It’s been a strange start to the year.
The rush and flurry of our Christmas events are over and we have already begun our plans and preparations for the next two years. Unfortunately we were stopped in our tracks by the unexpected news of the passing of a much beloved colleague and verger Trevor Chesterton.
Trevor had dedicated his life to the cathedral for over 20 years and touched the lives of so many. He was a character, a gentle giant who always had a chat and supported the Friends at many events. His calming presence always made us feel supported and no request was too big or small. He stayed in touch with many of our Friends from afar and held a special place in people’s hearts.
His funeral at Durham Cathedral was a touching affair, the cathedral filled to capacity with family and friends, staff and volunteers old and new – all testament to how loved and respected he was. In a very poignant and moving sight Trevor’s coffin was led from the cathedral by a team of vergers and clergy. We were invited to share stories and memories with others in Prior’s Hall, which Trevor would have loved.
Another departure from the cathedral will be Matthew Mills, Head of Development, who is leaving the cathedral to take up his new role as Vice-Principal of St Cuthbert's Society at the University of Durham. As you probably know, the Friends have in recent years had a very warm and constructive relationship with Matthew on many of the projects the Friends have supported. Matthew has also recently spoken at the Friends Lecture Series on ‘The Church of Blessed Mary the Virgin: Durham’s Marian Dedication’.
After a tour of ongoing projects funded by the Friends such as Cathedral Spaces and a visit to the Learning and Engagement Centre (more on those later), a Farewell Tea Party was held, very kindly hosted by Canon Michael and Ruth Everitt in their home. The Friends Executive Committee and Friends volunteers thanked Matthew for all his hard work and presented him with Life Membership to the Friends. We look forward to seeing him again in the future.
Dear all,
A small note to say a very big ‘thank you’ for tea this afternoon. It was incredibly generous and thoughtful of you to arrange the gathering, and of Michael and Ruth to host. Delicious food (thank you, Caroline and Christine), good company, and life membership of the Friends: what more could anyone ask for?
Working with the Friends has been an absolute highlight of my five years at Durham Cathedral. I have taken inspiration from your passion and wisdom, collectively and individually, and the Cathedral has benefitted in untold ways from your critical friendship.
As Caroline said this afternoon, working together has been tremendous fun. At the same time, our processes have improved, and we have collaborated fruitfully on dozens of projects. From restoring iconic monuments to giving old spaces a new lease of life, despite the challenges of recent years, support from the Friends has enabled the Cathedral to continue conserving and safeguarding its precious heritage for future generations.
Until we meet again …thank you!
Very best wishes,
Matthew
Exciting news to come….
'When one door closes another one opens’ so the quote says.
So, as sad as we may be for those who are no longer with us, or are leaving, we are thankful for so many memories and happy times. We are all custodians of Durham Cathedral, whether our part is small or large, short or long, and our memories are ingrained into this beautiful building, which has such a special place in so many of our hearts.
The Friends have a full calendar of events that will be announced in due course and there is an exciting line up of events at Durham Cathedral this year which we hope you will join us for. Please help us spread the word of the Friends of Durham Cathedral and help us support even more projects at Durham Cathedral.