full time member of staff in the York Minster Stoneyard.&nbsp; Matthew started in the Carvers&rsquo; workshop at York Minster on a six month placement funded by the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme. &nbsp;&nbsp;This placement finished in January 2008 but Matthew&rsquo;s work has been of such a high standard, that he has now become a permanent member of the Stoneyard workforce. 
Matthew is thrilled to now be a full time member of staff in York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard and said: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m really pleased that the Bursary Scheme has given me the opportunity to develop my carving skills in this environment , it&rsquo;s a privilege to be a part of restoring this amazing building&rdquo;.
The Traditional Building Skills Bursary scheme, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund is now offering a six month placement for a masonry trainee in the York Minster Works&rsquo; Department.&nbsp;&nbsp; The closing date for applications to be considered for this placement is Monday 31 st March 2008. For further information and an application pack please see www.buildingbursaries.org.uk or contact the Scheme Manager Clara Willett, the Bursaries Manager on 01422 890756 or e-mail: enquiries@buildingbursaries.org.uk.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story209/success-for-building-skills-bursaries-scheme-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Library launches new web pages]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster Library has now launched its new web pages.  These can be found on the Minster site under www.yorkminster.org/learning/library-archives-conservation/.  These new pages give detailed information about the history of the Library, the publications it holds and the services which can be accessed there. On these pages you can also access forms which will allow you to request and renew books online from home. The Library is the largest Cathedral Library in the UK and holds a wealth of information on the Minster as well as publications on a number of other subjects including York and Yorkshire History, Theology, Art History, Church Architecture and Music.  These new web pages are the perfect way to start to learn a little about the library and how it can be used.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story208/minster-library-launches-new-web-pages.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[New Director of Music for York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York have today announced that a new Director of Music has been appointed.&nbsp; Robert Sharpe will succeed Philip Moore in this post when Mr Moore retires in July 2008.&nbsp; 
Robert Sharpe is 36 and has been the Director of Music at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall for the past five-and-a-half years. Before this, he held positions at Lichfield and St Albans Cathedrals. His hobbies include architecture, food, interesting wines and furniture. Robert is married to Polly who is a pianist and they have two small children. 
Robert Sharpe said &ldquo;I am very excited about becoming part of the Minster community at this time and working with the organist John Scott Whiteley as well as having the privilege of succeeding Philip Moore whose music I greatly admire.&rdquo; 
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones said &ldquo;The Chapter is delighted to have appointed Robert Sharpe as Director of Music. He will bring many gifts and an exciting vision for the future of the Minster&rsquo;s musical life based on a wealth of experience. We look forward to welcoming Robert, Polly and the family to&nbsp;York in the summer&rdquo; 
The role of Director of Music at the Minster includes responsibility for the forty-eight choristers and twelve men of the choir, and all music sung and played in the Minster&rsquo;s worship. &nbsp;Robert Sharpe will be only the fifth holder of the post since 1897, and follows such distinguished musicians as Thomas Tertius Noble, Sir Edward Bairstow and Dr Francis Jackson CBE, as well as Philip Moore who has been at&nbsp;York since 1983. 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story207/new-director-of-music-for-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ebor Lecture and Book Launch]]></title>
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The Ebor Lecture series on Theology and Public Life 2007-2008 will continue with a lecture given by Professor Grace Davie, on Patterns of Religion in Modern Europe: A Global Perspective. It will be held in the North Transept of York Minster on Wednesday 13th February 2008 at 7.00pm.&nbsp; The lecture will be preceded at 6.15pm by the launch of Liberating Texts: Sacred Scriptures and Public Life – the published collection of the first series of Ebor lectures. Contributors to this book include The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and Shirley Williams, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords. 
Professor Davie&rsquo;s lecture will focus on issues such as our Judaeo-Christian heritage, the continuing influence of the historic churches, changing patterns of church going, the growing significance of religion in the modern world and the secular reactions to these changes.&nbsp; Grace Davie said &ldquo;The religious situation in Europe is complex - a relatively secular continent is confronted with religious issues on a daily basis.&nbsp; How should we understand this paradox?&nbsp; This lecture will explore this question.&rdquo; 
Liberating Texts is edited by Sebastien Kim, Professor of Theology and Public Life at York St John University and Jonathan Draper, Canon Theologian at York Minster and chair of the Ebor Lectures Committee. In this published collection of lectures, representatives of the three great Abrahamic faiths reflect on the use and abuse of sacred texts in public life. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Revd Canon Dr Jonathan Draper, co-editor of Liberating Texts said &ldquo;We&rsquo;re very pleased with this publication and hope that it will make a useful contribution to contemporary debates on the place of religion in our society&rdquo;. 
The Ebor Lectures series has been jointly organised by York Minster, York St John University, and The York Institute for Community Theology, The Carmelites and The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber.&nbsp; It is an ecumenical project, building bridges between faith communities and relating faith to public issues such as politics, economics, contemporary culture and spirituality. 
Entrance to the Ebor Lecture is free of charge, but tickets must be booked in advance: Tel: 01904 876474 or e-mail: eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk. Copies of Liberating Texts will be available to buy for a discounted price of &pound;9.00 at the book launch on the evening of Wednesday 13th February 2008. &nbsp;&nbsp;For further information on how to buy the book please see www.yorksj.ac.uk/eborlectures. &nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story206/ebor-lecture-and-book-launch.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Journeyman departs]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Mark Langer, a 26 year old German Journeyman who has worked in York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard since October 2007 is now moving on to find his next placement.&nbsp; In recognition of the work which Mark has completed at York Minster and as a memento of his time in the Stoneyard, he has been presented with Sarah Brown&rsquo;s book &ldquo; York Minster: An Architectural History c.1220-1500&rdquo;.&nbsp; 
Mark represents the German tradition of furthering his craft-skills training. The tradition of becoming a &ldquo;journeyman&rdquo; in Germany dates back to the medieval period when stonemasons, after completing their apprenticeship would have to leave their hometown with only their work clothes and their tools. They had to make a living while travelling throughout Europe by using only the skills they learned during their apprenticeship. 
Mark arrived at the Minster in October 2007 in the traditional dress of a Journeyman – including shirt, waistcoat and bowler hat.&nbsp; As a journeyman, he is required to wear this traditional attire while he works.&nbsp; He has worked alongside York Minster&rsquo;s Masons in the workshop, practising his trade and enhancing his training. Mark has crafted stones which will be in place on the Minster&rsquo;s East Front for many hundreds of years to come.&nbsp; He will now move on from the Minster to find his next placement.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story205/journeyman-departs.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Archbishop calls in at the Centre for School Visits]]></title>
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The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York&nbsp;called in at York Minster's Centre for School Visits yesterday to experience a lesson with York Minster's trained Education Officers.&nbsp; Dr Sentamu&nbsp;joined&nbsp;in with the visit of Years 5 and 6 from Tockwith Church of England Primary School.
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I thoroughly enjoyed my time with children from across York at York Minster&rsquo;s Centre for School Visits. It was good to see the children enjoying their learning, particularly about a place which is part of both their heritage, present and future. For me Christianity is a faith of prayer and parties, so it was good to see the children laughing and learning as they dressed up in clerical vestments – as a vicar, a priest and a bishop - and learnt more about the Minster as a place of living worship.&rdquo; 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story204/archbishop-calls-in-at-the-centre-for-school-visits.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Archbishop visits The Centre for School Visits]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York visited York Minster&rsquo;s Centre for School Visits on Wednesday 16th January 2008.At the start of each year, The Dean &amp; Chapter invite Yr 5 and Yr 6 pupils from schools across the Diocese of York to come and learn more about their Cathedral and Mother Church. Fifty Schools will be visiting the Centre during January, February and March of this year. Dr John Sentamu will join in with the visit of Tockwith Church of England Primary School. As part of the visit, the children are expected to learn about the Minster as a living place of worship and one of the children is to dress in vestments similar to those worn by the Archbishop.Prior to the visit the Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: &ldquo;Last year nearly 45,000 pupils and staff were booked through the Centre for School Visits to York Minster, and nearly 12,000 of these were taught through the Centre. So I am delighted that the Archbishop will see and enjoy for himself this important part of the Minster's work with young people. I wouldn&rsquo;t be surprised if he joins in with them!&rdquo;The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York said: &ldquo;I am looking forward to joining the pupils of Tockwith Primary School on their visit to York Minster school visitor centre. I hope that this provides a great opportunity for the children to be more actively involved in the Church and to learn more about the wonderful building that is York Minster&rdquo;.After his visit......the Archbishop of York said: &ldquo;I thoroughly enjoyed my time with children from across York at York Minster&rsquo;s Centre for School Visits. It was good to see the children enjoying their learning, particularly about a place which is part of both their heritage, present and future. For me Christianity is a faith of prayer and parties, so it was good to see the children laughing and learning as they dressed up in clerical vestments – as a vicar, a priest and a bishop - and learnt more about the Minster as a place of living worship.&rdquo;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story221/archbishop-visits-the-centre-for-school-visits.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Archbishop of York to call on York Minster's Centre for School Visits]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York is to visit York Minster&rsquo;s Centre for School Visits on Wednesday 16th January 2008.&nbsp; The Centre for School Visits at the Minster offers school children from all over the country the opportunity to learn more about the history, life and purpose of York Minster through guided tours with trained teachers and lessons in the specially designed classrooms with resources unique to the Minster.&nbsp; 
At the start of each year, The Dean &amp; Chapter invite Yr 5 and Yr 6 pupils from schools across the Diocese of York to come and learn more about their Cathedral and Mother Church. Fifty Schools will be visiting the Centre during January, February and March of this year.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr John Sentamu will join in with the visit of Tockwith Church of England Primary School. As part of the visit, the children are expected to learn about the Minster as a place of living worship and one of the children is to dress in vestments similar to those worn by the Archbishop.
The Centre for School Visits has many unique resources. These include a scale model of the Minster&rsquo;s Masons&rsquo; Loft which can be used to show children how the Minster was designed, and models showing the stages through which the Minster went to become the building we see today. 
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: &ldquo;Last year nearly 45,000 pupils and staff were booked through the Centre for School Visits to York Minster, and&nbsp;nearly 12,000 of these were taught through the Centre.&nbsp; So I am delighted that the Archbishop will see and enjoy for himself this important part of the Minster's work with young people.&nbsp; I wouldn&rsquo;t be surprised if he joins in with them!&rdquo; 
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York said: &ldquo;I am looking forward to joining the pupils of Tockwith Primary School on their visit to York Minster school visitor centre. I hope that this provides a great opportunity for the children to be more actively involved in the Church and to learn more about the wonderful building that is York Minster&rdquo;. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story203/archbishop-of-york-to-call-on-york-minsters-centre-for-school-visits.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Dean of York's Lent Book]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Very Reverend Keith Jones,&nbsp;Dean of York is the author of the Mowbray Lent Book 2008, entitled Adam&rsquo;s Dream: Human Longings and the Love of God which will be published by Continuum.&nbsp; 
Keith Jones&rsquo; new book has been described as &ldquo;a personal exploration of how Christianity makes sense of life and how the Bible can point the way to a quality of existence that may surpass expectations.&rdquo; 
Adam's Dream is available to buy&nbsp;online or in the Minster Shop.
Further Information on Adam&rsquo;s Dream
Adam&rsquo;s Dream: Human Longings and the Love of God
ISBN: 1906286108
Published by: Continuum Publishing Group – Mowbray
Format: Paperback
Pages: 176
Price: &pound;10.99
Synopsis: &nbsp;&nbsp;This book is a personal exploration of how Christianity makes sense of life and how the Bible can point the way to a quality of existence that may surpass expectations. The author writes, "In this book I've explored some of the great stories and themes of the Bible, in the hope that they might help readers to get to know God in a new way. They are all passages that mean a great deal to me, and that I've lived with for years, and they have also had a huge influence on our civilisation and help us to understand it.&nbsp; I believe that influence will always be of vital importance."&nbsp; Keith Jones writes with an engaging accessibility, an educated voice and a reflective tone. He draws on his experience both as an individual and as a member of the wider Christian church, now immersed in Cathedral life. He does not ignore other writers on the Bible, particularly those whose influence is known in history, but draws them into his reflections. He looks at what has influenced him in his appreciation of Scripture and of God - be it music, books or the events of his life. Convinced that to immerse oneself in the stories and ideas of Scripture not only brings one closer to God, but also enriches and fulfills life as it is lived every day, he is a persuasive advocate of the ongoing relevance of the Bible to modern life. 
Biography of the Author:
Keith Jones was born and bred in Shropshire, and so is an Englishman of Welsh ancestry.&nbsp; He went to local schools, and took a degree in English, followed by a period of study of Theology, at Selwyn College, Cambridge before preparing for ordination under the late Archbishop Runcie at Cuddesdon College, Oxford.&nbsp; He was ordained in the Southwark diocese at the age of 24, and as a priest has served in various parishes, including St Albans Cathedral. He was for a number of years Vicar of St Mary le Tower, Ipswich, another of the English towns he loves.&nbsp; He became Dean of Exeter in 1995, and Dean of York in 2004.&nbsp; He is married to Viola, who lectures on the history of art, and with whom he shares an interest in the influence of Christianity on the culture of Europe. 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story202/dean-of-yorks-lent-book.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Nave to be cleared]]></title>
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The Nave of York Minster will be cleared of all chairs on Wednesday 2nd January 2008, so that people can see how spacious the Nave would have originally seemed.&nbsp; The Nave is only emptied of its furniture once a year, at a quiet time in the Minster&rsquo;s year, making this a special opportunity to see the Nave free of its 800 chairs. 
Emptying the Nave provides the opportunity to see this space as it was originally intended.&nbsp; It also presents the opportunity to host special and unusual events in its vast space.&nbsp; The liveliest of these events is the Diocesan Youth Event XLS.&nbsp; This event is to be held on Friday 8th February 2008.&nbsp; Young people from all over the Diocese of York will come to York Minster to celebrate and praise God through a diverse mix of music and activities. 
During the time that the Nave is clear there will also be a Taizé Common Prayer Service on Sunday 27th January, which will focus on scripture, silence and song in the beautiful candle lit Nave. 
This year, there will also be an evening of Circle Dancing on Saturday 19th January, and the Christian Unions of the University of York and York St John University will hold their annual Minster Ball on the evening of Friday 25th January. 
The building of the Nave began in 1280, and took seventy years to complete.&nbsp; Built in the Decorated style, it replaced the old Norman Nave of Thomas of Bayeux.&nbsp; Diverse uses of the Nave are by no means a modern innovation; in medieval times, the Nave would have been used for a variety of purposes: markets were held there, and in the 1500s there were complaints about boys playing football in the Nave!
The Nave will be empty of chairs until Monday 18th February 2008.&nbsp; York Residents can use their Minster Passes to come in free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York Residents can send an SAE to the Visitors Department, St William's College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF, or pick one up in the Minster.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story201/minster-nave-to-be-cleared.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Exciting times as preparations for the conservation of the Great East Window begin]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
During January 2008 some exciting changes will start to happen inside the Minster, as preparations begin to take the restoration of the Great East Window into its next stage as part of the York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust&rsquo;s&nbsp; In the Beginning project and the Dean and Chapter of York&rsquo;s York Minster Revealed project. The Lady Chapel will be prepared ready for scaffolding to be erected inside the East End of the Minster, covering the Lady Chapel and the surrounding area.&nbsp; 
Although the Great East Window will be obscured from view, a screen is to be erected covering the internal scaffolding with a life-sized printed replica of the glorious medieval window, so visitors can still experience the sheer size and beauty of this masterpiece.&nbsp; The replica will be the largest single graphic ever made and will be produced by Leeds-based company Electronic Print Services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The print will measure 14 x 27 metres. 
The last service held in the Lady Chapel before the scaffolding is erected will be a Holy Communion service held at 12.30pm on Tuesday 1st January 2008.&nbsp; The last Sunday Holy Communion service held in the Lady Chapel will be on Sunday 30th December 2007 at 8.00am.&nbsp; All are welcome to attend services held in York Minster. 
Although the East End will not be used for services throughout the duration of the project, this space will be put to good use.&nbsp; The space in front of the internal scaffolding will begin to be used to tell the story of the Great East Window and the restoration of the East Front. It is hoped that this space will ensure that everyone who visits the Minster over the next few years will be able to learn about this huge and important conservation project as it happens. 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story200/exciting-times-as-preparations-for-the-conservation-of-the-great-east-window-begin.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Christmas Worship at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Everyone is welcome to attend the Christmas services held at York Minster and join in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.&nbsp;&nbsp; A variety of services will be held at the Minster over the Christmas season, appealing to young and old alike; from the traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols to the family orientated Crib service. 
