FREE - Please take a copy
OCTAG N MAGAZINE
ELY CATHEDRAL BOX OFFICE UPDATED Page 2 EXHIBITION BY HELAINE BLUMENFELD OBE Page 4
ETHELDREDA’S STORY Page 6 FOCUS ON THE BISHOP OF HUNTINGDON Page 10 Issue 4 - Summer 2018
Welcome
Ely Cathedral Box Office Updated
from The Dean
I
hope that by the time you read this the coldness of the March snow and winds will be a distant memory and there will be some summer sun and warmth to enjoy.
During April, there was a significant change behind the scenes as the Cathedral moved to new ticketing software. This was a major project that included a complete overhaul of how we sell tickets at the admissions desks and also via the Cathedral website.
An English summer can be so beautiful and the glories of creation so exquisitely shown in the natural world. So it is with particular excitement that I am looking forward first of all to the Flower Festival in June about which you can read more within - the last festival in 2013 was stunning and I’m confident that this one will not disappoint - get your tickets quickly! It’s also a particular joy to welcome a sculpture exhibition for three months beginning in July by world renowned Cambridge sculptor Helaine Blumenfeld. Helaine’s work is inspired by natural forms and are on the margins of the abstract, and stunningly beautiful.
Selecting the software was not particularly straightforward as it relied on many months of research and planning as well as trips to other similar venues to see what would be suitable for us. In the end, we selected a product called Spektrix. This is a world leader in ticketing and is used by many arts and visitor attractions including St Albans Cathedral. Part of the selection criteria was to ensure that our final choice would be a suitable investment for the Cathedral in the long term. A major strength of the software is that it is completely web based which will enable us to sell tickets on mobile devices and will prove to be invaluable when it comes to queue busting and selling tickets at major events.
We live in a beautiful world. There are far too many places, tragically, where human greed and sin disfigures and corrupts the God-given beauty of which we are a part, but that should not stop us rejoicing, and working together so that goodness and beauty may triumph over evil and suffering. May God bless us all in our endeavours in his name.
Its first real test will be at the Flower Festival when, for the first time, we will be selling tickets from an outside box office. This will ensure that the queues at the Cathedral will be shorter as well as reducing congestion at the West Door. The online platform now sees the ability to purchase admission and tower tour tickets via the Cathedral website, which is something the previous software could not achieve. Again, this is another strength as it will hopefully see an increase in admission and tower tickets.
The Very Reverend Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely
The project was certainly a challenge! We believe that after a period of settling in, that the new software will be exceptional and assist with offering an excellent visitor experience. You can now visit the new ticketing pages on the website by going to www.elycathedral.org/tickets
Regular
Annual Review 2017
Service Times
Sundays: 8.15am: Holy Communion 10.30am: Sung Eucharist 4pm: Evensong Daily Services: 7.30am: Morning Prayer 8am: Holy Communion 12.10pm: Holy Communion (Thursdays and Saints’ Days) 5.30pm: Evensong Cover image©Lisa Gifford
Our Annual Review for 2017 is now available to browse on our website, or you can pick up a copy from the Cathedral. In the review you can read about the many exciting activities that have been happening in the Cathedral during last year, from the Annual Review 2017 atmospheric Candlemas to the inaugural Science Festival; from the hustle and bustle of another Christmas Fair, to the ethereal lighting effects of Jayson Haebich’s Star of Bethlehem. Joyfully proclaiming the love of God in worship, outreach, welcome and care
2
Dean becomes an Honorary Fellow The Dean was both surprised and very honoured to be elected an Honorary Fellow of Harris Manchester College in the University of Oxford. At the end of last year he spent two months of his Study Leave resident in the College as a Visiting Fellow, and is delighted to be able to maintain a close link with the College. Harris Manchester is the smallest College in the University, and is unusual because it only accepts undergraduates over the age of 21 and some are much older than that! The President of the College, the Revd Dr Waller is a frequent visitor to Ely because he owns a house nearby, and when he retires at the end of this academic year, we look forward to seeing more of him here.
