Key milestone reached for York Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan project
Enabling works have begun at pace at York Minster following the arrival of two Portakabin® buildings to the Minster precinct this morning (Monday 23rd January).
The temporary buildings will facilitate the decant of the existing Stoneyard dating from 1914 to allow the creation of the Technology & Works Hub, one of the two new facilities of the Centre of Excellence, a world-class campus providing research, education and training in the heritage craft skills which are vital for the ongoing repair and conservation of the Minster.
York Minster and Shepherd Group, owners of the Portakabin brand, have a long history of working together. York-based Shepherd Construction supported on the restoration of the Minster Tower from 1967 to 1972, when six and a half miles of high tensile stainless-steel rods were inserted into foundations of the central and western towers, forming the reinforced stress frames that stabilised the towers.
The Centre of Excellence is the pioneer project in the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, an ambitious masterplan ratified by City of York Council in June 2022. Expected to be finished by mid-2024, the arrival of the Portakabin buildings will allow pre-demolition survey work to begin, and will provide essential office and welfare accommodation for the Works department which is currently housed in the Minster Stoneyard.
York Minster has also submitted a planning application to City of York Council to sustainably convert and refurbish 1 Deangate in the Minster Precinct into offices and welfare facilities for its Visitor Experience staff and volunteers. The building is currently being used as temporary facilities for some of the Stoneyard trades, and will continue to be used as such during the redevelopment of its existing facilities.
If approved, the conversion of 1 Deangate will enable the Visitor Experience team to be housed together within an inspiring workspace, in turn allowing York Minster to further enhance the welcome it provides to over 700,000 visitors annually.
With plans for the building to be fully insulated and equipped with roof-mounted solar slates and air-source heat pumps, the proposals support the objectives of the Neighbourhood Plan, which has been developed with sustainability at its heart.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “The arrival of the Portakabin buildings today is an exciting milestone in the delivery of the Centre of Excellence and forms part of the enabling works ahead of construction starting in the Spring. We’re delighted to again be working with Shepherd Group to further enhance and preserve this incredibly significant monument for so many across the world and are very grateful to them for their support with this project through their sponsorship of the temporary facilities.
“It is also good to see the next project of the Neighbourhood Plan start the next stage of development as we submit the planning application for the redevelopment of 1 Deangate. We are particularly pleased with the net zero retrofit element of this project which, if approved, will delivery onsite energy production through the installation of solar tiles, a fully insulated building and air source heat pumps – allowing us to reach another major milestone in our journey towards net zero”.
Dan Ibbetson, CEO of Shepherd Group and Portakabin comments: “York Minster is in the DNA of our City, and we’re delighted to be working with them once again. The ambitious plans they have match our aspirations to be a driving force behind innovative ways to support the future of construction. Heritage craft skills will play a huge part in honouring the past while preparing York and the Minster for an exciting future.”
For more information about the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, click here.
York Minster welcomes Church of England proposals for Living in Love and Faith
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, today welcomed proposals by the Bishops of the Church of England that will allow same-sex couples in a committed civil marriage or partnership, to be able to come to church for a service of prayers of thanksgiving, blessing and dedication for the first time.
Dominic also welcomed the decision of the bishops to issue an apology to the LGBTQI+ community for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” they have faced in churches and the impact this has had on their lives. Both steps are key outcomes of Living in Love and Faith, the Church of England’s biggest ever listening exercise on questions of sexuality, gender, relationships and marriage carried out over the last six years.
Dean Dominic said: “The bishops’ recommendations are a key moment for the Church. They signify forward movement, acceptance and repentance for past hurt and pain and they also reflect the complexity and diversity of views in the Church on questions of sexuality, relationships and marriage. It is my hope that Synod will be happy to receive these recommendations and will encourage the bishops to enable the church to continue to journey forwards towards an ever greater welcome and inclusion of all of God’s children.
