‘Excellent’ results for The Minster School following inspection
The academic achievement and personal development of pupils at The Minster School, York, have been judged as ‘excellent’ by independent school inspectors.
The results follow a combined inspection at the independent school, which is part of York Minster, between 28 and 30 January this year, assessing both educational quality and compliance with the Independent Schools Standards (ISS).
It found that both the pupils’ achievement and personal development was ‘excellent’, (the highest possible grading) and that the school has met all eight standards required of it under the ISS.
The report, issued by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), states: “Pupils of all abilities achieve highly across a range of subjects”, with achievements in music, art and French particularly high. Inspectors noted that ‘Pupils of all ages demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a passionate desire to learn’ alongside ‘exemplary attitudes to learning’.
It adds that: “Throughout the school, pupils approach their learning with eagerness and intellectual curiosity. They work with commitment and focus, responding positively to the school’s ethos of striving for excellence.”
The report also references the ‘excellent progress’ pupils make as they transition through the school, with almost half of the final year group consistently gaining music, sport and all-rounder scholarships to their senior schools.
In terms of pupils’ personal development, it says this is strong, ‘nurtured by a community which values personal fulfilment, well-being and happiness, and seeks to promote these outcomes throughout the school.’ Inspectors recognise that: “Throughout the school, pupils feel valued and well-supported by those who look after them.”
It adds that these qualities are developed as a result of strong leadership which has successfully overseen initiatives like the introduction of a ‘spread the happiness’ campaign throughout the school.
Angela Mitchell, Headteacher at The Minster School, said: “We’re delighted with the results of the inspection and so pleased that the many strengths of The Minster School have been recognised in this report.
“As a school we aim to create an environment where pupils develop into well-rounded individuals, both culturally and emotionally, where each individual is able to contribute positively to their community, as well as developing a love of learning.
“The results in the report, particularly around the positive work ethic of our pupils, demonstrate we continue to achieve this aim. I would like to thank the staff for their hard work, the committed and supportive parents and School Board as well as our fabulous pupils for making this such a wonderful and successful school to be in.”
The full report is available via The Minster School’s website at: www.minsterschoolyork.co.uk.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter at York Minster
Article published 20 February 2020
From Ash Wednesday (26 February) until Easter Eve (Saturday 11 April), Christians around the world will enter the period of Lent – a time of reflection, penitence and solemnity – as they recall the momentous events leading to Jesus’ betrayal, imprisonment, torture, and crucifixion on Good Friday. Then on Easter Day (Sunday 12 April), sorrow turns to joy as Christians celebrate the wonder of Christ’s resurrection.
For the Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York, the Lent and Easter story raises many intriguing questions about faith, belief and hope. He said: “Every year Christians enter into the dramatic narrative of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. We journey with Jesus to the cross and rejoice in his glorious resurrection. From entering into this story we can find hope in times of despair, light in times of darkness and confidence in the power of love to overcome all things.
“We are given time to reflect on the big questions of life and experience the awe and wonder of worshipping in the amazing space of York Minster, built as a witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope people will feel able to come and see the story at the heart of the life of the Minster and the foundation of our faith.”
“Come and See” Mission during Lent at York Minster
Also taking place during Lent, from Thursday 12 until Sunday 15 March, is the “Come and See” Northern Bishops mission to the Diocese of York. “Come and See” is an invitation for people to have conversations about faith, to reflect, to pray and to discover God’s love. People will be invited to pray at the ‘HOPE’ prayer installation – an illuminated artwork with the word ‘HOPE’ created from free-standing wooden letters six feet high and four feet wide.
York Minster’s services and events for Lent and Easter are listed below:
Monday 24 February – The arrival of the cross for Lent and Easter
Six metres tall, three metres wide and hewn from rough scaffolding wood in the Minster’s workshop, the cross, the central symbol of the Christian faith, will be constructed in the Minster. It will be in the Minster from Ash Wednesday until the Feast of Pentecost.
Wednesday 26 February – Ash Wednesday – Imposition of the Ashes, 11am and 2pm, during Holy Communion at 7.50am and 12.30pm, and during the Sung Eucharist at 5.15pm.
