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	<title>York Minster </title> 
	<link>http://yorkminster.org</link>
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	<language>en-gb</language>

		<copyright>Copyright: (C) York Minster</copyright>	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:36:10</lastBuildDate>

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			<title>York Minster Family Carol Concert 2008</title>
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York Minster is to host its ever-popular Family Carol Concert on Friday 12th December at 7.00pm. Proceeds will go to the York Minster Fund (Registered Charity No 252157) which supports the ministry and continuing conservation and development of York Minster. 
York Minster's acclaimed Choir will sing traditional Christmas Carols, joined by the St William Singers and the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers. There will also be readings by well-known guests Wendy Cope and Dame Janet Baker.
Dame Janet Baker is a distinguished English mezzo-soprano, known world-wide as an opera, concert, and lieder singer until her retirement in 1982. A Yorkshirewoman, Dame Janet served as Chancellor of the University of York from 1991 to 2004. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1976 and a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1993, and received the Léonie Sonning Music Prize of Denmark in 1979.
Wendy Cope was born in Erith, Kent. After university she worked for fifteen years as a primary school teacher in London. Her first collection of poems, Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis, was published in 1986. In 1987 she received a Cholmondeley Award for Poetry and in 1995 the American Academy of Arts and Letters Michael Braude Award for light verse. 
The audience will be invited to sing favourite carols such as &ldquo;O Little Town of Bethlehem&rdquo; and &ldquo;O Come all Ye Faithful&rdquo;. The readings will range from the traditional to the humorous.
Tickets range from &pound;10 to &pound;15 and are available from the York Minster Box Office on 01904 557208 or in person at Church House, 10-14 Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>York Minster: A Living Legacy</title>
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York Minster: A Living Legacy is a beautifully illustrated portrait of the Minster community, its day-to-day life, the people who make the Minster work and the skills of the craft workshops that maintain its fabric for future generations.
Click HERE to buy the book from York Minster Shop
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York, comments in his introduction, &ldquo;York Minster is a prodigy of a place. But while the splendours of the architecture, glass and treasures of the Minster are often recorded, in this book we want to complement those dazzling images with a record of the people of the institution. In describing something of the present life of the Minster we are illuminating what is usually hidden from view or overlooked as too mundane to notice."
Including much new photography, the book offers a fresh look at this wonderful building in all the richness of its 1500 year old history, in the grandeur and quirkiness of its fabric and, most importantly, in the people who have shaped it and continue to shape it today.
Much more than a history, the book explores the rich and complex relationship between the cathedral and the communities it serves. For the city of York, the Minster is a cultural icon whose twin towers represent York and Yorkshire, and whose magnificent interior hosts concerts and recitals along with daily services the year round. Former Culture Secretary, Chris Smith, has been quoted as saying: &ldquo;York Minster is one of the most glorious Gothic buildings in the world. It is unique and special and has enormous importance for all of us.&rdquo;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Roy Pawsey, a member of the Minster Police Force, remembers very fondly the occasion&nbsp; when he observed on camera late one night a young man looking up and down the road to see if the coast was clear, before going down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend by the South door.&nbsp; &ldquo;If only I had known how to contact them, they could have had a video of the whole event, said Pawsey.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
York Minster: A Living Legacy reveals a great deal about those who have inspired, funded and organised the Minster, and have sustained its life through the centuries. The book also gives us a better understanding and appreciation, not only of the Minster itself, but also of the history of York in which this great institution has played such an important part.
Copies of York Minster: A Living Legacy are available direct from Third Millennium Publishing or can be ordered through the Minster Shop and other booksellers.
DETAILS:
Imprint: &nbsp;&nbsp;Third Millennium Publishing, LondonAuthors: &nbsp;&nbsp;The Dean of York, Dr Richard Shephard and Louise Hampson&nbsp;Publication date: &nbsp;13 November 2008 / RRP: &nbsp;&nbsp;&pound;35ISBN: &nbsp;&nbsp;978 1 903942 75 8Specification: &nbsp;Hardback, 176 pages, 270 x 230 mm, over 225 images in colour and b/w
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>York Minster fall steeplejack discharged from hospital</title>
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Luke Parsons, aged 23, the steeplejack hurt in an accident at York Minster this morning (29th October), has been discharged from hospital this afternoon and is not seriously injured.
He fell while abseiling in connection with the installation by contractors of a full-sized graphic print of York Minster's Great East Window on the scaffolding currently surrounding the window's site, while the window itself is undergoing a ten-year programme of restoration.
Mr Parsons was attended immediately by one of the Minster's first aiders and then by ambulance paramedics before being taken to York Hospital.
The installation of the window print was completed during the afternoon.
York Minster is working with the Health and Safety Executive in investigating the accident.
York Minster spokesman Martin Sheppard said, "Luke Parsons' accident was an awful moment and everyone at the Minster was shaken by the news, and so we're extremely relieved to hear that he isn't seriously injured. We will be keeping in touch with his recovery and wish him all the best as he gets over what must have been a frightening experience as well as a very painful one. This has underlined the importance of our commitment to safe working conditions for all those working on the Minster's restoration, whether York Minster staff or those employed by other organisations like Mr Parsons."
&nbsp;

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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Life-size print of York Minster&rsquo;s Great East Window to be hung in spectacular style!</title>
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The largest single graphic ever printed is to be hung in spectacular style by abseiling steeple-jacks at York Minster on Wednesday 29th October 2008 beginning at 7.00am. The replica of York Minster&rsquo;s Great East Window will measure 14 by 27 metres (approximately the size of a tennis court) and is to be hung on the internal scaffolding which now covers the window itself. 
All of the panels of the window have now been removed and will gradually be restored over the next decade as part of the In the Beginning and York Minster Revealed projects which are both supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. 
The replica of the window will mean that visitors to the Minster will still be able to experience the masterpiece that has been described as "the Sistine Chapel of stained glass" while the window itself is being restored. 
The giant graphic has been printed by Leeds based company Electronic Print Services, run by Steve Farley. Hewlett Packard Printing Equipment has been used to print the giant graphic, which is the largest of its kind ever printed.