“I acknowledge that not everyone will be happy. Some will feel that the Church has gone too far – others that the Church has not gone far enough. There is plenty of room for the conversations to continue. It is my hope that these recommendations will be received in a spirit of generosity. I also pray that church communities everywhere will welcome same-sex couples unreservedly and joyfully and make their place of worship a safe and welcoming space. This is always the mission and ministry of York Minster.”
York Minster’s Commemoration for Holocaust Memorial Day
Six hundred candles in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Wednesday 25 January 2023, to remember more than 6 million Jewish people and the many other groups murdered by the Nazis 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 which is 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 also includes 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 Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 is ‘Ordinary People’, which encourages people to reflect on the importance of those ordinary men and women who, although caught up in the events that surround them, find courage and humanity not to dehumanise other people and who offer small acts of kindness which might just be all it takes to give hope and offer a tiny glimmer of light in the darkest of moments”.
A New Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer for York Minster
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, today announced the appointment of David Colthup as York Minster’s new Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer. David will start his new role on Monday 9 January 2023. He succeeds Kathryn Blacker who recently left the Minster for a new role at York Museums Trust.
David recently left the Army after a career spanning more than 30 years having originally commissioned into the Green Howards in 1989. He has commanded Yorkshire soldiers in various locations around the world on operations and training and most recently was the Director of Operations for all Army recruiting and initial training.
As Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer, David will oversee the cathedral’s complex and diverse day-to-day operations. He will lead and support a multi-disciplinary staff team delivering governance, security, safeguarding, HR, finance, retail, visitor welcome, events, learning, marketing, music, IT, historic collections and care of the buildings and land within the York Minster Precinct.
David will also build and maintain effective relationships with the Minster’s diverse array of external partners in the city, Diocese of York, Yorkshire and the north of England, the wider Church of England and networks such as the Association of English Cathedrals and the Cathedral Workshops’ Fellowship where he will have a trustee role.
Commenting on David’s appointment, Dominic said: “We are thrilled that David is joining the team at York Minster. In addition to his exceptional operational experience and expertise, David is an inspirational leader with a proven track record in supporting and valuing people and their contribution as individuals and teams. Efficient delivery of all of these services will enable the cathedral’s core purpose: the invitation to come to York Minster to discover God’s love as it has been revealed in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
David said: “I am hugely delighted and deeply honoured to have been appointed to this amazing role. I am really looking forward to the challenge of learning about the people, the place and the sheer complexity of this fascinating cathedral, the Mother Church of the Northern Province of the Church of England. I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to work with the great team of people at York Minster.”
David Colthup will be joining York Minster at an exciting moment of change. The ongoing development and implementation of the Neighbourhood Plan offers significant opportunities to create a sustainable and financially viable future for the cathedral and its precinct. He will also be in post in time to support the final stages of complex governance changes coming into effect with the new Cathedral Measure next year.
Biographical details – David Colthup
David Colthup commissioned into the Green Howards in 1989 and over the following 33 years served in various locations around Great Britain and in Kuwait, Iraq, Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Belize and Afghanistan. His experience covers a wide range of roles and extends from working at the lowest levels in the Army all the way to the Ministry of Defence and as an advisor and mentor in Afghanistan. In the last decade he has gained significant experience of recruiting new talent for the Army and the management and delivery of all types of military training. He retains a close personal interest in both the Green Howards, as the Representative Colonel and a Trustee, and the Yorkshire Regiment of which he is Deputy Colonel of the Regiment and a Trustee. David has been married to Jane for almost 30 years and they have three children in their twenties who between them work in the Army, the City and Parliament.
Former York Minster chorister Naomi wins BBC Young Chorister of the Year Contest 2022
York Minster today celebrated the outstanding achievement of former chorister Naomi Simon who was yesterday announced as the winner of the BBC’s Young Chorister of the Year Contest.
Sixteen year-old Naomi, a chorister at York Minster from 2016 until 2020 and now a student and chorister at Rugby School, took the title in the contest final which was televised on BBC Two yesterday (Sunday 11 December). Samuel Brophy, 15, a former chorister from 2018 until 2020, also reached the final stage of the contest.