Two of the traditional Services of Nine Lessons and Carols will be held this year.&nbsp; The first will be at 16.00 on Sunday 23rd December 2007, the second will be held at 16.00 on Monday 24th December 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Crib service will be held at 12.00 on Monday 24th December. Children are encouraged to come dressed as shepherds&nbsp;or angels, to make up a 'living crib' during the service. &nbsp;&nbsp;Many children bring presents to the service, which are then placed in the Crib.&nbsp; After Christmas, these gifts are given to a number of local charities which work with children and young families.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The charities especially welcome art and craft materials such as crayons, felt pens and coloured paper along with games and toys suitable for under five year olds. But any gift is most gratefully received. 
The Midnight Eucharist service will be sung by the St William&rsquo;s Singers and will begin at 23.30 on Monday 24th December 2007.&nbsp; On Christmas morning, the services will follow the pattern usually for a Sunday, with 10.00 Sung Eucharist, at which the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu will preach, and 11.30 Choral Matins, at which the Dean of York, the Very Revd Keith Jones, will preach.&nbsp; At 16.00, the Minster Choir will sing Evensong. 
The Dean and Chapter hope that this full programme of services will afford everyone the opportunity to start the Christmas festivities with an act of worship.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story199/christmas-worship-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Advent Wreath decorated]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster&rsquo;s Advent Wreath has now been decorated and put into place for Advent 2007. The first candle on the advent wreath will be lit at the Sung Eucharist Service on Advent Sunday, 2nd December 2007.&nbsp; The Advent Wreath at York Minster is suspended beneath the crossing area, directly under the Central Tower.&nbsp; The wreath measures approximately four metres in diameter and is decorated each year with seasonal evergreen foliage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The wreath is decorated each year by the Minster&rsquo;s volunteer flower arrangers, underneath the central tower.&nbsp; The wreath is then attached to a wire which hangs from the ceiling of the Central Tower
The Advent Wreath will hang in place throughout Advent.&nbsp; One candle will be lit each Sunday and the central candle will be lit on Christmas day to represent the birth of Christ.&nbsp; The Advent Wreath has many symbolic meanings.&nbsp; It represents the coming of the light of Christ – both the first coming of his birth and looking forward to the second coming of his resurrection, celebrated at Easter.&nbsp; The circular shape of the advent wreath is symbolic of the eternal life found in Christ. The evergreen foliage which decorates the Advent Wreath also symbolises life.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story197/advent-wreath-decorated.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[ Family Carol Concert]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Tickets for this Carol Concert have now sold out.&nbsp; 
York Minster will be holding its annual Family Carol Concert on Friday 14th December 2007 at 7.00pm. &nbsp;Proceeds from the concert will go towards the musical life at the Minster, as part of the Development Campaign.&nbsp; As well as music from the acclaimed Minster Choir, the St William&rsquo;s Singers and the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers there will be some new, but familiar faces appearing in the concert.&nbsp; 
Well known guests, Harry Gration and Dame Janet Baker will give readings at the Carol Concert. Look North Presenter Harry Gration began his career as a history teacher who spent school holidays doing match reports for BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Humberside. Harry went on to become a regular commentator for the BBC&rsquo;s Olympic and Commonwealth Games coverage.&nbsp; He has won 2 Royal Television Awards for his Sports Documentaries.
Yorkshire Born Dame Janet Baker is considered to be the greatest English mezzo soprano of her generation.&nbsp; She has enjoyed an extensive operatic career, particularly in early Italian opera and the works of Benjamin Britten. She was created a DBE in 1976.
The audience will be invited to sing favourite carols such as O Little Town of Bethlehem and Away in a Manger.&nbsp; The readings will range from the humorous to the traditional. Tickets prices range between &pound;10 and &pound;20 and are available from the National Centre for Early Music Box Office, St Margaret&rsquo;s Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL, telephone 01904 658338, e-mail boxoffice@ncem.co.uk. 
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story198/family-carol-concert.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Exciting Choral Outreach Project]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Teachers and children at the Minster School have this term started an outreach initiative funded by the Choir Schools&rsquo; Association. Minster School staff and choristers have been working with three York Primary Schools to share their musical expertise and help children to enjoy singing.&nbsp; Children at St Barnabas&rsquo;s, St Lawrence&rsquo;s, and St Paul&rsquo;s Primary Schools have been able to learn about life as a Minster chorister and have taken part in weekly singing workshops with staff from the Minster School.&nbsp; This first part of the outreach project will culminate in a York Schools Partnership Concert at the Minster on Monday 26 th November.&nbsp; A choir of three hundred, made up of children from each primary school and the Minster School will come together in an extravaganza of song; performing music from around the globe.&nbsp; With pieces from Canada to Japan and from South Africa to Russia, the music will be truly multicultural.&nbsp; The concert will begin at 5pm and will last approximately 40 minutes: admission is free of charge. 
The three schools that have taken part in the trial have been visited weekly by the Minster School&rsquo;s Director of Music Alison Forster, and vocal coach Katy Mahon-Cooper.&nbsp; Alison and Katy have worked with both children and staff, teaching a huge range of music from around the world.&nbsp; Children have thoroughly enjoyed the workshops.&nbsp; Work with these three schools is just the beginning of the project; many other schools have signed up to be involved during future terms.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is hoped that the project will run for at least the next four years.&nbsp; 
Alison Forster, Director of Music at the Minster School said &ldquo;The fantastic thing about singing is that it is an all-encompassing activity: everyone can sing and enjoy singing, no matter what their background&rdquo;. 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story196/exciting-choral-outreach-project.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Friends of Cathedral Music mark Philip Moore's retirement]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
To mark the retirement from the Minster in July 2008 of Philip Moore, Master of the Music since 1983, The Friends of Cathedral Music are commissioning an anthem from him. The FCM, which recently gave a grant of &pound;17,000 to the Minster towards a choristership, wishes to mark all that he has done both for the music of the Minster and for music in a wider context through his composing.Mr Moore has devoted his whole life to music and primarily cathedral music. In 1968, after teaching for 3 years at Eton College, he became Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral. In 1974 he succeeded Dr Barry Rose as Director of Music at Guildford Cathedral and in 1983 he moved to York Minster, succeeding Dr Francis Jackson.&nbsp; 
Philip Moore is one of the leading composers in the Anglican Church of the last 50 years. His works are sung regularly in almost all our cathedrals and in those churches that support a musical tradition, including those in the United States of America, the Netherlands and in Australia. Apart from his output for the church and the organ, he has also composed a considerable amount of orchestral and chamber music, plus 3 cantatas for chorus and orchestra. 
Readers may be interested to know that a catalogue of Philip Moore&rsquo;s compositions (almost 400 in number) can be found here on the Minster website under Minster composers. To mark the retirement, therefore, of such a distinguished musician, the FCM is delighted that he has agreed to compose an anthem which it is hoped will be performed for the first time by the Minster Choir at Evensong on Saturday 3rd May 2008 at the Gathering of the Friends of Cathedral Music.Although this commission is being made by the FCM York Diocese, it is felt that there are many people both in this country and abroad who may well like to join in honouring Philip Moore. Donations, clearly marked Philip Moore Commission may be sent to: 
The FCM Treasurer, 18 Saxon Way,&nbsp; ROMSEYSO51 5PT, UK
Cheques payable to The Friends of Cathedral Music.
Alternatively they may be given to the FCM Diocesan Representative, Michael Wiles, in the Minster. Further details may be obtained from him on:
mj.wiles@btconnect.com
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story195/friends-of-cathedral-music-mark-philip-moores-retirement.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[40th Anniversary for York Glaziers Trust]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Glaziers Trust, the organisation which cares for, restores and conserves the world famous stained glass of York Minster is this year celebrating its 40th Anniversary.&nbsp; York Glaziers Trust (YGT) is one of the most well respected Stained Glass Studios in the world and has completed much challenging, exciting and vital work during its 40 year history. These projects include conserving the Rose Window after the damage caused by the fire of July 1984 and the painstaking ten year restoration of the St William Window which was unveiled in June 2007. 
Current and future projects offer the Trust further stimulating work: YGT are currently working on seven hundred year old glass from York Minster&rsquo;s Chapter House Vestibule; some of the oldest and most fragile glass the Trust has dealt with. The essential restoration of the Great East Window, will see the skilled men and women of the York Glaziers Trust working on the largest conservation project of its kind in Europe. 
York Glaziers Trust was formed in 1967-following suggestions put forward by the previous Dean (1941-1963) – Eric Milner-White.&nbsp; The first secretary and superintendent of the Trust was world renowned Glazier and stained glass expert Peter Gibson, OBE.&nbsp;&nbsp; Since its early history, YGT has grown in size, from its three craftsmen, to a staff of eleven&nbsp; skilled glaziers and conservators.&nbsp; In 2006, York Glaziers Trust was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for its &ldquo;In the Beginning&rdquo; project - to complete some of the work on the Great East Window at York Minster.
Although the York Glaziers Trust works primarily on the stained glass housed in York Minster, the independent nature of the organisation means that the expertise of those working at the Trust can be shared elsewhere. The Trust has worked on glass across the UK,&nbsp;including the conservation of medieval glass in a number of colleges at Oxford University.&nbsp; 
The Fortieth Anniversary Celebrations will include a dinner for the trustees and those who have been involved with the Trust in Bedern Hall on 6th November and an exhibition about the work of the York Glaziers Trust in York Minster.&nbsp; This exhibition will run between Monday 19th November 2007 and Friday 1st February 2008.&nbsp; Normal Minster admission charges apply.&nbsp; York residents can use their Minster passes to come in and view the exhibition free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York residents can send an SAE to The Visitors Department, St William&rsquo;s College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF or pick one up in the Minster.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story194/40th-anniversary-for-york-glaziers-trust.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Substantial donation from York Civic Trust]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Sir Ron Cooke of the York Civic Trust has today presented a cheque for &pound;27, 353.75 to the York Minster Development Campaign.&nbsp; Sir Ron Cooke, and Darrell Buttery of the York Civic Trust organized a wonderful exhibition of privately owned pictures of York Minster to raise money for the York Minster Development Campaign.&nbsp; This exhibition ran in the York Minster Library during September and October this year.&nbsp; The cheque presented today reveals the full and substantial amount raised by this exhibition. 
Sir Ron Cooke said: &ldquo;The York Civic Trust was determined to make a significant contribution to the Minster&rsquo;s Development Campaign, and to do so through an exhibition which uniquely showed York&rsquo;s iconic building in a new light.&nbsp; We hope that the many hundreds of people who visited the exhibition enjoyed it: they, and all the members of the Trust who made it possible, have certainly helped to ensure that the Minster will be restored for future generations to enjoy.&rdquo; 
Dr Richard Shephard, Director of Development at York Minster said&nbsp;&ldquo;The art exhibition was a splendid idea. The upper hall of the Minster Library provided an elegant venue, and the event was enjoyed by a large number of people. Our thanks must go to Sir Ron Cooke and his team from the Civic Trust who worked tirelessly on the Minster&rsquo;s behalf. Of course, to receive such a large cheque is a wonderful thing, and of enormous help as we continue to seek match-funding for our Heritage Lottery grant, but the exhibition was more than a money-raising venture. It gave a clear message that many people throughout the City and beyond are willing to give of time and talents to help York Minster. And for this I am profoundly grateful.&rdquo;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story193/substantial-donation-from-york-civic-trust.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Traditional Journeyman joins the Minster Stoneyard]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The York Minster Stoneyard has been joined by a German &ldquo;Journeyman&rdquo; – a stonemason who is travelling across Europe with only the tools of his trade to learn further skills and enhance his training.&nbsp; The tradition of becoming a &ldquo;journeyman&rdquo; dates to the Middle Ages when stonemasons, after completing their apprenticeship would have to leave their hometown with only their work clothes and their tools. They had to make a living while travelling throughout Europe by using only the skills they learned during their apprenticeship. 
Mark Langer, 26 years of age, originates from Heilbronnin the South West of Germany, near Stuttgart.&nbsp; Mark will be working in the stonemasons workshop alongside the Minster&rsquo;s own stonemasons over the next few months.&nbsp; Mark is required to wear the traditional clothes of a stonemason as he works, these include a black bowler hat, a shirt and waistcoat. 
Mark will receive a stamp in his work book to confirm that he has worked at the Minster Stoneyard.&nbsp; He will then continue travelling through Europe using his skills in different places to enhance his training. 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story192/traditional-journeyman-joins-the-minster-stoneyard.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Illuminating the West Front]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Usman Haque, the leading digital artist whose stunning work opened London Fashion Week in September, will transform York Minster with a 60m-high light installation – over the size of an Olympic swimming pool. 
The artwork, which will run each night from 6pm to 11pm &nbsp;until November 3, is the centre piece of a nine day arts festival, Illuminating York, showcasing cutting-edge outdoor artwork, exhibitions, site-specific performances and tours.&nbsp; 
Evoke will be projected onto the western façade of the Minster and will be an interactive installation which adapts shape and colour to different tone and strength of sounds and voices. Interpreting the functions and traditions of York Minster, the projection will allow members of the public to use their own voices to create colourful light patterns that emerge at the building's foundations and soar up towards the sky. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story191/illuminating-the-west-front.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The Big Draw at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will be holding a Big Draw event, to coincide with the National Big Draw month during October 2007.&nbsp; The Minster event, entitled Windows to the Soul will run during local half term week Monday 22nd to Friday 26 th October.&nbsp; The event at the Minster will encourage budding artists of all ages to use the wonderful stained glass in the Minster, especially in the Great East Window, as inspiration for their drawings. 
The drawing station will be based in the North Transept of the Minster.&nbsp; Here visitors will be able to pick up drawing materials and look at images for inspiration. If visitors wish to bring their own dry drawing materials they are very welcome.&nbsp; Visitors will also have the opportunity to leave the work they produce to be displayed as part of The Big Draw Exhibition, which will stay in place until Friday 2nd November 2007. 
Normal Minster admission charges apply.&nbsp; Visitors of all ages are encouraged to take part. York Residents can use their Minster Passes to come in free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York Residents can send an SAE to the Visitors Department, St William's College,College Street, York, YO1 7JF, or pick one up in the Minster.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story190/the-big-draw-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Lecture to commemorate 250 years since William Blake's birth]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Ebor Lecture series on Theology and Public Life will continue with a lecture given by Professor Christopher Rowland to commemorate the 250 th anniversary of the birth of poet and artist William Blake.&nbsp; The lecture &ldquo;William Blake 250 years on – Prophet for our Time?&rdquo; will take place on Wednesday 17 th October at 7.00pm in the Temple Hall at York St John University.&nbsp; Admission is free but by ticket only.&nbsp; Tickets are available from: Ebor Lectures, Faculty of Education and Theology, York St John University, Lord Mayor&rsquo;s Walk, York, YO31 7EX.&nbsp; Telephone: 01904 876474 or E-mail: eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk. 
Professor Christopher Rowland, Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture at the University of Oxford has written widely on the New Testament and the history of the Book of Revelation.&nbsp; He is involved in contextual theology and social responsibility issues in the life of church and society.&nbsp; Talking of William Blake, Professor Rowland said &ldquo;William Blake saw himself as a prophet and summoned all his contemporaries and readers of his work to join in the struggle for a more fair and compassionate society&rdquo;.
The Ebor Lectures series has been jointly organised by York Minster, York St John University, and The York Institute for Community Theology, The Carmelites and The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber.&nbsp; It is an ecumenical project, building bridges between faith communities and relating faith to public issues such as politics, economics, contemporary culture and spirituality.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story189/lecture-to-commemorate-250-years-since-william-blakes-birth.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Policeman's book is a sell out]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

Long-serving York Minster Policeman John Key published a book about life behind the scenes of the Minster&rsquo;s own Police Force in 2006.&nbsp; John&rsquo;s book, Close Encounters: Reminiscences of a York Minster Policeman is now a sell-out!&nbsp; John has donated all proceeds from the sale of the book, which reached a total of &pound;842.07 to Martin House, Yorkshire&rsquo;s Hospice for children and young people.
John Key, Minster Policeman and author of Close Encounters said, &ldquo;I am so pleased that all copies have been sold and am delighted that I am able to donate such a healthy sum to Martin House.&nbsp; I would like to thank all those who bought and read the book and who have helped to support the hospice.&rdquo;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story188/minster-policemans-book-is-a-sell-out.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Transcendence]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Visions, run by St Michael le Belfrey Church are joining together for an innovative service entitled Transcendence to be held at the Minster at 8pm on Sunday 7th October 2007 and Sunday 4th November 2007.&nbsp; Transcendence – An Ancient Future Mass will bring together different styles of worship for a Multimedia Eucharist in the Eastern Crypt of York Minster. 
The service will include ambient music, chant, movement and symbol and is described as &ldquo;a spirituality of worship for the contemporary age&rdquo;.&nbsp; The Visions services, usually held in St Cuthbert&rsquo;s Church were held at the Minster during December 2006 to February 2007 while the roof of St Cuthbert&rsquo;s was repaired.&nbsp; Transcendence will now bring York Minster and the Visions service together again – bridging the gap between traditional cathedral worship and the multimedia Visions worship. 
The Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher, Canon Precentor at York Minster said "I am very excited about the combination of the Minster's ancient setting and the use of contemporary media in worship, and look forward to welcoming people to a service which will be inspirational and challenging".
All are welcome to attend the service.&nbsp; For further information or if you would like to be involved with the services please contact Sue Wallace of Visions, sue@visions-york.org or The Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher precentor@yorkminster.org. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story187/transcendence.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[90th Celebration Concert for Dr Francis Jackson]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Thursday 1st October 1987 the Minster Choir gave a concert to celebrate the 70 th birthday of Dr Francis Jackson CBE.&nbsp; On Thursday 2 October 1997 the Choir celebrated his 80 th birthday with a concert.&nbsp; Now, ten years on, the Choir will celebrate yet another birthday, this time his 90th.&nbsp; A celebration concert for Dr Jackson will take place in the Nave of York Minster at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 3rd October 2007. 
Philip Moore, current Master of the Music at York Minster, said: &ldquo;The Minster community and the world of cathedral music rejoice that a truly distinguished musician is still in such vigorous form and able to play and compose with great distinction.&nbsp;&ldquo;
The Celebration Concert will begin at 7.30 pm and will consist entirely of choral and organ works by Dr Jackson and by his predecessor, Sir Edward Bairstow, whose profound influence on him is well-known.&nbsp; The concert will be given by the Minster Choir, conducted by John Scott Whiteley and Philip Moore.&nbsp; The organ will be played by John Scott Whiteley and Richard McVeigh.&nbsp; &nbsp;Tickets cost &pound;5 and are available from Church House Reception, Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN. Tel: 01904 557208. E-mail: concerts@yorkminster.org. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story186/90th-celebration-concert-for-dr-francis-jackson.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster hosts Yorkshire Regiment Service]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
A Service to celebrate the formation of the Yorkshire Regiment has taken place at York Minster today, 22nd September 2007.&nbsp; The Service was attended by the Colonel in Chief of the Yorkshire Regiment, His Royal Highness, The Duke of York KG KCVO.
The Service included a reading given by His Royal Highness, the Duke of York.&nbsp; The address was given by the Regimental Chaplain Canon Richard Cooper.&nbsp;
The Service was followed by a march past beginning at the Minster, at which the Colonel in Chief,&nbsp;His Royal Highness, the Duke of York took the salute.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story185/minster-hosts-yorkshire-regiment-service.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Choir to receive substantial grant from Friends of Cathedral Music]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;A cheque for £17,000 from the Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM) will be presented to the York Minster choir on Saturday 22 September, immediately following the 5.15pm Evensong service.&nbsp; It will be used towards an endowment of an FCM Choristership.
Canon Precentor at York Minster, the Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher, said, “The Friends of Cathedral Music’s support of the music of York Minster is appreciated in every possible way here.&nbsp; It is absolutely fantastic that FCM has awarded us a grant of £17,000 for the long-term support of choristerships and we are grateful indeed.&nbsp; It goes alongside all sorts of more specific and unseen support offered by local members.&nbsp; Long may it continue!”
The cheque will be presented by Michael Wiles, FCM’s representative for the Diocese of York, who said, “The Minster, as with all cathedrals, strives to keep up the unique tradition of cathedral music which is part of this country’s priceless heritage and one of the things we do well.&nbsp; FCM strives to support all our cathedrals in two ways: by our presence at services and events, and, of course, financially.&nbsp;&nbsp; We are, consequently, delighted to be supporting the music at the Minster and helping secure its long term future.” 
FCM’s Chairman, Professor Peter Toyne who will also be at the presentation said, “As a Yorkshireman in exile it gives me particular pleasure to be able to ‘come home’ and to support our great Minster at this crucial time in the continued development of its music foundation.” 
Since its formation just over 50 years ago, FCM has given nearly £1½ million to the choirs of cathedrals collegiate and large parish churches throughout Britain.&nbsp; Last year alone it gave a record-breaking £¼ million to help ensure the continuance of Britain’s wonderful and unique choral tradition.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story184/york-minster-choir-to-receive-substantial-grant-from-friends-of-cathedral-music.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Revealed Exhibition]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will be revealed through the eyes of the artist in a unique exhibition opening shortly in York to raise funds for York Minster’s Development Campaign. The exhibition, which is organised by York Civic Trust, brings together over one hundred pictures, from both private and public collections, painted between the 17th century and the present day. Many have never been seen before in public.
The exhibition will be held in the Minster’s spectacular library in Dean’s Park. It will be open to the public between 14.00 and 16.00 on weekdays from September 24th to October 12th . Admission will cost £8.00; all proceeds of the exhibition will go to the Minster’s Development Campaign.
From its beginning, York Minster has been a magnet for artists. In the early days they created some of the finest stained glass in the world. In recent centuries, Yorkshire’s outstanding iconic building has attracted artists ranging from the internationally famous (such as&nbsp;John Langton) to distinguished local artists (like John Boddy and Tom Dudley). They have sought to capture the majesty of the exterior of the building- from afar and close-up, and from all directions; they have tried to catch the detail and the vistas of the interior. This collection of oils, watercolours and prints brings together their efforts in a spectacular and original display which reveals not only the skills of the artists, but also the changing contexts and architectural details of the building. 
A Full Colour catalogue of the exhibition, a unique collection of over one hundred pictures has now been published.&nbsp; Copies can be obtained from the exhibition itself and will also be on sale in the Minster Shop, Spelmans Bookshop, Minster Gate Bookshop the Barbican Bookshop and the Little Apple Bookshop at a price of £10.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story183/york-minster-revealed-exhibition.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[New Bishop of Jarrow consecrated at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Thursday 13 September 2007 at 11am, a new Bishop of Jarrow was consecrated by the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, in York Minster. He is the Venerable Mark Watts Bryant, currently Archdeacon of Coventry.&nbsp; He succeeds the Right Reverend John Pritchard, now Bishop of Oxford.
Mark Bryant was born in Wiltshire into a clergy household.&nbsp;&nbsp; He was a choirboy at Guildford Cathedral.&nbsp; After leaving school he went on to study at St John’s College at Durham University.&nbsp; After leaving Durham he went on to train for ordination at Cuddesdon Theological College near Oxford.&nbsp; He served as curate at Addlestone in Surrey, then moved to Trowbridge, Wiltshire where he started as chaplain at the local Further Education College before becoming Vicar of the Parish.&nbsp; In 1988 Mark Bryant moved to Coventry to become Director of Ordinands and Training. After eight years in this post he was appointed Team Rector of a North East Coventry Parish of 33,000.&nbsp; Since 2001, Mark Bryant has been Archdeacon of Coventry.&nbsp; During this time he has also been Chair of Social Responsibility in the Coventry Diocese, spending a lot of time supporting disadvantaged communities.&nbsp; He has also been Vice Chair of the Board of the local NHS Acute Trust, and has been able to see first hand some of the pressures and opportunities of life in the NHS.
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Tom Wright, welcomed Mark Bryant to the Diocese of Durham:&nbsp; “Mark will join a happy and hard-working senior leadership team in the Diocese, and I very much look forward to sharing ministry with him.”
Mark Bryant is married to Elisabeth, a Nurse Lecturer and Practitioner and has three grown up children.&nbsp; In his spare time Mark Bryant enjoys walking, listening to music and watching popular television.&nbsp; He is also interested in art and photography.
During the service the sermon&nbsp;was preached by The Reverend David Tilley.&nbsp; At the Consecration, Mark Bryant&nbsp;was&nbsp;presented by The Right Reverend Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham and the Right Reverend Colin Bennetts, Bishop of Coventry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story181/new-bishop-of-jarrow-consecrated-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Website wins award!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The York Minster website was named last night as Best Tourism Website 2007 at the Yorkshire Tourist Board White Rose Awards.&nbsp; The Minster’s new website, developed by staff at York Minster and the York-based Design and Communications Agency Stone Soup, now caters for the Minster’s wide audiences, with information on Worship, Education, Visiting the Minster and Being involved at the Minster. 
At the awards dinner last night, the Minster website was praised for its clean design and interactive features such as the online Minster Shop, prayer box and virtual tour.&nbsp; These features have helped to communicate with those interested in the Minster, both near and far – with users from across the globe using the site.&nbsp; 
The Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York said: “York Minster is for many people their first glimpse of Yorkshire.&nbsp; It’s great that the York Minster website is a good gateway for them”.
Tom Sharp, Creative Director at Stone Soup said: "The York Minster website has a wide variety of audiences so it was a fantastic challenge to create a site that would communicate with them all. We work with clients across the world but we’re especially proud to be the partner of such a key institution in our home city."
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story180/minster-website-wins-award.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Art into Science, Science into Art at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
An exhibition entitled Art into Science, Science into Art will be held at York Minster as part of the BA Festival of Science in York between the 9th and 15th September.&nbsp; 
This exhibition is designed to display the links between art and science – using the textures of liquid crystals.&nbsp; Liquid crystals are a unique state of matter that all life forms depend on for their existence.&nbsp; They are also commonly found in modern flat screen TVs, laptop computers, mobile telephones, watches and calculators.&nbsp; Looking at liquid crystals through a microscope reveals their beautiful patterns, called textures.
Artists John Goodby, Eve Goodby and Steve Cowling have used different media to capture liquid crystal textures and to use liquid crystal textures to create modern art impressions.&nbsp; They have also used liquid crystal transitions to create textural movies.&nbsp;&nbsp; The exhibition at York Minster will display these artworks, which have been created using the textures from such an essential part of every life form.
The exhibition will be held in the North Transept of York Minster between 9 and 15 September 2007.&nbsp; Usual Minster admission charges will apply.&nbsp; York Residents can use their Minster Passes to come in free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York Residents can send an SAE to the Visitors Department, St William's College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF, or pick one up in the Minster.
The BA Festival of Science will be in York from 9-15 September, bringing over 350 of the UK’s top scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. This year’s BA Festival of Science is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) in partnership with the University of York, Science City York and the City of York Council.&nbsp; It is supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, BP and Yorkshire Forward. 
For further information on Liquid Crystal Art please see the folllowing websites:
www.yorklc.com; www.LiquidCrystalArt.com. 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story182/art-into-science-science-into-art-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ride and Stride for the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Participants from Yorkshire’s three great iconic churches: York Minster, Ripon Cathedral and Selby Abbey will be supporting the region’s local churches by taking part in the annual Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust sponsored walk and cycle ride on Saturday 8th September 2007. This is a sponsored challenge to visit as many churches and chapels in Yorkshire, by foot or bike, in one day. 

Participants from these three wonderful churches will be using three very different forms of transport! The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York will walk during the morning and cycle in the afternoon. Dr Richard Shephard, Director of Development at York Minster will be on foot - traveling between churches in York. Dr Shephard has already raised £3500 for the event. Charles Forbes Adam, Chairman of the Selby Abbey Trust will be cycling from Selby to York and back; Tom Ramsden, High Steward of Ripon Cathedral will be riding from Ripon Cathedral to Selby Abbey via York Minster on horseback while other members of the Ripon team will be cycling.

Those who visit Ripon, York and Selby will be able to collect a ceramic medallion, kindly produced by Wade Ceramics, to commemorate the Ride and Stride.

The funds raised from this year’s Ride and Stride will be split between the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and the church each participant represents. York Minster, Ripon Cathedral and Selby Abbey would like to encourage as many people as possible to become involved in the Ride and Stride. Sponsorship forms are available from each of Yorkshire’s three iconic Churches: for Ripon Cathedral call 01765 603583 or e-mail office@rcdc.fsnet.co.uk; for York Minster call 01904 557245 or e-mail richards@yorkminster.org; and for Selby Abbey call 01653 697320 or e-mail restoreselbyabbey@aol.com.

Image: Participants from York Minster set off on their stride through York.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story179/ride-and-stride-for-the-yorkshire-historic-churches-trust.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Lions Club Peace Poster Contest]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York will be hosting an exhibition on the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest.&nbsp; Throughout August, visitors will be able to view a display on the winning entries from last year’s competition, and children can learn how they can enter the 2007-2008 contest.&nbsp; The International Grand Prize Winner of this contest will receive a trip to the United Nations in New York. 
The Lions Club Peace Poster contest gives young people throughout the world a chance to think about world peace and creatively express what it means to them.&nbsp; A different theme is selected each year and young people ages 11, 12 and 13 are invited to design a poster using no words to express the theme. The exhibition in York Minster will encourage young people between 11 and 13 years old to enter their regional competition for 2007-2008, the theme of which is “Peace around the World”.&nbsp; 
The York Lions Club is part of the Lions International Club, a network of 1.3 million men and women across the globe who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. For further information on Lions Club International please see the website at www.lionsclubs.org.&nbsp; For information on the York Lions Club and how to enter the local Peace Poster Contest, please contact Peter Jesse on 01904 490410 or e-mail pete.jesse@talktalk.net. 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story178/lions-club-peace-poster-contest.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Come and see the Minster Stoneyard]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Take a trip up York Minster’s East Front!&nbsp; The Minster’s Stoneyard is holding its annual open day, including a chance to take the lift up the scaffolding covering the East Front.&nbsp; The open day will take place on Friday 10 August 2007, between 9.30am and 3.00pm. 
Entrance to the Stoneyard, located on Deangate, will be free of charge, and everyone is welcome to come and look behind the scenes at one of the Minster’s most exciting areas.&nbsp; Donations to York Minster Fund are invited.&nbsp; All money raised from the Stoneyard Open Day will go towards the restoration of the East Front.
Visitors can explore the work of progress of stone through the Stoneyard, see the work of the stone sawing and shaping machinery, and meet the Masons, Carvers and Carpenters.&nbsp; There will also be guided tours of special areas of interest, including the drawing shop and the plaster cast museum.&nbsp;&nbsp; Visitors will also have the chance to view some of the work of the York Minster Broderers, a group of volunteers who create all the wonderful embroidery which can be seen in the Minster.
Members of the public will also be able to take the lift up the East Front scaffolding, and see the Minster’s greatest restoration project.&nbsp; People will be able to see for themselves the stonework and glass, and see how urgently it needs to be repaired.&nbsp; 
As they go up in the lift, visitors will pass the Great East Window, which is the size of a tennis court, and the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.&nbsp; The East Front is over 600 years old, and visitors can see how the years have taken their toll on the stone and glass, with widespread erosion of the stonework, including the delicate tracery of the Great East Window.&nbsp; 
Trips up the East Front scaffolding are available throughout the day; weather permitting, for a minimum donation of £5.&nbsp; Tickets for the East Front Tours will be available from the Stoneyard on the day on a first come, first served basis.&nbsp; Children of 16 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and no children under 10 years old will be admitted.&nbsp; 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story176/come-and-see-the-minster-stoneyard.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Time for Tea at the Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Visitors to York Minster will be able to enjoy a sit down and a cup of tea and a biscuit while they enjoy a visit to one of the world’s greatest churches. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served by members of the Minster community to visitors in return for a donation between 10.30 and 13.00 hrs at the West End of the Minster on August 3 rd, and in the North Transept on August 10 th, 17 th, 24 thand 31st.&nbsp; All funds raised from the serving of refreshments will be given to Christian Aid.&nbsp; 
To find out more about the work of Christian Aid, please see their website at www.christianaid.org.uk 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story175/time-for-tea-at-the-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster gets Heritage Lottery Fund earmarked grant]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
£10 million Heritage Lottery Fund investment for York Minster
York Minster has today been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) earmarked&nbsp;grant of £10million.&nbsp; This massive injection of Lottery money will help the Dean and Chapter of York to undertake an ambitious programme of vital restoration work to the east end of the building, including the Great East Window, as well as put in place exciting plans for the training of skilled craftspeople and volunteers.&nbsp; This project is the third piece in the Minster’s latest restoration jigsaw, with two previous phases also having been supported by HLF to the tune of £440,000.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York Minster said:&nbsp;&nbsp; "This is wonderful news. York Minster is one of the world's greatest buildings, and now the Heritage Lottery Fund is helping us not just to keep it standing, but provide a dazzling experience for millions of people.&nbsp; This is great for us all, and especially for York, for Yorkshire, and the North.&nbsp; It also puts us on the map at a time when the whole world will be coming to Britain.&nbsp; Now we can make the Minster a place of which we can be even more proud.”
"It's a tribute to many people around York and in our own team who have helped us to prepare the bid, and we are now poised to make our dream a reality. It's a moment to thank all the people who have encouraged us, and had such brilliant ideas."
