The Installation of The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington as the 77th Dean of York

The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of St James Cathedral, Chicago, United States,  will be Installed as the 77^th Dean of York during a special service of Choral Evensong, starting at 3pm at York Minster on Saturday 12 November to which all are warmly invited. The service will be live streamed to enable people to join from far and wide.

Dean Dominic’s Installation is the final part of the ceremonial sequence that appoints him to his place as Dean of York in the Minster’s constitutional Foundation.  The Installation during Choral Evensong follows immediately after Dean Dominic’s Admission, which takes place in a specially-convened meeting of the College of Canons, held in the Minster’s Chapter House and will be led by the Acting Dean of York, The Reverend Canon Michael Smith.

The service of prayers, readings and music will be sung by the Choir of York Minster and will include a special hymn composed for the new Dean. At the service, Dean Dominic will give his first sermon in York Minster and will be commended in his new ministry by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.

Commenting on the forthcoming service, Dominic said:  “It is a great privilege to be called to serve as Dean of York. I am looking forward enormously to working alongside the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who keep the Minster operating, and getting to know the many communities for whom this remarkable cathedral church holds a special place in their lives.”

The Archbishop of York said: “Dominic is a priest with a pilgrim heart. With his guidance and under his leadership, York Minster will continue to grow as a place of influence, hospitality and pilgrimage for our city, diocese and region. It is a great joy to be welcoming him to this wonderful place at a time of great opportunity and need for our church and nation.”

Dominic succeeds The Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost who was installed as Bishop of Portsmouth in March.

Biographical Details – The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York

Dominic began his ministry as Curate in the Mortlake with East Sheen Team Ministry in the Diocese of Southwark. He served as a University Chaplain at St Chad’s, Durham before becoming Priest in Charge, and subsequently Rector at St Peter & Paul with St Michael’s in Kettering in the Diocese of Peterborough.  He was installed as Dean of St James Cathedral, Chicago, in September 2015 after 20 years of ordained ministry in the Church of England.

Dominic has previously worked with the Arts Council to create and fund new regional touring opportunities for the London Symphony, the Royal Philharmonic and other orchestras. He also worked for several years with some of Britain’s leading professional choirs and vocal groups.

Dominic is married to Alison, a music therapist, who has worked in both clinical and academic contexts. They have two sons, Benedict and Linus.

York Minster Refectory works begins

Following extensive restoration works by Chapter of York, the former Minster School site has now been handed over to GEM construction who will convert the Grade II listed building into a refectory-style restaurant with extensive public realm.

The works will include the creation of a new public park – Minster Gardens.

The joint project between GEM Construction, The Star Group of Restaurants and interior designer Rachel McLane will involve sensitively converting the former song school into a destination restaurant.

Due to be complete in Q2 2023, the York Minster Refectory will be managed by Bex Toppin and Will Pearce, who both have years of experience working in Michelin star restaurants across the country. Bringing a further 25 years of culinary expertise to the project is joint partner Andrew Pern, proprietor of the recently reopened Star Inn at Harome in North Yorkshire.

The team’s ambition is to create an accessible, welcoming restaurant, providing locally sourced dishes made with the highest-quality ingredients. The Refectory will offer a daytime takeaway element and daytime and evening dining, with plans to also introduce a mix of smaller function and private dining rooms.

The commencement of works closely follows the installation of solar tiles on the Refectory’s roof, marking the first time that solar tiles have been placed on a listed building in the city.

The Refectory project forms part of York Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan, an ambitious masterplan to secure a sustainable future for York Minster, which was recently ratified by City of York Council. Delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan will herald the largest planned programme of works at the Minster and its surrounding Precinct since the 1850s.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “We’re really excited that works are underway to enhance the Minster’s visitor offer by sensitively repurposing the former Minster school and creating a new park in the centre of York for everyone to enjoy.

“The Refectory will provide a new dimension to the Precinct and offer our community, local residents and the many visitors to our city an imposing view of the magnificent Minster in a historic setting. Importantly, the Refectory will contribute towards generating income to help us care for York Minster and its Precinct well into the 21^st century and support projects like the £11m South Quire Aisle restoration project.”

Mike Green, Chairman of GEM Construction, and joint partner in the venture, added: “We have been proudly delivering quality developments across York for over 20 years and are delighted to be working with our partners to deliver this scheme, which, through its communal, refectory-style dining concept, will pay homage to the building’s former life as a school.

