Conserved stained glass goes on display at York Minster for St Cuthbert’s Day
Four newly conserved stained glass panels from the medieval St Cuthbert Window, one of the largest surviving narrative windows in Europe, will go on display at York Minster this week ahead of the saint’s day on Sunday (20 March).
The four panels, which show scenes from St Cuthbert’s life, will be displayed as part of the cathedral’s exhibition Light, Glass & Stone: Conserving the St Cuthbert Window, which opened at the Minster last summer.
The panels were among 152 removed from the 15th century window in spring last year as part of a five-year, £5m project to conserve the window and the stonework of its surrounding Transept.
Experts at York Glaziers Trust have been carrying out painstaking cleaning and repair work to the stained glass, with a selection of newly conserved panels going on display to give visitors the rare opportunity to see at close range the nearly 600 year old glass.
Dr Helen Rawson, Head of Heritage at York Minster, said: “The four panels show some of the key scenes from St Cuthbert’s life including his birth and death.
“Three are exquisite examples of the craftsmanship employed by the medieval glaziers, while the fourth highlights the accomplished work of 19th century stained glass maker J.W. Knowles of York, who worked on a previous restoration of the window.
“It’s fantastic to be able to complete the exhibition by adding these final panels to the eight already installed, and to give visitors the chance to explore both the life and work of this important northern saint, alongside the conservation work being undertaken to protect this medieval masterpiece.”
St Cuthbert was an Anglo-Saxon monk and bishop of Lindisfarne who lived between c.634 and 687 and was renowned for his good works and miracles.
York Minster’s St Cuthbert Window, which is located in the cathedral’s East End, was created in around 1440 and shows scenes from the saint’s life.
Work to restore the window and the stonework of the South East Transept in which it sits started in 2021 and will take around five years to complete.
The project includes installing state-of-the-art protective glazing to the window, to replace external quarry glazing installed in the 1930s. This will provide a barrier between the medieval glass and the elements.
The work is part of a 20-year partnership project between York Minster and York Glaziers Trust to ensure all 128 of the Minster’s mostly medieval windows have protective glazing to shield the delicate glass from decay and buy time for much needed conservation work.
Events and services at York Minster for Covid-19 National Day of Reflection
York Minster will welcome people for remembrance, prayer and hope on Wednesday 23rd March, the second anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Starting at 9.30am, the Minster will open for people to come and remember loved ones who have died and those living with physical and mental health challenges as a result of the virus. There will be prayers and thanks for the NHS, nursing homes, workers in caring professions and all emergency and key workers who worked tirelessly throughout the darkest days of the pandemic. The day will also provide opportunities to reflect on the lessons learned during the pandemic.
At 5.30pm, a special service of Choral Evensong will take place with music and readings chosen for the day. As part of the service, the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, will give the first reading of ‘Only Human’ – a poem specially commissioned by the Chapter of York to mark the National Day of Reflection. It is intended that a Minster stonemason will carve lines from Simon’s poem into a stone bench that will be installed as part of a project to create a new, biodiverse green space at College Green.
The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York said: “The pandemic has reminded us, sometimes very painfully, that life is both precious and fragile and that – to borrow the title of the Poet Laureate’s new poem – we are all ‘Only Human’. Covid-19 taught us that lots of ‘ordinary’ jobs are actually essential jobs that hold the fabric of our communities together. It reminded us of the importance of family and friends, of simply spending time together and sharing an embrace from time-to-time.
“As we resume our lives once again, it is right that we reflect on the last two years and the impact upon all of us. But it is also a time to begin the journey towards a hopeful future and somehow, to build on the wells of loving kindness, sacrifice and care that were also a part of the pandemic.”
The Minster’s clergy team and chaplains will be available throughout the day to welcome and support visitors. People will be invited to join worship, to pray, to light candles or just to sit for quiet reflection. The day will be one of the Minster’s non-charging days.
York Minster will be open for the National Day of Reflection from 9.30 am until 4.30pm on Wednesday 23rd March. The Evensong Service will begin at 5.30pm. All are welcome.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter at York Minster
York Minster today announced its services and events for Lent, Holy Week and Easter 2022.