The Ely Cathedral Rose The 2018 Flower Festival is the perfect opportunity to introduce the new Ely Cathedral rose. The rose has been produced by award winning East Anglian rose growers, Peter Beales, recognised worldwide for the preservation of old fashioned, historic and rare roses. As a specialist propagator of new blooms, they have won many prestigious awards including 24 Gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which is where the Ely Cathedral rose was officially unveiled by television personality and celebrity garden designer, Diarmuid Gavin. This subtly scented, repeat flowering shrub plant produces a wonderful multi-headed display of deep red buds open to reveal double, ruffled blooms which was much admired by HRH Prince Charles at the Sandringham Flower Show last year, when he was inspecting a few of the new unnamed new species. A limited number of roses will be on sale at the Flower Festival but we strongly advise ordering in advance. Please contact Linda Joel on 01353 660310 or email l.joel@elycathedral.org. Bare root rose £17.45. Potted £25. Subject to availability.
Update on Works at Ely Cathedral The South Nave re-roofing project is now poised to enter its last phase. With repairs to the roof timbers now complete, we await the final works of completion to the masonry, leadwork and glazing elements before the substantial and complex scaffold structures are dismantled. This has been a very welcome opportunity to tackle the deteriorating roof over the Stained Glass Museum, to overhaul the glazing and rain water goods, and to repair and conserve many hard-to-reach areas of the exterior stone elevation. We are grateful to the Bishop and his staff for access into the gardens for preparation work and scaffold erection. We are also grateful for all the Cathedral’s users, worshippers and visitors and of course the staff of the Stained Glass Museum, for their ongoing patience during this extensive project. The Processional Way Courtyard paving project is also well underway, with archaeological excavation now complete and foundation for the dwarf walls going in. The excavation revealed (at its eastern limit) large brick and mortar foundations for a previous structure, possibly late medieval in date, as well as well-constructed brick drains and a stone-lined cistern. Some of these features cut through earlier burials, which appear to be a continuation of the more densely ‘populated’ cemetery further to the west (beneath the new Processional way). The area is due to be paved over in a York stone, and will improve both the appearance and functionality of the courtyard. This project has been made possible by funding from a generous private donor and also from the Friends of Ely Cathedral, who have also funded the recently executed drone survey of the Octagon and Lantern. This will provide images and control measurements ready for both ortho-photo and line drawing production, which are vital for monitoring the condition of the timber and stone of the structure and also the lead cladding. This information is also vital for the planning and execution of any future conservation and repair works or projects here. 3
SUMMER AT ELY CATHEDRAL Tree of Life A major solo exhibition by Helaine Blumenfeld OBE 14 July - 28 October
T
his summer will see an enlightening and unmissable exhibition at Ely Cathedral showing major new works by nationally acclaimed artist and contemporary sculptor Helaine Blumenfeld. This is to be one of her largest exhibitions in Europe and has been curated by Jacquiline Creswell. ‘Tree of Life’ takes its name from one of the most important and enduring themes occupying Blumenfeld’s work. It captures all the powerful symbolism of this imagery and describes a compelling narrative of renewal, energy, optimism and hope - all themes developed by Helaine over a lifetime and now fully realised in this exceptional exhibition. Many of Helaine’s sculptures are about sharing her creative challenges, her hopes and struggles to communicate her vision on illuminating the human spirit. This inner searching and striving is expressed in all of her work. In her pieces Taking Risks, Crescendo, Exodus and Destiny we encounter ever-changing surfaces with no definite orientation, sharply contrasted with, frayed, fractured and broken edges. This beauty is precarious. She creates a feeling of energy alongside a sense of stillness and fragility. These sculptures may bring about within us a sense of serenity, melancholy or spiritual longing. In Helaine’s own words ‘To be creative, I must be in touch with my inner vision. This means exposing what is most vulnerable, which requires courage. It means being able to accept and embrace uncertainty.’ Helaine works, for the most part in bronze and stone. Nicola Upson writes, ‘The hardness of the materials she uses and the physical process of carving, is a determined rebuttal of the notion that is wrestled from within; but at its most fundamental level, it expresses the fear, pain and risk involved in everything she does. Words like ‘turmoil’, ‘vulnerability’ and ‘tension’ appear again and again in the notebook diaries that chart the progress of her work, but each piece that she creates is, in some sense, an effort to transform torment into beauty and hope.’ Helaine Blumenfeld has been creating bronze and marble sculptures in her Cambridge and Italy-based studios for almost fifty years. Formerly hailed as the next Henry Moore, she had a seminal joint exhibition with him at the Alex Rosenberg Gallery, New York, in 1985. In 2008, the Royal British Society of Sculptors held a major retrospective of Blumenfeld work and, in 2011, she was awarded an honorary OBE to mark her achievements in sculpture. Helaine has exhibited her work extensively both in the UK, including at Salisbury Cathedral (2013) and London’s Berkeley Square (2015), and internationally in Europe and the United States. She has created more than 90 public sculptures, among the most notable are ‘Tempesta’ overlooking Hyde Park in London and ‘Fortuna’ in Jubilee Park at Canary Wharf. Entry included with Cathedral admission ticket. Further information on our website: www.elycathedral.org Image: TREE OF LIFE: RONDO marble. Photograph by Henryk Hetflaisz.
4
SUMMER AT ELY CATHEDRAL West Tower Tour Dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, the west tower dominates the Fenland landscape and is well worth the 288 step climb rewarding you with stunning views over the beautiful, historic city and the surrounding fens. The tower features in many well know literary publications including Tom’s Midnight Garden. Stained Glass Museum Ely is home to the only museum dedicated to stained glass in the UK. Over 100 exhibits of some of the most beautiful and unusual glass dating from the 13th to 21st century. Lunchtime Concerts Most weeks at the Cathedral there is a free lunchtime concert to enjoy from a variety of artists from around the world including the USA and Europe. Entry is included with a Cathedral pass or visitor ticket. Summer Organ Recitals From 15 July until 9 September you can enjoy a series of summer organ recitals featuring performances from the Cathedral’s musicians and some guest musicians from around the country. Please check the website for details. Free entry. www.elycathedral.org
Choral Evensong Experience the beauty of this English choral tradition. The Service, with its resonant and beautiful words, lasts approximately 45 minutes and typifies the English Cathedral tradition of choral worship. Evensong takes place daily* at 5.30pm, 4pm on Sundays. Everyone is very welcome to attend whether to engage in the service with the congregation or just to come and observe and take in the experience. *Please check the website for details.
Summer is here and there is no better time to explore the Cathedral and enjoy all that it has to offer. Ely Cathedral is an exciting and engaging place to be, whether admiring the stunning interior of the building with the summer sunshine streaming through the stained glass windows, taking a tour of the famous towers, or exploring the Cathedral grounds and monastic buildings. Ground Floor Tour Join our experienced guides for an insightful and fascinating tour of the ground floor engaging you in the architecture and history of this magnificent building as well as unearthing the stories of the Saints and Kings who have shaped the Cathedral’s history through to modern day. Tours take place regularly throughout the day and last approximately one hour. All ground floor tours are free and included in your admission ticket.
Gardens, Parkland and Monastic Buildings Ely Cathedral is surrounded by some of the oldest inhabited monastic buildings in the UK. You can explore them at your leisure as you wonder around the Cathedral precinct. Despite being located in the centre of one of Britain’s smallest cities, the Cathedral is surrounded by gardens, lawns and parkland. These make an ideal spot for a picnic or to sit and enjoy the spectacular views. Almonry Restaurant The Almonry is a truly unique venue, nestled amongst the medieval precinct. The main restaurant is located in a magnificent 13th-century undercroft, while the Tea Room overlooks the gardens and provides the perfect setting for morning coffee and cake or an Almonry cream tea. The extensive gardens overlook Ely’s glorious Cathedral with exterior seating for al fresco dining during the summer.
