THOUSANDS SUPPORT LUNCH TIME CONCERTS
More than 9,000 people attended the 34 lunchtime concerts at Chelmsford Cathedral in the past year, it was disclosed by the treasurer, Mrs Eileen Hance today. She also confirmed that £7, 457 was donated to 12 local charities from the retiring collections taken; among them, Age Concern, UNICEF, Farleigh Hospice and Cancer Relief.
Mrs Hance and her team of helpers also provide refreshments for sale each Friday in term time and assist in the welcome of the artists engaged to perform by the organiser, Alan Woods. Performers include Brentwood Big Band and professional musicians. especially organists ( on the first Friday of the month )and singers.
The artists on Friday ( Feb 19) the Fidelio Singers( Ladies Choir) at 12,30. Refreshments are served as usual from 12 noon. All are welcome to attend. A leaflet giving full details of the concerts this spring is available at the south porch.
LENT PROGRAMME BEGINS
The Cathedral begins its observance of the season of Lent on Wednesday(Feb 18) with the traditional Ash Wednesday services - Holy Communion is celebrated at 8.15am; 12.35 and at 7.45pm (Choral ).
The Lenten theme is "Everybody welcome" and discussion groups will be held in the |Chapter House on Thursdays from Feb 23rd at 7.45 with the theme, "Discover: Making the church more visible."and lunches with talks held in the north transept at 12.15pm begin on Thurs, Feb 25th with a talk by the Revd Canon Simon Pothen, on "Lessons from the Rule of St Benedict." Soup and a roll/tea or coffee is provided - a small donation is appreciated. All are welcome.
TRIBUTE TO ORGANIST
Some of the music used in next week's services at the Cathedral will be by Stanley Vann as a tribute to his 100th birthday today. Mr Vann was Director of Music at Chelmsford in the 'fifties. The London Cantata Choir will sing the services at 11.15am (Choral Eucharist) and Evensong at 6pm.
The first of a number of special preachers will speak at the 11.15 on the first of a Lenten journey, "If you are the son of God" when the speaker is the Revd Canon Clare Edward, Canon Pastor at Canterbury Cathedral (Sun, Feb 21).
ENDS