A reflection from Dean Anthony

 Who is biggest employer in Portsmouth?   I’ve heard this question a number of times, and the first suggestions that tend to be made are ‘the Navy’ or ‘the University’.   The actual answer, I understand, is the National Health Service, launched seventy years ago on 5 July 1948.   The NHS not only employs large numbers of people; it also has a huge number of volunteer roles.   In that sense its vital day-to-day work is a huge national effort worthy (for all that almost everyone agrees it needs reform) of much celebration and thanksgiving.
 
The Cathedral also owes a huge debt to its volunteers.  This past week saw the opportunity to pay tribute to Margaret Wilson on her retirement as Head Guide.   She has been wonderful in that role, and we are so pleased that she is staying on as part of our fantastic team of Guides, while Jonathan Randall takes on the mantle.   Our guiding team is just one example of the way the life and work of the Cathedral is enriched and made possible by volunteers; the excellent school leavers’ workshops run by our education volunteers are another recent example.   And then there are the welcomers, sidespersons and Consort, the ‘holy dusters’, the flower arrangers, the lunch club catering and serving team, and so much more.   We are fortunate to have the terrific Rachael Forder as the Cathedral’s volunteer co-ordinator, who is always glad to hear from anyone who is interested in contributing in this way.
 
I write all this during the Cathedral’s annual Season of Generosity, and its focus on financial giving.  My colleagues who have worked me on this will understand, I think, that generosity is about giving of ourselves in a variety of ways, in response to the extraordinary generosity of God.  It is true that the whole cathedral team has worked extremely hard in recent years to move away from the financial deficits of the past.   It is vital this continues if we are to safeguard and develop all that we are called to do and to be as a Cathedral and Parish Church, most fundamentally of all as place of worship and music – and for all the renewed financial rigour there is still a long way to go.  So if you are able to financially support our ministry and mission, we are really grateful; but so too are we thankful for support in other ways, not least through volunteering. 
 
This comes with my prayers, thanks, and very best wishes,
Dean Anthony

Community News

Season of Generosity 2023

Last Sunday saw the beginning of theSeason of Generosity, an annual period where we invite everyone from our cathedral community to consider their giving. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing how your generosity helps make a difference not only for Portsmouth Cathedral, but also for charities both in our local community and around the world.
 
We also invite you to consider whether you can support our work with a new or increased regular gift. Donations of all sizes make a real difference and are very gratefully received.
 
Last week we sent out a letter to our congregation and community, explaining more about the Season of Generosity, letters are also available to collect from the Cathedral.

You can also learn more about how your gift makes a difference, and why your continued support is so vital, by visitingportsmouthcathedral.org.uk/generosity
 
Thank you for your support.

Want to try the tango?  - The Divine Dance, 22 July

Ever wanted to learn the Argentine tango? Now is your chance. On Saturday, 22 July the Cathedral is having a day celebrating the Argentine tango and looking at how it connects to our spirituality.
 
If you want to give the dance a try, come to the absolute beginners’ lesson from 10:30am to midday.  No experience necessary and no need to book with a partner.
 
From 2:30pm–4:00pm the Revd Catherine Edenborough will be leading a session on the links between tango and spirituality. Many people think of the tango as a sexy dance, but we will find that it is a sensual and deeper experience than you might imagine!
 
In the evening, the nave will be transformed into a tango salon and the dance floor will be open to experienced tango dancers from 7:30pm-11:30pm. If you are curious about the tango and would like to watch the dancing, there are limited seats for observers too.
 
Learn more and book tickets → 

Lunch Club Music & High Tea and Autumn Dates

As a Thank you to the Lunch Club Members for their dedicated support over the past year, the team will be providing a ‘High Tea’ style Lunch on Monday, July 17 July.
 
Read More 

Festival of Storytelling - We Need Your Books!

As part of the Festival of Storytelling we will be creating reading corners and book related art from donated books. From Tuesday 11 July to Sunday 23 July, a donation point will be in the Welcome Area for books to be collected. We are collecting books appropriate for all age ranges and in any condition.
 