“Each member of the refectory team – Bex, Will, Andrew, Mike and Rachel – have strong connections, not just to York, but to the Minster and the former school itself, so are deeply passionate about this exciting project to further cement York Minster’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading religious and cultural visitor attractions.”

For more information about the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, click here.

York Minster’s programme of services and events for Advent and Christmas 2022

York Minster is preparing to mark Advent and Christmas with a range of beautiful breath-taking services and seasonal concerts for all the family.

From moments of quiet reflection to some of the cathedral’s most popular events of the year – the Minster’s special services, festive events, traditions and seasonal music celebrate the season’s themes of anticipation, hope and joy.

Advent starts on Sunday 27 November and will be marked by York Minster’s spectacular Advent Procession service which begins with the cathedral in complete darkness gradually illuminated by candlelight.

Other service highlights during Christmas Week will include Nine Lessons and Carols on 22 and 24 December and the Crib Service (24 December). The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will preside at the Eucharist of Christmas Day at 11.00am on 25 December.

Free tickets will need to be booked in advance for some highlight services, with tickets released during November and December (see full details below).

The cathedral’s popular, annual Christmas Carol Concerts will return on 8 and 9 December and special screenings of family-favourite The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra, will take place on Saturday 10 December presented by Carrot Productions.

The second year of the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival will be staged inside the cathedral’s stunning Chapter House and Lady Chapel.  Around 40 trees will be on display decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools and charities.  Visitors will be able to add their own Christmas message to a tag on the festival’s prayer trees. The first day of the festival (3 December), will be marked at 10.00am with a special session of Saturday Mornings at York Minster for children and families to celebrate the Christmas trees with craft activities and a short service.

Join Gabrieli Roar for ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ on Saturday 3 December, a Christmastide treat featuring the spectacular polychoral music of Michael Praetorius in belated celebration of the 400th anniversary of the great composer’s death. With a choir of young singers performing alongside Gabrieli’s world-class musicians, audiences and singers alike are sure to delight in this most exciting and flamboyant music of the early baroque.

On Saturday 17 December the Chapter House Choir will perform Carols by Candlelight. They will be joined by the Chapter House Youth Choir and there will be festive music performed by the Handbell Ringers of the Chapter House Choir.

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Michael Smith, said:  “Advent and Christmas lie at the heart of the Christian faith. It marks the start of the Church year and it is a time of reflection and anticipation as we prepare for the birth of Christ which we celebrate on Christmas Day. After a challenging and difficult year, the Christmas message of joy and hope will provide comfort for many.

“This year we will all be remembering the Christmas messages the late Queen used to share with us each year. In those messages she often spoke of her faith and reminded us that Christmas is all about Jesus who reveals how we can live life to the full and find hope even in times of darkness. As we remember her messages from the past we surround our new King with our love and prayers as his reign begins.

“There will be a very warm welcome for everyone visiting York Minster this Advent and Christmas whether in person or online for our livestream worship throughout the season.”

York Minster will be open for sightseeing throughout November and December but may need to close from time to time for services and events – please check the website for opening times and to book admission tickets.

The Minster Shops inside the cathedral and at 9 Minster Gates will also be open daily offering a range of bespoke gifts inspired by the cathedral alongside seasonal items including nativity sets and advent calendars and candles.

For full details of York Minster’s programme for Advent and Christmas see below or go to: www.yorkminster.org.

Evensong: Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata 140, Sleepers, wake

Sunday 20 November, 4.00pm

The Choir of York Minster gives its traditional annual performance of Bach’s popular Cantata 140, ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’ (Sleepers, wake), with orchestral accompaniment at Evensong for the Sunday before Advent.

No booking required. This service will also be livestreamed via www.yorkminster.org.

Advent Procession

Sunday 27 November, 5.30pm

An atmospheric and breath-taking candlelit service with music by the Choir of York Minster, readings and prayers for Advent, in celebration and anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Free tickets must be booked in advance for this service. Tickets will be available from 10.00am on Monday 14 November via www.yorkminster.org or by calling our Box Office on 01904 557200. The service will also be livestreamed.

Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light

Friday 2 December, 7.30pm

In Sweden, Lucia is one of the most significant traditions in the calendar:  a powerful symbol and celebration of light and an integral part of the Advent season.  The celebration of Sankta Lucia is based on the bravery and martyrdom of a young Sicilian girl – St Lucy – who died in the early fourth century. Her name and story reached Sweden along with Christianity, and she remained popular even after the Reformation as the bringer of light during the long darkness of winter. In association with York Anglo-Scandinavian Society.

The York Minster Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday 3 December to Thursday 5 January

Open daily during general admission times

Experience the Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival in the stunning surroundings of the ancient Chapter House and Lady Chapel.  Around 40 trees will be individually decorated by local businesses, schools and charities.  Visitors can add their own Christmas message to a tag for the festival prayer trees. Entry is free with general admission.

Saturday Mornings at York Minster celebrates the Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday 3 December, 10.00am

The first day of the festival will be marked at 10.00am with a special event for children and families to celebrate the Christmas trees with craft activities and a short service.

In Dulci Jubilo: Praetorius & Schütz with Gabrieli Roar

Saturday 3 December, 7.30pm

Join Gabrieli Roar for ‘In Dulci Jubilo’, a Christmastide treat featuring the spectacular polychoral music of Michael Praetorius in belated celebration of the 400th anniversary of the great composer’s death. With a choir of young singers performing alongside Gabrieli’s world-class musicians, audiences and singers alike are sure to delight in this most exciting and flamboyant music of the early baroque.

Tickets will be available via www.yorkminster.org or by calling the Box Office on 01904 557200.

Christmas Carol Concerts

Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December, 7.00pm

York Minster’s popular Christmas Carol Concerts return this year offering the perfect start to the festive season. The Choir of York Minster, one of the UK’s leading cathedral choirs, will perform traditional and much loved Christmas music, with seasonal readings from a special guest and the chance for the audience to join in with carols.

Tickets for the popular concerts priced at £15 – £30 will go on sale at 10.00am on Tuesday 4 October via  www.yorkminster.org or by calling our Box Office on 01904 557200.

The Snowman Tour

Saturday 10 December with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of family favourite The Snowman accompanied by a magnificent live orchestra. Presented by Carrot Productions, the world’s leading performers of The Snowman film with live orchestra, the performance will also include The Flight Before Christmas – the sensational new Shaun the Sheep film staged with live orchestra for the first time. For tickets go to:  www.yorkminster.org

The Chapter House Choir: Carols by Candlelight

Saturday 17 December, 7.30pm

The Chapter House Choir will be joined by the Chapter House Youth Choir and there will be festive music performed by the Handbell Ringers of the Chapter House Choir.

Tickets will be available via www.yorkminster.org or by calling the Box Office on 01904 557200.

Christmas Week at York Minster

Nine Lessons and Carols

Thursday 22 December, 5.30pm and Saturday 24 December, 4.00pm

Two 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 for both services must be booked in advance and will be available from 10.00am on Thursday 8 December via www.yorkminster.org or by calling our Box Office on 01904 557200.

The service on Saturday 24 December at 4:00pm will also be livestreamed via the Minster website.

Christmas Eve services, Saturday 24 December

Join York Minster’s worship for Christmas Eve at the cathedral or from the comfort of your home.

• 11.30am: Crib Service – a traditional and popular service for all the family. Free tickets will need to be booked in advance and will be available from 10.00am on Thursday 8 December.
• 4.00pm: Nine Lessons and Carols – the second of two services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the Choir of York Minster and hymns for everyone to join in. Free tickets will need to be booked in advance and will be available from 10:00am on Thursday 8 December. This service will also be livestreamed at yorkminster.org.
• 11.30pm: First Eucharist of Christmas (Midnight Mass) – A Sung Eucharist with Carols.

Christmas Day services, Sunday 25 December

Join York Minster’s worship for Christmas Day at the cathedral or from the comfort of your home.

• 8.00am: Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer.
• 10.00am: Choral Matins (sung by the Choir of York Minster).
• 11.00am: Sung Eucharist (sung by the Choir of York Minster). The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell will preside. This service will also be livestreamed via yorkminster.org.
• 4.00pm: Choral Evensong (sung by the Choir of York Minster). This service will also be livestreamed via yorkminster.org.

