WE RE IN THIS TOGETHER FOR THE LONG HAUL

Transcription

1 CHAIRMAN S e BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2016 WE RE IN THIS TOGETHER FOR THE LONG HAUL Last month, speaking to Members of the Cathedral Community, in the Lady Chapel after the Sunday Eucharist, the Dean, the Very Reverend John Witcombe, was frank about the difficult financial position, and resolute in his determination to build a sustainable future for the Cathedral. Three tough years Today, is almost the third anniversary of my installation, he said, and also the third year we have been trying to bring the Cathedral s finances under control. However, I continue to be encouraged, by the number of people who are showing their support and commitment to this very special place. The Dean then sketched out the background to the disappointing financial results for During the year, there have been a number of staff changes in key areas of our commercial activities. However, we have welcomed a new Tourism and Visitor Manager, Carla Crawley, who is also responsible for the Shop, and also a new Sales and Events Manager Rachael Kelly. In addition, after deferring expenditure on the fabric of the buildings for a number of years, we have been forced to undertake necessary repairs. Much good news There is also much good news, the Dean said. The recently launched, limited edition, Piper Prints are selling well and every sale results in a donation to the Cathedral. We are also grateful for the latest contributors to the Millennium Screen Appeal. 1

2 This year we have negotiated an increased contribution from the University for the use of the Cathedral for Graduation Ceremonies. Coventry University has rented two floors of Youell House for 9 years lease (with a 6 year break-clause). We are developing our relations not just with the University, but also with the City Council. The resulting Rising 15 Conference and the Blitz Commemoration events were just fabulous. The year was topped of by some great Christmas services, which were well attended and greatly appreciated. We have to do better Unfortunately, the Dean revealed, the final out-turn for 2015 is likely to show an operating deficit of between 125k - 150k, which is 85k - 110k worse than budget. This means that we will have under 300k left in our free reserves. That s less than our prudent policy, of always having four months relevant budgeted expenditure available. So, we have no alternative but to do better 2016, he said. The budget, which has been agreed by Chapter, shows a 40k overspend for the year. It couldn t be avoided, except by including unrealistic and unachievable income figures. Looking for a Business Manager We proposed to tackle the projected overspend in 2016, the Dean said, first, by a number of small improvements in commercial activity to generate income, secondly, by revenue fund raising such as Piper prints, and stewardship, and lastly, by long term fund raising - endowment, investing in our building (better heating and toilets, for instance, to help increase both corporate and arts usage). The Dean s Leadership Team and the Operations Team will be working together to reduce the Cathedral s long-term structural deficit. We have already set up a Development Plan Group and a Fundraising Steering Group, and we are looking for Business Manager. In response to a question, the Dean confirmed, that as a result of his recent visit to the United States, the new part-time Reconciliation Ministry Project Officer (to promote, develop and maintain the 200 strong worldwide Community of the Cross of Nails) was being entirely funded by the Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas and Trinity Wall Street, New York. The Dean concluded the Community Briefing by warmly thanking all those present, we are in this together he said, and we will achieve this. 2

3 JUST THE BUSINESS Coventry Cathedral has just announced the appointment if our first ever Cathedral Business Manager. Isabel Merrifield joins the Cathedral on 10 th February from Coventry City Council, where she has been Assistant Director, People Directorate. Oxford educated, with a degree in modern languages, for over 20 years she has held senior roles, first in Royal Mail, regulation and latterly local government. Isabel will lead the commercial team at the Cathedral, which includes the heads of tourism, visitor experience, events, PR and marketing, fundraising, HR, administration and maintenance, with the main focus being on the Cathedral finances both now and in the future. Isabel knows the cathedral well, through her membership of Saint Michael s Singers. She worships at St John s Westwood Heath and is married to Dave and has 19 year-old twins. 3

4 Isabel Merrifield says: I m really excited to be appointed as the Business Manager for Coventry Cathedral. The Cathedral, and its ministry in peace and reconciliation, is known throughout the world which brings fantastic opportunities as well as some challenges. BUILDING A CATHEDRAL Monday, 15 February 2016, at am Sign up today on the Community Table, to book a seat for the showing of the newly digitalised film of the Construction of Coventry Cathedral, made by Laing the Builders in This first Friends Meeting of the new year, is on Monday 15 th February, at am in the Brandt Suite St. Michael s House, with Coffee/Tea from am. It promises to be both fascinating, nostalgic and a unique experience then and now. bookings: welcome@friendsofcoventrycathedral.org.uk GOING THE EXTRA MILE Decathlon, Coventry s Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday 28 th February This annual event is expected to attract around 4,750 entrants, many of whom are fundraising for local and national charities We are assured that most City Centre streets will be reopened by 9.45 am (with the exception of Hales Street, Upper Well Street and Corporation Street) and that every effort will be made to ensure continued access to the City Centre on foot, for motorists and by public transport. 4