Thank you – you canlearn more about the festival here → 

Casting Call: "Curiosities of the Cathedral Library" Immersive Theatre Piece

We are seeking talented actors to bring the captivating characters of "Curiosities of the Cathedral Library" to life in an immersive theatre experience set within Portsmouth Cathedral.
 
Read More 

Request – have you got a mannequin?

Please get in touch with us if you have a good quality dress mannequin, preferably with a head for an upcoming exhibition we’re looking to host.
 
Email info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or call our offices if you think you may be able to help. Thank you. 

Shop Summer in the Portsmouth Cathedral Shop

 Pop-in to our shop as our full range of summer gifts, books, homeware and more is now available. Find unique gifts including our own locally made ‘The Dean's Tipple Gin’, or catch up on some summer reading with a good book about Southsea and Portsmouth. Even the kids can learn more about our coastline through inspiring picture and activity books, games and crafts. For the landlubbers, our range of bee and butterfly friendly seeds, seed cards and herb kits will keep your green fingers busy, alongside plenty of garden, woodland and wildlife gifts including build a bee hotel or an insect house.
 
Come in and explore our new Summer range today, or shop online for delivery and in-store collection. 

Summer Visiting Choirs

 We are pleased to be welcoming several visiting choirs to Portsmouth Cathedral over summer months - these include Farnham Pilgrims Choir, The City of London Chamber Choir, St Martin's Epsom, Wells Cathedral Chamber Choir, The Cranmer Company of Singers and Peterborough Chamber Choir.
 
These choirs spend much money and effort to be with us for long weekends and we are immensely grateful for all that they do for us during our own choirs' summer leave.
 
Shop online → 

Grateful thanks to our retiring Head Guide

 Cathedral Guides, staff and friends gathered on Thursday afternoon in Becket Hall for High Tea including Prosecco to mark the retirement of Margaret Wilson as our Head Guide.  Led by the Dean, thanks was given both for her leadership of the Guides over the past six years and that she will remain on as one of our valued guides!In finest Star Trek fashion, Margaret wished that we “Live Long and Prosper!”
 
The Dean was also delighted announced that Jonathan Randall had agreed to become Head Guide.
 
If you’re interested in becoming a Guide ,learn more here or speak with Jonathan or one of our guides. It really is an amazing opportunity to learn about the life and history of the cathedral and parish and to then engage with our visitors who come from the four corners of the Earth. You can also get in touch with our Volunteer coordinator if you’re interested in volunteering in other capacities at the Cathedral. 

Good Wishes to our 2023 Choir Leavers

This past week marked the end of the Choir Year. We give thanks for all that we've been able to achieve and thank several singers (including our Gappers) as they move on to new things.
 
Read More → 

Chapter meets

The next meeting of Cathedral Chapter will be held on Tuesday, 11 July.  This the last scheduled Chapter meeting before the summer recess. 
 
Please find the agenda on our downloads page → 

Fabric Advisory Committee news

 The FAC met on Thursday, 6 July.   The Committee reviewed works in the Cathedral including the installation of the new live streaming equipment, the enhanced fire detention and warning panels and the lighting over the Cathedral Shop, the new trees on Cathedral Green and the memorial bench for Nadjia Carpenter on the Green.  FAC also reviewed upcoming works to the South Nave walls and paving stones.
 
Reports were received from the Chair about the recent FAC and Net Zero conferences, the COO and Architect also reported on activities.  The Committee reviewed its membership to ensure adequate time for succession planning.

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:  Joseph, Mathai, Jeff, Nuno, Edward, Chris, Janet, Richard, Carol and all those in need.  
 
We give thanks for the progress and recovery of: Piers and Beatrix.
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including:  Anne, Giles, Alistair, Yvonne, Renee, Beverley, Rachel, John, Graeme, Peter, Suzy, Sarah, Alison, Jill, and Jude.  
 
We remember those who have died, including: Canon Jane Isaac, Alan Williamson, Andrew Geitzen, Marian Pryce 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 pastoral@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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