Starting on Ash Wednesday (2 March), Christians across the world will keep a period of penitence culminating, in the solemnity of Holy Week, with the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, his burial and on Easter Day, the joyful celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York said: “This will be the first full schedule of Lent and Easter services at York Minster since 2019. Everyone at the Minster is looking forward to welcoming people back to the cathedral for worship, prayer and reflection during Lent, Holy Week and Easter.
“For those unable to join us in person, many of the services will also be livestreamed so people will be able watch from the comfort of their own homes. Over the next few weeks, our worship will help us to follow the journey of Jesus towards the cross and beyond, and that helps us to understand that Jesus walks with us through the joys and sorrows of our lives every day.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will be in residence at York Minster, preaching and leading services throughout Holy Week. Archbishop Stephen said: “In order to understand the cross, you need to stand under it. That’s what we’ll be doing in Holy Week this year: standing under the cross and listening carefully to Jesus.
“In particular we will focus on Jesus’ words from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.” I am very much looking forward to being with you, and it’s good to know that others from across the Diocese of York can join in online.”
Full details of our events and services can be found HERE.
The key events and services are:
Tuesday 1 March – The arrival of the Lent Cross
Six metres tall, three metres wide and hewn from rough scaffolding wood in the Minster’s workshop, the Lent Cross, the central symbol of the Christian Faith, will be suspended from the Central Tower.
Wednesday 2 March – Ash Wednesday: Imposition of the Ashes
The Minster will be given to prayer and worship throughout the day. Ash is a sign of mortality – a reminder that we shall all die. The sign of the cross reminds us of Jesus’ death followed by his resurrection and new life. Visitors will be able to receive the sign of the cross marked in ash on their foreheads.
Service times and Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday are as follows:
7.30am – Matins
7.50am – Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
12noon – Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
5.30pm – Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes.
Performance of T.S. Eliot’s Ash Wednesday
Actor and director Charles Sharman-Cox will give a live performance of T.S. Eliot’s moving poem Ash Wednesday in York Minster’s magnificent Chapter House. The free performances will take place at 1pm and at 3pm. No booking required. A captioned recording of the performance will also be shown continuously throughout the day on a screen in the Chapter House.
Stations of the Cross in Dean’s Park
2 March until 24 April, daily 7am until 7pm
Stations of the Cross originated with the early Christians visiting Jerusalem, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since, Christians of different traditions have used this form of devotion.
This year, pilgrims will be able to journey around seven stations in Dean’s Park, featuring artwork by local school children and material to encourage reflection and prayer. A final station will be placed inside the Minster on Easter Day, Sunday 17 April.
Lent Webinars 2022 – Ways into Prayer
Thursdays from 10 March until 7 April at 7.30pm
Lent is the most important festival for Christians around the world. Prayer is integral to the life of any Christian and is the bedrock of everything that York Minster offers. To help us think about prayer in its widest context, a series of weekly webinars on Zoom throughout Lent will explore different ways to enter into prayer. Recordings of the webinars will also be available on our YouTube channel a week after broadcast date.
Each webinar will be led by a guest speaker with expert knowledge in their field:
Thursday 10 March – Art and Prayer
Led by Dr Deborah Lewer
This first talk considers how works of visual art, old and new, might stimulate and challenge our images of prayer.
Thursday 17 March – Prayer as Lament and Hope
Led by Wendy Lloyd
This talk will reflect on the rage and hope expressed in and through the practice of lament, a form of prayer that is being retrieved in these challenging times. Wendy will share reflections and insights from the ‘Rage and Hope’ book published by SPCK in 2021 to mark the 75th Anniversary of Christian Aid.
Thursday 24 March – Habits of Prayer
Led by Canon Jessica Martin
This talk will consider the repeated actions of daily and seasonal prayer and their relationship to time and eternity.
Thursday 31 March – Praying as part of a Global Christian Family
Led by the Revd Canon Dr Anderson H M Jeremiah
This talk will explore the spiritual, social and political meaning of ‘prayer’ in the context of Global Christianity.
Thursday 7 April – TBC.