Octagon Tower Tour Marvel at the Octagon tower and lantern. Acknowledged as one of the wonders of medieval engineering, this incredible structure, suspended high over the centre of the Cathedral, was completed in 1342 and is considered the jewel in the Cathedral crown. The fascinating tour over 170 steps takes you behind the scenes of the lantern and opens up the angel doors so you can peer down into the Cathedral, the brave can then go up onto the roof of the tower.
Image - Debbie Bellaby
5
MUSIC AND WORSHIP Etheldreda, Queen, Saint and First Abbess of Ely People who wonder why Ely Cathedral is where it is really only need one person’s name as an answer - Etheldreda, Queen, Saint and First Abbess of Ely. Etheldreda was born around the year 630, probably in Exning near Newmarket and was the daughter of the King of the East Angles when England was still divided into various mini-kingdoms. The King had four daughters in all, each one of whom ended their lives as nuns. As was very common, Etheldreda made a dynastic marriage to Tondbert, a prince of a neighbouring dynasty, which included the Isle of Ely. He gifted the Isle to her - perhaps as a wedding gift, or maybe in his will - which meant that this whole area became her property. After he died she lived here as a widow until she remarried in 660, this time to Ecgfrith, soon to be King of Northumbria. This was despite the fact that she had resolved as a young woman never to consummate her marriage and to live in a community. She was by no means alone in this intention in those days. Although Ecgfrith agreed to her wishes initially, when he became King he wanted an heir. He had a dispute with St Wilfrid, Bishop of York, who supported Etheldreda. He tried to bribe Wilfrid - without success - to persuade her to change her mind. The King initially determined to keep Etheldreda, but the story goes that she escaped thanks to a miracle - the tide came in unexpectedly during her escape, frustrating the King’s men from capturing her. Equally, it may have been that Ecgfrith agreed to her going as a nun as it left him free to re-marry. It was on her flight back to Ely that the legend came about that she planted her staff in the ground which burst into flower overnight. Once returned she founded a double monastery here in Ely [men and women living separately] - but we don’t know exactly where it was. It was of course much smaller and made largely in more modest materials. These buildings were destroyed in the Danish invasion of 870. The monastery was re-founded, this time according to the Benedictine rule for men only, by King Edgar under the encouragement of Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury and Ethelwold, Bishop of Winchester. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, and the putting down of the local rebellion of Hereward the Wake afterwards, the first Norman Abbot began the construction of this present building, to replace the old Anglo-Saxon one. From 1109 onwards the Abbey church also became the Cathedral of the new Diocese of Ely. Etheldreda’s story has always inspired the communities that came after her here. St Bede, in his famous history told how her bones were disinterred by her sister and successor, Seaxburh and that her body was found not to have decayed at all - taken as a sure sign of her holiness. When her body was moved (or ‘translated’ ) again in the thirteenth century the Shrine became very busy with pilgrims searching for healing and blessings. Her prayers and example have been a guiding light for all the generations which have worshipped at Ely down to this day. In this day and age we are most likely struck by her determination and decision not to conform to the stereotypes of the day - independent and strong character that she was - but to follow what she believed to be her authentic calling to Christ. In the Cathedral we still mark the anniversary of her death in late June and of the ’Translation’ in October with special services. 6
In the Footsteps of Etheldreda? The women canons talk about their ministry. It’s been 1100 years, give or take the odd decade, since the Foundation’s resident community numbered women as well as men. And the gap of more than a millennium between now and the 9th century sacking of the double monastery Etheldreda founded is a bit of a while, really. It’s so old that … well, it’s new! And today’s women canons, Vicky and Jessica, are exploring the shock of the new, presenting together about their Cathedral ministry and broader ministry in the Church of England, in the week immediately following Etheldreda’s Feast Day. Come to Powcher’s Hall on Monday 25 June 7-9pm for drinks, nibbles and reflections on being a woman in the present-day Foundation of Etheldreda. All are very welcome! RSVP: j.martin@elycathedral.org or just turn up!