We welcome visitors to receive the sign of the cross marked in ash on their foreheads as a reminder of our mortality and of our sharing of death in Christ.
Silence in the Minster
Thursdays during Lent – from 5 March until 2 April, 7.00-9.00pm
Introducing the restorative and meditative power of silence. A member of the Cathedral clergy will give a short talk on how to use silence, drawing on the deep well of teaching, resources and experience in the Christian contemplative tradition, before leading periods of silent meditation. Poetry readings and music during the event will sustain the stillness and calm. Silence in the Minster will conclude at 8.35pm with Choral Compline sung by the Ebor Singers.
Stations of the Cross
Fridays during Lent – 28, February, 6, 13, 20, 27 March and 3 April, 11.30am
14 dramatic and stunning artworks by renowned York based artist Jerry Scott will once again mark the Stations of the Cross in the Minster. The stations echo Jesus’s journey to his crucifixion and the 14 stages along the way. The walk around the Minster will include opportunities for reflection, hymns and prayers.
“Come and See” Northern Bishops Mission – Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 March
The mission events start with a York Minster Commissioning Service at 1.30pm on Thursday 12 March. The Northern Bishops mission to the Diocese of York, is an opportunity for all to unite in local mission and evangelism: we pray, we invite, we celebrate and we offer hospitality, all in the power of the Holy Spirit, telling the Good News of Jesus Christ. Find out more at comeandsee.uk
Stations of the Cross for families Good Friday, 10 April, 11.30am
Pupils from St Peter’s School, York, have used ceramics to create Stations of the Cross artworks for this year’s family event in Dean’s Park. The service begins in the Chapter House at 11.30am, will last about an hour and will be followed by drinks and hot cross buns.
Holy Week and Easter Day at York Minster
Palm Sunday
Sunday 5 April from 9.45am
Sung Eucharist and Procession with Palms. Meeting at the Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York, at 9.45am.
Monday 6 April, 7.30-8.30pm
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Jesu meine Freude and Compline.
Tuesday 7 April, 7.30-8.30pm
Reading of the Passion Gospel with Charpentier’s Le reniement de Saint Pierre, and Compline.
Wednesday 8 April, 7.30-8.30pm
Stainer’s, The Crucifixion, and Compline.
Maundy Thursday, 9 April
Chrism Eucharist at 11am, Eucharist of the Last Supper at 7pm, Watch of the Passion from 8.15pm until midnight, with Tenebrae at 9.30pm
The Chrism Eucharist takes its name from Chrismation (anointing). The Archbishop of York, Dr John
Sentamu, will bless oils for anointing candidates for baptism and confirmation and for healing. Clergy and lay people from around the Diocese will renew their vows. Dr Sentamu will wash the feet of 12 people, commemorating Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples before the Last Supper.
At the Eucharist of the Last Supper, the Dean will wash the feet of members of the Minster community. At the end of the service the consecrated bread will be taken to All Saints’ Chapel and will be placed on the altar where it will become the focus of the watch. Kept until midnight, the watch recalls Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest, trial and crucifixion. During the watch, The Ebor Singers will sing the office of Tenebrae, recalling the gathering darkness as we move towards Good Friday.
Good Friday – Friday 10 April
The Liturgy of Good Friday at 10am
Stations of the Cross for families at 11.30am
The Liturgy of Good Friday includes Bible readings, singing of the Passion from St John’s Gospel, and the procession of a large wooden cross and prayers.
Three Hours Devotion – When I survey the wondrous cross from 12-3pm
Canon Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster, has written six short stories about people watching Jesus’ crucifixion. Some of the characters such as James the Disciple and Lazarus – raised from the dead by Jesus – are from the Gospels; others such as the mother of Barabbas, the bandit whose release by Pontius Pilate sealed Jesus’ fate, are imagined. In this session, Canon Michael will explore these six very different perspectives and experiences through scriptures, stories, hymns, prayers, music and silence.