Carole Souter, Director of HLF, said “York Minster is a world famous building - rich in history and architectural complexity – which attracts huge numbers of visitors every year who gaze up at its inspirational stained-glass windows.&nbsp; We are completely convinced by the future vision for the Minster, with its emphasis on making it a welcoming place, and continuing the strong tradition of craftsmanship which has been fostered there over the centuries.”&nbsp; 
James Purnell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:&nbsp; "York Minster is a magnificent building and an important part of British history. The National Lottery, through the HLF, has always had an important role in supporting our heritage, making it accessible for all. This grant will undoubtedly make an important difference to the preservation of one of our greatest landmarks so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come."
Dame Judi Dench, actress and long-term supporter of York Minster, commented:
"I was born in York and the Minster is particularly dear to my heart.&nbsp; It's also the backdrop to my theatrical heritage as I had my acting debut there in the Fifties when I performed in the Mystery Plays.&nbsp; It's marvellous news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has been so generous and ensured that the&nbsp;vital restoration work of this most wonderful and iconic building will now take place."
Urgent repairs
The current structure of York Minster was begun in 1220 to complete the replacement of the extended 11 th century Norman building already in existence.&nbsp; The east end, begun in the late 14th century, is currently in an unstable condition with a noticeable tilt towards the east.&nbsp; The stonework, much of it dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, is currently in a fragile condition and will be conserved along with the main glass panels of the much-photographed Great East Window.&nbsp; Created by the renowned John Thornton of Coventry between 1405 and 1408, this spectacular window originally cost £56. 
Nurturing heritage skills 
The Dean and Chapter of York and the Heritage Lottery Fund have a shared passion for looking after the historic environment as well as nurturing traditional heritage skills. An important part of York Minster’s plans involve the training of new apprentices in the specialist skills of stone masonry and stained-glass conservation.&nbsp; This will be the largest conservation project of its kind with five stonemasons and three stained glass conservation apprentices being taken on over the five-year period of work.&nbsp; This is in addition to conservation staff at the York Glaziers Trust already being trained under the In the Beginning scheme, also funded by HLF. 
Encouraging volunteering opportunities 
There are currently&nbsp;around 500 volunteers at York Minster who will now receive more tailored training. Additionally, an initiative is being set up to target a more diverse range of individuals, including students from the nearby Universities of York and York St John, to get involved at the cathedral.&nbsp; 
(Photograph: Kippa Matthews/Heritage Lottery Fund)&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story174/york-minster-gets-heritage-lottery-fund-earmarked-grant.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster gets Heritage Lottery Fund earmarked grant]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
£10 million Heritage Lottery Fund investment for York Minster
York Minster has today been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) earmarked&nbsp;grant of £10million.&nbsp; This massive injection of Lottery money will help the Dean and Chapter of York to undertake an ambitious programme of vital restoration work to the east end of the building, including the Great East Window, as well as put in place exciting plans for the training of skilled craftspeople and volunteers.&nbsp; This project is the third piece in the Minster’s latest restoration jigsaw, with two previous phases also having been supported by HLF to the tune of £440,000.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York Minster said:&nbsp;&nbsp; "This is wonderful news. York Minster is one of the world's greatest buildings, and now the Heritage Lottery Fund is helping us not just to keep it standing, but provide a dazzling experience for millions of people.&nbsp; This is great for us all, and especially for York, for Yorkshire, and the North.&nbsp; It also puts us on the map at a time when the whole world will be coming to Britain.&nbsp; Now we can make the Minster a place of which we can be even more proud.”
"It's a tribute to many people around York and in our own team who have helped us to prepare the bid, and we are now poised to make our dream a reality. It's a moment to thank all the people who have encouraged us, and had such brilliant ideas."
Carole Souter, Director of HLF, said “York Minster is a world famous building - rich in history and architectural complexity – which attracts huge numbers of visitors every year who gaze up at its inspirational stained-glass windows.&nbsp; We are completely convinced by the future vision for the Minster, with its emphasis on making it a welcoming place, and continuing the strong tradition of craftsmanship which has been fostered there over the centuries.”&nbsp; 
James Purnell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:&nbsp; "York Minster is a magnificent building and an important part of British history. The National Lottery, through the HLF, has always had an important role in supporting our heritage, making it accessible for all. This grant will undoubtedly make an important difference to the preservation of one of our greatest landmarks so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come."
Dame Judi Dench, actress and long-term supporter of York Minster, commented:
"I was born in York and the Minster is particularly dear to my heart.&nbsp; It's also the backdrop to my theatrical heritage as I had my acting debut there in the Fifties when I performed in the Mystery Plays.&nbsp; It's marvellous news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has been so generous and ensured that the&nbsp;vital restoration work of this most wonderful and iconic building will now take place."
Urgent repairs
The current structure of York Minster was begun in 1220 to complete the replacement of the extended 11 th century Norman building already in existence.&nbsp; The east end, begun in the late 14th century, is currently in an unstable condition with a noticeable tilt towards the east.&nbsp; The stonework, much of it dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, is currently in a fragile condition and will be conserved along with the main glass panels of the much-photographed Great East Window.&nbsp; Created by the renowned John Thornton of Coventry between 1405 and 1408, this spectacular window originally cost £56. 
Nurturing heritage skills 
The Dean and Chapter of York and the Heritage Lottery Fund have a shared passion for looking after the historic environment as well as nurturing traditional heritage skills. An important part of York Minster’s plans involve the training of new apprentices in the specialist skills of stone masonry and stained-glass conservation.&nbsp; This will be the largest conservation project of its kind with five stonemasons and three stained glass conservation apprentices being taken on over the five-year period of work.&nbsp; This is in addition to conservation staff at the York Glaziers Trust already being trained under the In the Beginning scheme, also funded by HLF. 
Encouraging volunteering opportunities 
There are currently&nbsp;around 500 volunteers at York Minster who will now receive more tailored training. Additionally, an initiative is being set up to target a more diverse range of individuals, including students from the nearby Universities of York and York St John, to get involved at the cathedral.&nbsp; 
(Photograph: Kippa Matthews/Heritage Lottery Fund)&nbsp;&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story177/york-minster-gets-heritage-lottery-fund-earmarked-grant.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Ice Cream in Dean's Park]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
You can now enjoy an ice cream in Dean's Park! A new refreshments stand has been opened by The Dean and Chapter of York in Dean’s Park – the gardens which surround the North West side of the Minster.&nbsp; The new refreshments stand will serve Fair-trade tea and coffee and luxury ice cream throughout the summer months seven days a week. 
Many people enjoy Dean’s Park all the year round.&nbsp; Although it is a private park, cared for by the Dean and Chapter, it is one of York’s best-loved places, in the shadow of the Minster, and home to the Cathedral Library.&nbsp; Numerous events, from performances of the Mystery Plays, to dramatic productions by students, take place there.&nbsp; And it is just around the corner from many of York’s city-centre attractions. The stand is run by Five Star Caterers who also provide refreshments at the Tower of London, Battersea Park, Crystal Palace and many other attractions across the UK.
The opening hours of the refreshments stand will be Monday to Friday – 10.00am until late.&nbsp; Saturday and Sunday – 9.00 am until late.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story173/ice-cream-in-deans-park.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster - A Centre of Inspiration]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;
The Minster is this week hosting an exciting event which places it&nbsp;in its&nbsp;rightful place as a centre for&nbsp;study, inspiration and reflection.&nbsp; The Christianity and Culture&nbsp;conference on "Visual Representations of Mediaeval Spirituality" will be held in St William's College between 16th and 18th July.&nbsp; This&nbsp;event is the most recent project which has come about through the Dean and Chapter's partnership with the Christianity and Culture Project.
The Conference brings together&nbsp;a stellar cast of leading academics from all over the world.&nbsp; The exciting programme ranges from art, architecture, drama, music, manuscripts and stained glass.
For further information on the Christianity and Culture Project please see the project&nbsp;web page: www.york.ac.uk/inst/cms/candc
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story172/york-minster--a-centre-of-inspiration.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster celebrates "Old" York - New York connection]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster is always aware of the link between Old York and New York.&nbsp; Just now, the Minster is hosting guests from New York and will also welcome a recital by an outstanding New York Choir with links to the Minster.&nbsp;&nbsp; To celebrate the friendship between the churches in two cities the Minster welcomes guests from the Diocese of New York, and particularly from St Thomas’ Church, Fifth Avenue, which has special connections with York Minster. 
The Dean and Chapter of York are also currently host to The Right Revd E. Don Taylor, the Vicar Bishop for New York City.&nbsp; Bishop Taylor is staying at the Deanery throughout June and July as he shares in the life of the Diocese and Province of York.&nbsp; Bishop Taylor also hopes to strengthen the bonds of fellowship between “Old” York and New York.
The Choir of St Thomas’ Church, Fifth Avenue, New York, is to give a recital in The Quire of York Minster on Saturday 14 th July 2007 at 7.30pm.&nbsp; The proceeds will go towards the Minster’s Music Development Campaign, and will help to maintain the musical life of the Minster.&nbsp; St Thomas’ Choir was founded by former Organist of York Minster, Thomas Noble.&nbsp; In 1913 Thomas Tertius Noble, organist of York Minster from 1897 to 1913, sailed across the Atlantic and founded the Choir and Choir School of St Thomas’ Church, Fifth Avenue, New York. The choir is now considered to be one of the best&nbsp; who sing in the Anglican musical tradition in the USA. 
The programme for the recital will reflect the “Old” York – New York connection with performances of music by T Tertius Noble, Philip Moore - the Minster’s current organist, John Sheppard and Rachmaninov.&nbsp; The main item also has a York connection: Britten’s delightful Hymn to St Cecilia was written to a text by WH Auden, who was born in York 100 years ago.&nbsp; Britten composed this piece during his sea voyage back from America in 1942. Tickets for the recital, costing £7.50 or £5.00 concessions are available from the Minster Reception Desk in Church House, Ogleforth, Telephone 01904 557208. 
The friendship between St Thomas’, New York and York Minster will continue to be celebrated on Sunday 15 th July when The Revd Canon John Andrew, former Vicar of St Thomas’, will return to preach in the Minster, 50 years after his ordination in the cathedral. The Dean and Chapter will welcome back Revd Canon Andrew on Sunday 15th July 2007, when he will preach at Sung Eucharist at 10.00 am.&nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone is welcome to attend this service. 
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story171/york-minster-celebrates-old-york--new-york-connection.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Dr Francis Jackson is made a CBE for services to Music]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Dr Francis Jackson, Organist Emeritus of York Minster, has been made a CBE for services to music&nbsp;in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.&nbsp; Dr Jackson was Organist and Master of the Music at the Minster for thirty six years, he&nbsp;retired in 1982.
Dr Jackson was born in the Yorkshire town of Malton, and began his association with the Minster at the age of 11 when he became a chorister under Sir Edward Bairstow.&nbsp; During his time as Organist of York Minster he was President of the Royal College of Organists between 1972 and 1974 and in 1978 was appointed OBE for services to music.
Dr Jackson has given recitals all over the world and has made many recordings of solo organ music as well as choral music.&nbsp; He is also well known as a composer and his music is sung extensively both in the UK&nbsp;and abroad.
(Photograph: By Kind permission of Mr Anthony Cairns, www.iao.org.uk)
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story170/dr-francis-jackson-is-made-a-cbe-for-services-to-music.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[The Lost Legion to raise money for York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Lost Legion, the group behind the York Roman Festival are to take part in a sponsored walk of the city walls on Sunday 1st July 2007.&nbsp; They hope to walk around the walls eight times in 12 hours.&nbsp; Half of the money raised by the group will go towards York Minster Revealed, a five-year project to open up the beauty of the Minster and restore the Great East Window.&nbsp; The other half of the money they raise will go towards the York Roman Festival. 
The Lost Legion plan to walk around the city walls eight times in 12 hours, dressed in Roman Costume.&nbsp; The walk will add up to a distance of 20 miles.&nbsp; This distance is similar to that which a Roman Soldier would have covered in a day.&nbsp; The Lost Legion will dress in full Legionary uniform, which consists of armour, helmet, sword, belt, tunic and sandals.
Keith Mulhearn of The Lost Legion said “This walk is something we have wanted to do for a long time.&nbsp; Being able to raise money and profile for both the Roman Festival and York Minster Revealed makes the tough walk worth it!&nbsp; York is first and foremost an historical city and we must do all we can to preserve it for future residents.”
The Old Star Inn, Stonegate and Thomas’ Hotel, Museum St have offered the Lost Legion refreshments during their day’s walking.&nbsp; If you would like to sponsor the Lost Legion, sponsorship forms will be available at The Old Star Inn and Thomas’ Hotel, alternatively, contact Keith Mulhearn at keith@completeyork.com. 
If you would like further information on how you can support the York Minster Revealed project you can visit the York Minster Website at www.yorkminster.org/involved .
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story166/the-lost-legion-to-raise-money-for-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[York Minster: A Living Legacy]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York is currently working on a new publication York Minster: A Living Legacy.
This new book will tell the story of the Minster as a building and community.&nbsp; The past will be brought to life and many of the hidden corners of the Minster will be revealed.&nbsp; This book will stand as a portrait of the Minster community, its day-to-day life, the people who make the Minster work and the skills of the craft workshops that maintain its fabric for future generations.
For details on how you can subscribe and contribute&nbsp;to this book in advance of publication please see the Third Millenium Website 
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story168/york-minster-a-living-legacy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Cyclists Service at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster played a part in York's annual Cycle Show by hosting&nbsp;a Cyclists Service on Sunday 24th&nbsp;June 2007.&nbsp; 
At 9.00am on 24th June, the Nave was filled with cyclists.&nbsp; At 9.45 the grand parade of Cyclists made its way from the Minster to York Racecourse where the Cycle Show is held.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story167/cyclists-service-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Pilgrims' Progress - Day 7]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The final day of the pilgrimage from Whitby to York started early with the pilgrims gathering in the open air outside Huby Methodist Church for prayers.
In contrast to the previous days' continuous rain the morning started in warm, steamy conditions and waterproof clothing was discarded en route to Skelton which was reached 90 minutes ahead of schedule. The small and ornate Parish Church of St Giles was open and several people went inside to look at the interior. The pilgrims passed their time on the village green where they enjoyed the last picnic lunch of their pilgrimage. They were joined here by two day walkers, including one of the songmen from the Minster.
Messages were received that the route ahead was impassable due to serious flooding of the River Ouse caused by the heavy rains of the past few days but the pilgrims made their way, as planned, to the 'Park and Ride' at Rawcliffe Bar, a rendez-vous for day pilgrims wishing to join the pilgrimage on its final leg to the Minster. 
Here their number was swelled to about 25 and, making their way on a detour through Clifton, the pilgrims arrived at the Marygate entrance to the Museum Gardens where a trolley awaited them with the Pilgrims' Stone and a large piece of uncut stone. By now the pilgrims' number had swelled to almost fifty and the trolley was pulled by the Pilgrims through the Museum Gardens to the West Front of the Minster where they were greeted by the Dean of York, the Very Revd. Keith Jones and the Precentor, the Revd. Canon Jeremy Fletcher, both of whom had walked as day pilgrims earlier in the week.
They all entered the Minster through the Great West Door to an organ fanfare followed by a Service of Welcome conducted by the Dean who received the Pilgrim Stone. He gave thanks for the pilgrimage, for the new, happy relationships forged with the churches and parishes through which the pilgrims had passed and prayed for the restoration of the Minster before blessing the pilgrims and pronouncing the pilgrimage complete.
Tea and soft drinks were then provided for everyone in the North Transept.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story165/pilgrims-progress--day-7.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 17 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Pilgrims' Progress - Day 6]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Overnight the supporting mini bus had broken down and the back up team had to resort to private cars to get essential supplies to the walkers before they set off. If the weather of the previous day had made the going difficult it was to be worse today for the pilgrims awoke to a fully justified severe weather warning for the north of England. 
The pilgrims supported by overnight hosts and walkers for the day, gathered in St Michael's Church Coxwold with its distinctive octagonal tower, unusual altar rail and the monuments to the Bellases of nearby Newburgh Priory, for the customary morning prayer and blessing,&nbsp;given today by the Revd. Jeremy Howat, a member of the York Minster Walking group.
The weather lived up to the dire forecast and the walkers made their way over a swollen stream and up to Beacon Ridge, skirting Husthwaite,&nbsp;in very heavy rain. The rain continued unabated&nbsp;to Oulston where members of the local church opened the Community Hall and very kindly supplied hot drinks. Taking advantage of the shelter at Oulston the walkers took an early lunch.&nbsp; Still no let up in the weather and with the ground becoming increasingly muddy underfoot and with stiles becoming evermore slippery the pilgrims made their way to Crayke passing the Castle which had, at one time , been a house of the Bishop of Durham and the&nbsp;Church in which the ladies of Crayke were preparing a (delightfully fragrant) flower festival. Hot coffee was taken at a road side stop and the rain eased slightly as the walkers made their way across the Stillington Road and onward to&nbsp;Huby, their destination for the night.&nbsp;Here the&nbsp;proprietor of the New Inn kindly opened his doors early to allow the pilgrims shelter and a warm drink before providing not only a most welcome supper but also&nbsp;very generous sponsorship of the pilgrims' appeal.