The Eucharist for the Feast of the Epiphany

Friday 6 January 2023, 5.30pm

A special service to mark the Feast of the Epiphany. Epiphany means a ‘revelation’ and the feast day marks the arrival of the wise men, who, led by a star, find the infant Jesus and bow down before him in worship, offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The service will be sung by the Chapter House Choir, an associate choir of York Minster. This service will also be livestreamed via yorkminster.org.

Ceremony to unveil and bless York Minster’s new statue of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, postponed

A statement from York Minster:

The ceremony to unveil and bless a new statue of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at York Minster on Friday (23 September) has been postponed, as a mark of respect for the period of Royal Mourning. A new date to unveil and bless the statue will be announced in due course.

The Acting Dean of York announces retirement

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Michael Smith, has today announced he will retire from York Minster and stipendiary ministry early next year.

Michael joined the team at York Minster as Canon Pastor in September 2013 and was appointed Acting Dean of York in January 2022, following the appointment of the previous Dean, The Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, as the Bishop of Portsmouth.

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of St James Cathedral in Chicago, was announced as the new Dean of York in July and will take up his post in November.

Michael said: “I was ordained in 1983 and worked in parish ministry for 30 years before moving to York Minster as pastor.

“It has been a huge privilege to minister here for almost ten years with a great community and some fantastic colleagues.

“I am pleased to have been able to contribute a little to the life of this great cathedral and look forward to welcoming Dean Dominic this autumn and working alongside him before I retire next year – I am sure that this great church is in safe hands with him at the helm.

“Having been a full time priest for almost 40 years I am looking forward to doing some new things including spending time writing and also cycling around Yorkshire and beyond.”

York Minster’s Services Commemorating Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

As the period of national mourning for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II continues, York Minster today confirmed the arrangements for special services, signing the Books of Condolence and the national one minute’s silence in honour of the late Queen.

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith said:  “Many thousands of people have visited the Minster since the death of Queen Elizabeth was announced last week. The historic significance of her reign, her constancy in our lives, and the grief and sadness of the Royal Family has evoked feelings of great sympathy, and remembrance of our own loved ones who have died.

“As the State Funeral approaches, we anticipate that many people will want to come to the Minster to give thanks for the life and mourn the death of this remarkable woman.”

For the remainder of the official period of mourning, the following services will take place at York Minster as we invite people from across Yorkshire and the North to commemorate the late Queen, sign the Books of Condolence and pray for King Charles III and the Royal Family.  All are welcome.

Daily services will take place at 7.30 and 7.50am and 12noon. There will be a special service of Choral Evensong each day at 5.30pm. Outside of service times, the Books of Condolence will be open for signing from 9.30am until 7.30pm when the Minster will close for the day (see details below).

Saturday 17 September

5.30pm – Commemorative Service of Evensong for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

This Evensong Service with special prayers and music will take place in the Nave to commemorate and give thanks for the life of the late Queen.

This service will also be livestreamed

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

Books of Condolence open for signing until 4.00pm, and then after the Evensong service from 6.20pm to 7.30pm.

Sunday 18 September

8am     –           Holy Communion

10am   –           Matins

11am   –           Choral Eucharist.

This service will be livestreamed.

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

Books of Condolence open for signing from 12.30 until 2.15pm and 6.30pm until 8pm.

4pm – Civic Service of Commemoration for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Led by the Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith, this is the City of York’s civic service honouring the life and service of the late Queen.  Councillors and Aldermen from City of York Council will process into the Minster ahead of the service.  There will be special music and prayers for the late Queen, the new King and the Royal Family.

This service will also be livestreamed

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

 8pm – National Moment of Reflection

At a few minutes before the hour, people queuing inside and outside the Minster will be invited by members of the cathedral’s clergy to prepare for the national one minute silence in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth.  The minute’s silence will commence as the Minster’s Great Peter Bell strikes the final chime on the hour.

Monday 19 September – The State Funeral

Daily services will take place at 7.30am and 7.50am, 12 noon and Evening Prayer at 5.30pm. Outside of each service the Book of Condolence will be open for the final day from 9.30am until 7.30pm.

The Death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the life of the late Monarch

Following the announcement yesterday of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, York Minster has confirmed the arrangements for people to visit the cathedral for prayer, reflection, to lay floral tributes and to sign the Books of Condolence in memory of the late Queen.