Notes
The Great East Window was created by Master Glazier John Thornton between 1405 and 1408. It is approximately the size of a tennis court and is the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. York Glaziers Trust will now restore the Creation and Apocalypse cycles of the window as part of the In the Beginning and York Minster Revealed projects. 
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the In the Beginning project &pound;390,000 and the York Minster Revealed project an earmarked grant of &pound;10 million.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Catenians' celebration Mass at York Minster, 18 October 2008</title>
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On Saturday 18th October York Minster hosts a major national celebration of the centenary of the Catenian Association, a group of Roman Catholic men promoting family life, mutual help and friendship.
Over 2,200 members and their families will attend Mass at 11am at the Minster, with the kind permission of the Dean and Chapter, who will also attend together with the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Brian Watson, and the Lady Mayoress, the Sheriff of York Hon Alderman David Wilde and the Sheriff's Lady, Mrs Annebel Wilde.
His Eminence Keith Patrick Cardinal O'Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh will preside, accompanied by the Right Reverend Terrence Drainey, Bishop of Middlesbrough, as Chief celebrant, the Most Reverend Mario Conti Archbishop of Glasgow, and the Right Reverend John Rawsthorne Bishop of Hallam.
Hosting the event will be the Association&rsquo;s Grand President David Taylor and his wife Kathleen.
York President of the Catenians, Victor Nicholls, said, &ldquo;I am thrilled that such a major event is coming to York. One hundred years of our Association is a huge achievement and we continue to go from strength to strength, spreading our wings across the world, strengthening family life through friendship and faith. We have been working hard here in York to make today&rsquo;s event happen for over a year now and I am especially grateful to the Minster authorities for their warm welcome and permission for us to hear Mass in such an ancient, historic and beautiful place, that has been a site of Christian worship for so many centuries.&rdquo;
The Catenians will follow their worship with a Gala Dinner at the Racecourse later in the evening.
____________________________________
The Catenian Association Province 3 (North) 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Calm and Contemplation: 'The Still Hours' at York Minster</title>
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The Still Hours, a national touring exhibition of still life paintings, will be on show in York Minster from Monday 29 September until Monday 27 October, 2008. 
The genre of still life has long been an important stimulus to meditation in European culture. The Still Hours expands this traditional function within a contemporary form. 
The Still Hours are the work of the Cambridge based painter D.F.S. Stubbs (www.dfsstubbs.com). For this cycle of paintings, grouped into powerful polyptychs, the artist has drawn inspiration from the medieval Book of Hours where the hours of day and night were given liturgical significance. Each painting communicates different moods associated with certain periods of day or night. 
To prompt reflection upon the experience of human life bounded by time, Stubbs uses the familiar European symbols of candles, skulls and empty shells alongside stones, pebbles and blocks of cast plaster. In some Asian traditions stones and rocks are understood as being symbols of the universe and also as particularly beautiful or precious in an aesthetic sense. In an age of increasing awareness of other cultures and their religious traditions, the artist thus contributes to a positive inter-cultural dialogue through the use of symbols in his painting to various Asian traditions: an attempt to reach the core of our common humanity.
Stillness is not part of contemporary life, yet Stubbs&rsquo; paintings possess an immediate ability to calm the viewer to contemplation; to give an uplifting break from the constant motion of modern life. The paintings are &lsquo;still-lives&rsquo; and provoke reflection. They are also works of great beauty; rich in colour and finely painted in a realist manner, yet with abstract qualities in the use of light and form. They are significant works.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>'Odyssey' Comes to York Minster</title>
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York Minster&nbsp;welcomes 'Odyssey', a striking exhibition which has travelled from Poland and has been exhibited throughout the UK. Odyssey consists of thirty two carved wooden figures, each 2.5 metres tall, produced by the Hove-based artist Robert Koenig. It is on show in the North Transept of York Minster from 1st to 29th September 2008.
Odyssey has been described "a search for ancestral and sculptural roots… an attempt to call up the spirits of his ancestors by carving male and female figures out of lime trees that grew in his mother&rsquo;s home village, Dominikowice in Poland. Trees that had their roots where the artist has his." Once carved, the Odyssey figures followed a route taken by the artist&rsquo;s mother in 1942, from her home in Dominikowice, through Krakow, and the Nazi slave labour camps in Germany during World War Two.
This search for Polish ancestral roots, however, gradually started to take on wider dimensions. Prior to York Minster for example, Odyssey was shown at All Saints Church, Hove, Chichester Cathedral, Portsmouth Cathedral, Milton Keynes Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Rochester Cathedral, Stockport Art Gallery and Salisbury Cathedral. 
The artist, Robert Koenig (pictured with the figures) now describes the exhibition as an exploration into "important issues of migration, forced or voluntary. During its journey it bears witness to past events, on a family level, a national and international level. It can represent many people&rsquo;s experiences. It talks about heritage, displacement, belonging and people&rsquo;s place in the world." 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>&pound;9MILLION RAISED BY YORK MINSTER: &pound;2million donation from Hamish Ogston of York-based CPP plugs the funding gap</title>
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York Minster has successfully raised &pound;9m towards its five-year project York Minster Revealed to preserve the Minster for future generations. 
This includes restoration of the Apocalypse Cycle and all of the stonework of the Great East Window – a national treasure and one of the largest areas of medieval stained glass in the world. &nbsp; 
York Minster Revealed lies within the &pound;30million Development Campaign launched three years ago and is supported by a &pound;10million earmarked grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). 
The outstanding &pound;9million had to be raised by York Minster directly; with a recent donation of &pound;2million reaching the required amount to kick off the project in 2009. The work will be completed in 2013. &nbsp; 
The contribution of &pound;2million is a donation by the founder and non executive director of CPP Group Plc, Hamish Ogston (pictured, centre, with Eric Woolley, left, and the Very Revd Keith Jones, right). 
The donation is the single largest private gift for York Minster Revealed and has been made possible thanks to the continued support and growth of CPP, which has its international headquarters in the historic city. &nbsp; 
Eric Woolley, CEO of CPP said: &ldquo;CPP is delighted that Hamish has made this donation. York Minster is a building with national and international significance and we are pleased the success of the business has enabled Hamish to plug the funding gap and ensure it is saved for not only York, but for the entire nation.&rdquo; &nbsp; 
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said, &ldquo;In the circumstances, the words thank you seem barely adequate, but they will have to do. Hamish Ogston, Founder of CPP is the latest and most significant in an army of benefactors who, over the centuries have built, maintained and beautified the Minster. Mr Ogston&rsquo;s donation means that we can start the York Minster Revealed project, confident in the knowledge that all partnership funding is in place. This gives us an enormous psychological boost and means that we have breathing space in which to look for the funding for the stonework of the South Aisle and Clerestory, and other vital projects which are lining up. &nbsp; 
&ldquo;Mr Ogston has been meticulous in the questions that he has asked and his exceptionally generous donation not only helps us financially, but also sends out a message to other potential donors that there is confidence in York Minster and an understanding that we must hand it on to future generations in as good a condition as possible.&rdquo; &nbsp; 
The current structure of York Minster was begun in 1220 to complete the replacement of the extended 11th-century Norman building already in existence. The fragile stonework of the Minster East End, begun in the late 14 century, will be conserved along with the main glass panels of the much loved Great East Window – the finest and largest example of Gothic art of its kind in Europe. Over 2,500 individual stones will have to be removed successfully to preserve it. 
A national treasure today, the window was created by the renowned John Thornton of Coventry between 1405 and 1408. &nbsp; 
York Minster Revealed focuses on preserving the Minster through four key areas: education, access, specialist craft skills training and conservation. One of the aims of the project is to recruit, enthuse and train future generations in the crafts of stone carving and stained glass conservation, which are so crucial to the conservation of the East Front and continued development of the Minster. &nbsp; 
With no state funding to preserve ancient monuments, York Minster Revealed is one of the largest restoration projects to have been funded by a combination of Lottery money and private and business donations. 
In addition to his personal donation which ensures the restoration can be completed in the five years required by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Hamish Ogston has also been involved in plans of the Dean and Chapter of York to make provision in the Minster&rsquo;s annual accounts for setting aside money to boost the designated fund. The fund will be used specifically for future restoration and conservation projects. &nbsp; 
Dr Richard Shephard, the Minster&rsquo;s Chamberlain, who has the oversight of all fundraising, said: &ldquo;The funding of cathedral restorations has never been easy, and in the present financial climate, many cathedrals will experience severe difficulties. At York we have been immensely fortunate because of the great help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, but also because of the marvellous generosity of private individuals and businesses from Yorkshire and beyond. &nbsp; 
&ldquo;This donation to the cause is exceptional. We are, of course, immensely grateful for the financial support, but also for the care and interest Mr Ogston, in particular, has shown in all of the discussions leading up to the gift. We look forward to maintaining a close relationship with Mr Ogston and CPP and are delighted that one of York&rsquo;s major employers in the city has seen fit to support the Minster, which is the magnet drawing so many people to the area.&rdquo; &nbsp; 
Upon completion of York Minster Revealed, the Minster carvers, masons and glaziers will be able to tackle some further outstanding work to the great building: the exterior stonework of the South Quire Aisle and Clerestory, the bays of the North Quire Clerestory need attention and at least ten of the most important stained glass windows are in urgent need of conservation. 
These projects will all require separate funding. &nbsp; 
CPP is one of York&rsquo;s biggest employers, currently employing more than 1,000 people in the city and 2,000 worldwide. The Life Assistance business has always been committed to the York community, through investments in education and young people by the means of specialist business workshops, sport and charity sponsorships. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>York Minster accounts for 2007-2008 published</title>
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York Minster&rsquo;s newly-published accounts for the financial year 2007/08 reveal an operational surplus of &pound;340,000 compared with &pound;41,000 in 2006/07. 
Income from visitors has grown (including an increased uptake of Gift Aid) and sales at the Gift Shops have risen, contributing greatly to the good result in the year. 
Legacies have continued as a major support to the Minster and its work, although the Chapter is concerned that it relies so much on a source which can vary a great deal from year to year. 
The Dean and Chapter sold some of their endowed properties in central York during the year in order to re-invest the money raised for the long term, with the prospect of attracting higher returns for the Minster&rsquo;s future needs. These &lsquo;endowment&rsquo; funds are held in order to generate income, and the Dean and Chapter do not have the power to spend the capital. 
The York Minster Revealed (YMR) project was the main focus for the Minster&rsquo;s development during the financial year, during which the Heritage Lottery Fund &lsquo;earmarked&rsquo; a grant of &pound;10 million towards the total of &pound;19 million needed for the restoration of the Great East Window and improved access to and interpretation of the Minster for those visiting. During the year great progress has been made towards raising the funds to match the possible grant from the HLF. 
The Dean and Chapter must now look beyond YMR to how funds can be raised for the care of the rest of the great building, and the work of education and development of the musical tradition. In doing so, the Chapter works with the York Minster Fund, which manages the bulk of the money raised until it is needed. 
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: "This was a good year, and full of promise for our future. We are especially pleased that so many people have remembered us, and value the Minster and what is done here day by day. Every penny we receive is much valued and is put to use."
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Explore York Minster's Stoneyard</title>
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Visitors are to be given a chance to take a look behind the scenes at one of the UK&rsquo;s top Cathedral Works&rsquo; Departments and meet the talented Masons, Carvers and Carpenters who help to keep York Minster in all its glory. York Minster Stoneyard will hold its annual open day&nbsp;this Friday 15th August 2008 between 9.30am and 3.00pm.&nbsp; Entrance to the Stoneyard, located on Deangate, will be free of charge, and everyone is welcome to come and look behind the scenes at one of the Minster&rsquo;s most exciting areas.&nbsp; Donations to the York Minster Fund Development Office are invited.&nbsp; 
Members of the public will be able to take a trip up York Minster&rsquo;s East Front to view the essential and painstaking restoration work on this part of the building. The East Front is over 600 years old, and visitors can see how the years have taken their toll on the stone, with widespread erosion of the stonework, including the delicate tracery of the Great East Window.&nbsp;&nbsp; The restoration of the&nbsp;East Front&nbsp;forms part&nbsp;of the York Minster Revealed project to open up the beauty of the Minster for future generations.&nbsp; This project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.&nbsp;Trips up the East Front scaffolding are available throughout the day; weather permitting, for a minimum donation of &pound;5.&nbsp; Tickets for the East Front Tours will be available from the Stoneyard on the day on a first come, first served basis.&nbsp; Children of 16 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and no children under 10 years old will be admitted.&nbsp; 
Visitors can explore the progress of stone through the Stoneyard, see the work of the stone sawing and shaping machinery, and talk to York Minster&rsquo;s Masons, Carvers and Carpenters about the work they do.&nbsp; Several of the Masons and Carvers have recently taken part at the European Stone Festival in Freiburg.&nbsp;&nbsp; There will also be guided tours of special areas of interest, including the drawing shop, where York Minster&rsquo;s Master Mason creates the templates from which the masons produce each intricate stone.&nbsp;&nbsp; Visitors will also be able to view some of the work of the York Minster Broderers - a group of volunteers who create all the wonderful embroideries which can be seen inside the Minster.&nbsp; The Broderers&rsquo; current projects include a set of long altar rail kneelers and a Low Mass set.&nbsp; 
Visitors will also have the chance to take home a piece of history as sections of the timber vaulting which survived the fire in 1984 &nbsp;- complete with the Dean and Chapter brand and a certificate of provenance will be available for sale on the day.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>360 degree perspective of the Minster showcased in exhibition</title>
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York Minster&nbsp;today welcomes an exciting exhibition of &ldquo;Photospheres&rdquo; by Edward Hill which will run until 29th August 2008.&nbsp; The exhibition will be held in the North Transept.&nbsp; Edward Hill&rsquo;s novel circular photo montages contain everything above, below and around you at a given point – creating a truly 360 degree perspective in a single image.&nbsp; 
The exhibition is made up of &ldquo;triptychs&rdquo; of the Minster which show everything visible at various points around the Minster in 3 different ways: a &ldquo;down&rdquo; photosphere holds the viewer suspended over a miniature world whilst the &ldquo;up&rdquo; photosphere frames the vastness of space overhead.&nbsp; The central photosphere is made up of our normal view with our flat horizon perspective. 
Artist, Edward Hill has had a varied career which began with his training at Venini Glass Factory in Venice,&nbsp;Italy, 1973.&nbsp; He then spent the next 16 years designing and working with glass in a studio in Greenwich.&nbsp; Mr Hill then worked as a landscape photographer, moving on to creating photospheres in 1999.&nbsp; Between 2000 and 2005, Edward Hill developed a digital photographic method of creating the unusual photospheres.&nbsp; He has exhibited his work frequently since 2003 at Cathedrals throughout the UK.&nbsp; Recently he has been selected for international exhibition by the Royal Photographic Society.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>South Africa's "Green" Bishop preaches at York Minster</title>
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The Right Reverend Geoff Davies – known in South Africa as &lsquo;the Green Bishop&rsquo; and Coordinator of the Southern African Faith Communities&rsquo; Environment Institute (SAFCEI) -&nbsp; preached a thought provoking sermon&nbsp;at the&nbsp; 10.00 am Sung Eucharist Service at York Minster on Sunday 27th July 2008.&nbsp; Bishop Geoff Davies&rsquo; sermon highlighted our need to care for and nurture our natural environment – using a dramatic visual display of waste which was collected from paths and roadsides in the UK.
SAFCEI has representatives of all the major faith communities of South Africa who are united in a commitment to &ldquo;cherish the living earth&rdquo;. The purpose of the organisation is to raise awareness and encourage action by faith communities to care for the natural environment and to respond to the current crisis. Bishop Davies&rsquo; Sermon demonstrated that one core element of mission is to protect the world in which we live.&nbsp; His visual demonstration highlighted that we have a long way to go in achieving this aim with issues such as waste, pollution, over use of natural resources and economic injustice, all of which contribute to the environmental problems we face today.&nbsp; 
Bishop Geoff Davies is currently in the United Kingdom on behalf of the &ldquo;United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel – Anglicans in World Mission&rdquo; and the Anglican Communion Environment Network. 
To read the full text of Bishop Davies' sermon, please see our Sermons Page.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Organ Recitals at York Minster</title>
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The summer season of evening organ recitals begins this year at York Minster on Saturday 26 July.&nbsp; The recitals will be performed every Saturday at 7.00pm, and the series ends on Saturday 6 September.&nbsp; Tickets cost &pound;7 (concessions &pound;5), including a programme, and are available on the door. 
The 2008 summer series of recitals features recitalists from across Britain and Europe.&nbsp; The series will begin with a recital by Anthony Froggatt, formerly Organist at Portsmouth Cathedral on 26th July. Philip Moore will perform his last Organ Recital as York Minster&rsquo;s Master of the Music on 2nd August. Organist at Antwerp Cathedral – Peter van der Velde will give the recital on 9th August
Francis Jackson, Organ Emeritus of York Minster, will be performing on 16th&nbsp; August.&nbsp;&nbsp; The recital given by the Minster&rsquo;s Organ Scholar Richard McVeigh on 23rd August and that given by Minster Organist John Scott-Whiteley on 30th August form part of the Complete Organ Music of Olivier Messiaen series which is taking place between 21st and 30th August.&nbsp; (For further information on this series please see the list below). Roger Sayer of Rochester Cathedral will then complete the summer&rsquo;s organ recital series on 6th September.
York Minster&rsquo;s organist, John Scott Whiteley said, &ldquo;It is an exciting opportunity to present the complete organ music of the great Olivier Messiaen as part of this year&rsquo;s recital series. The variety this will bring will ensure there is something for everyone:&nbsp; the more popular works which will be heard at the regular recitals and the wonderfully coloured music of Messiaen beloved of devotees.&rdquo;
Full list of recitalists in the Complete Organ Music of Olivier Messiaen series taking place between 21st and 30th August
21 August&nbsp;Jeffrey Makinson, RNCM
23 August&nbsp;Richard McVeigh, Organ Scholar, York Minster 
25 August&nbsp;Andreas Jetter, Winner: Moscow Conservatory Rachmaninov Competition
27 August&nbsp;Stephen Farr, Formerly, Guildford Cathedral
28 August&nbsp;Thomas Trotter, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
30 AugustJohn Scott WhiteleyOrganist, York Minster.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Fond farewell to Philip Moore</title>
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Philip Moore was given a fond farewell on Sunday afternoon following his final Evensong as Master of the Music at York Minster.&nbsp; Mr Moore conducted the Minster choir for the final time in a lovely service of Evensong&nbsp;held in&nbsp;the&nbsp;packed Nave of York Minster.&nbsp; The service ended with the reading out of choristers, choral scholar and organ scholar, and a presentation and farewell to Mr Moore.&nbsp; 
The Revd Canon Glyn Webster spoke of Philip's service to the Minster over the past 25 years and the hope that his retirement as Master of the Music will allow him more time to compose and further enjoy his career as a musician.&nbsp; He also read a message from the Dean in which Philip was given the title Organist Emeritus of York Minster.
Philip was presented with a cheque&nbsp;which he wishes to put towards a watercolour of the Minster and&nbsp;he spoke of how lucky he felt that he has been able to pursue the career he had always wanted to and work in several wonderful&nbsp;cathedrals.
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>First play of new carillon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster has become the first cathedral in England to have a full carillon of bells, as twenty four bells were added to the existing eleven of the Nelson chime earlier this year.&nbsp; The new carillon has now been completely installed and was played properly for the first time yesterday by expert carillonneur, Trevor Workman. York now joins all the major cities of Northern Europe in having a carillon to add to the ambience of the city.
The Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher, Canon Precentor at York Minster said:&nbsp; &ldquo;The ringing of simple tunes has become a real feature of the Minster's life in recent years. We are delighted that we have such a remarkable carillon which will add so much to the sound of York Minster and to life of York in general" 
The Carillon of thirty five bells now means that many more hymn tunes can be played to announce Evensong, as the range of the instrument has been greatly increased.&nbsp; On certain special occasions, tunes ranging from Beethoven to the Beatles could be heard.&nbsp; 
The bells will be played by a carilloneur using a baton clavier sited in the ringing chamber which is below the bell chamber in the south west tower. A group of volunteers are being trained ready to play the carillon regularly before Evensong each day.&nbsp; They will be rehearsing on a practice clavier, which is currently being installed.&nbsp; The baton clavier is played by the carilloneur using both hand batons and feet pedals that look like a church organ pedal board.
The chiming of tunes on the Minster bells dates back to the building of the present cathedral&rsquo;s towers in the mid 15th century.&nbsp;&nbsp; Chiming fell out of fashion during the 17th century and eventually the Minster&rsquo;s chiming machine was removed in 1750.&nbsp; In 1989, 11 chime bells were installed above the ringing-peal in the Minster&rsquo;s South West Tower, which has enabled the playing of tunes once again.&nbsp; With only eleven notes, the range of tunes was limited. The installation of the further twenty four bells will mean that almost any tune can be played.&nbsp;&nbsp;
If you would like to learn more about the bells of York Minster, the York&nbsp;Minster Society of Change&nbsp;Ringers are putting on several evenings which will raise money for the society.&nbsp; 
These events will take place on Thursday 7th August, Monday 1st September and Thursday 2nd October, all starting at 7pm. 
Each evening will include a talk about the Minster Bells and Bell Ringing, a demonstration of change ringing and of the newly installed carillon and the opportunity to speak to some of the change ringers themselves.&nbsp; 
Tickets for the events cost &pound;10 and are available from Christine Potter, Secretary of the York Minster Society of Change Ringers.&nbsp; Tel: 01904 627757 or e-mail: secretary@ymscr.co.uk. &nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title>Philip Moore's final service as Master of the Music</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Philip Moore, Organist and Master of the Music at York Minster for twenty five years will lead the music at his final service on Sunday 20th July 2008.&nbsp; Philip will conduct the Minster choir for the final time at a special service of Evensong at 4.00pm on 20 July – all are welcome to attend this service. 
Philip Moore has recently received the St William&rsquo;s Cross from the Archbishop of York in recognition of his time as Master of the Music at the Minster.&nbsp; The St William&rsquo;s Cross is an award given by the Archbishop of York in recognition of special service to the&nbsp; Province of&nbsp; York.&nbsp; During the Sung Eucharist service at the Minster on Sunday 6th July, the Archbishop also gave Mr Moore a specially commissioned Wedgwood bowl which is inscribed with all of Philip&rsquo;s qualifications and achievements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr Moore was presented with the bowl by Director of Wedgwood, Mr John Mohin. 
Mr Moore began his time at York Minster in 1983 when he succeeded Dr Francis Jackson as Master of the Music.&nbsp; He began his career teaching at Eton College in 1965, moving to Canterbury Cathedral to become Assistant Organist in 1968.&nbsp; In 1974 he became Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral before his move to York Minster in 1983. 
In Philip Moore&rsquo;s time at York Minster he has overseen the music for the enthronements of three Archbishops of York and for the installation of three Deans.&nbsp; He has composed pieces of music for each of these special services.&nbsp; With the Minster Choir he has produced several recordings of hymns, psalms, anthems and carols which have met with much critical acclaim.&nbsp; Mr Moore has run several choir courses in the USA and, as well as directing the Minster Choir, has been conductor of the York Musical Society since 1983.&nbsp; He will continue in this role following his retirement. Although he is well known as a composer and has overseen the music at many special services and events, Mr Moore&rsquo;s main love is to oversee the music at the daily services held in York Minster.&nbsp; To mark Philip Moore&rsquo;s retirement, the Friends of Cathedral Music commissioned an anthem from him which had its world premiere at Evensong on 3rd May.&nbsp; 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>As you Like it in Residence Gardens</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The York Shakespeare Project's production of As You Like it opens in the Residence Garden on Wednesday July 16th at 7.30pm. It will run until Sunday July 27th (excluding Tuesday July 22nd.)Tickets (&pound;8.00/&pound;6.00) are are available on the door or from York Theatre Royal. 
The intention is to present all Shakespeare's thirty-seven known plays over twenty years. As You Like It is YSP's thirteenth production, and the company has a well established reputation.
For more information: visit www.yorkshakespeare.org.uk&nbsp; 