Easter Eve – Saturday 11 April
The Easter Liturgy with Baptism and Confirmation from 8.30pm
Beginning in darkness, the service will consist of readings telling the story of the liberation from slavery in Egypt of the ancient Israelites, followed by the lighting of the Paschal (Easter) Candle. The proclamation of the Easter Gospel is followed by a procession to the Crypt for baptism, confirmation for candidates associated with the Minster, the annual reaffirmation of baptismal vows and concludes with the celebration of the First Eucharist of Easter. The President at the Easter Liturgy will be the Archbishop of York.
Easter Day – Sunday 12 April
Holy Communion at 8am, Solemn Eucharist at 10am, Choral Matins at 11.45am, Solemn Evensong with Blessing of the Easter Garden at 4pm. Free entry to all.
Our services will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu will preside at the 10am Solemn Eucharist service, his last Easter as a serving Archbishop.
Evensong for Holy Week
Throughout Holy Week, Evensong will be sung daily at 5.15pm and at 4pm on Sundays.
York Minster’s Easter Garden – Sunday 5 April
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. During the Easter Vigil on Easter Eve, the tomb will be opened and illuminated and the garden festooned with flowers to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The garden will be blessed by the Archbishop of York during the vigil. The Easter Garden will be in the North Transept under the Five Sisters Window from Palm Sunday (5 April) until Ascension Day (21 May).
The Star of David in 600 Candles: York Minster’s commemoration for International Holocaust Day
Posted 22 Jan 2020
Six hundred candles set out in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Thursday 23 January, in memory of more than 6 million Jewish people murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War.
The candle-lit star on the floor of the cathedral’s ancient Chapter House, is part of a week-long programme of events across York and the region, marking International Holocaust Memorial Day which takes place on the 27 January each year, the date in 1945, of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp.
The international theme for this year’s commemoration – ‘Stand Together’ – encourages people everywhere to support each other, speak out and stand together against forces – such as religious and racial hatred, social and political inequalities – that divide and displace communities and which can lead to acts of genocidal violence.
York Minster’s event will begin with a Choral Evensong service 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.
Singers from York Minster Choir will perform a setting of the Kaddish – the traditional Jewish prayer of mourning – in English. Throughout the event, people will be invited to light a candle and then add it to the Star of David until all 600 candles are lit.
The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Canon Chancellor at York Minster said: “This act of commemoration brings people together to remember and reflect upon the horrific events of the Holocaust, in which 6 million of our Jewish brothers and sisters lost their lives, as well as other genocides and persecutions that have happened in more recent history.
“It also challenges us not to be complacent. There are communities and individuals around the world today experiencing, discrimination, persecution, violence and the constant threat of death as part of their daily reality. We must ‘Stand Together’ in solidarity with all who suffer, and raise our voices in protest against those who perpetrate these acts. We must also encourage our leaders to be brave and bold in speaking out and in taking positive action to create a safer future for everyone.”
The 2020 search for new choristers begins
Posted 13 Jan 2020
York school pupils currently in Year 2 and Year 3 and who love singing are encouraged to try for a place in York Minster’s world famous choir and the chance to be educated at the Minster School.
Children joining the choir, which is made up of 20 boys, 20 girls and 12 adult singers, will be part of an internationally renowned team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the Minster.
Choristers perform at services, high profile occasions, events and concerts. They will also have the opportunity to take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and to tour abroad.
Recent alumni of the York Minster Choir include Will Miles-Kingston who was announced as the winner of the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Choristers of the Year competition in December 2019. Will won the title as the UK’s best boy chorister.
Will was a chorister at York Minster from 2014 until 2019, singing rehearsals as part of the school day and singing up to four services each week. Will is now a music scholar at St Peter’s School York, where he has continued to develop both his singing and performing.
Choristers are educated at the Minster School and each receive a bursary worth 60% of their school fees, with means-tested funding potentially increasing this to 100%. This makes the benefits of a chorister education available to every child, irrespective of family circumstances. Mrs Angela Mitchell, Head Teacher at the Minster School said:
“Our school is a very friendly and warm community where the staff get to know each child incredibly well. Our pupils enjoy a rich and extensive range of learning opportunities. They thrive with traditional curriculum subjects and they also experience high quality learning in art, music and languages with opportunities to take part in residential events in France. They will also take part in events in the magnificence of York Minster.