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith said:

“This week, York Minster will help the people of the city and the region to pay their respects, to say farewell and to give thanks for the life of an extraordinary human being. For more than 70 years, the late Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her long life to service on behalf of the citizens of her country, the Commonwealth and to the world.  Her reassuring, calm and intelligent presence through seven momentous decades of history, turmoil and change is all that many of us have ever known.  Today, we must come to terms with the enormity of her death, and as we mourn, to give thanks that the Christian faith which sustained her in life also gave her confidence that she remains held in God’s love now and for ever.

“There will be great sadness for the nation and for the Royal Family who are mourning the loss of a mother, grandmother and great-grand mother – a much loved family member.  But there will also be memories, honour and gratitude for a remarkable life that was so well lived.”

Prayers will be said for the late Queen and for the Royal Family at all services and throughout the day.

The arrangements at York Minster are as follows:

Friday 9^th September

The Flag of the Cross of St George is at half-mast on the North West tower.

12noon            Great Peter to be tolled.

12.00pm          Holy Communion in the Nave.

2.00pm            Hourly Prayer.

3.00pm            Hourly Prayer.

5.30pm            Choral Evensong with the Choir of York Minster and specially selected music and prayers.

7.30pm            The Minster and Dean’s Park close for the day.

This pattern of worship and prayer will follow throughout the official period of national mourning. All are welcome to the Minster to pray or reflect.

The pattern of worship Monday to Saturday can be found here.

The pattern of worship on Sundays can be found here.

Other dates of note/special services

There will be special prayers for the late Queen throughout the period.

In line with the official proclamation on Saturday 10^th September, the Flag of St. George will be raised to full mast.

On Sunday 11^th September, the Archbishop of York will preach and preside at the 11 am Eucharist where there will be appropriate hymns and prayers. The Archbishop will also sign the Book of Condolence.

On Saturday 17^th September at 5.30pm a special commemorative service of Choral Evensong will be held for the late Queen.  All are invited.

On Sunday 18^th September, a civic commemoration service in the nave of York Minster will take place at 4.00pm. All are invited.

Information about leaving floral tributes can be found here.

Next phase of College Green works to begin

College Green, an open green space located within the York Minster precinct, will be closed to the public from next Monday (12^th September), until Easter 2022, to allow phase two of the scheme approved by City of York Council in December 2021 and delivered in partnership with York Minster, York BID, and Make It York.

The delivery of the College Green improvements will provide a revitalised public space in the city centre, cared for by York Minster’s gardeners. Alongside extensive planting and landscaping, it will involve the installation of a stone feature bench and the introduction of accessible seating.

Forming part of the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, which was recently adopted by City of York Council, the works will help meet the overall Neighbourhood Plan objectives of “greening the precinct” by maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.

Phase 1 of the project included the removal of trees which had reached the end of their lives and were replaced by eight new cherry trees, creating a tree-lined walkway which will become a focal point in the spring and autumn each year.

Native species of wildflower will also be planted to provide an additional food source for butterflies and bees.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “Set against the backdrop of the Minster, College Green is a stunning location in York City Centre, and we’re excited to begin phase two of our plans to further enhance our public realm. The success of the recent ‘pop up’ parks hosted by York BID and other stakeholders have demonstrated what an important space College Green is for the city. However, the space is not currently fulfilling the potential that it has to offer a unique, family-friendly place for contemplation and enjoyment.

“Through increasing the provision of accessible seating and providing additional permanent stone seating for the area, we seek to provide a high-quality green space for both residents and visitors to enjoy, further cementing the Minster’s reputation as a lynchpin of cultural identity and daily life in the city of York.”

Andrew Lowson, Director or York BID, said: “We’re thrilled to see the next phase of College Green come to fruition and we’re proud to have been the driving force behind this project. College Green is an excellent example of how effective partnership working delivers better outcomes for the city, and the BID would like to thank the teams at York Minster and PWP Design for bringing this project to life.”

The project is an example of a true city partnership and funded by Chapter of York, York Minster Fund, Friends of York Minster York BID, and Make It York.

For more information on the Neighbourhood Plan, please visit: https://yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/.

Could your child be a chorister at York Minster?

York school pupils currently in Year 3, who love singing, are encouraged to audition for a place in York Minster’s world-famous choir and the chance to be educated at St Peter’s School, York, the choir school for York Minster since September 2020. Formal singing experience is not required.