MUSIC AND WORSHIP Summer Music Round-Up This term began with Advent and Christmas, which fell less than two weeks after Easter. We promise that this is not a printing error! But if by now you’re thoroughly confused, spare a thought for the girl choristers, choral scholars and Lay Clerks, who faced the challenge of transporting themselves (mentally at least) to the festive season in mid-April. The context was the recording of a brand new CD of Advent and Christmas music for Regent Records. Though very far from being the girls’ debut on disc, it marks the first time that they have recorded with the back row of the Cathedral Choir. The boy choristers and Lay Clerks meanwhile look forward greatly to a joint concert with the choirs of Norwich and Peterborough Cathedrals at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. The concert (a ticketed event at 7.30pm on Thursday 24 May in Norwich Cathedral) fulfils a long-held ambition to revive such a joint venture with Ely’s close neighbours, and includes popular music by Sir Charles Parry, in his centenary year, and Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. For the girl choristers, the remainder of the summer term is inevitably quieter, as public exams loom into view, although their regular service pattern is maintained almost without variation. They would however be delighted to welcome Octagon readers to their annual courtyard concert at 7.30pm on Friday 25 May, with proceeds to King’s Ely charities. Following their trip to Norfolk, the boys and lower voices venture significantly further East in early July, touring to Estonia for a week. As well as performing in Pärnu, Hapsallu and singing in Tallinn, the choir will have a chance to discover the delights of this most charming of capital cities and (weather permitting) enjoy the lengthy summer days on some of the beautiful beaches which line the Baltic shore. These regular tours take place only thanks to dedicated fundraising by parents and other supporters. The annual day-long Etheldreda Fayre on 2 June, a Madrigal evening in Littleport on 9 June and a summer supper in the grounds of the Cathedral on 31 August (after the choir’s return) will all help in enabling this and future overseas ventures. Details of all these events will appear in the Cathedral in due course. Ely’s Organ Recitals are once again in full swing, with a programme of variations which was given by Sarah MacDonald on Thursday 17 May (including one famously virtuosic piece for the pedals alone!) and a rare programme of organ duets from Aaron Shilson and Edmund Aldhouse on Thursday 14 June. Evening concerts give way to the Sunday series as summer arrives: this begins at 5.15pm on 15 July with a recital by Henk Galenkamp from Zwickau in Germany. The concerts continue every week, with recitalists from the UK and further afield, until 9 September, when Roger Judd (pictured right) gives the concluding recital. This concert coincides almost to the day with the fiftieth anniversary of his appointment to Ely Cathedral as Assistant Organist. All organ recitals at the Cathedral are free of charge and last around an hour.
7
EVENTS / CONCERTS LEONARD BERNSTEIN AT 100 WITH MAHLER’S RESURRECTION SYMPHONY Friday 24 August | 7.30pm
‘THE CENTRAL BAND OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ANNIVERSARY CONCERT’ Saturday 21 July | 7.30pm
On the eve of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th Birthday, experience this legendary concert film with a cinematic screening in remastered DTS surround sound in the place where it was recorded 45 years ago - Ely Cathedral! Introduced by the Director and Bernstein biographer Humphrey Burton with broadcaster and film music concert producer Tommy Pearson. A truly unique and immersive experience which showcases Bernstein and Mahler at their best.
A unique and unmissable opportunity to see and hear The Central Band of the Royal British Legion in concert in the wonderful setting of Ely Cathedral. This special concert will commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I and the founding of the Royal Air Force. Featuring music by Vaughan Williams, Holst, Elgar, Nigel Hess, Coates and many more.