Naomi won through with a performance of the Christmas song ‘Mary, Did You Know’ composed by Lowry and Greene.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “There are no words to describe the absolute joy and pride of everyone at York Minster this morning. It was thrilling enough to have two former choristers make it to the final. To have Naomi win the title is simply overwhelming.”
“Being a chorister is a very special experience. As well as learning how to sing and perform the most sublime choral music, choristers also learn self-discipline, self-organisation, resilience and patience – skills that will prepare them for life. It is also great fun!”
“We hope Naomi’s achievement will inspire and encourage children who love singing to follow in her footsteps and explore the possibility of becoming a chorister.”
Double whammy for York Minster as former chorister Naomi makes the finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year Contest
Former York Minster chorister Naomi Simon was yesterday (4 December), announced as a finalist in this year’s BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest.
A student and chorister at Rugby School, Naomi, aged 16, will join former York Minster chorister Samuel Brophy – now a student at Bootham School, York – in the finals of the contest which will be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday 11th December at 1.15pm.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have two former choristers performing in this year’s finals. Naomi and Sam are outstanding singers and we are proud that their singing journey began as choristers at York Minster.
“As well as nurturing raw singing talent, being a chorister equips children with a wide range of skills including resilience, self-organisation and self-discipline that will help to shape their learning for the future and prepare them for many life experiences.
“Regardless of the result next weekend, we hope that Naomi and Sam’s achievement will encourage and inspire more children to follow in their footsteps and think about being a chorister. Our prayers and best wishes go to both of them for the finals.”
Joy at York Minster as former Choristers make the semi-finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest
Two former York Minster choristers have reached the semi-finals of the prestigious BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest 2022.
Samuel Brophy aged 13, a chorister from 2018 until 2022, will perform in the boy’s semi-final this Sunday 27th November. Naomi Simon, aged 16, a chorister from 2016 until 2020, will perform in the girl’s semi-final on Sunday 4th December. Both semi-finals will take place at Gorton Monastery, Manchester and will be broadcast by the BBC. Sam and Naomi hope to make the national finals which will be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday 11th December.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “We are delighted to learn that both of our former choristers, Naomi and Sam, have got through to the semi-finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest this year. The contest is tough and demanding but it is also a wonderful and potentially life-changing experience for these young singers.”
Sam is now a student at Bootham School, York, whilst Naomi is a student and chorister at Rugby School. Canon Vicky said: “There is quite a history of York Minster choristers doing very well in this competition and we are obviously very, very proud of Naomi and Sam’s achievement. Our prayers and best wishes go to both of them for the semi-finals.”
York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival opens inside the medieval cathedral
The York Minster Christmas Tree Festival is returning to the cathedral this Advent and Christmas following the success of the first festival in 2021, with this year’s event taking place inside the medieval Minster.
The festival, which will open on Saturday 3 December with a special service for families, will feature nearly 40 trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities set inside the cathedral’s stunning Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
Visitors will be able to see the trees decorated to individual themes, vote for their favourite tree in a ‘best dressed tree’ competition and add their own Christmas message to a tag to hang on one of the festival’s prayer trees.
The festival will open at 10am on Saturday 3 December with a special Saturday Mornings at York Minster session for families, which will include a short service in celebration of the festival opening.
Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, said: “We’re delighted to see the Christmas Tree Festival return for a second year following the success of the 2021 event.
“This year the festival will take place inside the Minster, with trees set inside the spectacular, medieval Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
“Nearly 40 trees will be decorated to individual themes, taking inspiration from a range of topics including seasonal stories, nature and festive traditions, and featuring diverse decorations from handcrafted items, to mythical creatures and Yorkshire inspired decorations. We hope the event will again spread some seasonal cheer while supporting one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.”
The trees for the festival have been provided by award-winning local company York Christmas Trees.
Through out the festival’s run, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree with the winning charity or school receiving a £200 prize and the winning business £200 to donate to a charity of their choice.