Children joining the choir, which is made up of 16 boys, 16 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 cathedral. The choristers are trained by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York 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, to be involved in recordings for classical music labels, and to tour abroad.

York Minster’s choristers receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School. The Chapter of York provides a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards school fees. Additional means-tested bursaries may potentially increase the level of funding to 100%

Robert Sharpe explained that the 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.  Choristers are educated at St Peter’s School which shares a common foundation of 627AD with the Minster, and is the fourth oldest school in the world.

“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.”

Commenting on the auditions, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School York said:

“The wonderful experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an outstanding education at St Peter’s, offers excellent and often life-changing opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests.  I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”

The new choristers will join York Minster Choir from September 2023.

About the 2023 Chorister Auditions

York Minster’s 2023 Chorister Auditions will be held in the week commencing 16 January 2023 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2022. For an application pack and more details, contact Sara Bath, Master’s PA, on 01904 527391 or email s.bath@stpetersyork.org.uk

York Minster’s pioneering Centre of Excellence plans receive council approval

York Minster’s plans to establish world class campus facilities for research, education and training in ancient craft skills have been approved by City of York Council.

The Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management will be a first-of-its-kind project encouraging learning and knowledge sharing on an international scale.

Comprising a Heritage Quad and a Works and Technology Hub, the Centre of Excellence will allow current and prospective apprentices to learn cutting-edge digital techniques such as modern saw technology, data scanning and computer aided design. It will also enable the Minster to offer international exchange programmes with cathedrals and universities as far afield as Milan, Washington and Singapore, to enable the further development of these skills.

Existing buildings within the Precinct will be sustainably reordered, repurposed and renewed to provide new workspace and associated facilities, enable greater engagement and interaction with the public around key crafts and trades and allow improved links with education. Through this, the Minster will also be able to offer dedicated residential accommodation for its first and second-year apprentices, as well as for its international exchange visitors and trainees.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “We are delighted that our pioneering plans for preserving the ancient craft skills necessary to secure the future of the Minster have received approval from City of York Council. These skills have long been the lifeblood to the fabric of York Minster and the creation of the Centre of Excellence will enable us to continue to develop and pass down these skills with the help of modern digital technology.

“We thank City of York Council for recognising the importance of the Centre of Excellence, the establishment of which will be crucial in allowing us to safeguard the Minster’s long-term environmental, financial and heritage sustainability for future generations to enjoy as we do today.  This is also a major project for the city and will continue to raise our profile not only as a leading international city for heritage and education, but also a city that is forward looking.”

The £5m fully funded project is being co-ordinated by the York Minster Fund, and is expected to be delivered in early 2024.

The plans form the next stage of the implementation of the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, an ambitious masterplan to secure a sustainable future for York Minster, which was recently ratified by City of York Council. Delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan will herald the largest planned programme of works at the Minster and its surrounding Precinct since the Victorian era. The York Minster Refectory, Minster Garden and the conversion of Church House to residential accommodation are all underway, having received planning permission earlier in the year.

Richard Shaw, Chairman of York Minster Fund (YMF), said: “The Centre of Excellence is the culmination of a three year research and development project, which benchmarked the Minster against other heritage sites around the world. With sustainability at its heart, the Centre of Excellence vision will allow us to maintain and enhance the cultural significance of the Minster.

Not only will the Centre of Excellence create opportunities for education and knowledge exchange on a local, national and international level, but it will also act as a shining example of best practice in managing and preserving complex heritage estates.

We are delighted that the City of York Council is supporting this project and we are pleased to announce that purchase orders worth over £600,000 have now been placed for key machinery to be housed in the Technology Hub.”

York Minster consults on new Constitution and Statutes

The Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, today opened a public consultation on its proposed new Constitution and Statutes – the governing documents for the cathedral.

In 2017, following high profile governance issues in a number of cathedrals, the Church of England set up a working party to look at the governance of English cathedrals.  The working party’s recommendations formed the basis of new legislation – the Cathedrals Measure – which was approved by the General Synod of the Church of England and came into law in 2021.

The 2021 Measure introduced revised provisions for the governance, management, property and financial affairs of English cathedrals.  All cathedrals in England are required to prepare a new set of Constitutions and Statutes and must also apply to the UK Charity Commission for registration as a charity.