It was a day when rain penetrated the most waterproof&nbsp;clothing but the pilgrims pressed on undeterred appreciative encouraged by so many good friends made during the course of their journey.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story164/pilgrims-progress--day-6.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Pilgrims' Progress - Day 5]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Grateful for their overnight accommodation and heartened by news of a generous contribution to their fund from friends in Helmsley the pilgrims' day started with a short service, led by the Revd David Wilbourne, in St Columba's Chapel within All Saints Church where the Victorian wall paintings depict an earlier pilgrimage&nbsp;by Aiden and Oswald through the North of England.
The Walkers emerged from the church in to heavy rain which was to persist throughout the day. Some&nbsp;19 pilgrims, friends and supporters -&nbsp;including David Wilbourne and his wife - set off on the Cleveland Way to Rievaulx. The route passed Griff Lodge, along Whinny Bank and through Abbot Hag Wood to Rievaulx Bridge, with views of the Abbey under low misty cloud.&nbsp;Leaving the&nbsp;Cleveland Way the pilgrims&nbsp;followed the track up Caythwaite Rigg and across&nbsp;Scawton Moor to the A170. Sparse shelter was to be found for the picnic&nbsp;lunch and the walkers were soon on their way again through the wooded Wass Moor and then, down Wass Bank, to Wass. From there, over the fields&nbsp;to Byland Abbey and on to Coxwold with the very welcome&nbsp;prospect of dry&nbsp;clothes and a hot meal at the Faucenberg Arms.
Much of the day's walk was through high, long and very wet grass making it very&nbsp;arduous going. The conditions tested the stamina and resolve of the pilgrims who all emerged cheerful, tired and very wet at the end of an eleven mile ordeal.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story163/pilgrims-progress--day-5.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Refugee Week at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will today welcome an exhibition of information on refugees and asylum seekers throughout the world.&nbsp; This display will mark National Refugee Week and will run between Friday 15 th June and Sunday 24 th June 2007.&nbsp; Refugee Action York have organised the display, which will concentrate on information about organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers across Yorkshire and Humberside. 
The Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York and members of Refugee Action York will welcome Councillor Irene Waudby, Lord Mayor of York to the Minster on Tuesday 19 th June 2007 to view the display.&nbsp; The Dean of York will greet the Lord Mayor at the South steps of the Minster at 15.30 hrs.&nbsp; 
Refugee Action York is a local voluntary organisation which was founded in 2000. It has been organising local events for Refugee Week since 2002.&nbsp; The principal aim of Refugee Week is to raise awareness and understanding of the reasons why people seek sanctuary and to celebrate the contribution of refugees in the United Kingdom.&nbsp; Refugee Action York works throughout the year supporting members of York’s Kurdish community and helping at the weekly drop-in centre for ethnic minority mothers and children along with organising workshops for secondary school children as part of their Citizenship curriculum.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story169/refugee-week-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[New Lay Canon of York required]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster is to appoint a new Lay Canon to join the Dean and Chapter of York, the primary oversight body for the Minster. A Lay Canon shares the task of promoting the mission of York Minster as a sign of God’s Kingdom in the world, and in the task of formulating and reviewing policies for its day-to-day work and development. The unpaid role is broadly comparable to a non-executive director. 
The Dean and Chapter are looking for a candidate who will help to guide the Minster through a particularly interesting period with a number of major projects in hand, including York Minster Revealed, a £19 million project to restore the East Front and develop access and learning at the Minster.
The post will require attendance at nine Chapter meetings each year and a number of other meetings as required, for a fixed term of three years. The new Lay Canon must be a communicant member of the Church of England and be able to attend worship at the Minster in order to participate in its life and become known to the Minster community. Because of the need to attend regular meetings and some Services, to be aware of local issues and to be an ambassador in the local community, the Lay Canon will need to live within a reasonable travelling distance of York.
Those interested in the role of Lay Canon can find more information at www.yorkminster.org and can apply for an application pack by e-mailing jobs@yorkminster.org.&nbsp; The closing date is 9th July 2007. 
An informal discussion about the role and eligibility may be held by telephoning the Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York on 01904 557202.
]]>
</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story161/new-lay-canon-of-york-required.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Pilgrims' Progress Day 4]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Wednesday&nbsp;was market day in Kirby Moorside and the town was bustling with activity. The pilgrims joined regular worshippers at&nbsp;the Parish Church of All Saints for their regular mid week celebration of Holy Communion before setting out on the seven mile walk to Helmsley. They were joined by friends and supporters who swelled their number to 22. The route took them round fields of swaying barley and sprouting broad beans into the dapple shaded glen of Kirkdale. The pilgrims stopped at the secluded St Gregory Minster where the early inscription above the door refers to the benefaction of Orm who bought and rebuilt the Minster in circa 1060.
A stop for the picnic lunch supplied by Clifton Catering of York was followed by a short period of rain and the route then took the walkers to Nawton and then to Pockley with its pretty thatched cottages before&nbsp; leading over fields full of sheep and lambs down to Helmsley where the pilgrims were to spend the night.
The Walkers&nbsp;achieved the half way stage both in miles and days but the day was&nbsp; unfortunately marred by the injury to Ellen, one of the pilgrims, who slipped and tore her knee ligament.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story162/pilgrims-progress-day-4.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The Pilgrim Walkers' Progress - Day 3]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On their third day&nbsp;of walking&nbsp;the pilgrims were joined by the Revd Canon&nbsp;Jeremy Fletcher, Precentor of York, who&nbsp;conducted a short service of prayer and blessing in the Church of St Mary and St Lawrence, Rosedale Abbey. Then, led by Chris Brownbridge - the leader for the day - the pilgrims climbed the steep Rosedale Chimney before crossing&nbsp;Spaunton Moor with its bell heather breaking into early purple bloom.&nbsp;The moorland path led past the Ana Cross and on to Lastingham, a significant point in the pilgrimage from Whitby to York for it was here that in 654 St Cedd, a pupil of St Aidan at Lindisfarne,&nbsp;founded the first monastery. This monastery was then refounded in&nbsp;1078 by Stephen of Whitby who became first abbot of&nbsp;St Mary's in York.
A cloudburst followed a picnic lunch in Lastingham and, finally leaving the moors behind them, the pilgrims walked in wet conditions to Spaunton and&nbsp;then&nbsp;downward to&nbsp;Kirby Moorside in the Vale of Pickering for their overnight stop.
For further information on the York Minster Walkers Pilgrimage please see the York Minster Walkers page.&nbsp; If you would like to sponsor the walkers please contact Martin Chapman on 01347 810858.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story160/the-pilgrim-walkers-progress--day-3.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Pilgrims' Progress - Day 2]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Following a convivial evening&nbsp;with their kind hosts in Glaisdale the 15 Pilgrims&nbsp;started the second day of their pilgrimage from Whitby to York with a short service in St Thomas' Church. Prayers were led by Allison Pattinson from Glaisdale and the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, gave the blessing before joining the pilgrims and seven other day walkers on the next leg of the walk.&nbsp;The route skirted Glaisdale Low Moor and along Glaisdale Rigg before turning west&nbsp;to the head of Great Fry Up Dale. With the bubbling sound of curlews overhead and with interesting views of the ancient ironstone workings in the dale, the group stopped for their picnic&nbsp;lunch. 
To the alarm of the support crew the walkers then deviated from the planned George Gap Causeway taking the clearer path to the north, adding about a mile to their walk, before re-joining the road and their planned route. After a short break for refreshments they then&nbsp;made the downhill&nbsp;descent&nbsp;in hot and humid conditions along the footpath&nbsp;to Rosedale Abbey. Here a meal awaited them at the Abbey Tea Rooms and comfortable beds for the night&nbsp;were very kindly provided by church members in Rosedale Abbey.
If you would like to join the walkers for&nbsp;a section of their walk, please see the York Minster Walkers Page for details.
If you would like to sponsor the walkers please contact Martin Chapman on 01347 810858.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story159/pilgrims-progress--day-2.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The Pilgrim Walkers' first day]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Fifteen members of the Minster Walkers Group, led by Anthony Skeels, set out on their week long, fund raising pilgrimage from Whitby to York on Sunday 10th June following&nbsp;a&nbsp; Service&nbsp;of Blessing led by the Revd. Canon David Smith, at St Mary's Church, Whitby. Their number was increased by nine 'day walkers' . Welcome mid morning refreshments were very kindly provided by parishioners at St Bartholomew's Church, Ruswarp and four further pilgrims joined the walk at Sleights.
&nbsp;
Sunday's route, took in part of the Caedmon Way, followed footpaths up the&nbsp; beautiful Esk Valley through Ruswarp, Sleights, Egton to Glaisdale where overnight accommodation was kindly provided by local church members. The walk started from Whitby in grey, misty conditions but the sun soon broke through to reveal the countryside in its full glory.
&nbsp;
The pilgrimage route comprising some 66 miles and known as the Whitby Way, was devised by the Venerable Leslie Stanbridge, a former Archdeacon of&nbsp;York and founder of the Minster Walking Group. Details of the route and starting times can be found at www.yorkminster.org, following 'Getting Involved' / 'Minster Community'/'YM Walkers' for those who wish to take part in the&nbsp;pilgrimage as the week proceeds. 
&nbsp;
The Pilgrimage ends with a Pilgrims' Service at York Minster on Saturday 16th June at 3.45 p.m. Those wishing to join on the final day should join the walkers on the cycle track to York at the Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride at 2.00 p.m. The pilgrims are expected to at the Museum Gardens at approximately 3.00 p.m.
&nbsp;
The Pilgrimage&nbsp;is&nbsp;in aid of&nbsp;the York Minster Support a Stone Appeal by raising sponsorship.&nbsp;Details are available from the Event Treasurer, Martin Chapman, White House, High Street, Stillington, York YO61 1LF (Tel 01347 810858) to whom sponsorship money should be sent (cheques payable to York Minster Fund)
&nbsp;
The Pilgrim Walkers are as follows: Anthony Skeels, Jennie Skeels, Daphne Wood, Sue Thompson, Ellen Coles, Joyce Sanderson, Carol Martin, Rachel Elwess, Tom Pearce, Lynne Harper, Barry Harper, John Cleary, Jennie Cleary, Steve Burton, Chris Brownbridge, Maureen Brownbridge.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story157/the-pilgrim-walkers-first-day.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Pilgrimage Walk to aid York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The York Minster Walkers are currently walking from Whitby to York along the Whitby Way in an effort to raise money for York Minster Revealed, a five-year project to open up the beauty of the Minster and to restore the East Front.&nbsp; The Walkers began their week long journey with a service at Whitby Abbey at 10 am on Sunday 10th June and will finish at York Minster on Saturday 16th June at approximately 3.30 pm.
The Walkers are raising money to sponsor stones of the East Front of York Minster.&nbsp; A pilgrim stone has been carved with the Whitby Way emblem and the walkers will present this pilgrim stone to York Minster at a special service to end their week-long journey at 3.45 pm on Saturday 16th June.
The Walkers will walk through a variety of parishes in the Diocese of York during their week and many of these parishes will also benefit from the walk.&nbsp; Partnerships have been set up where both parish and the Minster will benefit from the sponsorship money raised.&nbsp; If you would like to sponsor the Walkers please call Martin Chapman on 01347 810858 for further information.
If you would like to take part in sections of the walk, please see the York Minster Website at http://www.yorkminster.org/involved/minster-community/ym-walking-group. &nbsp;For those who would like to take part in sections of the walk, there will be transport available back to their starting point.
&nbsp;If you would like further information on how you can support York Minster Revealed please see the Minster’s website at www.yorkminster.org/involved.
&nbsp;
Notes to the Media
There will be a photograph opportunity of the Walkers arriving at the Minster with the pilgrim stone at 15.35 on Saturday 16th June 2007.&nbsp; If you would like to attend please contact Alix Peacock by 16.00 on Friday 15th June.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story158/pilgrimage-walk-to-aid-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Festal Evensong for the St William Window]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On 7th June 2007, a festal Evensong was held in the Quire of York Minster to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the St William Window.&nbsp; 
The Altar was placed in its original position, in between the St William and St Cuthbert Windows.&nbsp; This gave a sense of how the Quire would have looked originally.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story155/festal-evensong-for-the-st-william-window.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster to sell properties]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York are&nbsp;to sell a number of commercial and residential properties in central York in order to re-invest their value to maximize long-term income for the maintenance and mission of York Minster.&nbsp;The properties to be sold are numbers 12 to 22 High Petergate (as a single block), 3 and 7 Precentor’s Court, 6 and 7 Monk Bar Court and 4 Goodramgate. The decision to sell has been reached following substantial professional advice, and after careful consideration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Numbers 12 to 22 High Petergate and 3 and 7 Precentor’s Court, are currently let out to provide income for the Minster. Under charity law these are 'endowed' properties and the Minster is not able to spend the money raised by their sale, but must&nbsp;reinvest the&nbsp;proceeds. Doing this will make the Minster's income less dependent on the health of the property market in York.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Monk Bar Court and Goodramgate premises are not endowed properties and so the proceeds are not restricted, but the intention is similarly to reinvest to produce income. The Minster has sold other properties in the Goodramgate area in recent years.&nbsp;The sales will be conducted by estate agents Carter Jonas, and details appear on their web site at www.carterjonas.co.uk. The terms of existing tenancy agreements for the properties concerned will be strictly observed. The High Petergate properties are significantly protected as the properties are Grade II listed, are within a designated Conservation Area and any&nbsp;change of use will require Planning Consent.&nbsp;Canon Stephen Anderson, Chapter Steward, said, "York Minster has been handed to us in trust by past generations of Christian people, and part of our mission is to pass it on to the future as a permanent beacon to the glory of God. Money is always a challenge, but we've also inherited historic investments which provide a lot of the Minster's income. We need to move that inheritance around sometimes across all forms of investment so that it works as effectively as possible to ensure we can continue to maintain and cherish the Minster far into the future."
&nbsp;
Notes to the Media
&nbsp;
The Dean and Chapter of York announced on February 9th 2007 that some properties were to be sold.&nbsp; This is because property forms too high a proportion of investments and there is the added risk of it all being in one location.&nbsp; This second announcement explains the outcome of the review that has taken place.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story156/york-minster-to-sell-properties.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Unfolding Love exhibition]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will today welcome Unfolding Love, a beautiful piece of sculpture by Janis Ridley.&nbsp; This exhibition at the Minster forms part of a tour around cathedrals throughout 2007.&nbsp; The bronze cast sculpture Unfolding Love will be displayed in the Eastern Crypt of York Minster between Monday 4th June and Friday 6th July.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
Artist, Janis Ridley said “The mother and child embody an eternal, unconditional and universal love which is central to our lives and faith.&nbsp; This spiritual sculpture tells us a story of life which is universal and accessible.”
&nbsp;
York Minster is the second cathedral to host Janis Ridley’s Unfolding Love. The sculpture has been displayed at Exeter Cathedral and after the Minster it will move on to be displayed at Winchester Cathedral.
&nbsp;
-Ends-
&nbsp;
Notes 
&nbsp;
Janis Ridley was born in County Durham and studied sculpture at Newcastle upon Tyne School of Art and painting at Exeter College of Art, graduating in 1976 with BA Hons in Fine Art. Janis Ridley’s work is recognisable for its spiritual affinity and a deep sense of inner peace reflecting a life long practise of meditation and dance.&nbsp; Janis Ridley is a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story154/unfolding-love-exhibition.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jun 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster welcomes 'The First Day' Exhibition]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will today welcome The First Day exhibition; a superb collection of textiles that focuses on the Great East Window.&nbsp; The works have been produced by Sue Tuckett, Principal of the Norwich Art and Design School along with students from both York College and York St John University.&nbsp; The exhibition will be on display in the Lady Chapel between today, 1st June 2007 and 30th June 2007.
John Thornton’s Great East Window, the current focus of York Minster Revealed, A five year project to open up the beauty of the Minster, has been the inspiration for the exhibition.&nbsp; The works focus particularly on Thornton’s First Day Panel.&nbsp; Sue Tuckett and the students have used the colour palette from this panel in the Great East Window to create beautiful textile hangings and scrolls.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sue Tuckett has drawn inspiration for her large silk banners from several verses of the Old Testament, concentrating on the idea of light as a life force.&nbsp; Students from York College have produced scrolls based on verses from Genesis and a set colour palette.&nbsp; They have used a range of techniques.