The Christmas Tree Festival will run from Saturday 3 December 2022 to Thursday 5 January 2023 during general admission times (please check opening times on the website before visiting). Entry is included with general admission (general admission is free for York residents with proof of address).
The festival forms part of a busy programme of services and events at the cathedral to mark Advent and Christmas. For full details visit yorkminster.org/whats-on/.
Welcome to Advent and Christmas at York Minster
York Minster is preparing to mark Advent and Christmas with traditional services, seasonal concerts and music and family-friendly events throughout December.
A time of busyness, anticipation and hope, the services, music and events at York Minster reflect the joy and poignancy of the Christmas story.
For the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, this will be his first experience of Advent and Christmas at York Minster since his installation as the 77th Dean of York last month. Dominic said: “At this very special time of year, we reflect on the heart-stopping vulnerability of the Holy family seeking a safe place for the birth of Jesus Christ. I look forward to welcoming you to York Minster – in person or from home via livestream – to celebrate the miracle and joy of Jesus’s birth.”
York Minster’s Advent and Christmas highlights are set out below (for full details go to www.yorkminster.org or telephone 01904 557200.)
Sunday 27 November, Advent Procession, 5.30pm
An atmospheric and breath-taking candlelit service of music, and prayers for Advent, in celebration of the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. This service will also be livestreamed. (Free tickets required.)
Friday 2 December, Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light, 7.30pm
An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service for all the family based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration (York Anglo-Scandinavian Society).
Saturday 3 December, Saturday Mornings at York Minster, 10.00am
Mark the opening of the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival with craft activities and a short service for all the family.
Saturday 3 December, the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival (until 5 January 2023)
Explore Christmas trees beautifully decorated to individual themes in the stunning Chapter House and the Lady Chapel. Free with general admission.
Saturday 3 December, Praetorius and Schütze with Gabrieli Roar, 7.30pm
School students will join Gabrieli Roar’s world-class musicians to present ‘In Dulci Jubilo’, a festive celebration of the spectacular music of Michael Praetorius and Heinrich Schütz.
Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December, Christmas Carol Concerts, 7.00pm
The Revd Richard Coles, author, broadcaster and presenter, is the reader for this year’s concerts featuring festive carols, readings and poetry. Music by the Choir of York Minster.
Saturday 10 December, The Snowman (by Carrot Productions), 2.30 and 7.30pm
Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of this family favourite accompanied by a live orchestra.
Saturday 17 December, The Archbishop of York reads The Sleepy Shepherd, 10.30am
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will give a reading from his book The Sleepy Shepherd in the Lady Chapel. An enchanting Christmas tale for children aged 5-7, the book tells the story of Silas, who as a boy, misses the visit of the angels and the chance to greet the Christ-child in Bethlehem. Years later as a grown man, he makes an important decision – to be a real shepherd to a man whose friends have all fallen asleep. This is a free non-ticketed event. Spaces will operate on a first come first served basis. All are welcome.
Saturday 17 December, Carols by Candlelight, 7.30pm
This annual favourite in the stunning Nave of York Minster will also include the Chapter House Choir, traditional choral items and festive music performed by the Handbell Ringers of the Chapter House Choir.
Tuesday 20 December, G4 Christmas, 7.30pm
Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting. Hear timeless classics as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Week Services at York Minster
Thursday 22 December, 5.30pm and Saturday 24 December, 4.00pm, Nine Lessons and Carols
The two traditional services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the Choir of York Minster and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. (Free tickets required).
Christmas Eve – Saturday 24 December
11.30am, Crib Service
The Christmas story in a fun and accessible format with carols, musical accompaniment and the chance to see the crib. Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity. (Free tickets required).
4.00pm, Nine Lessons and Carols
The second of two services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the York Minster Choir and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ (livestream available). (Free tickets required)
11.30pm, First Eucharist of Christmas
The First Communion of Christmas with Blessing of the Crib and choral music.
Christmas Day – 25 December
8.00am, Holy Communion
A service from the Book of Common Prayer.