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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Barefoot for Burma walker visits York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Secondary School Teacher Ewen Hardie is currently walking barefoot from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh&nbsp;to Westminster to raise awareness of the plight of the Burmese people.&nbsp; On Sunday 7th July Ewen passed through York and met the Dean at the Minster. 
Ewen was so affected by the massacre of the Burmese monks in October last year that he shaved his distinctive dreadlocks for the first time in eleven years and has walked barefoot in solidarity with the Burmese people ever since. Ewen set off on his epic journey between Edinburgh and London on 25th June and has covered over 200 miles so far.&nbsp; During his journey through York he visited the Minster and met with the Dean.&nbsp;Ewen's prayers at the Minster called for peace and justice for all the people on Earth and especially the people of Burma and expressed a hope that they will soon&nbsp;realise their dream of freedom.&nbsp; 
Speaking of Ewen's journey and his visit to the Minster, The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: "When we see the oppression of the people of&nbsp;Burma, we feel angry and powerless to help.&nbsp; Ewen&rsquo;s walk will send a message of support from our distant land,&nbsp; provide a focus for our own prayers, and be a clear, public declaration of what we require for the people of Myanmar.&nbsp; We are thrilled to identify York Minster with his prophetic sign."
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Dr Richard Shephard receives honorary degree from University of York</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster's Chamberlain and Director of Development - Dr Richard Shephard has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of York.&nbsp; Dr Shephard recieved the honour on Thursday 10th July 2008.
Dr Shephard is a composer and practitioner of Choral music, is a visiting fellow in the Department of Music at the University of York and is also a member of the University's Court.&nbsp; He began his musical career&nbsp;as a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral.&nbsp; He studied at Cambridge.&nbsp; After graduating he taught in Salisbury and was a lay vicar in the cathedral choir.&nbsp; Dr Shephard was Headmaster of the Minster School between 1985 and 2004.&nbsp; He then became Director of Development at York Minster.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>York Glaziers Trust welcomes New College Choristers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Today, Friday 11th July, the York Glaziers Trust welcomed a visit from the Choir of New College Oxford.&nbsp; The Trust has recently created a new stained glass window which incorporates fragments of displaced medieval glass retrieved from some recently restored windows at New College.&nbsp; The new window will be placed in the New College Song room, where the choir rehearse.&nbsp; The choir visited the York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust workshop to view the newly created window and speak to some of the Glaziers who have helped to design and create it. 
The new window depicts an angel along with an inscription which reads &ldquo;Sing Unto the Lord&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The window has been designed by York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust Deputy Senior Conservator Rachel Thomas and has been painted and glazed by staff at York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust.
The York Glaziers&rsquo; Trust (YGT) is responsible for the preservation and conservation of the stained glass of York Minster, and is also involved in other stained glass restoration and conservation projects throughout the United Kingdom.&nbsp; YGT has now begun the painstaking conservation of York Minster&rsquo;s Great East Window - a project which is partially funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster School Choral Outreach concert</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Minster School and its choristers have once again been taking part in a choral partnership project with primary school pupils in York.&nbsp; This term, staff and pupils from the Minster Schoolhave been working with&nbsp;Fishergate Primary School, Hempland Primary School and Archbishop of York&rsquo;s C of E Junior School.&nbsp; Their hard work will culminate in a Choral Outreach concert which will take place at York Minster&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday 11th July at 5pm.&nbsp; 
Each week, musicians have visited the primary schools to work with groups of children and their teachers. The project is part of a national initiative involving choir schools that has been running for nearly a decade now. The government has built on this work which has now become part of the national Sing Up strategy led by composer Howard Goodall. The work attempts to increase children&rsquo;s opportunities to sing and to safeguard Britain&rsquo;s unique choral traditions. 
At&nbsp;the&nbsp;concert, the young singers will have the opportunity to perform before an audience of proud parents and members of the public.&nbsp; All are welcome to attend the concert.&nbsp; 
Mr Alex Donaldson, Headmaster of the Minster School said: &ldquo;This project is all about encouraging all children to sing.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re thrilled that we&rsquo;ve been able to work with Primary Schools from across York to help achieve this&rdquo;.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>New Exhibition at York Minster Library</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Turning the pages of history: An Exhibition of the History of&nbsp;York Minster Library 
A new exhibition has recently opened at York Minster Library - charting its history right from its beginnings in the 8th century to the present day. More than 70 items are on display, including 13th-century manuscripts,&nbsp;a 15th century book of hours, materials from the Golden Age of printing, unique copies of the Wicked Bible and the Charles I Bible from the 17th century, the manuscripts of James Torre and examples from some of our historic donors such as Archbishop Tobie Matthews and Edward Hailstone. 
The exhibition is located in the Old Library and will run until Friday 10th October 2008. Entry to the exhibition costs &pound;2.
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Philip Moore presented with Cross of St William</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Philip Moore, who has been Master of the Music at York Minster for 25 years and will be retiring later this month, was yesterday presented with&nbsp;the cross of St William from the Archbishop of York, The Most Revd and Rt Hon. Dr John Sentamu.
At the end of the Sung Eucharist service yesterday, Sunday 6th July, Dr Sentamu presented Philip with a specially commissioned Wedgewood bowl which&nbsp;has been&nbsp;engraved with&nbsp;his qualifications and achievements.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Mohin, Director of Wedgewood&nbsp;also&nbsp;took part in the presentation.
Philip&nbsp;was also presented with the Cross of St William which is given by the Archbishop of York to those who have made a special contribution to the Province of York.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Picture: The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu presents Philip Moore with the Cross of St William.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Park Grove School raise funds for First Responder Equipment for York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Children from Park Grove Community School&nbsp;took&nbsp;part in a fancy dress sponsored walk&nbsp;today,&nbsp;Friday 4th July 2008 to raise funds which will go towards Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) installing a defibrillator at the top of the Minster&rsquo;s central tower.&nbsp; Funds will also go towards creating a memorial at the school to Kath Luck, a member of staff at Park Grove School who died of a heart attack earlier this year. 
Park Grove School decided to raise funds for medical equipment in memory of Kath earlier this year and contacted the YAS for advice on what would be of use in the&nbsp;York area.&nbsp; A defibrillator for the Minster tower was suggested following the airlift of a visitor from the tower on the 25 April 2008.&nbsp; A defibrillator is used to treat a cardiac arrest within the crucial first few minutes and can save lives.&nbsp; 
Over 250 children ranging from 4 to 11 years from Park Grove Community School, along with YAS&rsquo;s Community Defibrillator Officer Neil Marsay, walked from their school, along the city walls, under Bootham Bar and past the Minster in fancy dress on Friday.&nbsp; 
Yorkshire Ambulance Service will be training members of Minster Staff to use the equipment as part of the Ambulance Service Community First Responders Scheme.&nbsp; This scheme runs throughout Yorkshire and includes over 1500 volunteers in the region who are trained to provide immediate treatment at certain emergencies before the arrival of an emergency vehicle. 
Any donations to the school&rsquo;s fund will be welcome, please contact Park Grove School on 01904 659727. 
Kieron Learoyd, Health &amp; Safety Manager at York Minster, said, &ldquo;Tens of thousands of visitors climb up the Minster&rsquo;s central tower each year and although it&rsquo;s very rewarding it is hard work too. We do our best to help people make sure they are confident of their fitness before they start up the 275 steps, but it will be very good to have this potentially life-saving equipment at the top as well as the first aider who is always on duty. This is a great gesture by the pupils of Park Grove School and I hope they all enjoy their walk.&rdquo;
(The picture shows children from Park Grove School who took part in the walk on the West steps of the Minster)
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</description>
			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>New Canons collated, admitted and installed at York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Today, five new Canons were collated and admitted to the College of Canons.&nbsp; Four of the Canons were installed into their stalls in the Quire during the Holy Communion Service. 
The Four new Canons who were installed during the service are:


Mrs Linda Ali, a lay member of the Church of England's General Synod representing the Diocese of York

Mr Richard Liversedge, Chairman of the House of Laity of the York Diocesan Synod; 

The Revd Chris Simmons, Vicar of Pocklington and Owsthorpe and Kilnwick Percy with Great Givendale and Millington, and Priest-in-Charge of Londesborough and of Nunburnholme and Warter and Huggate and of Burnby;

The Revd David Wilbourne, Vicar of Helmsley.
(The Photograph shows the new Canons being presented during the service of Holy Communion: back row, left to right - The Revd Chris Simmons, The Revd Canon Glyn Webster and The Revd David Wilbourne;&nbsp; Front row, left to right - Mr Richard Liversidge, Canon Maureen Loffil and Mrs Linda Ali)
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>York Youth Mystery Plays held in Dean's Park</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York's&nbsp; Mystery Plays have been updated courtesy of the city's young people.&nbsp; The York Youth Mysteries were performed all over the city on Saturday 21st June, including performances in Dean's Park (Minster Gardens) with the Minster as a back drop.&nbsp;The mystery plays date back to medieval times&nbsp; and the aim of the project was to bring them firmly up to date by incorporating a range of creative mediums, including dance, film-making, circus and song. 
Many organisations took part in the project - &nbsp;including York College, York Theatre Royal, York St John University and the Riding Lights Theatre Company. 
More than 300 young people took part in the updated&nbsp;versions&nbsp;to present their own unique take on the internationally acclaimed plays, which cover Christian history from the Creation to the Last Judgement.&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title>Success for Minster stonemasons at European Stone Festival</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Six of York Minster&rsquo;s own masons and carvers joined other top masons from across Europe to take part in this year&rsquo;s European Stone Festival which took place in Freiburg, Germany at the beginning of June.&nbsp; Dave Willett, Danny Sampson, Martin Coward, Payson Muller, Tim Foster and Bob Morris all took part, with Dave receiving a prize of a mallet and a set of chisels for the piece of work he completed during the festival. 
Each stonemason had 2 working days at the Festival to produce their own interpretation on the theme of Europe&rsquo;s strength is its cultural diversity.&nbsp; At the end of the festival, the stones were auctioned off to raise money to fund the annual festival and to fund vocational training run by a College in the Freiburg area.&nbsp; The stones produced by the Minster&rsquo;s stonemasons and carvers did particularly well in the auction.&nbsp; 
The photograph shows Dave Willett's work which he carved during the weekend.



A range of miniature copies of carved heads from York Minster's Chapter House is available from the Minster Shop online.
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</description>
			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title>Refugee Week Exhibition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster&nbsp;has welcomed&nbsp;an exhibition of information on refugees and asylum seekers throughout the world to mark National Refugee Week. The exhibition will run between Friday 13th June and Sunday 22 nd June 2008. Refugee Action York&nbsp;has organised the display, which includes not only information about voluntary bodies working with refugees and asylum seekers across Yorkshire and Humberside, but also national organizations such the Medical Foundation for Victims of Torture and the Minority Rights Group, and international ones such as Amnesty International and UNHCR. 
The Revd Canon Dr. Jonathan Draper, and members of Refugee Action York will welcome Bishop of Selby - The Rt. Rev. Martin Wallace, The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York - Councillor Brian Watson, and the Sheriff of York - Hon. Alderman David Wilde, to the Minster on Monday 16th June 2008 to officially open and view the display.&nbsp; The Canon will greet the party on the South Steps of the Minster at 14.00 hrs.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dates, times and venues for other events during Refugee Week are as shown in the attached programme leaflet.&nbsp; Refugee Action York is a local voluntary organisation which was founded in 2000 and has been organising local events for Refugee Week since 2002.&nbsp; The principal aim of Refugee Week is to raise awareness and understanding of the reasons why people seek sanctuary, dispel the many myths surrounding asylum seekers, and to celebrate the contribution of refugees in the United Kingdom. Refugee Action York works throughout the year; in particular it runs a weekly drop-in centre at St Columba&rsquo;s URC Church for Kurdish and Turkish mothers and their children resident in the city.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Spectacular Minster Dinner raises funds for York Minster Revealed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Nave of York Minster was the setting for a unique and spectacular fundraising dinner on the evening of Saturday 7th June 2008. Midsummer Minster Merriments – A Grand Cabaret Dinner celebrated the 600th Anniversary of the completion of the Great East Window and helped to raise funds for its vital restoration as part of the York Minster Revealed project. The funds raised from the dinner will go towards the match funding for this project, which has been awarded an earmarked grant of &pound;10 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund. 
Guests enjoyed breathtaking entertainments including acrobatic group Viva Aerial and unusual string quartet String Fever. Generous prizes were donated to be auctioned by a range of sponsors. Prizes included a black and yellow Smart Car, 2 weeks skiing holiday in Bulgaria, tickets to see Dame Judi Dench in Madame de Sade and a Visit to the garden at Highgrove House. 
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: &ldquo;The stylish and spectacular festivities at York Minster have not only helped us to raise money for our work and the care of this great place.&nbsp; They have brought new friends together to realise what a marvellous treasure this is for the world.&rdquo;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Change of Time and Venue for Evensong 7th June</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Evensong will be held at St Helen&rsquo;s Church, St Helen&rsquo;s Square, York at 3.15pm on Saturday 7th June 2008. This change in venue is due to preparations for a Fundraising event at the Minster.&nbsp; 