“By Year 8, our pupils are lovely, responsible and confident young adults, ready for the next stage of their education. They go on to a range of schools including excellent local schools and boarding schools in other parts of the country. Parents and carers are welcome to contact the school for an appointment to come and visit and to learn more about the process of becoming a York Minster Chorister.”
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, explained that the audition process aims to identify children with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting fully formed singers. He said:
“There will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent. Energy, enthusiasm and humour are just as important as musical talent.
“In addition to developing their musical skills, chorister training helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, organisational skills, concentration, poise and attention to detail.
“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”
York Minster Neighbourhood Forum finalises draft Neighbourhood Plan for public consultation
A revised draft York Minster Neighbourhood Plan is published for six weeks of public consultation today. The plans will be on view at a public exhibition in St William’s College on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 January and also online from 10 January until midnight on 23 February.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at the Minster said:
“There was an excellent response to last year’s consultation and it was hugely encouraging that 69% of those who responded supported the proposals and shared our vision for a sustainable, long-term future for the York Minster Precinct. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to give us their views. Their input has been vital in reshaping and refining our plans.”
There was strong public support for:
- The development of a new, pedestrianised public square at Duncombe Place that will also incorporate the South African War Memorial
- Moving the main visitor entrance to the South Door and reserving the West Door for ceremonial services and events
- Creating a new space for education, learning and a dedicated museum to house the Minster’s extensive collection linked to the Old Palace
- Enhancing Dean’s Park as an important city centre green space.
Whilst there was overall support for proposals to create new visitor facilities, some people were concerned about housing the facilities in new buildings on the lawns under the South Quire Aisle. As a result, the new visitor facilities will now be located in existing buildings to the south of the Minster.
There was strong support for a new sensory garden but some people felt that the plan to provide direct access to the garden from the city walls might actually make the area too busy and noisy. Improving access to the city walls will now be considered as part of the project to develop the Old Palace in a later phase of work in the Precinct.
The revised draft York Minster Neighbourhood Plan is the result of detailed collaboration with the Minster’s immediate neighbours, the wider local community and statutory bodies including City of York Council and Historic England.
Following this consultation, final amendments will be incorporated into the draft Plan. It will then be submitted to City of York Council. The council will carry out a final statutory consultation before the Plan is submitted for independent examination by a Planning Inspector. Copies of the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment are also available to view and comment on as part of the consultation process.
How to view the revised Neighbourhood Plan consultation
The revised Neighbourhood Plan proposals will be available for public view and comment at a two-day exhibition event at St William’s College, College Green, on Friday 10 January from 11.00am until 5.00pm and on Saturday 11 January from 10.00am until 5.00pm.
The exhibition will be available to view and comment online from 10 January until midnight on 23 February at https://yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/.
The exhibition can also be viewed inside the Minster’s North Transept and outside on the Queen’s Path next to the Mason’s Lodge.
Visitors can also drop-in to three city centre locations to view a printed version of the consultation and to pick-up a feedback form. The locations are:
- Church House, 10-14 Ogleforth, York,
- York Explore, Library Square, York
- City of York Council, West Offices, Station Rise, York.
Former Chorister wins Young Choristers of the Year, 2019
Will Miles-Kingston has won BBC Radio 2’s Young Choristers of the Year 2019. The 13 year old won the title and was delighted to bring the award home to York.
Eight contestants from around the UK, aged between 11 and 17 years of age, competed in the final, where one girl and one boy were awarded the title. To win this prestigious accolade, Will competed with three other shortlisted boy finalists at MediaCityUK. After a day of rehearsals and interviews, Radzi Chinyanganya hosted the final competition in the BBC Philharmonic Studio. Will was the last boy to sing and treated the audience to an exquisite performance of Holst’s In the Bleak Midwinter and The Sussex Carol arranged by David Willcocks. The judges commended the confidence in Will’s singing and enjoyed how he engaged his audience through telling the stories of each piece. They added that Will had “a lovely musicality” before making their decision to award him the prize.
Will began singing at York Minster in 2014. As a chorister, he had singing practices as part of the school day and sang up to four services each week. He has performed a wide range of solos from Allegri’s Miserere to Mendelssohn’s O for the Wings of a Dove to Blake’s The Snowman. These opportunities helped build in him a level of focus and courage that was clearly visible in the final.