Holy Week and Easter Day at York Minster
Palm Sunday – Sunday 10 April
The first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter Day, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
10.30am – Procession and Eucharist for Palm Sunday (Livestream from inside the Minster)
Starting outside in the Minster’s South Piazza, two donkeys will lead the procession to the West End of the cathedral. The Eucharist will include the Passion Gospel, sung by The Choir of York Minster and the blessing of palm crosses, a reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This service turns from triumph to sorrow, marking the beginning of Jesus’ journey towards the cross. Part of the service will be livestreamed from inside the Minster.
4pm – Choral Evensong (This service will also be livestreamed)
This service will prepare us for our walk with Christ through Holy Week.
7.30pm – Stainer’s Crucifixion
As a prelude to Holy Week, the Ebor Singers, an associate choir of York Minster, will perform John Stainer’s Crucifixion. The work incorporates congregational hymns with a recounting of the passion of Christ.
Choral Evensong – Monday 11 to Saturday 16 April
The Choir of York Minster will sing at Evensong daily during Holy Week.
Holy Week Address by the Archbishop of York followed by Compline
This year, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will be at York Minster to journey with us through Holy Week.
Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 April (These services will also be livestreamed)
7.30pm – Archbishop’s Address followed by Compline sung by the Ebor Singers
Compline is a beautiful, candlelit form of prayer said at the end of day and traditionally followed by a period of silent contemplation.
7.30pm – Wednesday 13 April (This service will also be livestreamed)
Archbishop’s Address followed by Tenebrae
The service of Tenebrae will be sung by the Ebor Singers. The service will recount the betrayal of Jesus and the events of the passion through music, silence and the gradual extinguishing of candles.
Maundy Thursday, 14 April
11am – Chrism Eucharist (This service will also be livestreamed)
This service takes its name from the Chrismation (anointing). The Archbishop of York will bless oils for anointing candidates for baptism and confirmation and for healing. The Archbishop will gather members of the clergy from around the Diocese of York to renew the vows made at their ordinations.
7pm – Liturgy of Maundy Thursday – Eucharist of the Last Supper
The Eucharist of the Last Supper recalls the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest and trial. We remember that Jesus called us to love and serve one another through the washing of feet. As we bless bread and wine, we follow his command to proclaim his death until he comes in glory. The preacher will be the Archbishop of York.
8.30pm until Midnight – Watch
The Watch – a type of vigil – recalls the time Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest, trial and crucifixion.
Good Friday, 15 April
On Good Friday, Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus.
10am: The Liturgy of Good Friday (This service will also be livestreamed)
A simple service in which we gather at the foot of the cross to pray. With readings and music.
12noon until 3pm: The Three Hours’ Devotion (Livestreamed at 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm)
Three Hours Devotion is a service of meditation, music and prayers with periods of silence for reflection. The Archbishop of York will preach at this service alongside a performance of Via Crucis, a devotion for Passiontide, with prayers by Eric Milner-White and music for organ by Philip Moore, played by Benjamin Morris.
Easter Eve, Saturday 16 April
8pm – The Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter and Confirmations
This Eucharist moves from darkness to light. We recall God’s saving actions through time, culminating in the resurrection in the light of the first Easter Day. The Easter Vigil marks the end of the emptiness of Holy Saturday, and leads into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. During this service a number of candidates will reaffirm their faith through confirmation. The Archbishop of York will preach and preside at this service.
Easter Day, Sunday 17 April
On Easter Day, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
8am – Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer
A simple said service in the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer and King James Bible.
10.00am – Choral Matins on Easter Day
This service will follow the pattern of Matins from the Book of Common Prayer, with sung psalms, canticles and an anthem.
11.00am – Festal Eucharist on Easter Day (This service will also be livestreamed)
We greet the risen Lord with joy, proclaiming Alleluia, Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! The Archbishop of York will preach and preside.
4.00pm – Festal Evensong – (This service will also be livestreamed)
A great day of rejoicing culminates in an uplifting service of Choral Evensong.