The Minster choir will sing the Smith Responses and the Anthem will be Vaughan Williams&rsquo; Lord thou hast been our refuge.&nbsp; The organ voluntary will be Bach&rsquo;s Partita Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig, BWV 768. 
All are welcome to attend the service.
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title>The spacious firmament</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
"The Spacious Firmament", a new anthem by Philip Moore, Master of the Music at the Minster, and commissioned by the Friends of Cathedral Music, was performed for the first time at the FCM Gathering in York on May 3rd.&nbsp; The commission was made to mark the retirement of Mr Moore this coming July after 25 years at the Minster.&nbsp; It was also made in recognition of his great contribution to church music over the past fifty years and to say thank you for his support for the work of The Friends of Cathedral Music. 
&nbsp;The anthem was received with great enthusiasm by the 70 FCM members who were present at evensong, and by members of the Minster congregation and choir members.&nbsp; It is a piece which will &ldquo;enrich the English choral tradition enormously,&rdquo; said Mr Ian Little, Director of Music at Ampleforth College.&nbsp; Ampleforth is a corporate member of the FCM and sixty FCM members had met there earlier in the day to experience the college&rsquo;s excellent music.&nbsp; 
Although the commission was organised by the York area of the FCM, donations have been received from people nationwide as well as from members of the Minster Community and the Minster Stewards.&nbsp; The presentation was made by Michael Wiles, the FCM&rsquo;s local representative.&nbsp; Also present was Prof: Peter Toyne, Chairman of the FCM.&nbsp; 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Stephen Magson Memorial Trust donates tool kit to new apprentice mason</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Apprentice Masons at York Minster continue to benefit from a Trust set up in memory of Stephen Magson, who tragically died on Ko Phi Phi Island in the Asian Tsunami of 26 December 2004.&nbsp; Steve joined the Minster Stoneyard as an apprentice mason in the mid 1960s.&nbsp; Genevieve Abranson&nbsp;today became&nbsp;the fourth apprentice mason at the Minster to receive a toolkit funded by the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust.&nbsp; Genevieve was presented with the toolkit by Stephen&rsquo;s widow, Denise Magson. 
&nbsp;Although active fundraising has now finished, the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust continues to support projects in York and in Thailand in Steve&rsquo;s memory. &nbsp;If you would like to support the work of the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust, donations can be sent to PO Box 42, York, YO24 4WR or online at www.stephen-magson-mt.org 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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</description>
			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title>Radio 3 Evensong broadcast</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Evensong on the feast of Pentecost (Sunday 11th May) was broadcast on BBC Radio Three and was a huge success.&nbsp; The service is available to listen to online on the BBC website.&nbsp; 
If you would like to learn more about services at the Minster please see our Worship and Spirituality Pages.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title>Friends of Cathedral Music to attend Evensong</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
On Saturday May 3rd the York area of the Friends of Cathedral Music will be&nbsp; holding its annual Gathering. 
Because Ampleforth Abbey and College&nbsp;recently became corporate members of the FCM, the morning and afternoon activities will be taking place there and will include short&nbsp; concerts by the Schola Puellarum Girls&rsquo; Choir, instrumentalists of the school, the Saturday morning Outreach Choir and the organ scholars of the college.&nbsp; A guided tour of the church, a talk on the history and present day use of plainchant and a&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; resumé of the school&rsquo;s music by Ian Little, Director of Music, complete the visit. A coach will transport people between York and Ampleforth.
The Gathering will reconvene in The Minster for Evensong where the anthem The spacious firmament on high by Philip Moore, newly commissioned by the FCM to mark his retirement, will be performed for the first time.
Following Evensong is a buffet and then a concert of music by Byrd and Tallis by The Ebor Singers (Harmonie Universelle) in Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate.
The Friends of Cathedral Music, which exists to promote the continuation of our priceless and unique tradition of music in cathedrals, recently gave a grant of &pound;17,000 towards a choristership here in York Minster.&nbsp; 
Anyone interested in finding out more about the FCM, or in taking part in the&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gathering or contributing to the commission, should contact the local FCM&nbsp;Representative, Michael Wiles on 01653 618479, mj.wiles@btconnect.com or here in the Minster. Non-FCM members are welcome at the Gathering.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
		</item> 
		<item>
			<title>Chorister Auditions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Could your son be a chorister at York Minster?&nbsp; The Minster School will be holding chorister auditions on&nbsp;Saturday 17th May&nbsp;2008 for boys currently in School Year 2, born between September 2000 and August 2001.&nbsp; Being a chorister is a superb experience for a child and gives a wonderful start in life as a musician. Choristers are educated at the Minster School, and the Dean and Chapter provide a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards the cost of school fees.&nbsp; Choristers receive an excellent general and musical education, and opportunities for taking part in services, concerts, broadcasts and tours.&nbsp; Becoming a chorister will also give children the chance to make many lasting friendships and have an active social life as part of the Minster Community. 
The chorister auditions will be held on Saturday 17th May 2008, and no previous musical tuition is needed.&nbsp; The auditions are informal and the Minster School is looking for potential, not the finished article.&nbsp; Candidates will be&nbsp;given the opportunity&nbsp;to watch the Minster Choir rehearse during an open rehearsal.&nbsp; They will then be asked to sing a song they have prepared, and take some simple vocal tests.&nbsp; There will also be a simple reading test to gauge academic ability. &nbsp;For further information, please contact Mrs Serena Riley, Minster School Secretary, The Minster School, York YO1 7JA; telephone 01904 557230 or email school@yorkminster.org. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>New Bells for York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster will become the first cathedral in England to have a carillon of bells with the arrival of a further twenty-four small bells on Friday 4th April. These will be added to the existing &ldquo;Nelson Chime&rdquo; that is played to announce Evensong around 5 pm each day, giving a carillon of 35 bells in total (3 chromatic octaves). The new bells have been cast at the Loughborough Bell Foundry of Taylors, Eayre &amp; Smith, where all of the existing Minster bells were cast.&nbsp; The new carillon is a gift to the Minster. Once installed it will be the first new carillon in the British Isles for forty years.&nbsp; Before Evensong each evening, hymn tunes are played on the bells.&nbsp; But on certain occasions anything from Beethoven to the Beatles may be heard. 
The bells will be played by a carilloneur using a baton clavier sited in the ringing chamber which is below the bell chamber in the south west tower. A group of volunteers is being trained in readiness for its installation. The baton clavier is played by the carilloneur using both hand batons and feet pedals that look like a church organ pedal board.
The chiming of tunes on the Minster bells dates back to the building of the present cathedral&rsquo;s towers in the mid 15th century. &nbsp;&nbsp;Chiming fell out of fashion during the 17th century and eventually the Minster&rsquo;s chiming machine was removed in 1750.&nbsp; In 1989, 11 chime bells were installed above the ringing-peal in the Minster&rsquo;s South West Tower, which has enabled the playing of tunes once again.&nbsp; With only eleven notes, the range of tunes was limited. The installation of a further 24 bells will mean that almost any tune can be played.&nbsp; 
The Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher, Canon Precentor at York Minster said &ldquo;The revival of chiming at the Minster has added to the sounds of York in recent years.&nbsp; We are delighted that York will be gaining a splendid carillon and hope that the quality and variety of the music played will add further to our worship and mission.&rdquo; 
It is hoped that once the carillon is completed it will provide another link between the Cathedral and the City for all to enjoy. York will then join all the major cities of Northern Europe in having a carillon adding to the ambience of the City centre.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>RAF celebrate 90th Anniversary at York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
RAF Linton-on-Ouse has today celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force at York Minster.&nbsp; Nine Tucanos performed at flypast in formation and the Turning of the Page Ceremony then took place at 12 noon.&nbsp; The Turning of the Page was performed by Groop Captain Mark Hopkins.
In the corner of the North Transept in York Minster, under the Astronomical Clock is a Book of Remembrance containing the names of over 18,000 airmen from 15 countries who died flying wartime missions from RAF fields in Yorkshire and the North East.&nbsp; Each day a page is turned to show a different list of names,&nbsp; This is usually carried out by the Minster Police, but four times a year, to mark speical occasions, it is turned with full ceremony by personnel from RAF Linton on Ouse and members of the RAF Association.&nbsp; Today's ceremony has marked the anniversary of the formation of the RAF.&nbsp; the ceremony is also performed to mark New Year's Day, 6th June (D Day in Europe) and 15th September (Battle of Britain Day).
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Rathbone Exhibition at York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster has welcomed an exhibition of works produced by young people from the Rathbone charity based on Nursery Drive, York.&nbsp; The young artists have used their palms and fingers to create a four foot canvas featuring a cross, crown of thorns and a dove and have also developed a number of individual pieces around the theme of Easter.&nbsp; These works will be on display until Monday 31st March 2008 in St Nicholas&rsquo; Chapel in York Minster. 
The aim of the project was to get the young people to combine traditional images with their own modern thoughts.&nbsp; The artists who have produced the artworks are: Liam Wyard, Chantelle &lsquo;B&rsquo;, Danny &lsquo;Chucky&rsquo; Cross, Danny Hilton, Tamara &lsquo;B&rsquo;, Chris &lsquo;P&rsquo; and Sean &lsquo;B&rsquo;. Their artworks will be there for all to see during the Easter break and the hope is that it will stimulate viewers to look at this well-known story in a different light.&nbsp; 
Becoming involved in the project has not only fed the artists&rsquo; imaginations – it has got them thinking about the significance of the most important period in the Christian calendar.&nbsp; Martin Brennan, Rathbone Training Advisor said: &ldquo;The young people have been learning all about different religions so working on a project with York Minster has made them consider the meaning of the resurrection and their own place in the world.&rdquo;
For Acomb lad Liam Wyard, the experience has been particularly rewarding. The 15-year-old, who has been on the Youth Choices training programme for 14-16-year-olds at Rathbone, created a stunning three-dimensional crucifixion sculpture.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster Memories needed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York are calling on York Residents to share some of their memories of the Minster during the twentieth century for use in a book on York Minster to be published in November 2008. York Minster – A Living Legacy will tell the story of the people and community behind the Minster, particularly focussing on events which have shaped the Minster&rsquo;s history in the 20th and 21st Centuries.&nbsp; 
The Dean and Chapter are particularly interested in learning of memories of the 1960s restoration of York Minster and the 1984 fire which damaged the South Transept.&nbsp; But any special memories, anecdotes or photographs will be of great interest.
If you have any special memories or mementoes of York Minster and would like to contribute to this unique book, please contact the Editor, Pamela Hartshorne, c/o TMI, 2-5 Benjamin Street, London, EC1M 5QL or e-mail minsterbook@tmiltd.com.&nbsp;&nbsp; Contributions must be received by Monday 31st March 2008. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster School Choral Outreach Concert</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
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The Minster School and its choristers have been taking part in a choral partnership project with primary school pupils from Clifton Green (York) and Settrington (nr. Malton). 
Each week, musicians have visited the primary schools to work with groups of children and their teachers. The project is part of a national initiative involving choir schools that has been running for nearly a decade now. The government has built on this work which has now become part of the national Sing Up strategy led by composer Howard Goodall. The work attempts to increase children&rsquo;s opportunities to sing and to safeguard Britain&rsquo;s unique choral traditions. 
On Friday 14th March, this term&rsquo;s project culminates in a concert in York Minster, where the young singers have an opportunity to perform before an audience of proud parents and members of the public. The Choir of St. Lawrence&rsquo;s School, who participated in last term&rsquo;s project, will join the other schools as they try to raise the roof of York Minster. 
Alex Donaldson, Headmaster of the Minster School, said, &ldquo;All children can sing. We just need to give them the opportunity - that&rsquo;s what this project is all about. It&rsquo;s particularly good to welcome back the choir of St. Lawrence&rsquo;s school. It shows that the work goes on even after our musicians have left. We hope that things will continue to snowball – I look forward to welcoming every primary school in York, eventually.&rdquo; 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>New Chapter Steward for York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York have appointed as the next Chapter Steward of York Minster Mr John Morris, who has been Administrator of Leicester Cathedral since September 2003.&nbsp; Mr Morris previous to his present post, worked in the textile industry for various international companies.&nbsp; He is 57 years of age and lives at Southwell where he worships at Southwell Minster.&nbsp; He is married with three children, who are now grown up. 
Details of when Mr Morris will come to work for York Minster are being worked out.
The Chapter Steward is the chief administration officer responsible for the support, business and commercial functions of the Minster.&nbsp; The Chapter Steward assists the Dean and Canons in developing key policies and strategies and the role is a key link between the Chapter and York Minster&rsquo;s workforce of over 150 lay staff and 500 volunteers.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>"Admitting the Strange Angels" Exhibition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster is to welcome an exhibition by Burnley-based artist, Daniel Paulo.&nbsp; A selection from Daniel&rsquo;s work &ldquo;Admitting the Strange Angels&rdquo; will be on show in York Minster&rsquo;s magnificent Chapter House between Monday 17th March and Thursday 17th April 2008.&nbsp; 
Daniel produced &ldquo;Admitting the Strange Angels&rdquo; between 2004 and 2005, drawing inspiration from religious imagery and stained glass windows.&nbsp; The works have previously been exhibited in Ripon Cathedral and Dean Clough, and after the exhibition at York Minster they will go on to be exhibited at Lincoln Cathedral later in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Admitting the Strange Angels&rdquo; have been produced using acrylic on Canvas. 
Daniel Paulo said of his forthcoming exhibition at York Minster &ldquo;I am thrilled that Admitting the Strange Angels will be exhibited in York Minster.&nbsp; These works are based on religious imagery and the Minster is the perfect context in which to be able to view them.&rdquo;
Daniel was born in Leeds in 1968.&nbsp; He lived in Sutton-in-Craven for 28 years, then moved to Burnley in 2001.&nbsp; He completed a Foundation in Art and Design at Jacob Kramer College in Leeds and then went on to do a Fine Art degree. The northern landscape has been a very important influence in Daniel&rsquo;s work for many years.&nbsp; His current works, although now based on the human figure, draw much inspiration from churches and cathedrals in the North of England. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>New Lay Canon for York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The latest appointment to the Chapter of York Minster as a Lay Canon will be Dr Andrew Green.&nbsp; On Saturday 8 th March he will be collated to the College of Canons by the Archbishop of York and then admitted to the Chapter in the Chapter House, before being installed in the Quire during Evensong at 5.15pm. 
The Chapter, which governs the Minster, comprises the Dean, three residentiary Canons and two other Lay Canons. As a Lay Canon he will hold the Prebend of Bramham, in succession to Canon Emeritus Lindsay Mackinlay. 
Dr Green is Managing Director of BPI Recycled Products and BPI Consumer which are both divisions of British Polythene Industries PLC. He is also a member of DEFRA&rsquo;s Advisory Committee on Packaging and is a Non-Executive Director of Valpak Ltd.
Dr Green is married and has two sons.&nbsp; His interests includeMilitary History, triathlon and rowing. Dr Green is also a member of the Vale of York support group for the children's charity, Hope and Homes for Children.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Ebor Lecture</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Dr Daleep Mukarji, Director of Christian Aid will be delivering his lecture on &lsquo;Poverty and Prophets: Faith based Agencies and Social Justice&rsquo; in Temple Hall at York St John University on Wednesday 5th March at 7pm.&nbsp; 
Daleep Mukarji said: &lsquo;I am delighted to participate in this series of Ebor Lectures. &nbsp;I hope to focus on the scandal of poverty and inequality in a world of plenty. &nbsp;In this context Christians, and people of faith and goodwill, need to speak out and help build a movement for global justice and poverty eradication. &nbsp;Recent experience in the UK and overseas has shown people are willing to get involved – we need to build on this.&rsquo; 
&lsquo;Poverty is a major scandal today. &nbsp;Recent movements such as Jubilee 2000 and Make Poverty History have shown how faith based agencies can take a lead. &nbsp;This is a revitalisation of mission – Christians putting their faith into action and preaching a gospel that must be good news to the poor.
The Ebor Lectures series has been jointly organised by York Minster, York St John University, and The York Institute for Community Theology, The Carmelites and The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber.&nbsp; It is an ecumenical project, building bridges between faith communities and relating faith to public issues such as politics, economics, contemporary culture and spirituality.

