Cathedral News

Read about the latest happenings at Durham Cathedral. Information with short-term relevance, such as road closures or limited Cathedral access, can be found in Notices.

Elections to the Cathedral Council

The Cathedral Council is the body which is set up under the Cathedrals Measure to further and support the work of the cathedral, to advise the Chapter on the work it is doing and to receive the annual budget and accounts. The current membership of the Council will come to the end of its three year term of office on 30 September and there will be three vacancies for lay people whose names are on the Cathedral Roll to be elected.

Nomination forms for election are available in the Chapter Office or are available on the Cathedral website www.durhamcathedral.co.uk and must be signed by the proposer, seconder and the nominee.

When nominations close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 31 August the list of candidates will be

published on notice-boards in the Cathedral, Cloister, Chapter Office and outside the Porters Lodge, and will also be published on the cathedral website and in the weekly Sunday leaflet.

Assuming that there are enough candidates to hold an election, the ballot box will be available for votes in the Chapter Office during office hours (9.00am to 5.00pm) and in the Cathedral from 6.45pm to7.00pm on Wednesday 22 September.  Electors may vote for up to three candidates on the one form.

People wishing to vote by post may submit a request in writing to me (those living at one address must please sign a separate request), enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope.

The result of the elections will be published on notice-boards and on the website on Thursday 23 September and in the Sunday leaflet on 26 September.

Successful candidates should be prepared to attend a short meeting of the Council at 11.30a.m. (followed by lunch) on Tuesday 16 November to co-opt seven other persons.

If you are interested in standing and would like to know more please contact me in the Chapter Office or by email Philip.Davies@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Philip Davies

Chapter Clerk

(Posted on Wednesday 11th August 2010)

Sheila and Eric Carter

As many regulars at the Cathedral know, Eric and Sheila Carter — who celebrated their diamond wedding in June — are moving to Shropshire in July be nearer their family.  Their contribution to the life of the Cathedral has been varied and extensive - Eric has served in the Cathedral's liturgical team and only bowed out from that role at the ordination service at the end of June; together they have organised the team of Audio Visual custodians and they have both served regularly as stewards and service stewards. More than what they have done, we will miss their quiet and caring presence among us as friends, and the Chapter wants to express its gratitude to them. There can have been few days over the last 20 or so years when they have not been in the Cathedral for one reason or another and as a Cathedral community we will miss them and wish them much joy in this new beginning nearer their family.

(Posted on Friday 2nd July 2010)

Benedictine Weekend

The Cathedral will host another Benedictine Weekend from 3rd to 6th September 2010. This is an opportunity to explore the Benedictine tradition as a living tradition for people living non-monastic lives today. Durham Cathedral is an idea place to study the Benedictine way because we have a very full set of monastic buildings and maintain the discipline of prayer that has evolved from Benedict’s Rule. The weekend includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the monastic buildings, an introduction to the Rule and the development of the Benedictine approach to prayer, the interpretation of the Benedictine vows in today’s society, a visit to the Cathedral Library to see some of the monastic library collection, time for reflection and lots of good conversation over the excellent meals which are provided at St Chad’s College, where accommodation is available for people needing bed and breakfast accommodation during the weekend.

These Benedictine weekends have proved very popular with people who want to find out about this part of our heritage both as a relevant resource for our own Christian lives today and as part of the history of the Cathedral. No previous knowledge of the Benedictine tradition is needed.

For more information, including a programme and booking form, please see the Benedictine Weekends page.

(Posted on Friday 2nd July 2010)

'The Working Cathedral'

An Exhibition of drawings by the Artist Tom Rowan in the Galilee Chapel

 27 July  -  30 August 2010

Tom Rowan, a highly skilled artist/musician has been involved in successful community arts projects throughout the North East of England over a number of years.

Tom has put together ‘The Working Cathedral Exhibition' in the Galilee Chapel to show the public a behind the scenes view of the activities of the people who work at the Cathedral.  The people presented in the exhibition are involved in the upkeep and presentation of the building to the general public.  This includes the stonemasons and their constant battle to renew and restore the very building itself through to the cleaners who's work goes largely unseen but who are forever helping to keep the Cathedral presentable to the public view.

(Posted on Thursday 1st July 2010)

University Graduations in the Cathedral Tues 29 June to Friday 2 July inclusive

The University of Durham confers its deprees during a series of Congregation Ceremonies which take place at 2.00pm and 4.00pm on Tuesday 29 June and at 9.00am, 11.00am, 2.00pm and 4.00pm on Wed 30 June to Friday 2 July inclusive.

Access to the Cathedral is very limited during these days. However, the Treasures of St Cuthbert, The Monks' Dormitory, The Audio Visual and Building the Church Exhibition are open with free entry. The Tower will be closed from 12 noon on Tuesday 29 June and re-open (weather permitting) at 10.00am and Saturday 3 July.

Visitors will be able to move around the Cathedral for short periods between the ceremonies. Please accept direction from the Stewards.

The Chancellor of the University, Dr Bill Bryson will be in attendence at all the ceremonies and gives a short speech.

(Posted on Monday 14th June 2010)