Weekly Notices | 28 September 2025

A Reflection by Canon Jo

There are a lot of angels about in our Cathedral. The volunteers of course, and those who do so much to help others. But in this Michaelmas season, I’ve been thinking about the angels we have around us in the stained glass and carvings. Often unnoticed, many of them, but ever present. In the Lady Chapel there is a beautiful angel in one of the stained-glass windows, that is hardly ever noticed.

You can watch Canon Jo's reflections here.

The window can really best be seen from the altar – as angel faces towards the altar from the west side of the transept. It is the Angel of the Resurrection – an angel about to sound the last trumpet, and the glass with dazzling colours was installed in 1920 in memory of the wife and daughter of James Gieve – part of the family which founded the tailors Gieves and Hawkes here in the parish at 73 High Street.

So from one often unseen and unnoticed angel in the Lady Chapel to several others. There are 5 angels surrounding the east window which depicts Christ walking on the water, in memory of the master mariner John Smith Rowell who lost his life at sea in 1855. These angels all hold banners encouraging us to ‘Praise God, to praise him and magnify him for ever.’ In all the changing scenes of life, we have the encouragement of God’s unseen creation who support us in faith, and join us in worship. These angels amuse me rather because they all look rather solemn and uncompromising. Praising God is a serious business, but these remind me of the gruff dwarves in one of the Harry Potter books charged with taking Valentine messages to the pupils at Hogwarts one year. They went about their business rather like thugs and pinned down the poor students until their message was properly delivered. So here we have these tough angels telling us ‘Praise God’ in no uncertain terms.

There are more angels in the windows on the North side – with banners to remind and encourage us: Have faith in God; Hope does not disappoint (or in KJV: Hope maketh not ashamed).

We are so often unaware of the angels around us. The Michaelmas Carol Service on Sunday evening will be a reminder of the ways angels minister to us, and minister with us; a reminder that there are myriads of unseen powers at work in our world: all the unseen orders of God’s manifold creation, beyond what we can see and grasp.

There are other angels here too, carved in the organ casing or on monuments for example – so keep your senses alert next time you come. We may not notice directly at times, but the influences God uses to guide and prompt us may be just out of sight, or we just get a glimpse out of the corner of our eye. The angels join with us in the music of God’s praise; they point us to the eternal life of heaven; and we will be surrounded by them at the last, when all creation is gathered in worship around God’s throne.

The Reverend Canon Jo Spreadbury,
Canon Precentor

Dates for your diary…

Gin & Rum Festival 2025 – Saturday, 27 September at 12:30pm
Michaelmas Carol Service – Sunday, 28 September at 5:45pm
Speak their Name - Quilt Exhibition – Monday, 29 September at 11:00am
Parish Lunch Club – Monday, 29 September at 12:30pm
Exploring the Bible - The Psalms – Tuesday, 30 September at 6:30pm
The Word is Near – Wednesday, 1 October at 10:15am
#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 1 October at 2:00pm
Choral Evensong sung by Radley College Chapel Choir – Wednesday, 1 October at 5:45pm
Lunchtime Live - Sachin Gunga (organ) – Thursday, 2 October at 1:10pm
South East 12 Bell Striking Competition – Saturday, 4 October at 9:30am

Community News

‘Interstellar’ Live in Concert with Roger Sayer Returns - Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale!

Back by overwhelming demand after last year’s sell-out performance, ‘Interstellar’ Live in Concert with Roger Sayer returns to Portsmouth Cathedral this December. If you missed it in 2024 — or simply want to experience the magic all over again — now is your chance. But don’t wait too long: we’re expecting tickets to sell out once more.

For two weeks only, you can save up to 20% with our Early Bird offer. This special discount is available until Friday 3 October 2025, or while the limited allocation lasts.

We'll be once again joined by internationally acclaimed organist Roger Sayer. As the original musical collaborator on Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, Roger’s performance shaped the film’s unforgettable soundtrack, created in partnership with Hans Zimmer. His playing carries the power, emotion, and depth that made the film so extraordinary.

At Portsmouth Cathedral, Roger will once again perform this iconic score live on our magnificent organ, accompanied by projected visuals that transport audiences into the cosmos.

🎟 Secure your tickets today and save with our Early Bird offer before they run out - Use code 'INTER-EARLY-BIRD' to redeem

👉 Get your tickets here! Don't miss out.

INEQE Safeguarding Aduit

Portsmouth Cathedral, along with the Diocese of Portsmouth, has recently undergone a safeguarding audit by the independent organisation INEQE Safeguarding Group. The audit took place in June of this year as part of a national audit of all cathedrals and dioceses in the country. The report for the Diocese of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Cathedral has been published last week and you can view the report, a video statement from the Bishop of Portsmouth, and statements from both the Bishop and Dean of Portsmouth by following thelink here.

Many of our cathedral staff, volunteers and members of the congregations took part in surveys and focus groups during the audit and we thank them for their contributions to this vital piece of work to ensure that our safeguarding policy and practice is always improving.

Harriet Neale-Stevens,
Chapter Safeguarding Lead

Cathedral Music Trust

On Tuesday, we were delighted to welcome Cathedral Music Trust CEO, Jonathan Mayes on his route to visit every Southern Cathedral. Members of the Music Team spoke to him about their work here and Dean Anthony then joined Jonathan for his next leg from Portsmouth to Chichester!

You can read more about the Cathedral Music Trusthere.

Harvest Festival

Last Sunday for Harvest we were grateful to receive donations as part of the citywide 'With Thankful Hearts' campaign.