Entrance to the Ebor Lecture is free of charge, but tickets must be booked in advance: Tel: 01904 876474 or e-mail: eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk. 
There will also be a display of paintings by Jenny Baker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jenny Baker is&nbsp;a part-time postgraduate student in Theology and Religious Studies at York St John University, with a particular interest in the relationships between theology and the visual arts.&nbsp; As a&nbsp;painter&nbsp;she is intrigued with the theological insights which can result from the painting process; and as a non-stipendiary Anglican priest (in rural Shropshire) she experiments with using the visual arts in ministry. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Success for Building Skills Bursaries Scheme at York Minster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Matthew Hodgkinson, who was the first bursary holder in the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme has now become a full time member of staff in the York Minster Stoneyard.&nbsp; Matthew started in the Carvers&rsquo; workshop at York Minster on a six month placement funded by the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme. &nbsp;&nbsp;This placement finished in January 2008 but Matthew&rsquo;s work has been of such a high standard, that he has now become a permanent member of the Stoneyard workforce. 
Matthew is thrilled to now be a full time member of staff in York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard and said: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m really pleased that the Bursary Scheme has given me the opportunity to develop my carving skills in this environment , it&rsquo;s a privilege to be a part of restoring this amazing building&rdquo;.
The Traditional Building Skills Bursary scheme, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund is now offering a six month placement for a masonry trainee in the York Minster Works&rsquo; Department.&nbsp;&nbsp; The closing date for applications to be considered for this placement is Monday 31 st March 2008. For further information and an application pack please see www.buildingbursaries.org.uk or contact the Scheme Manager Clara Willett, the Bursaries Manager on 01422 890756 or e-mail: enquiries@buildingbursaries.org.uk.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster Library launches new web pages</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
York Minster Library has now launched its new web pages.  These can be found on the Minster site under www.yorkminster.org/learning/library-archives-conservation/.  These new pages give detailed information about the history of the Library, the publications it holds and the services which can be accessed there. On these pages you can also access forms which will allow you to request and renew books online from home. The Library is the largest Cathedral Library in the UK and holds a wealth of information on the Minster as well as publications on a number of other subjects including York and Yorkshire History, Theology, Art History, Church Architecture and Music.  These new web pages are the perfect way to start to learn a little about the library and how it can be used.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>New Director of Music for York Minster</title>
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The Dean and Chapter of York have today announced that a new Director of Music has been appointed.&nbsp; Robert Sharpe will succeed Philip Moore in this post when Mr Moore retires in July 2008.&nbsp; 
Robert Sharpe is 36 and has been the Director of Music at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall for the past five-and-a-half years. Before this, he held positions at Lichfield and St Albans Cathedrals. His hobbies include architecture, food, interesting wines and furniture. Robert is married to Polly who is a pianist and they have two small children. 
Robert Sharpe said &ldquo;I am very excited about becoming part of the Minster community at this time and working with the organist John Scott Whiteley as well as having the privilege of succeeding Philip Moore whose music I greatly admire.&rdquo; 
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones said &ldquo;The Chapter is delighted to have appointed Robert Sharpe as Director of Music. He will bring many gifts and an exciting vision for the future of the Minster&rsquo;s musical life based on a wealth of experience. We look forward to welcoming Robert, Polly and the family to&nbsp;York in the summer&rdquo; 
The role of Director of Music at the Minster includes responsibility for the forty-eight choristers and twelve men of the choir, and all music sung and played in the Minster&rsquo;s worship. &nbsp;Robert Sharpe will be only the fifth holder of the post since 1897, and follows such distinguished musicians as Thomas Tertius Noble, Sir Edward Bairstow and Dr Francis Jackson CBE, as well as Philip Moore who has been at&nbsp;York since 1983. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title>Ebor Lecture and Book Launch</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Ebor Lecture series on Theology and Public Life 2007-2008 will continue with a lecture given by Professor Grace Davie, on Patterns of Religion in Modern Europe: A Global Perspective. It will be held in the North Transept of York Minster on Wednesday 13th February 2008 at 7.00pm.&nbsp; The lecture will be preceded at 6.15pm by the launch of Liberating Texts: Sacred Scriptures and Public Life – the published collection of the first series of Ebor lectures. Contributors to this book include The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and Shirley Williams, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords. 
Professor Davie&rsquo;s lecture will focus on issues such as our Judaeo-Christian heritage, the continuing influence of the historic churches, changing patterns of church going, the growing significance of religion in the modern world and the secular reactions to these changes.&nbsp; Grace Davie said &ldquo;The religious situation in Europe is complex - a relatively secular continent is confronted with religious issues on a daily basis.&nbsp; How should we understand this paradox?&nbsp; This lecture will explore this question.&rdquo; 
Liberating Texts is edited by Sebastien Kim, Professor of Theology and Public Life at York St John University and Jonathan Draper, Canon Theologian at York Minster and chair of the Ebor Lectures Committee. In this published collection of lectures, representatives of the three great Abrahamic faiths reflect on the use and abuse of sacred texts in public life. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Revd Canon Dr Jonathan Draper, co-editor of Liberating Texts said &ldquo;We&rsquo;re very pleased with this publication and hope that it will make a useful contribution to contemporary debates on the place of religion in our society&rdquo;. 
The Ebor Lectures series has been jointly organised by York Minster, York St John University, and The York Institute for Community Theology, The Carmelites and The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber.&nbsp; It is an ecumenical project, building bridges between faith communities and relating faith to public issues such as politics, economics, contemporary culture and spirituality. 
Entrance to the Ebor Lecture is free of charge, but tickets must be booked in advance: Tel: 01904 876474 or e-mail: eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk. Copies of Liberating Texts will be available to buy for a discounted price of &pound;9.00 at the book launch on the evening of Wednesday 13th February 2008. &nbsp;&nbsp;For further information on how to buy the book please see www.yorksj.ac.uk/eborlectures. &nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Journeyman departs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Mark Langer, a 26 year old German Journeyman who has worked in York Minster&rsquo;s Stoneyard since October 2007 is now moving on to find his next placement.&nbsp; In recognition of the work which Mark has completed at York Minster and as a memento of his time in the Stoneyard, he has been presented with Sarah Brown&rsquo;s book &ldquo; York Minster: An Architectural History c.1220-1500&rdquo;.&nbsp; 
Mark represents the German tradition of furthering his craft-skills training. The tradition of becoming a &ldquo;journeyman&rdquo; in Germany dates back to the medieval period when stonemasons, after completing their apprenticeship would have to leave their hometown with only their work clothes and their tools. They had to make a living while travelling throughout Europe by using only the skills they learned during their apprenticeship. 
Mark arrived at the Minster in October 2007 in the traditional dress of a Journeyman – including shirt, waistcoat and bowler hat.&nbsp; As a journeyman, he is required to wear this traditional attire while he works.&nbsp; He has worked alongside York Minster&rsquo;s Masons in the workshop, practising his trade and enhancing his training. Mark has crafted stones which will be in place on the Minster&rsquo;s East Front for many hundreds of years to come.&nbsp; He will now move on from the Minster to find his next placement.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Archbishop calls in at the Centre for School Visits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York&nbsp;called in at York Minster's Centre for School Visits yesterday to experience a lesson with York Minster's trained Education Officers.&nbsp; Dr Sentamu&nbsp;joined&nbsp;in with the visit of Years 5 and 6 from Tockwith Church of England Primary School.
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I thoroughly enjoyed my time with children from across York at York Minster&rsquo;s Centre for School Visits. It was good to see the children enjoying their learning, particularly about a place which is part of both their heritage, present and future. For me Christianity is a faith of prayer and parties, so it was good to see the children laughing and learning as they dressed up in clerical vestments – as a vicar, a priest and a bishop - and learnt more about the Minster as a place of living worship.&rdquo; 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Archbishop of York to call on York Minster's Centre for School Visits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York is to visit York Minster&rsquo;s Centre for School Visits on Wednesday 16th January 2008.&nbsp; The Centre for School Visits at the Minster offers school children from all over the country the opportunity to learn more about the history, life and purpose of York Minster through guided tours with trained teachers and lessons in the specially designed classrooms with resources unique to the Minster.&nbsp; 
At the start of each year, The Dean &amp; Chapter invite Yr 5 and Yr 6 pupils from schools across the Diocese of York to come and learn more about their Cathedral and Mother Church. Fifty Schools will be visiting the Centre during January, February and March of this year.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr John Sentamu will join in with the visit of Tockwith Church of England Primary School. As part of the visit, the children are expected to learn about the Minster as a place of living worship and one of the children is to dress in vestments similar to those worn by the Archbishop.
The Centre for School Visits has many unique resources. These include a scale model of the Minster&rsquo;s Masons&rsquo; Loft which can be used to show children how the Minster was designed, and models showing the stages through which the Minster went to become the building we see today. 
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York said: &ldquo;Last year nearly 45,000 pupils and staff were booked through the Centre for School Visits to York Minster, and&nbsp;nearly 12,000 of these were taught through the Centre.&nbsp; So I am delighted that the Archbishop will see and enjoy for himself this important part of the Minster's work with young people.&nbsp; I wouldn&rsquo;t be surprised if he joins in with them!&rdquo; 
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York said: &ldquo;I am looking forward to joining the pupils of Tockwith Primary School on their visit to York Minster school visitor centre. I hope that this provides a great opportunity for the children to be more actively involved in the Church and to learn more about the wonderful building that is York Minster&rdquo;. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Dean of York's Lent Book</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Very Reverend Keith Jones,&nbsp;Dean of York is the author of the Mowbray Lent Book 2008, entitled Adam&rsquo;s Dream: Human Longings and the Love of God which will be published by Continuum.&nbsp; 
Keith Jones&rsquo; new book has been described as &ldquo;a personal exploration of how Christianity makes sense of life and how the Bible can point the way to a quality of existence that may surpass expectations.&rdquo; 
Adam's Dream is available to buy&nbsp;online or in the Minster Shop.
Further Information on Adam&rsquo;s Dream
Adam&rsquo;s Dream: Human Longings and the Love of God
ISBN: 1906286108
Published by: Continuum Publishing Group – Mowbray
Format: Paperback
Pages: 176
Price: &pound;10.99
Synopsis: &nbsp;&nbsp;This book is a personal exploration of how Christianity makes sense of life and how the Bible can point the way to a quality of existence that may surpass expectations. The author writes, "In this book I've explored some of the great stories and themes of the Bible, in the hope that they might help readers to get to know God in a new way. They are all passages that mean a great deal to me, and that I've lived with for years, and they have also had a huge influence on our civilisation and help us to understand it.&nbsp; I believe that influence will always be of vital importance."&nbsp; Keith Jones writes with an engaging accessibility, an educated voice and a reflective tone. He draws on his experience both as an individual and as a member of the wider Christian church, now immersed in Cathedral life. He does not ignore other writers on the Bible, particularly those whose influence is known in history, but draws them into his reflections. He looks at what has influenced him in his appreciation of Scripture and of God - be it music, books or the events of his life. Convinced that to immerse oneself in the stories and ideas of Scripture not only brings one closer to God, but also enriches and fulfills life as it is lived every day, he is a persuasive advocate of the ongoing relevance of the Bible to modern life. 
Biography of the Author:
Keith Jones was born and bred in Shropshire, and so is an Englishman of Welsh ancestry.&nbsp; He went to local schools, and took a degree in English, followed by a period of study of Theology, at Selwyn College, Cambridge before preparing for ordination under the late Archbishop Runcie at Cuddesdon College, Oxford.&nbsp; He was ordained in the Southwark diocese at the age of 24, and as a priest has served in various parishes, including St Albans Cathedral. He was for a number of years Vicar of St Mary le Tower, Ipswich, another of the English towns he loves.&nbsp; He became Dean of Exeter in 1995, and Dean of York in 2004.&nbsp; He is married to Viola, who lectures on the history of art, and with whom he shares an interest in the influence of Christianity on the culture of Europe. 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster Nave to be cleared</title>
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The Nave of York Minster will be cleared of all chairs on Wednesday 2nd January 2008, so that people can see how spacious the Nave would have originally seemed.&nbsp; The Nave is only emptied of its furniture once a year, at a quiet time in the Minster&rsquo;s year, making this a special opportunity to see the Nave free of its 800 chairs. 
Emptying the Nave provides the opportunity to see this space as it was originally intended.&nbsp; It also presents the opportunity to host special and unusual events in its vast space.&nbsp; The liveliest of these events is the Diocesan Youth Event XLS.&nbsp; This event is to be held on Friday 8th February 2008.&nbsp; Young people from all over the Diocese of York will come to York Minster to celebrate and praise God through a diverse mix of music and activities. 
During the time that the Nave is clear there will also be a Taizé Common Prayer Service on Sunday 27th January, which will focus on scripture, silence and song in the beautiful candle lit Nave. 
This year, there will also be an evening of Circle Dancing on Saturday 19th January, and the Christian Unions of the University of York and York St John University will hold their annual Minster Ball on the evening of Friday 25th January. 
The building of the Nave began in 1280, and took seventy years to complete.&nbsp; Built in the Decorated style, it replaced the old Norman Nave of Thomas of Bayeux.&nbsp; Diverse uses of the Nave are by no means a modern innovation; in medieval times, the Nave would have been used for a variety of purposes: markets were held there, and in the 1500s there were complaints about boys playing football in the Nave!
The Nave will be empty of chairs until Monday 18th February 2008.&nbsp; York Residents can use their Minster Passes to come in free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York Residents can send an SAE to the Visitors Department, St William's College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF, or pick one up in the Minster.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Advent Wreath decorated</title>
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York Minster&rsquo;s Advent Wreath has now been decorated and put into place for Advent 2007. The first candle on the advent wreath will be lit at the Sung Eucharist Service on Advent Sunday, 2nd December 2007.&nbsp; The Advent Wreath at York Minster is suspended beneath the crossing area, directly under the Central Tower.&nbsp; The wreath measures approximately four metres in diameter and is decorated each year with seasonal evergreen foliage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The wreath is decorated each year by the Minster&rsquo;s volunteer flower arrangers, underneath the central tower.&nbsp; The wreath is then attached to a wire which hangs from the ceiling of the Central Tower