Will finished his choristership in July 2019 and has continued to develop his singing and performing at St Peter’s School, York, where he is a music scholar. As well as classical music, he is enjoying singing songs from the shows and playing jazz trumpet. In a busy first term, Will has had the opportunity to play alongside the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra, play in the National Concert Band Festival and sing Evensong at Durham Cathedral.
As Young Chorister of the Year 2019, Will, along with the winning girl chorister, Anna Haestrup from St Paul’s Girls School in London, will be recording with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and performing on a number of broadcasts. He will also be singing live as the soloist with the St Peter’s Chapel Choir, who will be accompanying the BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship programme to be broadcast on 26 January.
Will said of his win, “I am really happy to be the Young Chorister of the Year 2019, especially knowing how talented the other finalists were. Taking part was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to singing in various venues during the year. I am also looking forward to returning to sing at York Minster with the St William’s Singers, which will be very special.”
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster commented, “Will’s work as a Minster chorister was exemplary not just for his outstanding voice and huge contribution as a soloist at services, but also as a team-player and keen supporter of his peers. This result is a very fitting recognition of his talents.”
Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School, York added, “We are tremendously proud of Will and wish him every success as Young Chorister of the Year. He continues the centuries old tradition of choral singing here at St Peter’s, where sacred and secular music form an essential part of everyday life at the school. We are very much looking forward to inviting listeners from all over the world to tune into Radio 4’s Sunday Worship on January 26th, where they will hear Will and St Peter’s Chapel Choir perform.”
Next Archbishop of York announced
Bishop Stephen Cottrell to be the next Archbishop of York
The Queen has approved the nomination of the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell as the next Archbishop of York, Downing Street has announced.
Bishop Stephen, currently Bishop of Chelmsford, will succeed Dr John Sentamu who retires in June of next year.
A renowned preacher, author and communicator, he will be the 98th occupant of the see of York – in a line of succession dating back to St Paulinus in 627AD.
www.archbishopofyork.org/archbishop-york/previous-archbishops-york
As Primate of England and Metropolitan of the Province of York, he will share in the leadership of the Church of England in partnership with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at a time of change and challenge for both the Church and the country.
He said: “I am humbled and excited at the prospect of becoming the 98th Archbishop of York.
“I will receive the baton from Archbishop Sentamu. These aren’t just big shoes to fill, but a big heart and a big vision.
“However, I am not daunted. Archbishop Sentamu and I have worked together in mission on many occasions and I hope to build on the work he has pioneered. Working alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, I hope to help the church be more joyful and more effective in sharing the gospel and bringing hope and unity to our nation.
“Although I was born and grew up in Essex, I lived and served in Huddersfield for nine years. I know and love the north of England. Two of our children were born there.
“I now look forward to returning and being a voice for the North, sharing the liberating good news of the gospel and helping to address the discrepancies of wealth and opportunity that too often favour the South.”
Archbishop Justin said: “I am delighted that the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell has been nominated to become Archbishop of York.
“Archbishop Sentamu’s ministry has been extraordinarily significant. In Bishop Stephen there is a worthy successor.
“He is someone who radiates the joy and love of Jesus, making his hearers want to meet and know Christ better.
“He has been a Bishop for 15 years, and wherever he has gone he has spread the love of God, leading churches to be more confident in what they believe and more passionate in what they do for their communities.
“His long experience in many areas, including nine years in the north of England, means that he brings wisdom as well as gifts in his ministry. He writes beautifully, engagingly and honestly, easily read and profoundly thoughtful.
“He is committed not only to speaking of Jesus, but to the renewal and reform of the Church of England in every aspect, as a church with a living, spiritual presence in every community. He is committed to the church as a place of safety, of growth and of hope. He leads on the work of tackling our past failures in our attention to diversity, to outer estates. He has deep experience of both urban and rural work.
“With a particular passion for Kenya, Bishop Stephen knows well the variety and vibrancy of the Anglican Communion and is utterly committed to the life and unity of the communion as a whole.
“Personally, I know that he will be both an encouraging and a challenging colleague, and am sure that working together we will be able to address spiritually and practically the great challenges facing our country, and facing the Church of England.”