Techniques used to create the beautiful works include drawing, painting, collage and digital technology.&nbsp; Artist, Sue Tuckett said “The translation of traditional techniques through modern technology seems to me to be entirely appropriate in a building which at the time of its construction was radical and experimental in the use of materials and visual images.”Notes to the Media
Sue Tuckett was born in Newcastle and educated at York School of Art.&nbsp; She worked as a textile designer and then went on to train and work as a teacher.&nbsp; Sue Tuckett went on to take up senior posts at the University of Gloucester and the University of Plymouth.&nbsp; In 1996 she was appointed as Assistant Principal Academic at Norwich School of Art and Design and became Principal in 2001.&nbsp; Sue Tuckett has exhibited nationally and internationally in solo and group shows.&nbsp; Her textile work is part of public collections in France, Hungary, Poland and the UK.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story153/york-minster-welcomes-the-first-day-exhibition.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Join the Minster Million]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, The Archbishop of York was the first person to sign up for the Minster Million today.&nbsp; Through this new scheme to help York Minster, for a donation of&nbsp; just £5 (or more if you wish) you will receive a uniquely numbered certificate. One million of these will be printed, and the members of the million will be identified as having helped to save York Minster by supporting the York Minster Revealed project, which will both restore the glorious East Front of the Minster and reveal its beauty and meaning for generations to come.&nbsp; Dr Sentamu has become the first of the million.
Minster Million Certificates will be available from Tuesday 5th June 2007 from the Chapter House in York Minster.&nbsp;&nbsp; Further information on how to join the Minster Million is available on the York Minster Website at www.yorkminster.org.
First to join the Minster Million; The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said:&nbsp; “Many people dream of becoming a member of the Millionaire’s club. Well now, here is your chance! It’s an opportunity for all people, from all walks of life, from all faiths and none, to join in and to give a little. Together we can ensure this magnificent Minster is preserved for generations to come. On our own we cannot get it together. But together we can get it.”
The Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York said: “The Minster Million is a way in which even people who can give only small amounts can be recognised as having helped to support York Minster.&nbsp; Surely every home should have a certificate (or two) on display!”
Photograph: Kippa Matthews
For Further information please see the Minster Million page on this site.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story152/join-the-minster-million.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[St William Window restored!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The St William Window in York Minster, one of the most important pieces of medieval stained glass in the world, has now been superbly restored.&nbsp; The Dean and Chapter of York will celebrate the completion of the work with a series of events timed to coincide with St William’s Day on 8th June.
The window depicts the miracles of St William of York, including what is said to be St William’s only miracle during his lifetime:&nbsp; when St William returned triumphantly to York, a crowd gathered on the wooden Ouse Bridge, the bridge collapsed under the strain of the crowd, but no one was hurt as St William blessed the crowd.&nbsp; It also depicts a blind man Ralph who lost his eyes and sight during trial by combat finding his eyes again at the tomb of St William.
The window has been hidden from view for ten years.&nbsp; Dr Christopher Norton has undertaken extensive research and the panels have been worked on by the skilled craftspeople of the York Glaziers Trust.&nbsp; Over the centuries the window has been mended many times, using lead that has gradually obscured the beauty of the window.&nbsp; Now, the skills of the York Glaziers Trust have been used to remove many of those heavy lines to show the window much as it was when it was new in the early 15th Century.&nbsp; The research and new techniques have been ground-breaking and will prove invaluable as the Dean and Chapter of York prepare to restore York Minster’s Great East Window: the largest expanse of medieval Glass in the world.
The Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York said: “This is an epoch in the art of conservation. As we celebrate this achievement, we shall position the altar during the festivities where it once stood between the St William and St Cuthbert Windows, and so catch something of the original layout of the Minster.&nbsp; The huge window as restored is amazing, and sets the scene for the even greater challenge of the east window.&nbsp; It shows what we can do!”
On both Thursday 7th and Friday 8th June the Dean and Chapter of York shall hold solemn Evensongs (to which everyone is of course welcome).&nbsp; At 7.00pm on the 7th, Dr Christopher Norton will give a lecture in the Tempest Anderson Hall entitled The St William Window unveiled: the rediscovery of a medieval masterpiece.&nbsp; Tickets for the lecture are free and available from the Development Office on 01904 557245.&nbsp; The evensong on Friday 8th will be held in the Nave and among those attending will be people who have donated generously to the restoration of the St William Window.&nbsp; 
Notes to the Media
The St William Window was almost certainly finished in 1414.&nbsp; It is a huge expanse of glass in the North Quire Aisle of York Minster.&nbsp; The window illustrates in pictures the miracles of St William; William Fitzherbert who was Treasurer of York Minster between 1112 and 1114.&nbsp; William was then consecrated Archbishop of York in 1143, deposed in 1147 and then reinstated in 1154.&nbsp; He died the same year. The cult of St William grew during the 1200s as pilgrims visited his tomb and reported miraculous healings.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story151/st-william-window-restored.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 May 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Northern Cathedrals Festival Evensong]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday 26th May 2007, York Minster hosted the Northern Cathedrals Festival Evensong. The boys and men of the York Minster Choir were joined by boys and men of the choirs of Ripon and Durham Cathedrals.
The Evensong service for the Northern Choirs Festival is held only once a year, and the cathedrals of York, Ripon and Durham take it in turns to host the service. The service was held in the Nave as people came from all over the North of England to take part in this special annual Evensong.
Evensong is one of the official services of the Anglican Church, dating from 1549, and later revised in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.&nbsp; The majority of the service is sung by the choir, and so a high standard of singing is required to bring out the full beauty of the service. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story150/northern-cathedrals-festival-evensong.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 May 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Global Day of Prayer]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER 
Sunday 27th May 2007 
YORK MINSTER
7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. 
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”&nbsp; 2 Chronicles 7:14
Come with your friends: join the growing groundswell of God’s people praying in this nation and with hundreds of millions around the world!
The evening consists of prayer and worship, embracing many traditions.
Pray for God’s guidance in our lives, communities, nation and world.
Take the message of HOPE wherever we go - in word and deed.
“That the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habbakuk 2:14
&nbsp;
17th to 26th May 2007 – 10 days - 24 hours a day
Join countless others around the world in a stream of continuous prayer in the ten days leading up to Pentecost.
The 24/7 Prayer Room, Old Elim Church (by the Biltmore Bar), 29 Swinegate, YORK YO1 8AZ 
The Prayer Room is warm and welcoming, with refreshments, music, visual aids and creative materials.&nbsp; Spend time alone or with friends.
PLEASE NOTE - BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.
Book your time slot using the on-line diary at www.onevoiceyork.org.uk
If you don’t have access to the internet, and for any further details phone OVY Prayer Representative, Juliet Wright: 01904 675755.
PRAY GLOBALLY. GATHER LOCALLY
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story149/global-day-of-prayer.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Henry Shelton supports York Minster Revealed with his work]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Christian Art will be the focus of an exciting exhibition to be held in York Minster’s Western Crypt.&nbsp; The exhibition, by established artist Henry Shelton, comprises of fourteen beautiful Stations of the Cross and other pieces following the theme of Holy Week. The Stations of the Cross have been used for devotion at the Minster throughout Lent this year.&nbsp; The works will be available to buy, and Henry Shelton is generously donating a proportion of the proceeds to York Minster Revealed.
The Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York said “Artists have often created beautiful and elaborate Stations to stir devotion.&nbsp; In the huge spaces of the Minster we look for Stations strongly enough designed not to look insignificant. We are delighted to have used these works for devotion this year and now see them mounted in the context of Henry Shelton’s wider work”.
Henry Shelton first became aware of the importance of Christian Art during his time as a Choir Boy at West Ham Church.&nbsp; After leaving School he joined a London studio as an apprentice draughtsman, developing his own drawing and lettering skills.&nbsp; After 15 years at this studio, he set up his own studio, going on to receive many commissions.&nbsp; He has designed for a wide range of clients from The Science Museum to Borough Councils.
Henry Shelton has continued to paint Christian Art throughout his career, his recent commissions have included the millennium Christian clock tower in Goodmayes and memorial etched glass windows in All Saints Church, Goodmayes that depict events in the life of Jesus.&nbsp; These windows were awarded the DAC Design Award.
The exhibition of Henry Shelton’s work will be held in the Western Crypt between 10th April and 11th May 2007.&nbsp; A range of mounted and framed prints of Henry Shelton’s work will also be available to buy from the York Minster Shop.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story147/henry-shelton-supports-york-minster-revealed-with-his-work.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Easter at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Everyone is welcome at York Minster to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.&nbsp; There will be thirty-six services taking place in the Minster during the week before Easter this year.&nbsp; All are welcome.
On Maundy Thursday, 5th April 2007, The Archbishop of York will preside and preach at a service of Holy Communion at 11.00 am.&nbsp; During this service the Archbishop will bless three oils used for the ministry of healing, baptism and confirmation.&nbsp; Clergy and other ministers from across the Diocese of York will attend this service and re-affirm their ordination vows. 
On Good Friday the Minster will be open all day, without charge.&nbsp; Three Hours at the Cross will be preached between 12.00pm and 3.00pm.&nbsp; This service uses both drama and preaching to portray the last hours of Christ’s life.&nbsp; The Riding Lights Theatre Company will perform short dramas which tell the death of Christ from the point of view of those who knew him.&nbsp; As they watch His suffering, their own stories speak of their own suffering and the mercy that they found at the hands of Jesus Christ.&nbsp; People are welcome to come for all or part of this moving service.
Good Friday will also see a United Act of Worship held by the York Council of Churches.&nbsp; This service will begin at 7.30 pm and The Rev’d Graham Maskery, Chairman of Churches Together in York will preach the sermon.
On Holy Saturday, 7th April 2007, the Archbishop will lead the Paschal Vigil from 8.30 pm.&nbsp; This Vigil will see the renewal of baptismal vows and confirmation of new Christians in the Eastern Crypt, underneath the Minster’s High Altar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This service will be sung by the St William’s Singers.
On Easter Day, the Archbishop will preside and preach again at the Sung Eucharist at 10.00 am.&nbsp; The full Minster Choir will sing the setting to Vierne’s Messe Solonnelle.&nbsp;&nbsp; Canon Glyn Webster will preach at the service of Sung Evensong at 4.00 pm.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story148/easter-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Revealed]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York today unveiled York Minster Revealed, a major new phase to the Minster’s continuing Development Campaign.&nbsp; York Minster Revealed is a £19m five-year project that lies within the £30m Development Campaign launched two years ago.&nbsp; This project focuses on preserving the Minster for future generations and a wider audience through four key areas of education, access, specialist craft skills training and conservation.
A main aim of the project is to recruit, enthuse and train future generations in the crafts of stone carving and stained glass conservation, which are so crucial to the Conservation of the East Front and continued development of the Minster.&nbsp; A nationally recognised qualification in stained glass conservation and stone carving will be developed at the Minster to help increase the national skills base in these two vital specialist crafts.
York Minster Revealed aims to greatly enhance visitors’ experiences at the Minster by introducing an innovative scheme of interpretation.&nbsp; This scheme will use a series of displays and LCD screens to educate all visitors on the history, purpose and evolving nature of York Minster.&nbsp; The display boards and screens will be designed so as to be as versatile and flexible in use as possible.&nbsp; They will not intrude upon the fabric of the Minster in anyway and will be able to be moved and stored away when necessary.
York Minster Revealed will focus on greatly improving access to the entrance to York Minster by re-designing the main visitor entrance at the South Transept to incorporate gently sloping ramps.&nbsp;&nbsp; These plans also include a piazza entrance to the Minster that will include improved outdoor seating arrangements for visitors and the relocation of ticketing arrangements to an existing external building. Physical access to the Undercroft will also be greatly improved through the use of gently sloping glass and stone ramps and the installation of a lift to this area.&nbsp; Improved access through the main entrance and to the Undercroft will mean that all of our visitors will be able to experience and enjoy as many of the Minster’s spaces as possible. 
The Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York said: “A visit to York Minster should be an experience of so much more than a brilliant shell.&nbsp; York Minster Revealed will help us reveal the beauty, the history, the treasures and the meaning of this world-famous building even better than before. It also allows us to give access for everyone to the workplaces for stone and glass, the secrets below the floors, and the details of the masterpiece that is the east window. “ 
Louise Hampson, Director of the York Minster Revealed Project said: “This project has the potential to transform the way people use and visit the Minster, but with the training provisions for specialist craft skills it also offers the chance to transform people’s lives. The national shortage of skilled crafts people endangers the long-term survival of our most cherished historic buildings and it is vital that projects like York Minster Revealed work to address that. It is an enormously exciting time for the Minster and we are looking forward to what the next few years will bring”
Stephen Anderson, Chapter Steward said: “We have applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £10m of funding.&nbsp; We expect to hear in late summer whether we have a Stage 1 Pass, in which case we have a year to work out a fully-costed project in fine detail.&nbsp; We should then get our Stage 2 Pass, which releases access to the HLF Grant, with work ready to start in January 2009, if successful”.
“We have secured commitments to £4.5m from other sources, most notably £3m from the York Minster Fund.&nbsp; This leaves a further £4.5m to raise from events, trusts and individual donations”
If you are able to help York Minster achieve the exciting aims of this project, please contact The Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN; telephone 01904 557245 or e-mail heidic@yorkminster.org.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story146/york-minster-revealed.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Celebrated Geographer to give Lecture in aid of Development Campaign]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Professor Sir Ron Cooke, celebrated former Vice-Chancellor of the University of York is to give a lecture on the problems of stone decay at York Minster.&nbsp; This lecture, entitled Weathering Heights will take place on Tuesday 27th March 2007 at 7.30 pm in the North Transept.&nbsp; All proceeds will go towards York Minster Revealed, the new phase of the Minster’s continuing £30 million Development Campaign.
&nbsp;
York Minster has suffered from the decay of its stone and glass largely as a result of atmospheric pollution.&nbsp; Damage to the East Front and the famous Great East Window is the focus of the Minster’s current fund-raising campaign.&nbsp; In this lecture, which is fully illustrated, Sir Ron will provide an introduction to the problems of stone decay at the Minster, based on his own observations and largely unpublished research.
&nbsp;
Sir Ron Cooke was Vice Chancellor of the University of York between 1993 and 2002. He was awarded the Founder’s Medal of the Royal Geographic Society in 1994.&nbsp; He was knighted for services to higher education in January 2002.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
Talking of what promises to be a fascinating lecture, Sir Ron Cooke said:&nbsp; “Many people know that York Minster needs to raise substantial sums to restore it’s famous East Front, however, not so many people understand why and how the stonework of the East Front has been damaged.&nbsp; Much research has been done into the weathering of the Minster’s stone, but little has been published.&nbsp; In this lecture I will use this research to give an illustrated introduction to the stone weathering problems that the Minster faces.”
&nbsp;
Tickets for Weathering Heights cost £8 including a glass of wine and are available from the Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, YO1 7JN; Tel: 01904 557245 or on the door.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story145/celebrated-geographer-to-give-lecture-in-aid-of-development-campaign.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Consecration of the Bishop of Birkenhead]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Thursday 8 March 2007 at 11am the Bishop of Birkenhead will be consecrated by the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, in York Minster.
&nbsp;
The Revd Keith Sinclair, currently Vicar of Holy Trinity in Coventry city centre, is to be consecrated as the new Suffragan Bishop of Birkenhead in York Minster. He will succeed the Right Revd David Urquhart, who succeeded Archbishop Sentamu as Bishop of Birmingham.
&nbsp;
Keith Sinclair was born in Westminster, central London.&nbsp; He worked as a solicitor before discerning his call to the priesthood. He trained for priesthood in the early 1980s and worked as a curate at Christ Church, Summerfield, Birmingham between 1984 and 1988. During this time he was also a chaplain at the Children’s Hospital, Birmingham.&nbsp; Mr Sinclair became Vicar of Aston between 1988 and 2001, where he worked on urban renewal, evangelism and justice issues. Since 2001 he has been Vicar of Holy Trinity in Coventry, where he has worked to develop youth ministry and promote good community relations.&nbsp; Mr Sinclair has also been involved in urban regeneration as chair of the Aston Pride Interim Partnership Board, New Deal for Communities in Birmingham.
&nbsp;
The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster, welcomed Keith Sinclair to the Diocese of Chester, where his ministry will be based: “Keith Sinclair will bring to Wirral and to the Diocese of Chester a rich experience of ministry in Birmingham and Coventry. He will bring a particular expertise in urban ministry but will be well placed to contribute to the whole life of the Diocese”
&nbsp;
Mr Sinclair is married to Rosemary, 44, a lecturer in family law. They have three children Peter, 14, Anna, 13, and David, 10.&nbsp; Keith Sinclair is a sports fan and particularly enjoys Rugby Union.&nbsp; In his spare time he enjoys walking and watching films.
&nbsp;
During the service the sermon will be preached by the Revd Dr Michael Lloyd, Associate Vicar of St Andrew, Holborn, London and Tutor at the St Paul Theological Centre, also in London.&nbsp; At the Consecration, Mr Sinclair will be presented by the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Revd Colin Bennetts,&nbsp; and the Bishop of Chester, the Right Revd Peter Forster.