York Minster’s Easter Garden – Sunday 10 April until Sunday 5 June
A much-loved tradition at York Minster, the Easter Garden depicts key scenes from the Passion. Starting on Palm Sunday with just the tomb and three crosses, new elements will be added as the Easter story unfolds including palm branches, 30 pieces of silver (Judas Iscariot’s reward for his betrayal of Jesus), a crown of thorns and three nails and a length of material representing Jesus’ burial cloth. The Easter Garden will be in the South Transept from Palm Sunday until the Feast of Pentecost.
Events for Children and Families at York Minster
Experience Easter Trail – Monday 11 until Sunday 24 April
Collect an Experience Easter Trail and explore six interactive stops around the cathedral to learn more about the Easter story. The stops include the chance to decorate a paper spring flower to take home inspired by the Minster’s Easter Garden.
The trail is suitable for all ages, for both adults and children, and is free with general admission. Copies can be collected at the admission desks and will be included in our Little Explorer Backpacks, which help young explorers discover stories and fun facts about the cathedral.
NEW!! Saturday Mornings at York Minster starting on Saturday 16 April, 10am – 10.45am
Join our new sessions for families – Saturday Mornings at York Minster – and get hands on creating a spring paper flower inspired by the cathedral’s Easter Garden.
The new sessions will run throughout the year and explore the seasons in the Christian calendar, with different interactive opportunities each time including craft workshops, sensory activities, music and worship.
For this Easter themed event, families are invited to create a paper flower inspired by the Minster’s Easter Garden. The session will also include a short Stations of the Cross service for families in Dean’s Park.
First phase of College Green improvement works starts at York Minster
From next week, visitors to York Minster’s College Green, will see the start of the first phase of an improvement project that will see the area transformed from an uninspiring thoroughfare into a fully accessible, landscaped green space extensively planted with trees, shrubs and flower species to create a flourishing oasis in the heart of the city of York.
Supported by The York BID, Make it York, York Minster Fund and the Friends of York Minster, the project received planning permission from City of York Council at the end of last year. It will be delivered over two phases throughout 2022.
Phase 1 will see a new path laid, high quality accessible benches along the southerly wall of the green and the planting of trees and plants specifically selected for biodiversity and their resilience to the busy city location. Five trees assessed as diseased and dying will be removed and replaced with seven, healthy mature white cherry blossom trees. These will provide an excellent food source for pollinating insects emerging in early spring as well as spectacular blossom.
Two trees on Queen’s Path that have been assessed as unsafe – a dying crab apple and a diseased cherry blossom tree – will also be removed. The cherry blossom will be replaced immediately with a healthy new tree. The area around the crab apple tree will be incorporated into the landscaping designs for the public area planned for the new Welcome Centre. Phase 2 of the works will see the introduction of a sculptural stone feature, stepping stones and wildflower meadow. The stone feature will be carved by the Minster’s stone masons and provide additional informal seating to compliment Phase 1 improvements.
The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York, said: “Our ambition is to transform College Green into a beautiful and peaceful space full of trees, flowers, shrubs and wildlife for the local community and for visitors to enjoy.”
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director at The BID said: “It’s exciting to see work start on this project which will greatly enhance York’s open spaces, creating a beautiful family-friendly park. With a wonderful view and surrounded by local independent businesses, it’s sure to become a valuable community asset.”
Worship at York Minster to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Worship at York Minster this Sunday (6 February), will honour the 70th Anniversary of the Accession to the throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor, said: “On 6th February 1952, Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II aged just 25. Our worship at York Minster this Sunday will give thanks for Elizabeth’s reign as Queen in this year of her Platinum Jubilee. Everyone is welcome.”
York Minster’s worship for Accession Day is as follows:
Choral Matins at 10am
The service of Choral Matins will include music by Richard Shephard, Benjamin Britten and Henry Loosemore. The service will conclude with State Prayers for the Queen and the Royal Family.
Choral Eucharist at 11am
The Choral Eucharist service will recall the Accession of Her Majesty the Queen and help us reflect on our own calling as Disciples of Christ. The sermon will be given by the Right Revd Richard Frith, former Bishop of Hereford.
