Weekly Notices | 2 June 2024
A reflection from Canon Jo
In 2019, for the 75th anniversary of D-Day the foundations of a new memorial in Normandy was dedicated. The British Normandy Memorial was first opened to the public only two years later.
I had the opportunity to visit last week, ahead of our Radio 4 broadcast and D-Day commemoration services on Sunday and through the coming week.
On a stunning location just above the central Gold beach of the Normandy landings, the British Normandy Memorial offers the chance to look out at the seascape and imagine what it was like for those who sailed overnight from Portsmouth and landed in the very early hours of D-Day on 6 June 1944. And it gives us a chance to remember what we owe to those brave souls who led the way to regaining freedom in Europe and the final Allied victory the following year. The walls of the central courtyard are inscribed with the names of the 1,476 who fell on D-Day itself, while the pillars around this central courtyard bear the names of all 22,442 whose lives were lost in the Battle of Normandy. The Memorial is well worth a visit, and The King will be there next week on 6 June to open their new Winston Churchill Education centre.
While we were there, assisting with some of the interviews that will form part of the Radio 4 Sunday Worship programme that is being broadcast live at 0810 this Sunday 2 June, we saw a wreath laying on behalf of the Belgian Air Force, and heard the Belgian version of the Last Post and witnessed a flypast by a WWII aircraft, while the details of a young Belgian pilot who died on D-Day offering air support to the sea convoy were related.
Later on Sunday, we have an 11am D-Day 80 Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance and then the evening Eucharist at 5:45pm will have a focus on peace in our world today. The Taizé service at 8pm will also include chants and songs praying for peace.
On Wednesday 5 June, some of our Cathedral Choristers will be again on the BBC, among a group of local children who will be directed by Dr David Price, singing for the international D-Day 80 event on Southsea Common, attended by a number of heads of state. And on Thursday 6 June, at the D-Day Memorial near Southsea Pier, our Cathedral Choir will again be leading the singing as a number of veterans, councillors and members of the Royal British Legion pay their respects and pledge themselves again to work for freedom and justice.
D-Day is a historic time for Portsmouth, and Portsmouth will be leading our country and our world once again this week, in honouring the Day that Changed the World and paying tribute to those who took part. It is only right and fitting that Portsmouth Cathedral will once again be at the forefront of the D-Day 80 Commemorations.
Dates for your diary…
TOMORROW: Summer Celebration - 1 Jun
D-Day 80 Service - 2 Jun
Lunch Club - 3 Jun
Funeral - Peter Reeve - 3 Jun
Hans Zimmer's 'Interstellar' in concert with Roger Sayer - 7 Jun
Vintage Games & Stories hosted by the Anna Chaplaincy - 8 Jun
Friends Relaunch Event - 11 Jun
Community News
City children will sing as part of D-Day 80 event
The chorister from Portsmouth Cathedral will be part of the national commemorative event on Southsea Common on Wednesday 5th June to mark the 80th anniversary. He’ll dress in 1940s clothes to read a personal testimony from 12-year-old Trevor Butler, describing what it was like in Portsmouth in the build-up to D-Day in June 1944.
He’ll also sing alongside schoolchildren from across Portsmouth during the event, in front of thousands of members of the public, D-Day veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and VIP guests – including HM the King, HM the Queen, HRH the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Read more →
Donation of new Prayer Books
New copies of the Book of Common Prayer, which we use at every service of Choral Evensong, will be received and dedicated on Sunday 9 June at Evensong at 6:45pm. Bradley Smith, the Chair of the Prayer Book Society who has arranged this gift to the Cathedral, will be with us and will be pleased to speak with anyone before or after the service who would like to know more about the work of the Prayer Book Society. The first English Prayer Book was used for the first time on 9 June 1549, so this is a fitting and appropriate way to mark it the 475th anniversary!
Half Term Fun for Families at the Cathedral
On Tuesday and Wednesday the Cathedral welcomed over 70 children and their families to explore The Cathedral of the Sea with our fish and boat themed activities. The children were able to follow a trail around the Cathedral counting the number of fish on various features in the Cathedral. A selection of different activities including making a clay fish, a magnetic fishing game and making boats were available. The clay fish were very popular while other children enjoyed making boats and testing them in the paddling pool. We look forward to holding further half term activities in October.
Sunday, 2 June - change to usual pattern of Sunday services
With our special D-Day 80 Services this Sunday, there will be a different pattern of services to our usual Sunday timings.
On Sunday 2 June there will be a live Radio 4 Sunday Worship, for D-Day 80 broadcast from Portsmouth Cathedral starting at 8:10am with the Cathedral Choir singing. All welcome to attend – all those attending are required to be seated at least 30 mins prior to the service start time (7:40am).
