Cathedral News
REFLECTIONS OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ON THE MEANING OF ADVENT
There is a very interesting video on the Archbishop of Canterbury's You Tube website www.youtube.com/lambethpress showing an extract of our Fresco here at Rochester. It is a 10 minute video and from the comments that have been posted, it is very thought provoking. Take a look if you get a chance, you will find it peaceful.
BAPTISMAL FRESCO - now online
A new page has been added to the Virtual Tour section of the website, to explain more about the Baptismal Fresco, which was dedicated in 2004. You can see the Fresco page here.
ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL SHOP
Despite the good work of the current shop staff, paid and voluntary, it has been increasingly difficult for the shop to break even or make a significant profit. In view of the far-from-ideal location of the shop, the low 'footfall' of customers, the demography of our visitors, the current difficulties for retailing, and the aspiration of the Interpretation Plan to free up the nave of the cathedral, Chapter has regretfully taken the difficult decision to close the shop with effect from next Easter.
In the context of the Interpretation Plan there will be a limited retail offer at the reception desk (audio-guides, guidebooks, etc) and we hope that some of the shop employees and volunteers will continue in a new role on the reception desk working alongside our welcomers. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has worked so hard in the shop over the years, and will be doing all we can to help as the shop moves towards closure.
MINOR CANON ROW
Glory of Rochester to be Wonderfully Restored
Rochester Cathedral has announced that Minor Canon Row, one of the historic jewels of Rochester, is to be restored by specialists The Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust. They will restore the Row to its original 7 town houses, and re-capture its Georgian integrity. The Trust will also be responsible for restoration work on the medieval 'Priors Gate' adjoining Minor Canon Row.
Further details are available in the press release.
GRANTING A VOICE TO ROCHESTER'S PAST
March 2008
The rich history of one of England's oldest cathedrals is to be revealed, thanks to the latest grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Rochester Cathedral will use the grant of £931,000 for 'Ancient Stones, Untold Stories', an innovative scheme designed to bring the past to life for today's visitors.
Further details are available in the press release.
MEDWAY PARK WINS GREEN FLAG
The Vines at Rochester has received a prestigious Green Flag Award.
The Medway Council park is among a record 742 publicly-accessible green spaces across the country to have received the award this year.
“The Green Flag Award is the national standard for quality parks and green spaces and I am delighted that these two Medway open spaces have received this superb accolade,” said Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe.
Open spaces that are awarded a Green Flag have been judged as welcoming and well maintained and to reflect the support and involvement of the local community.
“The Vines is a thriving urban park that plays a key role in the quality of life enjoyed by local people,” explained Ian Fleming, Green Spaces Operations Manager.
“Rochester is nationally recognised for its links with Charles Dickens and The Vines hosts activities associated with the popular annual Dickens Festival. The council aims to ensure the essential character of the park is enhanced for the benefit of the local community and is delighted that it has achieved Green Flag accreditation.”
TEXTUS ROFFENSIS ONLINE
The Textus Roffensis, which was voted England's best hidden treasure, is now available to view online - http://ttpadd.bl.uk/ttp_software/silverlight/default.html.
Written by a monk in St Andrew's Priory at Rochester Cathedral in about 1125, it contains legal and monastery records.
CATHEDRAL VOLUNTARY CHOIR
There are vacancies in all sections of this mixed adult choir for singers aged 16 or over. Please visit the choir's website (here) for further information.
NEW PUBLICATION
"Rochester Bells"
The Friends have recently brought out this new publication to replace the original leaflet 'The Bells of Rochester Cathedral'. Further details are on their publications page.
MONTHLY MUSIC SHEET
If you would like to receive a copy of the monthly music sheet please contact Kay McDowell on 01634 810062. There is a charge of £6 a year for this service.