Evensong at 4pm
The service will include the ‘Accession Responses’ by Francis Jackson, Herbert Howells ‘Evening Service in G’ and ‘I was glad’ by Hubert Parry, the anthem sung at the Coronation Service in 1953. The Organ Voluntary will be William Walton’s ‘Orb and Sceptre’ and the service will include the singing of ‘Praise my Soul the King of Heaven’ – one of the Queen’s favourite hymns. York Minster’s Precentor, Canon Victoria Johnson will preach at the service.
Other events on Sunday include:
A tree planting for the Queen’s Green Canopy Platinum Celebration (approx. 12.30pm)
Immediately after the Choral Eucharist a young lime tree will be planted the Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. The new lime tree – the first – to be planted in the public park being created next to the new Minster Refectory was selected for sustainability, resilience against climate change and its suitability to survive the high PH soil in the area. Minster stonemasons are carving a plaque to mark the occasion.
A special bell peal for Accession Day (approx. 2.40-3.45pm)
Ahead of the Evensong Service at 4pm, York Minster’s Volunteer bell ringers will gather in the Minster’s bell tower to ring a quarter peal to mark Accession Day.
Holocaust Memorial Commemoration
Six hundred candles in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Wednesday 26th January 2022, to remember more than 6 million Jewish people and millions of other groups murdered by the Nazi’s in the Second World War and the millions who have died in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The Minster’s act of commemoration is part of a week-long programme of events taking place across the city of York to mark international Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on the 27 January each year. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp – in 1945.
The event at York Minster will begin with a Choral Evensong service at 5.30pm attended by representatives from York’s Jewish community and other faith communities. This will be followed by a procession to the cathedral’s Chapter House for the act of commemoration, which will include readings, music, poetry, prayers and periods of silence for quiet reflection.
The Revd Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster, said: “The international theme for HMD 2022 is ‘One Day’, which encourages people to come together to remember, to learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, in the hope that there may be One Day in the future with no genocide. We learn more about the past, we empathise with others today, and we take action for a better future”.
To help us safely manage numbers inside the Chapter House, free tickets must be booked in advance for the Holocaust Memorial Commemoration event. Tickets can be booked HERE or by ringing 01904 557200.
Dr Francis Jackson CBE, Organist Emeritus dies aged 104
Internationally renowned organ recitalist, composer and former Master of Music at York Minster, Dr Francis Jackson CBE, has died at the age of 104. He died peacefully in York surrounded by family, on 10th January 2022.
Born in 1917, Francis Jackson spent his childhood in the town of Malton. He first became involved in York Minster’s music as a schoolboy chorister in 1929. After active service as a soldier in the Second World War, he returned to York Minster in 1946 to become Master of the Music, succeeding his teacher and mentor, Sir Edward Bairstow. He served for a remarkable 36 years alongside his illustrious career as an internationally renowned organ recitalist and composer.
Paying tribute, The Dean of York, Jonathan Frost said;
“Today the community at York Minster mourns the loss of an inspirational Organist Emeritus. Until the very end of his life, Francis retained an active, humorous and intellectually razor-sharp interest in the musical life of York Minster. Francis has been an inspiration to generations of choristers and musicians alike; here in York and across the world. He leaves a living legacy in the vibrant life of the Choir of York Minster, through a body of work and musical compositions which are sung or played at the Minster on a regular basis. We will miss him very much and pray for Alice, Edward, William and his family at this time.”
York Minster’s Director of Music, Robert Sharpe said:
“The world of church music has lost one of the great legends of our time with the death, peacefully, of Dr Francis Jackson CBE, beloved Organist Emeritus of York Minster. His was a remarkably long and illustrious life and he remained active as a superb organ recitalist into his tenth decade and, as a composer, into his eleventh. His name will forever be associated with York Minster where he served for so many years and whose organ was made justly famous by his pioneering recordings. As a composer, he is best known for his choral and organ works which are widely performed at home and abroad; his prolific output remains a lasting legacy. His last visit to the Minster was to hear the recently-restored organ, a visit which brought him and us all great joy. Our love and prayers are with Alice, Edward, William and the family and with the very many who were privileged to count him as a friend. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Acting Dean of York announced
On Tuesday 18th January 2022, the current Dean of York, The Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, will receive his legal title as the 10th Bishop of Portsmouth at a service in London and he will subsequently be installed at Portsmouth Cathedral to begin public ministry in his new role. The process to select his successor as the new Dean of York is already underway.