&nbsp;
In order to prepare for the service the Minster will be closed to the public throughout the morning and will re-open to visitors at approximately 3.00pm.&nbsp; Those attending the 7.30am and 7.45am services should enter via the Chapter House Yard.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story143/consecration-of-the-bishop-of-birkenhead.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[2007 Visitor Entry Prices]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
From Friday 9th March 2007, the Minster will be introducing new entry prices, which will include a better value visitor ticket to enter all areas of the Minster.&nbsp; The entry prices for visitors to the Minster itself will be £5.50 for an adult and £4.50 for a senior citizen or student, children and residents of York continue to have free entrance to the Minster.&nbsp; These new prices are 50p higher than current prices.
&nbsp;
The opportunity is being taken to introduce a new Do Everything ticket which will include entry to all three areas open to the public: the Minster, Undercroft and Tower.&nbsp; This ticket will be £9 for adults, £7.50 for a senior citizen or student and £3 for a child.&nbsp; This new ticket reduces the total price of visiting all of these areas by at least £1 and is better value.
&nbsp;
The Dean and Chapter regrets that it is necessary to charge visitors an entry price at all. However, visitor entry prices account for over one third of all income and without it, the Dean &amp; Chapter would simply be unable to sustain the life and work of the Minster. The Dean &amp; Chapter receive no assistance from any outside agencies, except for grants for which application needs to be made. Otherwise, all funds to sustain the Minster need to be raised by the Dean &amp; Chapter.
&nbsp;
The following groups are unaffected by these visitor entry prices. Admission continues to be free of any charge for:
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Anyone attending a service of worship, coming into pray or light a candle.&nbsp; There are no circumstances in which worshippers attending a regular service can be charged for entry.
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Children and young persons under the age of 16 to the Minster itself. (Visitor prices do apply though for entry to the Tower and Undercroft.)
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Local people. York residents and parishioners in the Diocese of York will continue to be admitted free of charge on production of a York Minster Pass.&nbsp; (These can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to: York Minster Visitors Department, St William’s College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF; or by taking along a proof of address to the Minster and picking one up there.)
&nbsp;
All visitors to the Minster can make their ticket last a year.&nbsp; The Dean and Chapter encourage Visitors can then use the same ticket to visit the Minster as often as they wish within the next year.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story142/2007-visitor-entry-prices.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[New Icons Exhibition at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will host an exhibition of Icons by Zoran Tosic for contemplation during Lent. The exhibition entitled Divine Mother will comprise of large icons showing the Holy Mother in Christianity.&nbsp; The exhibition will run in St John’s Chapel at the Minster between 4th March 2007 and 15th April 2007.&nbsp; 
The artwork will be painted using traditional media including natural and semi-precious pigments, oil, gold and silver on board.&nbsp;&nbsp; In his own words, Zoran Tosic describes the iconography as art that was initiated to open the ‘window’ into the world where the primordial Light shines, and to bring the observer closer to that world through colours, as expression of light.&nbsp; ‘The love of the Divine Mother shines unconditionally to all people.&nbsp; I hope that through these Icons each visitor may find a seed of inspiration that will add more happiness on their own Path to God.’
Zoran Tosic was awarded prestigious art prizes in Australia where he lived before he moved to England in 2005. Upon receiving the first prize in Roma Easter Art Exhibition in 2001, Assistant Curator of the National Gallery of Queensland, Joanna Bosse wrote: ‘Executed in a highly proficient technique, this work is an exquisite example of a traditional icon in the Byzantine style…A truly outstanding work by a very talented icon painter.’
The art exhibition Divine Mother is funded by Arts Council England.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story144/new-icons-exhibition-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster remembers William Wilberforce]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster is to host a service to commemorate Yorkshire born parliamentarian William Wilberforce and the 200th Anniversary of the passing of the Slave Trade Abolition Bill.&nbsp; The Better Hour, will be held on Sunday 25th February 2007 at 2.00pm.&nbsp; The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York will be preaching at this special service.&nbsp; The Right Honourable William Hague, MP will also be in attendance.
The Better Hour will give thanks for the life of William Wilberforce and celebrate his work towards the passing of this momentous act.&nbsp; The service will include performances from the pioneering Riding Lights Theatre Company, the Trans-Global Drummers – an ensemble of drummers aged between 11 and 19, and Pocklington School Choir.&nbsp; 
York Minster is also to host an exhibition between 25th February and 2nd March that will commemorate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade.&nbsp; The exhibition, Free at Last, organised by the Centre for Global Education at York St John University will tell the story of the 18th Century Slave Trade and Contemporary Slavery. Free at Last will focus on York and Yorkshire’s involvement in the Slave Trade and in the movement towards its abolition 200 years ago.
Events to commemorate the Bicentenary will be happening across the Diocese of York throughout 2007.&nbsp; Contemporary issues of slavery will be discussed at the KC Stadium in Hull on Friday 23rd February between 9.30 and 16.30.&nbsp; The Wilberforce lectures will be given by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.&nbsp; The Archbishop of Canterbury will talk on Wilberforce and his Legacy on Tuesday 24th April at 19.00 in Hull City Hall.&nbsp; The Archbishop of York will talk on Freedom and Slavery on Tuesday 30th October at 19.00 in Hull City Hall.&nbsp; Entrance to the Wilberforce lectures is free but by ticket only.&nbsp; Tickets can be obtained from Hull City Hall Ticket Office, telephone 01482 226655.
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story141/york-minster-remembers-william-wilberforce.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA["How was it done?" - Building York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
As part of National Science and Engineering week, the staff of the Centre for School Visits will be running sessions exploring how York Minster was built. What were some of the problems encountered by medieval masons and how were they overcome? How was a window the size of a tennis court designed at one to one scale 600 years ago, and how will it be restored over the coming decade? Why is dismantling a pinnacle a potentially hazardous thing to do? Find out the answers to these and many other questions by coming along.
Sessions will start at 10.00 am or 1.00pm on Saturday 10th March and Saturday 17th March. Each session will last two hours and will include an introduction in the Centre for School Visits followed by a tour of the Minster.
Tickets are free, but limited, and must be obtained in advance.&nbsp; Please call 01904 557224
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story140/how-was-it-done--building-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster looks to improve investments]]></title>
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York Minster is making changes to improve the return on its investments.&nbsp; This will involve the sale of certain properties that the Dean &amp; Chapter currently owns in York.&nbsp; The proceeds from these sales will then be reinvested in other approved assets to bring a better return on investment.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
The properties concerned form part of the endowed funds.&nbsp; This means that the funds raised from the sales cannot be spent and must be maintained in other approved investment assets. Only the income from these funds can be used to contribute to the Dean and Chapter's general running costs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
The sale will also mean that the Dean and Chapter's overall investment portfolio becomes more balanced.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
Canon Stephen Anderson, Chapter Steward said, “Making changes in the way we safeguard our historic assets should only be considered after the most careful consideration of needs, return, alternatives and after taking professional advice.
&nbsp;
The reality is that our investment portfolio overall is too dependent upon property and the added risk of it all being in one location. We expect that returns will improve after reinvestment of the proceeds into other investment assets. This will benefit the work of running the Minster every day.”
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story139/minster-looks-to-improve-investments.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Lecture on the place of the Bible in the modern world]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[

The fourth Ebor Lecture to be held in York Minster will be at 7:30pm on Wednesday 7th February 2007. It will be given by the Revd Professor Frances Young on the topic: ‘Sacred Text and the Transcendence of Tradition: The Bible in a pluralist Society’.
The Ebor lectures relate theology to public issues in contemporary society.&nbsp; The next lecture will discuss the place of the Bible in the modern world.&nbsp; This lecture follows three previous lectures, which covered a range of topics, from Islam in the modern world, to God and our public life.
Professor Young taught Theology at the University of Birmingham from 1971 and was Head of Department between 1986 and 1995.&nbsp; She retired in 2005, but continues to contribute to theology, ecumenism and to church life.&nbsp; Professor Young was awarded the OBE and is a fellow of the British Academy.
The Ebor Lectures series has been jointly organised by York Minster, York St John University, and The York Institute for Community theology, The Carmelites and The Churches regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber.&nbsp; It is an ecumenical project, building bridges between faith communities and relating faith to public issues such as politics, economics, contemporary culture and spirituality.
Admission to the lectures is free but by ticket only.&nbsp; To book a ticket please call 01904 876474, e-mail eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk or write to Ebor Lectures, School of Education and Theology, York St John University College, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX.
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story138/lecture-on-the-place-of-the-bible-in-the-modern-world.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Residents First at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will be joining many other York Venues to welcome York residents free of charge over Residents First Weekend, the 27th and 28th January 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp; Residents will be able to experience the Undercroft and Tower free of charge, along with the opportunity to visit the Minster Stoneyard. 
York Minster itself is free of charge to York residents all year round on production of a Minster Pass.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, residents can take along proof of address to the Minster and pick one up there or send an SAE to: The Visitors’ Department, St William’s College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF.
The Undercroft and Tower will be open free of charge to residents between 10.00am and 4.00pm on Saturday 27th January and 12.30pm and 4.00pm on Sunday 28th January.&nbsp; Entrance is by Voucher only, Vouchers will be issued on a first come first served basis from the Minster’s Group and Information Desk, situated in the South Transept and will be available from Saturday 20th January.
Residents will also be given the chance to view the skilled work of the Minster’s stonemasons. Guided Tours of the Minster Stoneyard will take place on Saturday 27th January.&nbsp; Tours will take place at 10.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm.&nbsp; Tickets are available by phoning 557226 on Monday 22nd January only, tickets will be issued on a first come first served basis. 
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story137/residents-first-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Taizé Common Prayer at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Below -&nbsp;Daphne Wood, Organiser of the&nbsp;Taizé service in York Minster, describes the history of Taizé worship and discusses what is special about Taizé Common Prayer&nbsp;at the Minster:
Taizé is a small hamlet in Burgundy, France, yet the name is known internationally.
In 1940,&nbsp; Brother Roger, a Swiss Protestant, settled alone in Taizé.&nbsp; He wanted above all to help people going through difficulties.&nbsp; He offered hospitality to refugees, especially Jews.
Brother Roger was astonished to see Christians using up so much energy in justifying the things which brought them into conflict, while all the time referring to a God of love. He thought that in order to communicate Christ to others, what could be more transparent than actually giving their lives, accomplishing reconciliation in practical ways day after day.&nbsp; So he believed it was essential to create a community of men who had decided to give their entire life and who constantly seek to be reconciled.&nbsp; 
Brother Roger intended to create a community that would be a ”parable of&nbsp; communion”.&nbsp; Today the community numbers more than one hundred brothers, Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, from twenty-five countries.&nbsp; Small groups of brothers also live among the poor in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Sadly Brother Roger died in Taizé in August 2005.&nbsp; We thank God for his life and work and pray for his successor Brother Alois.
Since the end of the 1950’s tens of thousands of young people from every continent and adults too, come to Taizé, usually to stay for a week, living simply and gathering with the brothers three times a day for Common Prayer in the huge Church of Reconciliation.&nbsp; They come to reflect on the sources of the faith, to pray, to look for meaning for their life and to prepare themselves to be creators of trust and reconciliation in the places where they live.
Worship in the style of the Taizé Community happens all over the world and at the Parish Church of St. Chad on the Knavesmire, York.&nbsp; The Parish was invited to arrange&nbsp;a&nbsp;service&nbsp;in York Minster in 2004 and in subsequent years.&nbsp; We are planning now for the evening of Sunday 28th January 2007.&nbsp; All are welcome.
What is special about Taizé worship in the Minster?&nbsp; One enters at the West door to the enormity of the vast hallowed space of the Nave, subdued lighting, flickering candles, the “empty” cross central on the floor surrounded by chairs waiting for God’s people. The music, the singing of short chants, repeated again and again give a meditative character.&nbsp; These few words express a basic reality of faith, quickly grasped by the mind, penetrating the whole being, a way of listening to God.
The service flows unannounced following the pattern of&nbsp; prayerful chants, readings and intercessions and silences.&nbsp; Individuals place their lighted candles on the central cross, symbolising reconciliation and peace through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, and many remain there praying.&nbsp; The Cross becomes a dazzling runway of light.
Taizé style of worship provides a corporate act of worship of people of all age-groups, of any tradition and none.&nbsp; Its simplicity, its informal structure is an opportunity to escape from busyness,&nbsp; to reflect and to pray,&nbsp; to honour God and to love one another,&nbsp; to rest a while,&nbsp; to be refreshed,&nbsp; to be reconciled and so to be at peace as we once more go out into the world to live and work to His praise and glory. 
Daphne Wood
There will be&nbsp;a service of Taizé Common Prayer at York Minster on&nbsp;Sunday 28th January 2007 at 6.30pm.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story135/taiz-common-prayer-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Digital Art bringing Medieval Masterpiece to life at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster’s extensive restoration of the Great East Window – the world’s largest medieval window&nbsp;- is being brought to life in a ground-breaking digital art installation launched to the public on January 6. 
‘Recovered light’, by renowned international artists Marc Downie, Shelley Eshkar and Paul Kaiser (known as the OpenEnded Group), will allow people to see the window’s&nbsp; scenes, never before seen by the public, up close for the first time. It will bring to life the current restoration project of the window, designed to improve the clarity and condition of the 15th century work and to save it from collapse.&nbsp; 
The artwork, which will be in place until January 28, will be projected onto a massive screen on the gridwork of scaffolding which covers the entire eastern façade of York Minster for the period of the restoration. Recovered Light will act as a kind of virtual x-ray, peering through the scaffold at the Great Window. This digital artwork will use artificial intelligence to carefully reassemble the intricate scenes of each stained glass panel, as if solving a complex jigsaw puzzle and bringing back to light imagery long lost to view.
The Great East Window is the biggest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world, is roughly the size of a tennis court and has been described as ‘the Sistine chapel of the stained glass world’. &nbsp;It is the earliest piece of English art by a known artist,&nbsp;completed between 1405 and 1408 by John Thornton.
Scaffolding now obscures&nbsp;the Great East Window from view and it is unlikely that visitors to the city will be able to view the window for another ten years.
Recovered Light will work in real-time using a sophisticated artificial-intelligence program. This allows it to interact with the movements of the viewers outside, as well as to continually vary the moving images. Paul Kaiser, of the OpenEnded Group, based in New York,&nbsp; said: “We’re extremely excited about lighting up York Minster as never before.&nbsp; Our artwork will result in a spectacle that never repeats itself during the course of its run and will reward not only visitors to the city encountering it a single time, but also York citizens who will come across it repeatedly in the everyday course of things, catching glimpses of it from afar as well as studying it up close, always finding something new revealed in the ever-shifting artwork.”
Recovered Light has been commissioned by the York Tourism Partnership as part of Illuminating York, a ten year strategy by the city with investment from the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, to encourage greater use of the city in the evenings, increase visitor numbers, and enhance the evening environment and security at night.
Rory McCarthy, Tourism Development Officer for the City of York Council, said:&nbsp;&nbsp; “We wanted to secure an artist of international standing to create a light-based public artwork that will catch the imagination of the nation, inspiring visitors and residents alike. We’re excited to see the final results.”&nbsp; 
Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: “January is traditionally a quieter month for tourism in York so we’re delighted the city has managed to attract world class artists to put on this major piece of public art.&nbsp; With several fringe events happening next month, as well as a mini arts festival, we’re expecting bookings to York to increase throughout January.”
Visitors can find out more by visiting www.visityork.org.&nbsp; Recovered Light will run from 6 January for three weeks to 27 Jan inclusive.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story136/digital-art-bringing-medieval-masterpiece-to-life-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Jan 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Minster Nave to be cleared]]></title>
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The Nave of York Minster will be cleared of all chairs today, Tuesday 2nd January 2007, so that people can see how spacious the Nave would have originally seemed.&nbsp; The Nave is only emptied of its furniture once a year, at a quiet time in the Minster’s year, making this a special opportunity to see the Nave free of its 800 chairs.
Emptying the Nave provides the opportunity to host special and unusual events in its vast space.&nbsp; The liveliest of these events is the Diocesan Youth Event XLS.&nbsp; This event is to be held on 16th February 2007.&nbsp; Young people from all over the Diocese of York will come to York Minster to celebrate and praise God through a diverse mix of music and activities.&nbsp; The Empty Nave will also host the Spire event, a striking, magical exploration of sound and space by world-class musicians and composers.
During the time that the Nave is clear there will also be a Taizé Service on Sunday 28th January, which will focus on scripture, silence and song.&nbsp; Daphne Wood, the organiser of the Taizé service at the Minster has described what the Minster’s empty Nave adds to Taizé prayer:&nbsp; “One enters at the West door to the enormity of the vast hallowed space, subdued lighting and flickering candles”.&nbsp; This year, there will also be an evening of Circle Dancing on Saturday 27th January, and the Christian Unions of the University of York and York St John will hold their annual Minster Ball on the evening of Friday 26th January.