Archbishop Sentamu said: “In 1997 I was a member of the Springboard Committee, the Decade of Evangelism Initiative set up by the then Archbishops of York and Canterbury.
“In that year I met Bishop Stephen Cottrell and Bishop Alison White, who succeeded Bishop Michael Marshall and the Revd Canon Michael Green as Springboard Missioners.
“Bishop Stephen Cottrell has the Gospel in his belly and a tiger in the tank!
“I am glad he is returning to the Northern Province where he with others developed the Emmaus course for evangelism, nurture and discipleship. His greatest passion is to share the Gospel with everyone in a friendly and accessible way.
“His nomination as my successor has gladdened my heart and he can rely on my prayers. He and Rebecca will find a warm welcome here at Bishopthorpe and throughout the Northern Province.
“Bishop Stephen, God is blessing you.”
www.archbishopofyork.org/archbishop-york/role-archbishop-york
Joëlle Warren, Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission for York, said: “The commission was excited by Bishop Stephen’s vision for the change needed to see the Church grow – both in numbers and depth of faith. We are sure he will be a powerful voice for the Christian faith, the Church of England and the people of the north of England.
“He is a natural communicator and evangelist, able to inspire and challenge people, and someone who will be able to work with the Archbishop of Canterbury to lead the Church, engaging with clergy and lay people and the wider community in the exciting missional challenge ahead.”
Biography
Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 1958, Stephen Cottrell was educated at Belfairs High School, Leigh-on-Sea, and the Polytechnic of Central London. He found faith as a teenager through the work of youth organisations in his local church.
After a brief spell working in the film industry, he began training for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, in 1981 and was ordained deacon at the age of 26. He later studied for an MA with St Mellitus College.
Serving his curacy in Christ Church and St Paul’s, Forest Hill, south London, in the mid-1980s he was priest-in-charge at St Wilfrid’s, in Parklands, a council estate parish in Chichester from 1988 to 1993. He also served as Assistant Director of Pastoral Studies at Chichester Theological College at the same time.
He then moved to West Yorkshire, as Diocesan Missioner and Bishop’s Chaplain for Evangelism in the Diocese of Wakefield and in 1998 he took up the role of Springboard Missioner and Consultant in Evangelism. During his time in the diocese he adopted Huddersfield Town as his team alongside his beloved Spurs.
In 2001, he was called south to become Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral and three years later was consecrated as Bishop of Reading. He took up his current role as Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010.
Author of more than 20 books including children’s books, he enjoys poetry, music and art. His 2013 book on the artist Stanley Spencer, Christ in the Wilderness, prompted a recent podcast reflection with Russell Brand, discussing the crucifixion and resurrection.
He has undertaken several pilgrimages, including twice walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, as well as pilgrim routes in England including to his future see in York.
A founding member of the Church of England’s College of Evangelists, he chairs a group of bishops with an interest in the media and is one of the authors of the Church of England’s Pilgrim course, a major teaching and discipleship resource. He also chairs the Board of Church Army. Based in Sheffield, but working across the British Isles, Church Army is an organisation committed to evangelism and social justice. He is Bishop Protector for the Society of St Francis.
Stephen is married to Rebecca who is a potter. They have three sons.
Prayer on the announcement of the Archbishop of York Designate
Generous God, we give you thanks:
you have heard our prayer,
guided your people
and raised up Stephen
to serve as the next Archbishop of York.
By your Holy Spirit, grant to him
good counsel, holy insight and
joy in the gospel,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer for Archbishop Sentamu
God of our Pilgrimage,
we give you thanks for your blessings to us all through the ministry of Archbishop Sentamu.
In days of change:
strengthen his faith,
bless him with joyful hope
Top Soloists to perform Handel’s Messiah at York Minster
Four of the UK’s finest soloists will join the York Minster Choir this Saturday (7 December), for a special performance of Handel’s Messiah at the cathedral.
The internationally acclaimed guest soloists – soprano Rowan Pierce, counter tenor Feargal Mostyn-Williams, tenor Nicholas Watts and bass Morgan Pearse – will perform with the York Minster Choir and the 21-strong York Minster Orchestra in the spectacular setting of the cathedral’s Nave.
