Cathedral Notices - 14 June 2026
A reflection from Canon Jo
The Choir tour to Normandy for the D-Day commemorations last week was both inspiring and moving. Singing at five services and commemorations brought home to all of us (and I think our wonderfully well-behaved choristers especially!) how significant the commitment and self-giving was, of all those who were part of the Normandy landings - and what their efforts and sacrifice made possible. The gratitude of local residents and civic leaders alike was profound. And we were honoured with the presence of some of the last remaining Normandy Veterans, who had devoted themselves to a cause that was to bring lasting benefits and promise to so many.
I found myself reflecting on whether people today would respond to such a call to commit to a cause. How many today would offer to serve for the good of others in the same way? It is salutary to think that we may now be less inclined to rally round to situations of need – and there is more uncertainty about what are the causes that people feel they can commit to and support.
Here at Portsmouth Cathedral we are grateful to so many who have gone before us, who believed that our Cathedral was worth supporting with their regular giving or with a legacy in their will. They have handed down and made possible some of what we enjoy by supporting the maintenance of the fabric, the running costs of daily worship, and the expense of keeping the Cathedral open each day for every person to enjoy and for all who need a place to pray and find peace.
Over the next two weeks, we are encouraging everyone who is part of our Cathedral community today to reflect on how they are able to support the Cathedral and commit to its future. We are faced with a considerable deficit still each year, even though we have seriously cut back on expenditure over recent years. We hope and pray we will not have to cut back further on the opening hours or on the worship and opportunities we offer.
To those who give regularly already, we ask: is it possible for you to increase your giving even by a small amount so that we can make more possible in future for others? To those who give occasionally, we ask: is it possible for you to commit to giving regularly, so that we can maintain and enhance for others, in the coming months and years, something of what this Cathedral has meant for you? And to anyone who has a reason for thankgiving, or finds that they have funds that they can offer, we ask: is it possible for you to help us with a one-off gift?
I believe that this Cathedral, and all that it represents and makes possible, is a cause worth supporting and committing to.
In the words of our Gospel reading on Sunday, Jesus says: ‘As you have received freely; so give freely.’
Community News
Cathedral Choir Tour to Normandy D-Day 82
The Cathedral Choir travelled to Caen, Bayeux and Arromanches for a long weekend of D-Day82 commemorations in France. Last Wednesday 19 boys and 15 music staff, The Dean, Canons Jo and Angela, choir matrons, lay clerks and scholars boarded the night boat to Ouisteram. The stormy conditions were a salutary reminder of the conditions faced on a similar journey but far worse conditions 82 years ago.
An Evening with the Scholars
Jeremy, Henry, Alex, Sam and Michael will be joined by a few other musician friends to present a programme of solo and ensemble songs, both sacred and secular. This will be a perfect opportunity to hear these talented young people once more before they move on from Portsmouth in July, so please come and support them!
The concert will be at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 23 June - Admission free with retiring collection.
Just announced: Cathedral Institute ‘Patriotism: How to love one’s country in an age of nationalism’
Dr de Graaff, a member of the Church of England’s Faith and Public Life team, will explore key themes relating to the state of our nation today, such as:
How to love one’s country in an age of nationalism
Love of country: more than supporting the national football team?
Love of God and love of neighbour – where does love of country fit in?
Is there such a thing as Christian patriotism?
What exactly do we or should we love about our country?
A big thank you to all our volunteers!
The cathedral is so lucky to have a team of over 150 volunteers supporting it in a variety of roles. These include Churchwardens, Sidespeople, Flower Guild, Holy Dusters, events, hospitality, the shop, education, guides and welcomers, Anna Chaplains, Lay Pastoral Assistants, gardeners, singers and musicians, bell ringers, toddler group, servers, intercessors, readers, lunch club, office, researchers, and committees. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their continued support and are extremely grateful for all they do. We couldn’t do it without you!
In the last year we have welcomed 47 volunteers into 65 roles, including:
18 Events volunteers
9 Shop
3 stewards and Guides
3 Education, 2 Pompey Tots,
6 Consort, 3 Sidespeople, 3 Servers
4 Flower Guild, 4 Gardeners, 2 Lunch Club
Are you interested in volunteering with us? Find more information visit our website.
Gala Dinner to Launch Music Endowment Fund
The weekend of the 4th and 5th of July sees an opportunity to mark David Price's thirtieth year in post at Portsmouth Cathedral. We shall be welcoming back former choristers and gappers to mark this occasion.
We are also launching a Music Endowment Fund that weekend to secure our work with choirs in perpetuity. We shall be hosting a Gala Dinner at The Royal Maritime Club to mark this new venture, and all members of our community are invited to come to this fundraising evening.