There will be no 8am Holy Communion.
#PompeySundays at 9:30am will take place in Becket Hall this week.
The 11am service will be a special D-Day 80 Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance.
There will be a 5:45pm Eucharist in the evening with a special focus on peace - this will be the only Communion service on the Sunday, 2 June.
The Taizé service at 8pm will also include reflections and chants praying for peace in our world.
#PompeySundays in Becket Hall this week
#PompeySundays, our all-age service at 9.30am, will be taking place in Becket Hall this Sunday (where we usually gather for coffee after the service) due to the BBC broadcast in the morning.
Becket Hall is behind the Cathedral on St Thomas Street directly opposite the Cathedral’s north door. See you there.
Wholeness and Healing service on Wednesday, 12 June
Our regular monthly Eucharist with prayers for Wholeness and Healing will be celebrated on Wednesday, 12 June (rather than Wednesday 5).
Because of traffic restrictions and road closures in and around Portsmouth on Wednesday, 5 June due to the national D-Day 80 Events taking place on Southsea Common that day, our regular monthly Eucharist with special prayers for Healing and Wholeness will take place on Wednesday 12 June rather than the usual first Wednesday of the month. All welcome to come whether you are asking for God's help and encouragement for someone you know or for yourself.
The Word is Near
Our Wednesday discussion group, 'The Word is Near' is taking a break this coming Wednesday (5 June) and will return on Wednesday, 12 June at 10:30am in Bishop Kenneth Room.
Cathedral Choir to sing Evensong at Harbour Church
The Cathedral Choir is singing evensong at All Saints Church, Portsea. As part of our regular series taking the Cathedral Choir out to sing in the diocese, we look forward to singing on 14 June, 5:30pm Evensong at All Saints Church in Commercial Road. All Saints is now part of the Harbour Church team of churches in our diocese, and we are pleased to be working with them to the take our music out into the community.
The Stocks are ready for this Saturday, 1 June
Thank you to the Portsea Men's Shed for their creative talents in making the 'Stocks' for the ‘Douse the Dean’ Stall!
Join us for family fun, live music, BBQ, market stalls and games, including your chance to throw a wet Sponge at some of our Cathedral's favourite staff. Donations of fiction books, children’s books, jigsaws for any age, new toiletries, and other items for the Bric-a-Brac stall, can be dropped in the boxes in the lower cloister from Monday 27 May. Cakes on the day and please make all donations containing alcohol through the Cathedral Offices or vergers for my attention as they need to be kept secure.
Raffle tickets are on sale in the shop. The shop also has envelopes of raffle tickets for you to sell to family and friends so please grab one!
We have plenty of amazing and some unusual prizes up for grabs: 1st Prize: £100 Paultons Park gift card 2nd Prize: Golden Lion 3 course meal voucher for 2; 3rd Prize: Williamson's Photography framed print. And much more… Tennis and Paddle Boarding lessons, a family ticket to Exploria, 2 Tickets for Fontwell Race Course, Odean Cinema tickets, a Signed Portsmouth Football Club Home Shirt, limited edition print from I can See the Sea, Silver & Serenity Crystal necklace by Twinkly Bits, Arts & Crafts Hamper from The Creation Station, Mammas Greek Olive Oil, Jo Malone Candle from LMB Cosmetics, Neal’s Yard goods, Mumma B’s organic products and a Fudging Fabulous selection box to name but a few, we even got Man’s Best friend the perfect prize with a bag of homemade dog treats and a £20 gift voucher for Bark Bakery!
Please let me know if you can help at the Summer Celebration on Saturday 1 June email rachael.forder@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
The Cathedral Choir has just started a new recording project
The Cathedral Choir has just started a new recording project. Our Girl Choristers and Back Row have just spent two evenings on recording sessions for a new disc 'A Year in Portsmouth' for Regent Records. The Boy Choristers will also have two similar evening sessions in June. The recording will be released later in the year on CD and streaming platforms. The whole project has been kindly sponsored in full.
It's back… Seafood on the Green – 22 June
Join us for an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers, with a variety of locally sourced dishes. Proceeds supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association who, as ever are organising the event.
Taking place on the picturesque green at Portsmouth Cathedral, which provides a stunning backdrop for the foodie festivities, take the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared dishes, including seafood platters, pâtés and delicious desserts. There is something for everyone!
Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply curious about trying something new, Seafood on the Green is the perfect opportunity to discover the unique flavours of the sea. All profits from the event go towards supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association, so you can indulge in delicious food while supporting a worthy cause.