“We are very excited to be performing with these highly talented, in-demand and globally renowned professional singers,” commented Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster and the conductor for Saturday night’s concert.
“Our annual staging of one of Handel’s greatest and most loved works has become a must-see event in the cathedral’s Advent and Christmas calendar. Rowan, Feargal, Nicholas and Morgan will bring exceptional vocal power and quality to the performance – an absolutely thrilling experience in the awe-inspiring and atmospheric Nave. Music lovers should not miss this opportunity.”
The illustrious work was first performed in Dublin in 1742 and has since become one of the best-known and most popular English oratorios.
The concert takes place on Saturday 7 December at 7pm. Tickets are priced from £12.50-£25 and can be purchased online at www.yorkminster.org, by calling the Box Office on 01904 557256 or from the admissions desks within York Minster.
Minster apprentice stonemason wins gold at WorldSkills UK
A young apprentice stonemason at York Minster was named as one of the UK’s best young apprentices and students at the National Finals of the WorldSkills UK Live competition at the NEC Birmingham last weekend.
James Digger aged 20, received a gold award for his exceptional skills. He was one of more than 500 apprentices and students competing in over 70 different disciplines, all battling to be the best in the UK. Participating in WorldSkills UK competitions equips young people with the world-class skills that they will need to help UK businesses compete in the global economy. More than 83,000 young people registered for the WorldSkills UK event.
James has been an apprentice stone mason in the Minster’s renowned Stoneyard since 2017. He studied at York College and completed his stonemasonry course in July 2019. James has recently commenced the Cathedral Workshop Fellowship programme which will complete in 2021.
Commenting on his achievement, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York said: “The whole Minster Community is delighted for James. This gold award is a wonderful testimony to his exceptional skill and hard work. We are so proud of him.”
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster said: “James was in competition with some of the UK’s most talented young stone masons. To have emerged with a gold award is a triumph. We are immensely proud of him and look forward to supporting him in the next phase of the competition.”
Those taking part in the competitions will go through to the selection process for a place in the UK squad that will travel to China for the prestigious international competition, WorldSkills Shanghai in May 2021.
Ben Blackledge, Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “This is a life-changing moment for these young people. They have already won regional competitions and now their National Finals.
“They are the new generation of high flyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge. We couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them – the standard of competition could not have been higher.”
Minster’s thanks for super successful Northern Lights run
York Minster today thanked all 22,000 local residents and supporters from far and wide, for helping to make the spectacular Northern Lights show one of the most popular events to be staged at the cathedral in recent times. The show closes tonight with sold out performances at 7pm and 9pm.
Designed by award winning artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid from double Guinness World Record winning company The Projection Studio, the extraordinary sound and light installation staged in the Minster’s monumental Nave, has been a resounding success.
The Minster’s box office team experienced unprecedented demand for the 16-show sell out run. The marketing and media campaign for the event achieved extensive regional, national and international news coverage and has reached over two million users on social media since opening night – once again helping to put York and the Minster on the map.
The installation originally debuted at York Minster in June 2018 selling out all three nights as part of a fundraising event to protect the Minster’s priceless medieval stained glass. This current run was extended to eight nights due to public demand.
Commenting on the show’s success, Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, said the light installation has enabled people to experience the Minster in a different way. Neil said:
“The scale and ambition of the artistic endeavour by Ross Ashton and Karen Monid has been truly inspiring. They produced a stunning and breath-taking spectacle that reflects the Minster’s religious and artistic heritage and that entirely respects the Minster’s purpose as a place of worship, giving visitors some sense of the awe experienced by medieval visitors when they first saw the Minster’s stained glass windows”.
Due to public interest in the show, ticket sales have far exceeded expectation and as a result, the 11-year project to provide protective glazing to all of the Minster’s stained glass has got off to a flying start. Neil concluded:
“We want to thank everyone who came to see the show and for their support for the campaign to protect their Minster. With the ticket revenue and match funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF) and from the York Minster Fund, we will be able to continue our project to fit protective glazing to all of York Minster’s windows and preserve them for future generations.”