Following consultation with the Dean and with the Chapter of York, The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, has appointed The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster, as Acting Dean of York for the duration of the vacancy. Canon Michael will start in his new role on Wednesday 19th January.
Winning young composers announced in competition celebrating the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ
Two budding young composers have scooped top prizes in a competition to celebrate the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ, following a once-in-a-century, £2m refurbishment of the instrument completed earlier this year.
Samuel Kemp, aged 16 from Bushey in Hertfordshire, took first place in the 18 and under category of the Grand Organ Composers’ Competition with his new composition Festival Toccata on ‘In dulci jubilo’. Gavin Phelps, aged 12 from Bath, has been announced as the runner-up for his piece Joyful exultation.
The competition, which was run in partnership with the Cathedral Music Trust and Banks Music Publications, attracted more than 60 entries from amateur and professional musicians across two categories – aged 19 and over and 18 and under.
Samuel’s winning piece will receive its premiere during the Minster’s Nine Lessons and Carol services on 22 and 24 December and the composition will be published by Banks Music Publications.
Both Samuel and Gavin will also receive financial prizes and a masterclass on organ composition with Philip Moore, composer and former York Minster Organist and Master of Music, and Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster.
“It has been fantastic to see the wealth of young talent entering the competition and we’d like to thank everyone for all the work they put into their pieces,” commented Ben Morris, who will play Samuel’s piece at the Nine Lessons and Carols services next week.
“The competition has been a celebration not only of the completion of the Grand Organ refurbishment project, but also of the talented young musicians around the country, who will help ensure a bright future for organ music throughout the 21st century.”
Peter Allwood, Chair of Cathedral Music Trust, said: “We were delighted to partner with York Minster and Banks Music on this exciting initiative to promote composition for organ. The prestigious panel of judges were impressed with the creativity displayed in the compositions. We send congratulations to all who submitted compositions and encourage them to continue writing enjoyable music for the organ.”
The winner of the 19 and over category of the competition was announced last month, with the winning entry, Toccata on ‘Wachet Auf’ by David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, receiving its world premiere at the Minster’s Advent Procession on Sunday 28 November.
The competition was judged by a panel of industry experts including New York-based composer Nico Muhly, composer and former York Minster Organist and Master of Music Philip Moore, British composer Roxanna Panufnik, Canadian-born organist, conductor and composer Sarah MacDonald and York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music Ben Morris.
Tickets are required to attend this year’s Nine Lessons and Carols services to help the cathedral safely manage visitor numbers inside. The services are now fully booked, but people can listen to the composition’s premiere by joining the livestream of the service on Christmas Eve via the cathedral’s website. Visit www.yorkminster.org/whats-on for further details and to access the livestream from 4pm on Friday 24 December.
The project to refurbish the Grand Organ started in 2018 and was the first refurbishment of the instrument on this scale since 1903. It involved the removal of the organ, including nearly all of its 5,000 plus pipes, to organ specialists in Durham for cleaning, repair and replacement.
The instrument was rebuilt and voiced over several months from summer 2020, before returning to use as part of services in March this year with a formal dedication by the Archbishop of York on Easter Day (Sunday 4 April).
A programme of events to celebrate the organ’s return will continue throughout 2022, including a series of inaugural recitals planned for the summer.
Green light for York Minster Refectory Restaurant plans
Last night, City of York Council’s Planning Committee, unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for a new refectory restaurant on the site of the former Minster School. Award-winning chef Bex Toppin and partner Will Pearce of Robinsons Cafe, York, have been brought on board to run the new York Minster Refectory Restaurant as part of a prominent, award-winning development team that also includes GEM Construction (York) Ltd., The Star Group of Restaurants, and Rachel McLane Ltd.