5 EVENTS PROGRAMME 2016 Monday 15 February, am Thursday 10 March, 7.30 pm Monday 4 April, am Saturday 16 April, 2.30 pm Tuesday 10 May, am Saturday 18 June, 9.00 am Saturday 2 July, 12 noon Saturday 16 July, pm Saturday 24 September, pm Thursday 10 November, 7.30 pm Building a Cathedral A showing of the newly digitalised film of the Construction of Coventry Cathedral, by Laing the Builders (1962) What lies beneath? The archaeological discoveries in the Ruins 2015 A Cathedral Lecture sponsored by the Friends A Friendly Monday The Reverend Canon Dr David Stone, Precentor The best of Amici Concert in the Cathedral, for Cathedral Parish Partners, Parish Priests, Churchwardens, and Members of the Friends followed by cream tea Meeting our neighbours : A walking tour of multi-faith places of worship in central Coventry Coach Trip to Hereford Cathedral New Members Welcome Event (by invitation only) The Friends of Cathedral Music Regional Gathering Lunch, AGM and Tea followed by a public Lecture John Piper and the relationship Between the Artist and the Church in the 20 th Century, Professor Frances Spalding CBE FRSL The architectural legacy and cultural significance of Coventry Cathedral at the start of a new Century, Kelley Christ BA MA RIBA Cathedral Architect Date to be finalised Last week in November Visit to the House of Lords, and time in London, travelling by train from Coventry 5

6 PROMOTION FOR THE DIOCESAN SECRETARY In May, Canon Simon Lloyd, who has been Coventry Diocesan Secretary for over ten years, is to return to his roots in Wales, when he becomes Provincial Secretary of the Church in Wales. The Provincial Secretary is the most senior lay role in the 30,000 strong Church in Wales, and he will effectively be its chief executive officer. Born in Cardiff, Simon lived there until his family moved to North Staffordshire. At Sheffield University, he met his wife, Faye, who was born and brought up in the south Wales valleys, where her parents still live. Simon says, "After 10 happy years serving the Diocese of Coventry, I sense that God is calling me back to my roots in Wales to serve the Church there. I am excited by the new challenges and opportunities that my new role will bring, but I m going to miss the many friends and colleagues that I have made in Coventry and Warwickshire. AN OPEN INVITATION Cathedral introduces a new monthly Open Table - including prayer and conversation around supper. From February, the Cathedral is introducing a new monthly service for Sunday evenings, when everyone will be welcome around an open table. It s part of our Open Services, which take place each Sunday at 6.30pm, explains the Canon Pastor, the Reverend Canon Kathryn Fleming, Open Table is no different it is simply a supper with prayer and conversation and we hope that the idea will inspire many to explore worshipping with us. 6

7 ST MATTHEW PASSION Good Friday 25 March 2016 Saint Michael Singers will perform the St. Matthew Passion in the Cathedral from 6.00 pm, on Good Friday, 25th March 2016 Sir Simon Rattle regards the work as the musical equivalent of Michelangelo s Sistine Chapel. It s one of those achievements that we don t see again in the history of humanity. What is now universally accepted as J S Bach s masterwork, by those inside and outside the Christian faith, was written for liturgical use on Good Friday, 11 April 1727 at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. Tickets are: 25 (over 60s 23, under 18s plus students 12.50), 20 ( 18 / 10) and 15 ( 13 / 7.50) Members of the Friends are offered up to four tickets, in any price category, at the discounted price of 3 off (i.e. 22, 17 or 12). Extra tickets will be at full price. There will, as usual, be reserved seats for Members of the Friends. OUT AND ABOUT Congratulations to Barbara Mobbs Senior Steward and Friends Vice-President, who last month celebrated her 80th birthday with a Saturday afternoon Eucharist and tea in the Cathedral. Remedial work is currently being carried out in the Undercroft, to the kitchen, lecture hall and toilets. As a result, the area will be out of action for several weeks. At the end of the month, the Cathedral Architect will be inspecting the cladding on the Chapel of Unity. An access platform will be used, so there will be no parking outside the Cathedral during the inspection period. 7

8 PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE This coming Lent, congregations are being invited to take part in the new Church Urban Fund (CUF), Give it up for Lent Campaign to take up the fasting challenge, in solidarity with those who struggle to put food on the table. Congregations and individuals to take part in some form of fasting during Lent, including giving up a mean on Fridays, a 24 hour fast or hosting a frugal lunch. The campaign takes inspiration from the ancient Christian tradition of prayer and fasting, with the money saved donated to CUF s work tackling poverty. Already, 66% of Churches (including the Coventry Cathedral Community) are involved in running Food Banks. ANDREW L PAINE Chairman The Friends of Coventry Cathedral chairman@friendsofcoventrycathedral.org.uk Charity Number