The building of the Nave began in 1280, and took seventy years to complete.&nbsp; Built in the Decorated style, it replaced the old Norman Nave of Thomas of Bayeux.&nbsp; Diverse uses of the Nave are by no means a modern innovation, in medieval times, the Nave would have been used for a variety of purposes: markets were held there, and in the 1500s there were complaints about boys playing football in the Nave!
The Nave will be empty of chairs until Monday 19 February.&nbsp; York Residents can use their Minster Passes to come in free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York Residents can send an SAE to the Visitors Department, St William's College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF, or pick one up in the Minster.
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story134/minster-nave-to-be-cleared.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Christmas Worship at York Minster]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will be holding its usual full programme of services for all to celebrate again the birth of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The countdown to Christmas begins at 12 noon on Christmas Eve with the ever popular Crib Service aimed particularly at children of all ages, both young in years and young in heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Children are encouraged to come dressed as shepherds&nbsp;or angels, and then make up a 'living crib'.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many children bring presents to the service, which are then placed in the Crib.&nbsp; After Christmas, these gifts are donated to charities and given to less fortunate children in York and North Yorkshire.&nbsp; This year the charities that will benefit from the donation of these gifts are Home Start, The Salvation Army, The Centre for Separated Families, York Women’s Refuge and HMP Wetherby Young Offender Institution&nbsp;- Visits Hall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The charities especially welcome art and craft materials such as crayons, felt pens and coloured paper along with games and toys suitable for under five year olds. But any gift is most gratefully received.
Later on Christmas Eve at 16.00 is the traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. &nbsp;Due to its popularity, this service is also being held at 19.00 on the preceding Friday 22nd December.
The climax of all the preparations during the past month is the Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve at 23.30 to again rejoice at the First Christmas and all that has meant and still means for the world.
On Christmas morning, the services follow the pattern usually for a Sunday, with 10.00 Sung Eucharist, at which the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu will preach, and 11.30 Choral Matins, at which the Dean of York, the Very Revd Keith Jones, will preach.&nbsp; At 16.00, the Minster Choir will sing Evensong.
The Dean and Chapter hope that this very full programme of services will afford everyone the opportunity to start the Christmas festivities with an act of worship.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story47/christmas-worship-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster Family Carol Concert]]></title>
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For information about the Family Carol Concert 2007 please see the Events Calendar.&nbsp; 
York Minster is to host its ever-popular Family Carol Concert on Friday 15th December at 7.00pm, proceeds will go to support the music at the Minster as part of the Development campaign. The acclaimed Minster Choir will sing traditional Christmas Carols, joined by the St William Singers and the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers. There will also be readings by well-known guests Ian Carmichael and Jane Lapotaire.
Ian Carmichael has appeared in many classic films including Private&rsquo;s Progress, Lucky Jim and Scoundrels, and has recently appeared in The Royal, the popular spin-off to ITV1&rsquo;s Heartbeat and BBC period Drama Wives and Daughters. He is well known for his television performances as Bertie Wooster opposite Denis Price&rsquo;s Jeeves and Dorothy L. Sayers&rsquo; aristocratic sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey. Ian Carmichael was awarded the OBE in 2003.
Jane Lapotaire has been a leading member of the National Theatre and the RSC for more than thirty years, and was one of the founding members of the Young Vic Theatre Company. Her films include To Catch a King, Anthony and Cleopatra, Surviving Picasso, and recently Shooting Fish, and There&rsquo;s Only One Jimmy Grimble with Ray Winstone and Robert Carlyle.
The audience will be invited to sing favourite carols such as &ldquo;O Little Town of Bethlehem&rdquo; and &ldquo;O Come all Ye Faithful&rdquo;. The readings will range from the humorous to the traditional.
Tickets range from &pound;5 to &pound;10 and are available from the National Centre for Early Music Box Office, St Margaret&rsquo;s Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL, telephone 01904 658338 or email boxoffice@ncem.co.uk.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story84/york-minster-family-carol-concert.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[The Archbishop of York launches the Church of England's first ever online Advent Calendar at York Minster]]></title>
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The first ever Church of EnglandOnline Advent Calendar was launched on Sunday 3rd December and it lit up York Minster.Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, pushed the button to launch the Church of England's&nbsp;first official online Advent Calendar&nbsp; at a special event in the grounds of York Minster on Sunday evening.The website marks the first time the Church of England has launched a national initiative using the web to explore the meaning of Christmas and to highlight the deep significance of the festival for millions of people across the country. The calendar draws together a range of real-life stories about what Christmas means to people today from a paramedic in Carlisle, to a donkey sanctuary owner in Oxfordshire, to an estate agent in Tunbridge Wells in a way that is accessible to people of all ages.Advent is about slowing down and taking time to think about the why of Christmas, not the how. On each day of Advent, a virtual window will be unlocked for visitors to click open, revealing the personal words and a portrait photograph of Christians specially interviewed for&nbsp;www.adventstories.org. 
From stories of joy at coming to faith, to stories of pain at being separated from loved ones, the calendar aims to present glimpses of how the celebration of the birth of Jesus impacts on people today.On Sunday evening, the first window was unveiled in style when a giant-sized version of the story was projected onto the East Front of York Minster in the heart of the city. Passers-by saw a 20-foot high picture of the Archbishop of York accompanied by some words from his own Christmas story. In it, Dr John Sentamu writes "Advent is like a hungry man waiting for a fabulous feast. Christmas comes with a sense of longing being fulfilled and hopes being met. As a cook, I love Christmas Day. As the aroma of the food wafts through the house it reminds everyone that theres a good meal coming. Advent is like the aroma of Christmas, reminding us of the day when God will invite us all to join Him in the best banquet ever. No one need be left out. The choice is ours. The clarion call of advent is: wake up, clean up, grow up, serve up."Behind each window, visitors will be encouraged to find out where their nearest church is through the "A Church Near You" website, and will also be able to explore more about Christianity through a link to the rejesus.co.uk website. Through these elements, the calendar's designers hope to offer visitors a range of options for discovering more about the real Christmas story.www.adventstories.org will be live until Epiphany, the official end of Christmas, on Sunday 7th January 2007. The Church expects more than 100,000 people to visit the calendar over that period.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story46/the-archbishop-of-york-launches-the-church-of-englands-first-ever-online-advent-calendar-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Festive Flowers in aid of the Development Campaign]]></title>
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York Minster's Development Campaign is to benefit from the proceeds of a Christmas Flower Arranging Demonstration, organised by the Chorister parents, which will take place at 2.00pm on Tuesday 5th December 2006 in the beautiful atmosphere of the Chapter House at York Minster. Tickets are available at £6 each from Suzanne Parkes - Telephone: 01904 794447 or Beryl Plimmer - Telephone: 01904 738485. The ticket price will also include refreshments.
Sue Maddocks, a Chelsea Flower Show Medallist and NAFAS Area Demonstrator, will lead this demonstration of Christmas Flower arranging techniques for the home. Sue Maddocks has demonstrated flower arranging across the UK and beyond - demonstrating as far afield as Spain. Ms Maddocks will demonstrate a range of flower arranging techniques; from the traditional to the contemporary including an arrangement in silver and white entitled 'Christmas Wonderland'.
Suzanne Parkes, who has organised the event is keen to show support for the Minster from the Chorister parents: "Each day, live music is produced in the heart of the city of an incredibly high standard, hopefully the afternoon will go some way towards helping keep this music alive."
Watkinsons Shoes have kindly agreed to sponsor the event.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story43/festive-flowers-in-aid-of-the-development-campaign.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Collation, Admission and Installation of the new Chapter Steward]]></title>
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Mr Stephen Anderson, the new Chapter Steward of York Minster, will complete his inauguration into the life of the Minster on Saturday 18th November 2006 when he becomes a Lay canon. He will be Installed in the Quire during Evensong at 5.15pm. This will be preceded by his Admission into the College of Canons in the Chapter House. Earlier in the day, there will be a ceremony of Collation by the Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu in the Lady Chapel of York Minster.
As a Lay Canon, Mr Anderson will be a member of the Dean and Chapter, the governing body of the Minster. He is one of four lay people on that governing body. As Chapter Steward, Mr Anderson is the senior lay member of staff, with overall responsibility for the day to day administration of the Minster, excluding worship and pastoral activities, which is the responsibility of the Dean and 3 clerical residentiary Canons.
Speaking on his becoming a lay canon at the Minster, Stephen Anderson, Chapter Steward said&nbsp;"I have been made to feel so welcome by this Christian, Yorkshire community. The Minster building speaks powerfully to me of a transcendent God; but it is the warmth and care of its people here, that presents a God that is real and relevant on a daily basis too. To have both that beyondness and personal knowing come together so powerfully in this place is a real joy and will no doubt sustain me in my work here."
"A key part of that work is the York Minster Revealed programme we are putting together for enhancing our visitor and pilgrim experience. This programme will incorporate our repair and renovation work such as that to the East Front, so that that which has lasted for centuries can be both seen and interpreted afresh by the current generation - and handed on to the next, for we are all stewards in the course of human history." 
"It is an enormous task, developing, guiding and sustaining such a huge programme of work, organisationally and financially, over what will be many years - and keeping the normal day to day activities going in the meantime. But we have a very able team, employees and volunteers, who are in good heart and enthusiastic for our purpose. It is not an inwardly focused one. The Minster is for everyone - its own community certainly, but so too for all the people of York, the region and the country; for worshippers, pilgrims, visitors, those of many faiths and those of no faith that come only to see something of our heritage as a nation and marvel at the creativity and workmanship and skill that has created this wonderful building."
"I very much hope that my time at the Minster will be one of growth and renewal, rooted firmly and safely in our past, but looking forward also with confidence and creativity to our future. We are planning some very exciting things to happen in and around the Minster in the time to come and as part of the Dean &amp; Chapter, I hope very much to be able to make further announcements in the near future."
Mr Anderson is 52, and is married with two children. He had an earlier career in financial services in various executive roles and was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of a group of charities based at St Andrew Holborn in the City of London. 
Mr Anderson is also in training for non-stipendiary ministry in the Church.


- ENDS -
Notes to the Media:

Explanation of terms:
Collation: The giving of a license to be a Canon, under the authority of the Archbishop. This ceremony is performed by the Archbishop of York.
Admission: The new Canon becomes a member of the Chapter and the College of Canons. It takes place in the Chapter House, and is an ancient ceremony.
Installation: During Evensong the newly Licensed and Admitted Canon is placed in his stall in the Quire.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story39/collation-admission-and-installation-of-the-new-chapter-steward.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster welcomes the Minister for Culture]]></title>
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York Minster is to receive a visit from the Minister for Culture, David Lammy MP at 3.00pm on Thursday 16th November to view the crucial conservation work that has begun on the East Front as part of the overall development campaign 'York Minster Revealed'. Mr Lammy will be met by The Dean and Members of the Minster Management. They will take Mr Lammy up the scaffolding at the East Front of the Minster so that he can see for himself what needs to be done.  Mr Lammy will then have the chance to visit the York Glaziers' Trust, whose skilled craftspeople on site are working on the options for the restoration. They have a huge amount of work to do, as the Great East Window is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.  The Minster for Culture, David Lammy says "York Minster is the most iconic ecclesiastical building in the North of England. It is only right and proper that it gets the expert attention that it needs to prepare if for many more years of service, as a place of worship, a showcase of workmanship, and a major tourist destination"The Dean of York, The Very Reverend Keith Jones welcomes Mr Lammy's visit: "This is our chance to show a member of the government the quality of care we are giving to a place which is hugely important to us all.  Cathedrals are a significant element in the cultural life of the country in many ways.  They sustain a great musical tradition, are centres of craftsmanship, lively means of education for all ages, and are growing in their numbers of worshippers.  Their visitors are international and of many faiths, and York Minster is typical of the way cathedrals are so often the magnet for their city, enlivening the economy and giving distinction to their surroundings.  As a former cathedral chorister, Mr Lammy is no doubt aware of this; but I hope he will be pleased to see in York how the Minster gives positive support to the life of its city and area."Dr Richard Shephard, Director of Development has said "We are, of course, delighted that David Lammy, the Culture Minister in the Department for Culture Media and Sport, is visiting York Minster. He will be briefed by experts at the Minster and this will, we hope, help him as he represents the cause of all cathedrals in discussions at government level."
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story40/york-minster-welcomes-the-minister-for-culture.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[A Break with musical tradition at York Minster]]></title>
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For many years the Minster Choir has sung Bach's Cantata 140, Wachet Auf!  on the Sunday before Advent.   This year it has been decided that another of Bach's advent Cantatas, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, (Come unto us now, Saviour of the Unbeliever) (Cantata 61) will be sung instead.  This change to the norm gives members of the congregation a chance to hear and appreciate another of the other musical treasures left to us by this well-loved and celebrated composer. The tradition of singing Wachet Auf! is valued by a great many people and the congregation can rest assured that it will not in future years be neglected.Bach composed 224 cantatas, all revealing a level of inspiration and musical skill beyond anything known before or after Bach's lifetime.  The words of Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland were written by the Hamburg Pastor, Erdman Neumeister who was inspired by the Lutheran doctrine. The music of Cantata 61 is complex and melodious and contains an astonishing variety of religious symbolism, which is fitting for this time in the Church's Calendar.  A full text, translation and programme note will be available on Sunday 26 November.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story45/a-break-with-musical-tradition-at-york-minster.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[York Minster receives a boost from the Gild of Freemen]]></title>
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York Minster's Development campaign is to receive another boost this week, as it will be presented with a cheque from Susan Dudley-Smith, the former Master of the Gild of Freemen for the City of York.  Mrs Dudley-Smith chose the Development Campaign as one of her two beneficiary charities.  The presentation will take place at 3.00pm on Tuesday 8th November 2006 at Bedern Hall. The Rev'd Canon Glyn Webster, Canon Chancellor of York Minster will be there to receive the cheque on behalf of the Minster. Mr Ed Bracher, the Chief Executive of the Riding for the Disabled Association will also be there, as a representative from Mrs Dudley-Smith's second beneficiary charity.The York Minster Development Campaign was chosen as one of the charities to benefit from Mrs Dudley Smith's year of service between June 2005 and July 2006 as Master of the Gild of Freemen of the City of York.   Now, at the end of her year's service as Master of the Gild of Freemen, Mrs Dudley-Smith is delighted to present the York Minster Development Campaign, along with the Riding for the Disabled Association with their cheques.  Mrs Dudley-Smith says "I am delighted that two such worthwhile causes are able to benefit from my year as Master of the Gild of Freemen. I wish thank everyone for their help and support."   On 30 March 2006, York Minster has itself been linked with the Riding for the Disabled Association when it hosted a service entitled The Pageant of the Donkey.  The Princess Royal attended this service.The York Minster Development Campaign is aiming to raise £30,000,000 to fund the restoration of the East Front of the Minster, and aid the cathedral's music and educational life.  The centrepiece of the East Front is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.  The medieval glass and stonework of the East Front are badly in need of restoration and structural repair.  If you are able to help keep York Minster in its full glory, please send cheques, made payable to 'York Minster Fund' to The Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York, Y01 7JN, or email richards@yorkminster.orgThe Riding for the Disabled Association is a national voluntary organisation dedicated to making a real and lasting difference to the lives of disabled people, enabling them to ride or carriage drive to benefit their health and well-being.  To find out more about the RDA please see their website at http://www.rda.org.uk/.
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			<link>http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story42/york-minster-receives-a-boost-from-the-gild-of-freemen.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Alan Titchmarsh Supports York Minster]]></title>
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ALAN TITCHMARSH SUPPORTS THE MINSTER DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGNOne of Britain's best known Yorkshiremen, Alan Titchmarsh, has kindly agreed to give An Evening with Alan Titchmarsh, a lighthearted anthology of poetry and prose with gardening and other stories, in aid of York Minster's Development Campaign. The Evening will take place on Thursday 9th November at 7.30pm in the Nave of the Minster. Tickets at the front of the Nave cost £20 and at the rear of the nave and in the side aisles cost £15, all seating is unreserved. Tickets for the event are available from The Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN, Telephone 01904 557245. Tickets will also be available on the door.Alan will be reading from his newly published second volume of Yorkshire memoirs Nobbut a Lad: A Yorkshire Childhood.  His sixth novel, Love and Dr Devon was also recently published.  There will be a book buying and signing opportunity at the end of the evening. Alan Titchmarsh was born and brought up on the edge of Ilkley Moor in Yorkshire.  His keen interest in gardening was evident from the age of 10 when he started growing plants in his parents' garden.  After leaving school at 15 to become an apprentice gardener, he went on to train full time at horticultural college and subsequently at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.  Alan then became a horticultural journalist and a freelance broadcaster and writer and he now writes regularly for the Daily Express, Radio Times and BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. He is patron or president of nearly 40 charities, and runs his own charity, Gardens for Schools, which biennially gives grants to primary