The Advent Wreath will hang in place throughout Advent.&nbsp; One candle will be lit each Sunday and the central candle will be lit on Christmas day to represent the birth of Christ.&nbsp; The Advent Wreath has many symbolic meanings.&nbsp; It represents the coming of the light of Christ – both the first coming of his birth and looking forward to the second coming of his resurrection, celebrated at Easter.&nbsp; The circular shape of the advent wreath is symbolic of the eternal life found in Christ. The evergreen foliage which decorates the Advent Wreath also symbolises life.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title> Family Carol Concert</title>
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Tickets for this Carol Concert have now sold out.&nbsp; 
York Minster will be holding its annual Family Carol Concert on Friday 14th December 2007 at 7.00pm. &nbsp;Proceeds from the concert will go towards the musical life at the Minster, as part of the Development Campaign.&nbsp; As well as music from the acclaimed Minster Choir, the St William&rsquo;s Singers and the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers there will be some new, but familiar faces appearing in the concert.&nbsp; 
Well known guests, Harry Gration and Dame Janet Baker will give readings at the Carol Concert. Look North Presenter Harry Gration began his career as a history teacher who spent school holidays doing match reports for BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Humberside. Harry went on to become a regular commentator for the BBC&rsquo;s Olympic and Commonwealth Games coverage.&nbsp; He has won 2 Royal Television Awards for his Sports Documentaries.
Yorkshire Born Dame Janet Baker is considered to be the greatest English mezzo soprano of her generation.&nbsp; She has enjoyed an extensive operatic career, particularly in early Italian opera and the works of Benjamin Britten. She was created a DBE in 1976.
The audience will be invited to sing favourite carols such as O Little Town of Bethlehem and Away in a Manger.&nbsp; The readings will range from the humorous to the traditional. Tickets prices range between &pound;10 and &pound;20 and are available from the National Centre for Early Music Box Office, St Margaret&rsquo;s Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL, telephone 01904 658338, e-mail boxoffice@ncem.co.uk. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Exciting Choral Outreach Project</title>
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Teachers and children at the Minster School have this term started an outreach initiative funded by the Choir Schools&rsquo; Association. Minster School staff and choristers have been working with three York Primary Schools to share their musical expertise and help children to enjoy singing.&nbsp; Children at St Barnabas&rsquo;s, St Lawrence&rsquo;s, and St Paul&rsquo;s Primary Schools have been able to learn about life as a Minster chorister and have taken part in weekly singing workshops with staff from the Minster School.&nbsp; This first part of the outreach project will culminate in a York Schools Partnership Concert at the Minster on Monday 26 th November.&nbsp; A choir of three hundred, made up of children from each primary school and the Minster School will come together in an extravaganza of song; performing music from around the globe.&nbsp; With pieces from Canada to Japan and from South Africa to Russia, the music will be truly multicultural.&nbsp; The concert will begin at 5pm and will last approximately 40 minutes: admission is free of charge. 
The three schools that have taken part in the trial have been visited weekly by the Minster School&rsquo;s Director of Music Alison Forster, and vocal coach Katy Mahon-Cooper.&nbsp; Alison and Katy have worked with both children and staff, teaching a huge range of music from around the world.&nbsp; Children have thoroughly enjoyed the workshops.&nbsp; Work with these three schools is just the beginning of the project; many other schools have signed up to be involved during future terms.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is hoped that the project will run for at least the next four years.&nbsp; 
Alison Forster, Director of Music at the Minster School said &ldquo;The fantastic thing about singing is that it is an all-encompassing activity: everyone can sing and enjoy singing, no matter what their background&rdquo;. 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Friends of Cathedral Music mark Philip Moore's retirement</title>
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To mark the retirement from the Minster in July 2008 of Philip Moore, Master of the Music since 1983, The Friends of Cathedral Music are commissioning an anthem from him. The FCM, which recently gave a grant of &pound;17,000 to the Minster towards a choristership, wishes to mark all that he has done both for the music of the Minster and for music in a wider context through his composing.Mr Moore has devoted his whole life to music and primarily cathedral music. In 1968, after teaching for 3 years at Eton College, he became Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral. In 1974 he succeeded Dr Barry Rose as Director of Music at Guildford Cathedral and in 1983 he moved to York Minster, succeeding Dr Francis Jackson.&nbsp; 
Philip Moore is one of the leading composers in the Anglican Church of the last 50 years. His works are sung regularly in almost all our cathedrals and in those churches that support a musical tradition, including those in the United States of America, the Netherlands and in Australia. Apart from his output for the church and the organ, he has also composed a considerable amount of orchestral and chamber music, plus 3 cantatas for chorus and orchestra. 
Readers may be interested to know that a catalogue of Philip Moore&rsquo;s compositions (almost 400 in number) can be found here on the Minster website under Minster composers. To mark the retirement, therefore, of such a distinguished musician, the FCM is delighted that he has agreed to compose an anthem which it is hoped will be performed for the first time by the Minster Choir at Evensong on Saturday 3rd May 2008 at the Gathering of the Friends of Cathedral Music.Although this commission is being made by the FCM York Diocese, it is felt that there are many people both in this country and abroad who may well like to join in honouring Philip Moore. Donations, clearly marked Philip Moore Commission may be sent to: 
The FCM Treasurer, 18 Saxon Way,&nbsp; ROMSEYSO51 5PT, UK
Cheques payable to The Friends of Cathedral Music.
Alternatively they may be given to the FCM Diocesan Representative, Michael Wiles, in the Minster. Further details may be obtained from him on:
mj.wiles@btconnect.com
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>40th Anniversary for York Glaziers Trust</title>
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York Glaziers Trust, the organisation which cares for, restores and conserves the world famous stained glass of York Minster is this year celebrating its 40th Anniversary.&nbsp; York Glaziers Trust (YGT) is one of the most well respected Stained Glass Studios in the world and has completed much challenging, exciting and vital work during its 40 year history. These projects include conserving the Rose Window after the damage caused by the fire of July 1984 and the painstaking ten year restoration of the St William Window which was unveiled in June 2007. 
Current and future projects offer the Trust further stimulating work: YGT are currently working on seven hundred year old glass from York Minster&rsquo;s Chapter House Vestibule; some of the oldest and most fragile glass the Trust has dealt with. The essential restoration of the Great East Window, will see the skilled men and women of the York Glaziers Trust working on the largest conservation project of its kind in Europe. 
York Glaziers Trust was formed in 1967-following suggestions put forward by the previous Dean (1941-1963) – Eric Milner-White.&nbsp; The first secretary and superintendent of the Trust was world renowned Glazier and stained glass expert Peter Gibson, OBE.&nbsp;&nbsp; Since its early history, YGT has grown in size, from its three craftsmen, to a staff of eleven&nbsp; skilled glaziers and conservators.&nbsp; In 2006, York Glaziers Trust was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for its &ldquo;In the Beginning&rdquo; project - to complete some of the work on the Great East Window at York Minster.
Although the York Glaziers Trust works primarily on the stained glass housed in York Minster, the independent nature of the organisation means that the expertise of those working at the Trust can be shared elsewhere. The Trust has worked on glass across the UK,&nbsp;including the conservation of medieval glass in a number of colleges at Oxford University.&nbsp; 
The Fortieth Anniversary Celebrations will include a dinner for the trustees and those who have been involved with the Trust in Bedern Hall on 6th November and an exhibition about the work of the York Glaziers Trust in York Minster.&nbsp; This exhibition will run between Monday 19th November 2007 and Friday 1st February 2008.&nbsp; Normal Minster admission charges apply.&nbsp; York residents can use their Minster passes to come in and view the exhibition free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York residents can send an SAE to The Visitors Department, St William&rsquo;s College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF or pick one up in the Minster.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Traditional Journeyman joins the Minster Stoneyard</title>
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The York Minster Stoneyard has been joined by a German &ldquo;Journeyman&rdquo; – a stonemason who is travelling across Europe with only the tools of his trade to learn further skills and enhance his training.&nbsp; The tradition of becoming a &ldquo;journeyman&rdquo; dates to the Middle Ages when stonemasons, after completing their apprenticeship would have to leave their hometown with only their work clothes and their tools. They had to make a living while travelling throughout Europe by using only the skills they learned during their apprenticeship. 
Mark Langer, 26 years of age, originates from Heilbronnin the South West of Germany, near Stuttgart.&nbsp; Mark will be working in the stonemasons workshop alongside the Minster&rsquo;s own stonemasons over the next few months.&nbsp; Mark is required to wear the traditional clothes of a stonemason as he works, these include a black bowler hat, a shirt and waistcoat. 
Mark will receive a stamp in his work book to confirm that he has worked at the Minster Stoneyard.&nbsp; He will then continue travelling through Europe using his skills in different places to enhance his training. 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>The Big Draw at York Minster</title>
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York Minster will be holding a Big Draw event, to coincide with the National Big Draw month during October 2007.&nbsp; The Minster event, entitled Windows to the Soul will run during local half term week Monday 22nd to Friday 26 th October.&nbsp; The event at the Minster will encourage budding artists of all ages to use the wonderful stained glass in the Minster, especially in the Great East Window, as inspiration for their drawings. 
The drawing station will be based in the North Transept of the Minster.&nbsp; Here visitors will be able to pick up drawing materials and look at images for inspiration. If visitors wish to bring their own dry drawing materials they are very welcome.&nbsp; Visitors will also have the opportunity to leave the work they produce to be displayed as part of The Big Draw Exhibition, which will stay in place until Friday 2nd November 2007. 
Normal Minster admission charges apply.&nbsp; Visitors of all ages are encouraged to take part. York Residents can use their Minster Passes to come in free of charge.&nbsp; To obtain a Minster Pass, York Residents can send an SAE to the Visitors Department, St William's College,College Street, York, YO1 7JF, or pick one up in the Minster.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster Policeman's book is a sell out</title>
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Long-serving York Minster Policeman John Key published a book about life behind the scenes of the Minster&rsquo;s own Police Force in 2006.&nbsp; John&rsquo;s book, Close Encounters: Reminiscences of a York Minster Policeman is now a sell-out!&nbsp; John has donated all proceeds from the sale of the book, which reached a total of &pound;842.07 to Martin House, Yorkshire&rsquo;s Hospice for children and young people.
John Key, Minster Policeman and author of Close Encounters said, &ldquo;I am so pleased that all copies have been sold and am delighted that I am able to donate such a healthy sum to Martin House.&nbsp; I would like to thank all those who bought and read the book and who have helped to support the hospice.&rdquo;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster hosts Yorkshire Regiment Service</title>
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A Service to celebrate the formation of the Yorkshire Regiment has taken place at York Minster today, 22nd September 2007.&nbsp; The Service was attended by the Colonel in Chief of the Yorkshire Regiment, His Royal Highness, The Duke of York KG KCVO.
The Service included a reading given by His Royal Highness, the Duke of York.&nbsp; The address was given by the Regimental Chaplain Canon Richard Cooper.&nbsp;
The Service was followed by a march past beginning at the Minster, at which the Colonel in Chief,&nbsp;His Royal Highness, the Duke of York took the salute.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>New Bishop of Jarrow consecrated at York Minster</title>
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On Thursday 13 September 2007 at 11am, a new Bishop of Jarrow was consecrated by the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, in York Minster. He is the Venerable Mark Watts Bryant, currently Archdeacon of Coventry.&nbsp; He succeeds the Right Reverend John Pritchard, now Bishop of Oxford.
Mark Bryant was born in Wiltshire into a clergy household.&nbsp;&nbsp; He was a choirboy at Guildford Cathedral.&nbsp; After leaving school he went on to study at St John’s College at Durham University.&nbsp; After leaving Durham he went on to train for ordination at Cuddesdon Theological College near Oxford.&nbsp; He served as curate at Addlestone in Surrey, then moved to Trowbridge, Wiltshire where he started as chaplain at the local Further Education College before becoming Vicar of the Parish.&nbsp; In 1988 Mark Bryant moved to Coventry to become Director of Ordinands and Training. After eight years in this post he was appointed Team Rector of a North East Coventry Parish of 33,000.&nbsp; Since 2001, Mark Bryant has been Archdeacon of Coventry.&nbsp; During this time he has also been Chair of Social Responsibility in the Coventry Diocese, spending a lot of time supporting disadvantaged communities.&nbsp; He has also been Vice Chair of the Board of the local NHS Acute Trust, and has been able to see first hand some of the pressures and opportunities of life in the NHS.
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Tom Wright, welcomed Mark Bryant to the Diocese of Durham:&nbsp; “Mark will join a happy and hard-working senior leadership team in the Diocese, and I very much look forward to sharing ministry with him.”
Mark Bryant is married to Elisabeth, a Nurse Lecturer and Practitioner and has three grown up children.&nbsp; In his spare time Mark Bryant enjoys walking, listening to music and watching popular television.&nbsp; He is also interested in art and photography.
During the service the sermon&nbsp;was preached by The Reverend David Tilley.&nbsp; At the Consecration, Mark Bryant&nbsp;was&nbsp;presented by The Right Reverend Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham and the Right Reverend Colin Bennetts, Bishop of Coventry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Minster Website wins award!</title>
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The York Minster website was named last night as Best Tourism Website 2007 at the Yorkshire Tourist Board White Rose Awards.&nbsp; The Minster’s new website, developed by staff at York Minster and the York-based Design and Communications Agency Stone Soup, now caters for the Minster’s wide audiences, with information on Worship, Education, Visiting the Minster and Being involved at the Minster. 
At the awards dinner last night, the Minster website was praised for its clean design and interactive features such as the online Minster Shop, prayer box and virtual tour.&nbsp; These features have helped to communicate with those interested in the Minster, both near and far – with users from across the globe using the site.&nbsp; 
The Very Rev’d Keith Jones, Dean of York said: “York Minster is for many people their first glimpse of Yorkshire.&nbsp; It’s great that the York Minster website is a good gateway for them”.
Tom Sharp, Creative Director at Stone Soup said: "The York Minster website has a wide variety of audiences so it was a fantastic challenge to create a site that would communicate with them all. We work with clients across the world but we’re especially proud to be the partner of such a key institution in our home city."
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Ride and Stride for the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust</title>
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Participants from Yorkshire’s three great iconic churches: York Minster, Ripon Cathedral and Selby Abbey will be supporting the region’s local churches by taking part in the annual Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust sponsored walk and cycle ride on Saturday 8th September 2007. This is a sponsored challenge to visit as many churches and chapels in Yorkshire, by foot or bike, in one day. 

