| Cathedral News |
NEW BISHOP OF ROCHESTER ELECTED BY COLLEGE OF CANONS
The Right Reverend James Henry Langstaff was formally elected to be Bishop and Pastor of the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Diocese of Rochester in Kent on Monday 26th July. You can read the press release here.
This follows the announcement of his appointment in June, for which there is also a press release.
THE DEAN'S BIKE RIDE
After 12 days of cycling, Adrian has completed his sponsored cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats. You can read the blog of his journey, and sponsor him to help him reach his target at this page.
TEXTUS ROFFENSIS EXHIBITION AND TOTALLY MONKED
The week of the 26th July was an exciting one - not only did the Textus Roffensis (one of England's most important documents) come home for a three-day exhibition, but we also were part of a family event exploring our monastic heritage. You can visit the minisites below, where you can see photos of the Totally Monked day, and leave guest book comments.
Textus Roffensis Exhibition - Totally Monked
If you missed the Textus exhibition, you can view the book online on the British Library website here.
THE ROMAN WALL
Work is currently taking place in the grounds of the Cathedral to preserve a precious section of the wall that once surrounded and protected the Roman town of Durobrivae. This summer we are doing trial archaeological pits, thoroughly surveying the wall and carrying out emergency repairs.
This section of the Roman wall is important because it is one of the very few remaining parts left. It is mainly the core of the wall that exists in this section above ground level, and there have been many repairs to the facing over the ages. Our excavations, supervised by Graham Keevill, now indicate that an important building was built into the wall in this section in early mediaeval times, looking into the Priory’s infirmary garden. It is likely that this part of the wall owes its survival to the existence of that building.
The work is being generously funded by BIFFA and English Heritage. For further information, see the PDF here.
CATHEDRAL CHOIR VACANCIES
If you know a girl who enjoys singing, we currently have vacancies in the Girls' Choir. We are currently looking for four girls (currently in Year 6 or Year 8) to bring us up to full strength in September 2010. Click here for more information.
VOLUNTARY CHOIR STRANDED!
Our Cathedral Voluntary Choir was on the last day of their tour to Seattle when the volcano erupted and caused their flight home to be cancelled. They managed to spend a few days in Seattle back with the hosts they had been staying, but on Saturday 17th April they were moved by Air Canada to Edmonton where they were to get the second leg of their flight home. Knowing no contacts in Edmonton, the director of the choir, Douglas Henn-Macrae, got in touch with the Anglican Cathedral, where they joined the home team in the Sunday services. The choir are now being hosted by members of that Cathedral community and awaiting further details of their return journey.
Further details are available in the news articles here and here and in the press release.
Update (22nd April): There is a further press release here.
Update (25th April): Having been accommodated on three different flights on three consecutive days, we are pleased to confirm that all of the Cathedral Voluntary Choir have now made it back to Rochester.
NEW PANORAMIC TOUR
We have launched an exciting new online tour of the Cathedral, which is available by clicking on "Panoramic Tour". The tour features 10 different panoramic locations around the cathedral, including several of places not open to the public. There are also photographs and information on 40 details around the building. Whether or not you are able to experience the Cathedral in person, this tour should be very interesting, and is a must for any visitor to the website!
January 2010
NEW CATHEDRAL CHOIR CD
The Cathedral Choir has just released a new CD, "Sing Alleluia". Recorded in June 2009, this CD has music to suit all tastes, including I was Glad and See, see the word is incarnate by Gibbons. You can see more details and order your copy here.
DARWIN LECTURE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD
On 24 November, the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s major work ‘On The Origin of Species’, Professor Michael Reiss delivered a keynote lecture in Rochester Cathedral entitled ‘Darwin, Evolution and God’s Action in the World’. Professor Reiss is Professor of Science Education at the Institute of Education, part of the University of London. You can read his lecture here.
CHENNAI PROJECT
The Cathedral is building on its links with St. George's Cathedral Chennai with several projects, including one to build a Church School. See this web page for more details, and information on how to support.
CATHEDRAL ON DVD
A DVD called "Our Christian Heritage" has some shots that were filmed in Rochester Cathedral.
The film tells the story of the development of Christianity in Britain in a different way particularly looking at the role of General Allenby in Palestine.
More information can be found at www.covpub.co.uk
AWARD FOR EXHIBITIONS
The Deo Gloria Trust and Jacqui Frost were awarded a Gold Award in the Best Esoteric / Visual Arts piece based on a Christian theme category of the Christian Broadcasting Council's 2008 awards for the Cathedral Exhibitions project.
The exhibitions, which have their own website (click here) are on display at Coventry, Exeter and Rochester Cathedrals. The display boards at Rochester are in the Lady Chapel.
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.
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.