GEM Construction’s chairman Mike Green, who is joint director and partner in the new venture with The Star Group’s director Andrew Pern, said: “This is an ambitious, high quality but accessible restaurant launch in an historically sensitive refurbishment of The Minster School, York, that will benefit the people and the city of York with new jobs and a fabulous restaurant while embracing the vision of the Chapter of York, the governing body for York Minster.”
The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York said: “We are delighted that City of York Council granted planning permission and listed building consent last night. This excellent partnership fully embraces Chapter’s vision to create a warm, welcoming refectory facility in the heart of the city. Re-purposing the former Minster School buildings to create a wonderful new space is fundamental to the principles of sustainability set out in the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Plan.
“We are also delighted to work with partners whose ethos as a community employer is aligned with York Minster’s core values for openness, inclusivity and support for disadvantaged groups, such as ex-prisoners, who are often excluded from mainstream employment opportunities.
“We are confident that the new Refectory Restaurant will operate very much in the caring spiritual, historical tradition of York Minster as a place of sanctuary and alms for feeding and watering pilgrims and the needy. The venture remains ‘subject to contract’ and we continue to work closely with Gem and The Star Group to finalise the detail”.
The team behind the new Refectory Restaurant are experienced, highly talented professionals working on the project from the historical conservancy side, to interior design, hospitality and catering.
GEM Construction itself employs 35 full-time staff including project and professional staff, alongside Gem’s sister company, Lanstone Conservation, which specialises in the maintenance, restoration and conservation of ecclesiastical, historic and ancient buildings and monuments.
Gem Construction was founded in 1997 by Chairman Mike Green, who is passionate about the project, the jobs in construction and hospitality the new restaurant will create, and the opportunities it has opened up for the project team.
“At Robinsons, Bex and Will have really made a name for themselves since they opened the cafe in 2016 and will bring good quality but very affordable dining in an accessible-to-all refectory-style restaurant cafe,” added Mr Green.
“Plans are still being finalised but we expect there will be a daytime takeaway element, and day time and evening dining; we also aim to have a mix of smaller function and private dining rooms, which are relatively rare in York,” added Mr Green.
Looking after the interior design side of the project is Rachel McLane Ltd, the multi-award-winning interior designer from Pickering – a finalist in three categories at this year’s Northern Design Awards, including best Interior Design Practice.
Bringing 20 years’ experience to the project across numerous hospitality projects, Rachel McLane said: “We want the Refectory’s design to be an honest, community space, unpretentious, public focused and accessible, making it look like it belongs and won’t take away from the essence of the building, by doing justice to its historical importance.
“The design concepts that we have come up with really respect and enhance the old school – the main floor Refectory restaurant space will be the space in which school pupils and staff ate their meals and hosted school concerts,” she said. Andrew Pern, at the Star Group of Restaurants is the other main investment partner and brings the expertise and resources of those restaurants including The Star at Harome and The Star Inn the City, York.
Mike Green added: “Although Andrew and I have been working very closely together on this project as we have on our other Star restaurants, people can expect the Minster Refectory restaurant to be a distinctly different concept to the Star.”
This new project is obviously very close to the hearts of the Refectory team Rachel, Bex, Will, Andrew and Mike, who added: “We are all from the area, or live, work and have close connections not just to York, but to York Minster and the former school itself.
“So, it goes without saying, that we want to see that the building’s history is respected and that any project is done well and to the highest standard.”
The new team also hope that the new restaurant will add to the increasing lure of York as a destination place for high quality, good value restaurant and cafe dining.
“We’re keen to build that up for York and the people here, not only to attract more people from Yorkshire and further afield to the city but to give local people employment and opportunities in what will be a fantastic new restaurant,” added Mr Green.
The plans for the new Refectory Restaurant remain subject to final planning permission in a deal that is ‘subject to contract’, as York Minster, Gem Construction and The Star Group of Companies work in partnership to finalise contract arrangements.
Spectacular Advent Wreath Raising returns to York Minster
York Minster’s spectacular Advent Wreath, will be suspended below the Minster’s Central Tower today marking the beginning of the Christian festival of Advent and Christmas at the Minster.