Minster to appear as backdrop to York’s Christmas Lights Switch-on
York’s city-wide festive celebrations will get underway from a new venue next month, when Duncombe Place hosts the traditional launch of St Nicholas Christmas Fair and the switching on of the city’s ever-growing collection of winter lights, from 6pm on Thursday 14 November 2019.
The event is jointly organised by Make It York and York Business Improvement District, and will be hosted by Town Crier Ben Fry and Laura Castle from Minster FM and BBC Radio York’s Georgie Spanswick. A stage will be set up in Duncombe Place to host the festivities, with music performances ahead of the official lighting up of the streets, which takes place at 7pm.
“This is one of the most popular events in the city calendar, and with more and more people turning out each year to mark the start of the festive season, we’ve moved the event to the larger venue of Duncombe Place, where we can more comfortably accommodate the larger numbers,” comments Make It York’s Managing Director, Sean Bullick. “The magnificent backdrop of York Minster reminds us of the reason behind our Christmas celebrations – and there are plans afoot to add some extra sparkle, too.”
Indeed, York BID – which organises York’s annual display of Christmas lights throughout the city centre – has commissioned even more lights for Duncombe Place, including sympathetic lighting that will highlight well known landmarks such as the Boer War Memorial, St Michael Le Belfry and the Minster.
“Creating a welcoming winter lights scheme for the city – including the historic Bar gateways themselves – has been one of the most visible parts of York BID’s work over the last few years, funded by city centre businesses to give the city even wider appeal during the darker, winter months,” comments Andrew Lowson, executive director of York BID. “We try to extend the displays slightly each year, and with the move of the light switch-on to Duncombe Place, we’ve added a number of new elements here, which will no doubt delight hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the city centre to stay, shop and socialise at this special time of year.”
Lights and projections will also adorn the magnificent West Front of York Minster for the event, with plans to use the lights periodically in the run-up to Christmas when there are not services or events taking place inside.
York Minster’s Canon Chancellor, The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood said:
“York in winter is an absolute gem, full of light, energy and excitement and people preparing for the festive season. York BID and Make It York have worked wonders in extending the lighting show to Duncombe Place and in designing the Minster into the scheme. We hope that the lights will not only draw people to view the Minster but also encourage them to come inside. They will find a warm welcome and quiet spaces to rest and reflect upon the real meaning of Advent and Christmas.”
More information about the special guests appearing at the Christmas Lights Switch-on will be released closer to the event. For details on the St Nicholas Fair and the Christmas activities going on around the city see www.visityork.org/whats-on/christmas
Article by:
Jay Commins
Pyper York Limited
Tel: 01904 500698
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
A new Canon Precentor for York Minster
The Chapter of York today announced the appointment of The Revd Canon Dr Vicky Johnson, currently Residentiary Canon at Ely Cathedral, as the new Canon Precentor at York Minster. Vicky succeeds The Revd Canon Peter Moger, who is moving to a new role in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
At York Minster, Vicky will lead and oversee the cathedral’s liturgy and music team. Day to day she will enable the planning and delivery of worship and music, supporting the work of the Director of Music and the 48 choristers (24 boys and 24 girls) and 12 adult singers of the world renowned York Minster Choir. She will also be working with partners in the City of York to explore the development of music outreach in the years ahead.
Commenting on her appointment, Vicky said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to take up the position of Canon Precentor at York Minster. It is a huge privilege to be part of such a fantastic team providing opportunities for everyone to participate in the worship and praise of God in this magnificent cathedral”.
Reflecting on her departure from Ely, Vicky added:
“I will be sad to leave the very beautiful cathedral in Ely, as it is a very special place for me and I will miss the community here immensely, but I am delighted to be moving back north to serve in the Minster and in the Diocese of York.”
Welcoming Vicky to the Minster team, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York, said:
“The team at York Minster is delighted to be welcoming Vicky as our new Canon Precentor. She brings a rich experience to ministry including a fruitful career in research science. Vicky’s calling to enable others to worship and serve God was strongly apparent to all those who met her at interview. She has done a wonderful job at Ely Cathedral and I am quite sure she will be a blessing to many here in York and beyond.”
Vicky will start her new role at York Minster in January.