10.00am, Choral Matins
A joyous service sung by the Choir of York Minster.
11.00am, Sung Eucharist
Christmas Day worship at York Minster with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell and the Choir of York Minster (livestream available).
4.00pm, Choral Evensong
York Minster’s worship for Christmas Day ends with a service of Evensong, sung by the Choir of York Minster (livestream available).
Pioneering York Minster leads way with photovoltaic roof installation plan
As COP 27 today draws to a close, major plans for York Minster to generate its own electricity through renewable energy have taken a step forward.
The first of the major cathedrals to do so, the Minster proposes to install 199 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the South Quire Aisle, which originally dates from 1361 but was renewed after the 1829 fire, producing 75,000 kilowatt-hours of power every year.
Light captured from the sun by the panels during daylight hours will be converted into electricity and used to power the cathedral’s evening services and events.
A planning application for the installation, led by historic building specialists Caroe Architecture, has today been submitted to City of York Council. It will be the largest of its type on any cathedral in the UK and will follow other similar successful projects at Bradford, Gloucester and Salisbury cathedrals.
The panels, which will be able to be glimpsed at ground level but will not detract from the cathedral’s architecture or heritage values, will support its ambitions to achieve operational net zero carbon, as outlined in its adopted Neighbourhood Plan, which sets out a 15-year route map to create a sustainable future for the Precinct.
The application, which follows extensive consultations between York Minster and key stakeholders, including City of York Council and Historic England, comes as the Minster, like many others, faces significant increases in the cost of energy.
It is estimated that in 2023 the annual gas and electricity costs to heat and power not only the cathedral itself but the many surrounding buildings that make up its wider Precinct could triple.
The planning application follows the successful installation and operation of solar tiles on the roof of the Precinct’s Refectory earlier this year, marking the first time that solar tiles have been placed on a listed building in the city and already producing 11,000 kilowatt-hours of power a year.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “With a climate emergency having been recognised worldwide and City of York Council having set an ambition for York to be a net zero carbon city by 2030, alongside a similar pledge by the Church of England, it is timely that we are submitting this important planning application as the COP 27 conference reaches its conclusion.
“We have committed to taking a lead on addressing the climate emergency through the implementation of our Neighbourhood Plan and have been very clear that the greatest threat to the fabric of our historic Minster, the Precinct and our many heritage properties are extreme weather events brought about by climate change.
“We are extremely proud of this application and the positive impacts it will bring, and I invite City of York Council to please support this fundamental project to allow the Chapter of York at York Minster to play its part as we move towards our net zero goal.”
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, said: “Through our Neighbourhood Plan we have set a clear policy-led approach that is not only making positive improvements to the cathedral for both its benefit and that of the city, but is also setting a guiding example for others to follow in how heritage estates address climate change.
“We believe that this well-placed, carefully judged and justified photovoltaic installation on the roof of the Minster is a fundamental part of this vision. The installation, which is sensitive to the Precinct’s historic architecture, will be celebrated inside with a panel displaying the energy production and carbon savings, and we welcome the fact people will be able to glimpse the panels and understand their importance to the Minster’s sustainable future.”
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “The message from COP27 is that everyone has a role to play in effectively implementing the ambitious climate action required to meet the urgent needs of the planet.
“York Minster has already committed to taking a lead on addressing the climate emergency through the implementation of its Neighbourhood Plan, and this installation if approved will go a huge way in supporting the future care and conservation of this significant monument.”
For more information about the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, visit: yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/.
His Majesty The King unveils York Minster’s statue of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
York Minster welcomed Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort to the cathedral (9 November 2022), for the unveiling and blessing of a new statue of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Their Majesties were welcomed on arrival by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, the Acting Dean of York, The Reverend Canon Michael Smith and members of the Chapter of York.
After attending a short service in the Quire, Their Majesties met York Minster stonemason, Richard Bossons, designer and carver of the new statue, which honours the life of service and dedication of Queen Elizabeth. Their Majesties were also introduced to Minster staff and volunteers and guests from York and the region working to make a difference to their communities.