Participants from these three wonderful churches will be using three very different forms of transport! The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York will walk during the morning and cycle in the afternoon. Dr Richard Shephard, Director of Development at York Minster will be on foot - traveling between churches in York. Dr Shephard has already raised £3500 for the event. Charles Forbes Adam, Chairman of the Selby Abbey Trust will be cycling from Selby to York and back; Tom Ramsden, High Steward of Ripon Cathedral will be riding from Ripon Cathedral to Selby Abbey via York Minster on horseback while other members of the Ripon team will be cycling.

Those who visit Ripon, York and Selby will be able to collect a ceramic medallion, kindly produced by Wade Ceramics, to commemorate the Ride and Stride.

The funds raised from this year’s Ride and Stride will be split between the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and the church each participant represents. York Minster, Ripon Cathedral and Selby Abbey would like to encourage as many people as possible to become involved in the Ride and Stride. Sponsorship forms are available from each of Yorkshire’s three iconic Churches: for Ripon Cathedral call 01765 603583 or e-mail office@rcdc.fsnet.co.uk; for York Minster call 01904 557245 or e-mail richards@yorkminster.org; and for Selby Abbey call 01653 697320 or e-mail restoreselbyabbey@aol.com.

Image: Participants from York Minster set off on their stride through York.
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Lions Club Peace Poster Contest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
The Dean and Chapter of York will be hosting an exhibition on the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest.&nbsp; Throughout August, visitors will be able to view a display on the winning entries from last year’s competition, and children can learn how they can enter the 2007-2008 contest.&nbsp; The International Grand Prize Winner of this contest will receive a trip to the United Nations in New York. 
The Lions Club Peace Poster contest gives young people throughout the world a chance to think about world peace and creatively express what it means to them.&nbsp; A different theme is selected each year and young people ages 11, 12 and 13 are invited to design a poster using no words to express the theme. The exhibition in York Minster will encourage young people between 11 and 13 years old to enter their regional competition for 2007-2008, the theme of which is “Peace around the World”.&nbsp; 
The York Lions Club is part of the Lions International Club, a network of 1.3 million men and women across the globe who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. For further information on Lions Club International please see the website at www.lionsclubs.org.&nbsp; For information on the York Lions Club and how to enter the local Peace Poster Contest, please contact Peter Jesse on 01904 490410 or e-mail pete.jesse@talktalk.net. 
&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Come and see the Minster Stoneyard</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
Take a trip up York Minster’s East Front!&nbsp; The Minster’s Stoneyard is holding its annual open day, including a chance to take the lift up the scaffolding covering the East Front.&nbsp; The open day will take place on Friday 10 August 2007, between 9.30am and 3.00pm. 
Entrance to the Stoneyard, located on Deangate, will be free of charge, and everyone is welcome to come and look behind the scenes at one of the Minster’s most exciting areas.&nbsp; Donations to York Minster Fund are invited.&nbsp; All money raised from the Stoneyard Open Day will go towards the restoration of the East Front.
Visitors can explore the work of progress of stone through the Stoneyard, see the work of the stone sawing and shaping machinery, and meet the Masons, Carvers and Carpenters.&nbsp; There will also be guided tours of special areas of interest, including the drawing shop and the plaster cast museum.&nbsp;&nbsp; Visitors will also have the chance to view some of the work of the York Minster Broderers, a group of volunteers who create all the wonderful embroidery which can be seen in the Minster.
Members of the public will also be able to take the lift up the East Front scaffolding, and see the Minster’s greatest restoration project.&nbsp; People will be able to see for themselves the stonework and glass, and see how urgently it needs to be repaired.&nbsp; 
As they go up in the lift, visitors will pass the Great East Window, which is the size of a tennis court, and the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.&nbsp; The East Front is over 600 years old, and visitors can see how the years have taken their toll on the stone and glass, with widespread erosion of the stonework, including the delicate tracery of the Great East Window.&nbsp; 
Trips up the East Front scaffolding are available throughout the day; weather permitting, for a minimum donation of £5.&nbsp; Tickets for the East Front Tours will be available from the Stoneyard on the day on a first come, first served basis.&nbsp; Children of 16 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and no children under 10 years old will be admitted.&nbsp; 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Time for Tea at the Minster</title>
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Visitors to York Minster will be able to enjoy a sit down and a cup of tea and a biscuit while they enjoy a visit to one of the world’s greatest churches. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served by members of the Minster community to visitors in return for a donation between 10.30 and 13.00 hrs at the West End of the Minster on August 3 rd, and in the North Transept on August 10 th, 17 th, 24 thand 31st.&nbsp; All funds raised from the serving of refreshments will be given to Christian Aid.&nbsp; 
To find out more about the work of Christian Aid, please see their website at www.christianaid.org.uk 
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>York Minster gets Heritage Lottery Fund earmarked grant</title>
			<description><![CDATA[
£10 million Heritage Lottery Fund investment for York Minster
York Minster has today been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) earmarked&nbsp;grant of £10million.&nbsp; This massive injection of Lottery money will help the Dean and Chapter of York to undertake an ambitious programme of vital restoration work to the east end of the building, including the Great East Window, as well as put in place exciting plans for the training of skilled craftspeople and volunteers.&nbsp; This project is the third piece in the Minster’s latest restoration jigsaw, with two previous phases also having been supported by HLF to the tune of £440,000.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York Minster said:&nbsp;&nbsp; "This is wonderful news. York Minster is one of the world's greatest buildings, and now the Heritage Lottery Fund is helping us not just to keep it standing, but provide a dazzling experience for millions of people.&nbsp; This is great for us all, and especially for York, for Yorkshire, and the North.&nbsp; It also puts us on the map at a time when the whole world will be coming to Britain.&nbsp; Now we can make the Minster a place of which we can be even more proud.”
"It's a tribute to many people around York and in our own team who have helped us to prepare the bid, and we are now poised to make our dream a reality. It's a moment to thank all the people who have encouraged us, and had such brilliant ideas."
Carole Souter, Director of HLF, said “York Minster is a world famous building - rich in history and architectural complexity – which attracts huge numbers of visitors every year who gaze up at its inspirational stained-glass windows.&nbsp; We are completely convinced by the future vision for the Minster, with its emphasis on making it a welcoming place, and continuing the strong tradition of craftsmanship which has been fostered there over the centuries.”&nbsp; 
James Purnell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:&nbsp; "York Minster is a magnificent building and an important part of British history. The National Lottery, through the HLF, has always had an important role in supporting our heritage, making it accessible for all. This grant will undoubtedly make an important difference to the preservation of one of our greatest landmarks so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come."
Dame Judi Dench, actress and long-term supporter of York Minster, commented:
"I was born in York and the Minster is particularly dear to my heart.&nbsp; It's also the backdrop to my theatrical heritage as I had my acting debut there in the Fifties when I performed in the Mystery Plays.&nbsp; It's marvellous news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has been so generous and ensured that the&nbsp;vital restoration work of this most wonderful and iconic building will now take place."
Urgent repairs
The current structure of York Minster was begun in 1220 to complete the replacement of the extended 11 th century Norman building already in existence.&nbsp; The east end, begun in the late 14th century, is currently in an unstable condition with a noticeable tilt towards the east.&nbsp; The stonework, much of it dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, is currently in a fragile condition and will be conserved along with the main glass panels of the much-photographed Great East Window.&nbsp; Created by the renowned John Thornton of Coventry between 1405 and 1408, this spectacular window originally cost £56. 
Nurturing heritage skills 
The Dean and Chapter of York and the Heritage Lottery Fund have a shared passion for looking after the historic environment as well as nurturing traditional heritage skills. An important part of York Minster’s plans involve the training of new apprentices in the specialist skills of stone masonry and stained-glass conservation.&nbsp; This will be the largest conservation project of its kind with five stonemasons and three stained glass conservation apprentices being taken on over the five-year period of work.&nbsp; This is in addition to conservation staff at the York Glaziers Trust already being trained under the In the Beginning scheme, also funded by HLF. 
Encouraging volunteering opportunities 
There are currently&nbsp;around 500 volunteers at York Minster who will now receive more tailored training. Additionally, an initiative is being set up to target a more diverse range of individuals, including students from the nearby Universities of York and York St John, to get involved at the cathedral.&nbsp; 
(Photograph: Kippa Matthews/Heritage Lottery Fund)&nbsp;&nbsp;
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			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>Ice Cream in Dean's Park</title>
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You can now enjoy an ice cream in Dean's Park! A new refreshments stand has been opened by The Dean and Chapter of York in Dean’s Park – the gardens which surround the North West side of the Minster.&nbsp; The new refreshments stand will serve Fair-trade tea and coffee and luxury ice cream throughout the summer months seven days a week. 
Many people enjoy Dean’s Park all the year round.&nbsp; Although it is a private park, cared for by the Dean and Chapter, it is one of York’s best-loved places, in the shadow of the Minster, and home to the Cathedral Library.&nbsp; Numerous events, from performances of the Mystery Plays, to dramatic productions by students, take place there.&nbsp; And it is just around the corner from many of York’s city-centre attractions. The stand is run by Five Star Caterers who also provide refreshments at the Tower of London, Battersea Park, Crystal Palace and many other attractions across the UK.
The opening hours of the refreshments stand will be Monday to Friday – 10.00am until late.&nbsp; Saturday and Sunday – 9.00 am until late.
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</description>
			<link>http://yorkminster.org/news/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:00:00 UTC</pubDate>
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			<title>York Minster - A Centre of Inspiration</title>
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The Minster is this week hosting an exciting event which places it&nbsp;in its&nbsp;rightful place as a centre for&nbsp;study, inspiration and reflection.&nbsp; The Christianity and Culture&nbsp;conference on "Visual Representations of Mediaeval Spirituality" will be held in St William's College between 16th and 18th July.&nbsp; This&nbsp;event is the most recent project which has come about through the Dean and Chapter's partnership with the Christianity and Culture Project.
The Conference brings together&nbsp;a stellar cast of leading academics from all over the world.&nbsp; The exciting programme ranges from art, architecture, drama, music, manuscripts and stained glass.
For further information