College of Canons meets for annual gathering
On Tuesday, Dean Anthony and Residentiary Canons were joined by the Archdeacons, Honorary Canons and Lay Canons for the annual meeting of the College of Canons.
The Dean opened the meeting with an update on the Cathedral’s life and work, including reflections from the recent National Cathedrals Conference. Members then discussed the newly published Theos report, Living Stones, which explores the role English cathedrals as sacred spaces in changing times. Zoë Colbeck, Chief Operating Officer, then gave a briefing on Project Narthex and the findings of a recent BDO report on the operational sustainability of cathedrals.
Looking ahead, Neil Pugmire, Diocesan Director of Communications, outlined plans for the 2027 centenaries of both the diocese and the cathedral. Finally, Bishop Jonathan closed the meeting with words of appreciation for the life and work of the Cathedral, and in particularly for the variety and quality of its worship.
Seafood on the Green - 4 July - What to expect…
As well as the delicious Seafood Platters and Paella that the PCCA will be serving on Saturday 4 July there will be a fantastic summer raffle! With a first prize of £100 worth of M&S vouchers and second prize of £50 Portsmouth Theatre voucher we are delighted to say that local business Camber Wine have donated the third prize of a trio of wine. To whet your appetite here are some tasting notes on the three delicious wines…
Upcoming BBC broadcasts
We've been pleased to be invited to host two BBC Radio broadcasts this month from Portsmouth.
On Friday 19 June we shall record 5:45pm Evensong to be broadcast on Radio 3 the following Wednesday for The Feast of the Birth of St John the Baptist.
And on Saturday 20 June at 5pm we will be leading Radio 4 Morning Worship which will then be broadcast on 'Sea Sunday' 12 July at 8:10am. Both services will feature the Cathedral Choir, The Dean and The Precentor and The Chaplain of The Fleet will preach for the Saturday recording.
We’ve hit our £50,000 target and the steeplejacks are booked in to start work on our belfry!
We are delighted to share that thanks to a generous anonymous donation, success obtaining two grants from Benefact Trust and Syder Foundation, and your appeal donations, we have managed to raise to date over £65,000 to meet the belfry works and work can begin in September.
As total costs for this work equal £120,000 and our projected budget is running at a deficit this year, we need to keep the appeal open as well as run fundraising tours to help meet the remaining costs.
Fundraising Tours
We shall be offering tours of our historic belfry throughout June and July. Each tour will allow you to enjoy the chance to enjoy the view from the top with a glass of bubbly and discover more about this amazing part of our cathedral’s history and architecture from one of our experienced guides and bell ringers. This could be a perfect treat for yourself or a birthday or anniversary present for someone you love.
Further details on how to book will be shared in the coming weeks.
Choir Farewells
As at the end of every choir year, we shall be bidding farewell to some choristers as their time comes to an end in choir as well as thss year's Scholars. But this year too we shall be saying thank you and good luck to Bass Lay Clerk Alex Wallace who has accepted the offer of a similar role at Chichester Cathedral.
'I have had an incredible time in Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, and have learned so much from Dr Price and the other members of the back row. Highlights include playing clarinet on a BBC broadcast, and tours to Denmark and Belgium! I'd like to thank everyone involved in the choir over my three years here for making it such a wonderful experience.'
We shall miss Alex's contribution to the sound of the choir and his immense expertise and musicality.
Just 169 sleeps, and so much to do!
Our Cathedral Christmas fair is on Saturday 28th of November and there’s so many things to do... Could you help us improve Santa’s grotto? I need people to help with Sewing the roof decoration so that the setup is super easy.
@CofE Portsmouth - Summer edition
The summer edition of @CofE Portsmouth includes articles about Stuart McKerracher, who joins Portsmouth Cathedral as Cathedral Curate after his ordination at the end of June, and one of our volunteers, Santhosh, who is part of the team of servers.
Copies of the latest edition of the magazine are available in the Cathedral.
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Don, Ann, Simon, Pauline, Hillary, John, David, Marion, Gordon, Jean, Andrew, Tom, Matthew, Paul, Sylvia, Anne.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Wynne, Nigel, Jill, Abbie, Martin, Colin, Richard, Hazel, Spencer, Jennifer, Karen, Carole, Davina, Mathai, Philip, Chris, Graeme, Alistair, Ralph, Lila, Lotti, Elizabeth.
We remember those who have died recently, including: The Revd Mary Tillman (Cathedral funeral 2.30pm on Thursday 25th June), Edward Stanley, Ron Silverthorne, Annabel Benton, Selwyn, Jeremy, Jane French, Colin Martin, Linda Green RIP.