Their Majesties departed the Minster through the Great West Door where His Majesty unveiled the new statue of the late Queen. The Archbishop of York then blessed the statue and offered prayers for the day.
Following the unveiling His Majesty gave the following speech. He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, my wife and I are deeply touched to have been asked to unveil this statue to my beloved mother.”
“When this statue was first planned five years ago, during a reign of unprecedented duration and achievement, it was intended as a celebration of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Now, as we have witnessed, with great sadness, the passing of that reign, it is unveiled in her memory, as a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and devotion.
“The creation of this statue is also, if I may say so, a tribute to the support, affection and prayers that the community of this cathedral, and of this great city, always gave the late Queen, and all for which she stood in the life of the nation and the Commonwealth.
“The symbolism of the statue, combining the signs of Church and of State, is perfectly suited to its place on the West Front of this glorious building. It is a testament to the Minster’s enduring mission of showing God’s love and presence to all.
“The late Queen was always vigilant for the welfare of her people during her life. Now, her image will watch over what will become Queen Elizabeth Square, for centuries to come – a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and the duty we all share.”
Commenting on the day’s events, Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York said: “It was a huge privilege for the entire Minster Community to welcome Their Majesties yesterday. They were warm and generous with their time and enjoyed hearing about our work and shared life here together.
“The King asked lots of questions and showed great interest in the creation of the statue and the schools competition which ran alongside it. The statue was planned to mark the Platinum Jubilee and our late Queen’s dedicated service to our Nation and Church. It was fitting therefore, that her son, our new King, was able to come and unveil the statute, which as he so rightly said, will overlook Queen Elizabeth square “for centuries to come”.
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort to visit York Minster – Wednesday 9 November
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, will visit York Minster on Wednesday 9 November for the unveiling and blessing of the cathedral’s new statue of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King and The Queen Consort’s arrival will be heralded by the York Minster bells. They will be welcomed by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, the Acting Dean of York, Canon Michael Smith and members of the Chapter of York. Children from the cathedral’s Minster Mice weekly service will present posies to The King and The Queen Consort.
After a short service of prayer, The King and The Queen Consort will meet people from the Minster Community, the city of York and the wider region doing outstanding work in their communities and making a difference to the lives of local people.
At a new exhibition, The King will meet York Minster stonemason Richard Bossons, the designer and carver of the statue of the late Queen, and his assistant Rita Dawe. The exhibition documents the creation of the statue from concept through to finished work of art. Commissioned by the Chapter of York, the cathedral’s governing body, the statue honours the life of service and dedication of Her Late Majesty the Queen.
The King will then meet children and young people from the Minster Community and talk to staff and volunteers who met the late Queen when she visited the Minster in 2012 to distribute the Royal Maundy.
The Queen Consort will meet representatives from the military and emergency services in the city and region. Her Majesty will be introduced to two pupils from Husthwaite Church of England Primary School, Husthwaite Village, North Yorkshire. The children won a competition to design a stone carving to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Their designs have been transformed into stone pieces carved by the Minster’s stonemasons.
Representatives from local social action groups, refugee organisations and charities working hard to support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in York and the region, will meet The Queen Consort.
The King and The Queen Consort will sign the Distinguished Visitors’ Book before leaving the Minster through the Great West Door for the unveiling and blessing of the statue.
Archbishop Stephen said: “The presence of The King and The Queen Consort at York Minster, in the heart of the city of York, for this wonderful and unique occasion is an immensely poignant moment. But this is also a joyful day as we honour the long life and service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth to her people, her nation and the Commonwealth.”
Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Carr said: “That His Majesty King Charles III has chosen to visit this historic city so early in his reign is a great honour for York. We hope that this day, which I am certain will combine great joy at his presence and proud reflection on the great service and legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, will be the first of many visits by him to this great city. My thanks and congratulations go to the whole team at York Minster for the work they have done to make this historic occasion possible.”