Working to a strict template provided and approved by the Church Commissioners, the statutory regulator for cathedrals in England, York Minster is in a pilot group of cathedrals working to revise and update their structures, processes and documents in order to comply with the new Measure. Some of the key changes for York Minster include:

• As a result of the Charity Commission registration, members of the Chapter of York will become Charity Trustees and will be subject to the oversight of the Charity Commission, rather than just the Church Commissioners
• The size, composition and membership of the Chapter of York will change
• The three bodies that currently form the governing corporation of York Minster – Chapter, Cathedral Council and the College of Canons – will change. Chapter will be reconstituted as the primary governing and oversight body for the cathedral
• The Cathedral Council will cease to exist and the College of Canons will no longer be part of the “body corporate” nor have any formal governance role.

The new Constitution and Statutes have been drafted with the help of expert ecclesiastical lawyers using the templates provided and approved by the Church Commissioners.  The Archbishop of York, the Cathedral Council, Chapter, the Church Commissioners and the Charity Commissioners have all seen and are content with the drafted documents, subject to anything arising from the public consultation.

 About the consultation

Everyone who has an interest in York Minster is invited to review and comment on the proposed new Constitution and Statutes.  All comments and representations will be considered and responded to, as required under Section 32 of the Cathedrals Measure 2021. The consultation can be accessed in the following ways:

Via the York Minster Website

Go to https://yorkminster.org/about-us/ to view the proposed new Constitution and Statutes.

View a printed copy

Printed copies of the proposed new Constitution and Statutes are also available for inspection Monday – Friday during normal office hours.

Please contact:

Chapter Clerk’s Office

8-9 Minster Yard

York

YO1 7HH.

01904557210

Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposed new Constitutions and Statues either by:

• Indicating their approval for the changes, or
• Drawing to the attention of the Cathedral Council (the body responsible for putting the provisions of the Measure into effect for York Minster)

• any matters that they believe have been overlooked, or
• any errors that they believe have occurred, or
• any omissions that they believe have occurred

should send their comments by email to chapterclerk@yorkminster.org

All responses must be received by 2.00pm on Friday 16^th September 2022.

York Minster installs solar tiles in historic first

A ceremony has been held at York Minster to mark the installation of solar tiles on the roof of its Refectory building.

Attended by City of York Council members, including Cllr Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change, the ceremony included a dedication by Acting Dean, The Rvd Canon Michael Smith.

This signals the first time that solar tiles have been installed on a listed building in the city and follows extensive consultations between York Minster, City of York Council and Historic England.

Brought to site following a successful planning decision in December 2022, the Refectory, located at 2 Deangate, is the first major project in the recently adopted York Minster Neighbourhood Plan. The former site of The Minster School, it is in the process of being transformed into a refectory-style restaurant café, and is set to open in 2023.

The Neighbourhood Plan forms part of York’s statutory development plan and sets out a 15-year route map to create a sustainable future for the Minster and its surrounding Precinct. It is the first time that a Neighbourhood Plan has been used to map the future care of a cathedral or heritage estate.

The discreetly placed solar tiles will produce approximately 10,000 kilowatt-hours of power every year and will support the Minster’s ambitions to achieve operational net zero carbon, as outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “As with our recently ratified Neighbourhood Plan, York Minster is leading the way and setting a new precedent for other heritage organisations to follow. Currently, the biggest external threat to the Minster’s future is climate change, brought about by extreme weather events. The Neighbourhood Plan sets a policy-led approach to how we are going to address this as we move towards a low carbon estate. The installation of these solar tiles is an important milestone in delivering that pledge”.

Rvd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York Minster, said: “We are very excited to have installed these new solar tiles, which signify a first not just for the Minster, but for the wider city. We want to thank both City of York Council and Historic England for their support up to this point, and we hope to continue our partnership working as we seek to deliver our Neighbourhood Plan over the next 15 years which as sustainability at its heart, while also being sensitive to the Precinct’s historic architecture.”

Cllr. Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Environment and Climate change at City of York Council, added: “I am delighted to see solar tiles installed on a listed building in the Minster Precinct. This has been delivered through City of York Council and the Minster working together to build a solution that satisfies both our climate ambition and our conservation requirements. I am looking forward to seeing many more of these projects delivered across the city in years to come.”

For more information on the Neighbourhood Plan, please visit: https://yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/.