It's the perfect way to spend a summer day, don't miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the highlights of Portsmouth's foodie calendar. For more information, please visit our website at portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. If you have already decided to come this year, then please fill in our expression of interest form and help us reduce food waste.
Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Relaunch
Everyone is warmly invited to the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Relaunch on Tuesday 11 June hosted by Bishop Jonathan and the Lord-Lieutenants of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Following Choral Evensong at 5:45pm There will be an opportunity to meet the new members of the Friends Council and learn about the Friends and how it supports the Cathedral. RSVP and further details from friends@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.
Coffee Morning
Bruce Parker, the Chair of the Friends of Winchester Cathedral will give a talk about their work at the next Coffee Morning. 11.00am in the Nave.
Appointments
The Bishop has announced the appointment of the following individuals as Honorary Canons of the Cathedral:
The Revd Annie McCabe, Area Dean of Portsmouth
The Revd Dr Susie Collingridge, Area Dean of Petersfield
The Revd Andrew Sheard, Area Dean of Havant
The Revd Richard England, Area Dean of Fareham
The new Canons join Canons Bob White, Karina Green, Will Hughes, Julie Price, Peter Sutton, Tom Kennar, Peter Hall and the Venerable Andrew Hillier as members of the College of Canons. The Honorary Canons are invited to preach at the Cathedral annually and the College, which also includes the Dean, Residentiary and Lay Canons, serves to strengthen and deepen the link between Cathedral and Diocese. More information about the College is in the Constitution here.
The Bishop has also announced the appointment of the following as Canons of Honour of the Cathedral:
The Revd Amanda Collinson, Chaplain to the Bishop
Ms Becky Clark of Stanley, Falkland Islands. Lately Director of Churches and Cathedrals, Church of England
Dean Anthony writes, “It is a great pleasure to welcome our new Honorary Canons and Canons of Honour to their place in the Cathedral. We look forward to hearing from the honorary canons as they take part in the annual series of canonical sermons. As a Canon of Honour, we recognise all that the Bishop’s Chaplain does to support the work and mission of the Bishop across the Diocese.
I am also particularly grateful to Becky Clark for accepting Bishop Jonathan’s invitation to become a Canon of Honour of our Cathedral. Her work when at Church House, and especially throughout Covid, was invaluable and this appointment goes a small way to acknowledging that contribution (and that of her team). Her appointment also helps us to foster new links with St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Stanley, and the Falkland Islands Government as we begin to think and plan ways we will mark the 50th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict in 2032.”
These appointments are made by the Bishop after consultation with the Dean and the Chapter and are for an initial term of five years. The formal installation will take place on Sunday, 22 September 2024 during Choral Evensong.
We’re looking for a new Cathedral Cycle Champion
After three hugely successful years as our Cycle Champion, Hannah Gunga, is stepping back.
Hannah has done an amazing job as our inaugural champion organising cycling opportunities and leading the annual Portsmouth leg of the Cathedral Cycle Route Relay route (Cathedrals Cycle Route challenge | Cycling UK).
We are now looking for an enthusiastic successor to further our efforts in this area.
The role involves being an advocate for cycle use in our personal lives and in our journeys to and from the Cathedral . The Champion works with the staff team to help publicise events. The Champion will help to ensure that we increase the ability of those visiting and worshipping at the Cathedral to use pedal power to get to and from here (e.g. bike storage, safer routes).
As we look to go from the A Roche Eco Silver Church status we achieved in 2023 to Eco Gold Status over the next few years, increasing the opportunity to use sustainable means of transportation will be a key element to helping us achieve Gold status, reducing our carbon footprint along the way.
So, are you up to helping your Cathedral in this important role? If so, please speak with or email our COO, Richard Abraham – richard.abraham@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
Scaffolding Advisory: Southwest corner
The scaffolding that has been in place for a few weeks will now remain there for at least the next month. Investigations into the leak in the southwest ambulatory have found more extensive damage than first thought, including the need to replace some of the oak beams.
Worship & Visiting
Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Wendy, Chris, Andrew, Jan, Tom, Aidan, Alison, Rosy, Richard, Catherine, Debs, Bevan and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: John, Jill, Suzy, Philip, Mathai, Alistair, Graeme, Rachel and Muriel.
We remember those who have died: Peter Reeve (Cathedral Funeral Monday 3rd June at 2.30pm) Margaret Purnell (Cathedral funeral Friday 7th June), Clive Johnstone, Flora Wallace RIP
Upcoming Services & Events
Getting in touch
Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!
Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.
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