The wreath is assembled around a vast and heavy three metre wide, metal ring with built-in channels to hold the water required to keep the foliage fresh. The structure also features five one metre high candle holders. It takes the Minster’s expert team of volunteer flower arrangers almost two hours to transform the metal ring into a spectacular, abundant display, overflowing with fresh, evergreen winter foliage. This year’s display will be mainly of ivy, kindly donated from the gardens of internationally renowned flower arranger George Smith.
For Head Flower Arranger, Mandy Barker and her team, dressing the Advent Wreath is one of the most important challenges of the year. Mandy said: “Between us, we’ve had plenty of practice assembling and installing the advent wreath and getting creative with the seasonal foliage that we can find. It is just wonderful to see it come together and to produce a display which is so important for the Minster’s Advent and Christmas celebrations.”
Decorating the wreath this year will also provide an important social occasion for the Minster’s flower arrangers. Mandy said: “There are volunteers who come to help who have been coming along for the last 30 years. It is a really lovely occasion and we all take great pride and satisfaction in making a wonderful display.”
Once the wreath is complete, children from St Peter’s School, York, will arrive at the Minster to help Head Verger Alex Carberry, lift four one metre high candles into position on the wreath and watch as Alex lifts the fifth candle into its central position. The wreath will then be hoisted into position below the Central Tower. The first candle will be lit on Sunday 28 November (the first Sunday of Advent), and then on three successive Sundays with the final candle being lit at the Christmas Day Eucharist service.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor said: “After two difficult and challenging years, the raising of this wreath and the hope that it brings, is more poignant and wonderful than ever. The lighting of each candle brings us ever closer to the joy of the birth of the Christ child and the bringing of His light into the world.”
World premiere for composition celebrating the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ
A new composition written to celebrate the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ following a once-in-a-century refurbishment will receive its world premiere on Sunday at the cathedral’s Advent Procession service.
The piece, Toccata on ‘Wachet Auf’ written by David Halls, is the winning entry in the aged 19 and over category of the Grand Organ Composers’ Competition, which was launched in June to mark the instrument’s return after a £2m refurbishment project which started in 2018.
The competition, which was run in partnership with the Cathedral Music Trust and Banks Music Publications, attracted more than 60 entries from amateur and professional musicians across two categories – aged 19 and over and 18 and under.
The winner of the 18 and under category will be announced next month ahead of the winning composition receiving its first performances during the Minster’s Nine Lessons and Carol services on 22 and 24 December.
Ben Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, said: “We were delighted with the response to the competition which attracted a high calibre of entries.
“The competition was designed to celebrate the Grand Organ’s return at the heart of worship in the cathedral, continuing a heritage which goes back centuries.
“It’s been fantastic to be able to invite people to be part of this landmark project, adding to this rich musical history while celebrating the instrument’s future.”
The competition was judged by a panel of industry experts including New York-based composer Nico Muhly, composer and former York Minster Organist and Master of Music Philip Moore, British composer Roxanna Panufnik, Canadian-born organist, conductor and composer Sarah MacDonald and York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music Ben Morris.
As well as hearing his piece played at the Minster’s Advent Procession service, Mr Halls will receive a financial prize and his composition will be printed by Banks Music Publications.
Second prize was awarded to Stephen Barber for Toccata on ‘Creator alme siderum’ and third prize to Liam Condon for Veni ad Salvandum nos, with both runners-up receiving financial prizes.
Tickets are required to attend this year’s Advent Procession to help the cathedral safely manage visitor numbers inside, and the service is now fully booked, but people can listen to the composition’s premiere by joining the livestream of the service via the cathedral’s website. Visit www.yorkminster.org/whats-on for further details and to access the livestream from 5.30pm on Sunday (28 November).
The project to refurbish the Grand Organ started in 2018 and was the first refurbishment of the instrument on this scale since 1903. It involved the removal of the organ, including nearly all of its 5,000 plus pipes, to organ specialists in Durham for cleaning, repair and replacement.
The instrument was rebuilt and voiced over several months from summer 2020, before returning to use as part of services in March this year with a formal dedication by the Archbishop of York on Easter Day (Sunday 4 April).
A programme of events to celebrate the organ’s return will continue throughout 2022, including a series of inaugural recitals planned for the summer.