Thank you to all those who donated. Food donations, for distribution through the Roberts Centre, can be left in the Cloister throughout the year.

Welcome to Nicky Clark as Chief Finance Officer

Portsmouth Cathedral is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicky Clark FCA as our new Chief Finance Officer. Nicky joins the Cathedral team from The Roberts Centre, where she served as Finance Manager.

Nicky’s appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the Cathedral’s financial strategy and governance. Her part-time role is funded for three years by the Cathedral Sustainability Fund (CSF).

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Nicky has a proven track record in financial planning, compliance, and strategic decision-making. Her most recent role involved managing the finance function of a local charity, embedding good financial practice throughout the organisation, and ensuring efficient use of resources to optimise service delivery and public benefit.

Dean Anthony commented; “We are delighted to welcome Nicky to the Cathedral’s finance and senior teams. We look forward to the considerable expertise she will bring to our financial operations and forward planning.”

Nicky joined the Cathedral team on 22 September and has spent her first week attending the Cathedral Administrators and Finance Association (CAFA) conference, alongside our Chief Operating Officer, Zoë Colbeck.

Friends Evening Talk with Jeremy Prescott

We are honoured to welcome Jeremy Prescott (Lieutenant Colonel retired), who will give a thought-provoking talk on Remembrance, titled 'The Miracle Flower from Flanders to the Tower'.

Jeremy is widely recognised for his powerful and engaging presentations. Reduced price tickets are available for members of the Friends. All tickets purchased include(s) a complimentary glass of wine. Get your tickets now and experience an engaging talk alongside the Friends. Members of the Friends can puchase tickets at a reduced rate.

The promotional code for members and membership information is available throughfriends@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Tickets available for purchase here →

Speak Their Name Quilt Exhibition

This week the Speak their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be on display in the cathedral. One year ago, it was exhibited for the first time here and now a third panel has been added, made up of squares beautifully crafted by the families and friends of those whose lives have been lost to suicide. Do come and see this moving quilt in which are stitched precious memories of love and joy as well as hope for the future.

More info can be found on our event pagehere.

Michaelmas Carol Service - 28 September

On Sunday 28 September at 5:45pm, we celebrate the presence and protection of St Michael and All Angels at our Michaelmas Carol Service. With special music and readings, we reflect on the ministry of the angels and all the unseen orders of creation who worship God with us. Singers from around the Diocese will be singing alongside our Cathedral Choir.

Fairtrade Fortnight

Portsmouth celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight with various events around the city. Here at the Cathedral our usual Fairtrade Breakfast will be held on Sunday 5 October, with tasty breakfast treats available to all at our three morning services. On 28 October a Fairtrade Wine and Cheese tasting Evening will be happening in Becket Hall.

Tickets for Wine tasting evening can be found here.

More information about Fair Trade Fortnight can be found here.

Exploring the Bible: The Psalms

Part of our series of courses exploring the Bible, come and delve into the Psalms and learn about their history, how they are used in worship and prayer, and why they are significant to Christians today. Tuesday evenings in the Bishop Kenneth Room at 6:30pm-8:00pm, taking place on 30 September and 7 October

Please emailCanon Harriet if you would like to attend.

South Tower Transept Window Repair

The west-facing window in the South Tower Transept has been temporarily removed for essential repairs, and in preparation for our new Welcome Area. This work is funded by Chapter as part of its ongoing commitment to the maintenance and conservation of the Cathedral building. When the window is reinstalled, secondary glazing will be added, funded by the Church Commissioners' Net Zero fund.

This repair also forms part of preparations for an exciting new development: the creation of a Centenary Heritage Exhibition and Welcome Area, supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund. Launching later this year, the new space will celebrate the Cathedral’s rich history and its deep-rooted connections with the city of Portsmouth.

Cathedral Closure this Saturday

Please note the Cathedral is closed for visiting, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The St. Thomas Chapel will remain open for private prayer and reflection. Limited sight-seeing will be available of the Quire from the St. Thomas Chapel only.

Entry to the chapel will be from the Memorial Garden only, please follow signage, or ask for assistance at our main entrance.

There may be ambient noise and music during your visit, due to an event taking place in the Nave - we appreciate your understanding.

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.

Services this Sunday

8:00am – Holy Communion
9:30am – #PompeySundays
11:00am – Sung Eucharist with baptism
5:45pm – Michaelmas Carol Service

Prayers & Intercessions

We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Mark, Paul, Wynne, Saphie, Michael, Trudie, Pauline, Davina, Susan, Karen, Carole, Peter, George, Jennifer, baby Lottie and baby Lily.

We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Richard, Ralph, Marion, Stuart, Jill, Suzy, Graeme, Alistair, Chris, Mathai and Philip.

We remember those who have died recently, including:
Sarah Chapman, William Blake (Cathedral Memorial Service 2:30pm on Thursday 2 October) and Anthea Hill (Cathedral Memorial Service 2:30pm on Monday 13 October), John Maybury, Norman Chatfield RIP.

We are sad to share the news with you that Canon John Maybury has died. He passed away peacefully in hospital on 11 September, following a short period of illness. John was an Honorary Canon of Portsmouth Cathedral (1981-95).

A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held on Monday 29th September, 11:30am, at St John’s Church, Locks Heath, followed by a light lunch. John has asked for ‘bright clothes and no flowers’, with donations welcome for The Melanesian Mission UK. For those unable to come the service will be live-streamed on YouTube.