Friends’ Thank You Lunch and the Launch of Vision 2033

The Dean meets The Friends

At the end of June our Friends were delighted to attend a special Thank You Lunch event for the Launch of Durham Cathedral’s Vision 2033. This was the second year where the Cathedral has created special events to thank Friends, colleagues, communities and stakeholders for their support as part of Hospitality Week.

The afternoon comprised of a wonderful afternoon tea in Chapter House, a lovely chance to meet up with old friends and a chance to welcome some new faces to the Friends.

Chapter House was filled with long standing supporters and lots of new faces

The big announcement came from Philp Plyming, Dean of Durham, launching Durham Cathedral’s Vision 2033 – the exciting plans for the future of Durham Cathedral as it heads towards the 900^th year since the cathedrals completion (it’ll also be the Friends 100^th year too!). After watching the launch video of future plans at Durham Cathedral, Friends were given a brochure outlining the key priorities of Vision 2033 including Encountering God, Prayer, Pilgrimage and Proclamation.

At this year’s AGM, the Friends (yes, that’s YOU) have all shown your support in the creation of the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer. We have all become part of the story that will help Vision 2033 come to life. Building on the development work that the Friends have supported in recent years, Durham Cathedral will now bring the Chapel of the Holy Cross into regular use.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross will be one of the destinations for pilgrims visiting the new Cuthbert Centre

The Friends were thanked for the incredible £200,000 that they have granted to bring back the Chapel of the Holy Cross into regular public use, complete with an accessible entryway.

We were introduced to the Revd James Shelton, who will be the first Director of the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer and he spoke of his plans for the future and invited us all to share stories of the cathedral with him.

The Dean and Revd James Shelton share the plans sor Vision 2033

Hospitality Week really does showcase that anyone and everyone can be involved in the story of Durham Cathedral - is an ever-evolving, ongoing story.

Become part of the story.

You can see more about hospitality week and find out more about Vision 2033 on Durham Cathedral Website at https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/articles/durham-cathedral-launches-plans-for-2033-vision