FLOWER FESTIVAL Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 June After over a year of planning, the 2018 Festival, Kaleidoscope of Life is now almost upon us! The preview evening include a drinks reception in the Bishop’s Garden with special guest Diarmuid Gavin and takes place on the 20 June. Other highlights include an exclusive evening viewing of the arrangements on 22 June which will be preceded by a concert with the RAF Marham Military Wives Choir. The overall theme of the design this year focuses on the four seasons of life. Highlights include a water feature, a floral arch the length of Ely’s impressive nave and an entire transept dedicated to commemorating the end of WWI. The crowning glory is a 12 metre wide kaleidoscope of flowers positioned in splendour directly under Ely’s famous Octagon tower. Throughout the event, Ely’s 14th century Lady Chapel will host a programme of musical performances. Visitors can also enjoy floral demonstrations by professional arrangers as well as an opportunity for shopping in the Gift & Craft Marquee located in the Cathedral grounds. Further information on the Festival including opening times, special events, tickets, restaurant partners and parking is available on the website or pick up a Festival leaflet from the Cathedral. (Please note: All services will take place as the usual times throughout the Festival although locations may differ. Please check the website or the printed service sheet for further details). 8
RETROSPECTIVE Holy Week and Easter
O
ur services were memorable in many ways we were greatly privileged that Bishop Rowan Williams, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, was our preacher throughout Holy Week and at the Vigil when the Paschal Candle was lit and the first celebration of Easter took place with the Bishops confirming twenty or so candidates for confirmation.
Voices of the choir including Bruckner’s Vexilla Regis (The Royal banners forward go) and Christus factus est (Christ became obedient unto death) and Kenneth Leighton’s short cantata Crucifixus pro nobis during which our Tenor Lay Clerk Mark Hounsell sang the dramatic solo superbly. The Chrism Eucharist (when diocesan clergy and licensed ministers gather to renew their ordination vows and commitment to ministry) on Maundy Thursday saw the launch of the Diocese’s Way of Life for deepening spirituality and discipleship standing underneath Jonathan Clarke’s massive sculpture.
Throughout Lent there has been music made in more various ways than before - with meditations on organ music and sermons at the Sung Eucharist by visiting preachers on the theme of the music of our faith. At Evensong preachers took the anthem as their inspiration. On Tuesday in Holy Week the compline choir sang a beautiful setting of the anthem Drop, drop slow tears interspersed with a fine solo by Tristan Harding, one of our Sixth Form choral scholars, of Jesus’s seven last words from the cross (which Bishop Rowan himself particularly appreciated). The Sequence of music and readings on Holy Wednesday continued with very powerful performances by the Girls, Boys and Lower
On Easter Day the choir sang Dvořák’s Mass in D with an orchestra drawn from members of Ely Sinfonia and during communion Rebecca Duckworth sang the solo of the Easter Hymn from Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana - a fabulous and joyful highlight. Evensong included the second performance of our Director of Music Paul Trepte’s powerful Te Deum.
9
FOCUS ON The Bishop of Huntingdon David Thomson are the inevitable meetings of course, and lots of time spent preparing for sermons, leading quiet days and bible studies and all the other things Bishops get asked to do. What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
When did you become Bishop of Huntingdon and what were you doing before this role?
I suppose you could say that I have a ministry of encouragement. Very often someone else is in the driving seat but I am set free to get alongside, pray, seek words of wisdom. So I get to see people and places grow and change, and to pray for God’s blessing on them in the sacraments, in all those confirmations, and in the party times too.
I was appointed to the See of Huntingdon ten years ago in 2008. Before that I was Archdeacon of Carlisle, following many years in parish ministry and a short academic career before that. What does your role involve on a daily / weekly basis? Every week is different, but broadly speaking I divide my time between going off to spend time with ministers and local churches - everything from cups of coffee in the study to services of every sort - and getting the coffee pot out myself as others come to see me. In fact, it’s my excellent PA Jo who makes the drinks, and without her good work I wouldn’t have the time for people and places that I do. There
and my academic background as a historian by serving as Chair of the Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust, and I also chair the Council of Reference for Little Gidding. I still manage to moonlight as a mediaevalist too, so I am involved in a project to republish some of the writings of Bishop Robert Grosseteste, and have enjoyed discovering the lost early stained glass of Cambridge University in one of our parish churches. Until recently I also had a national role as Vice-Chair of the Church of England’s Board of Education. What are your retirement plans? Jean and I will say our formal farewells in the Cathedral on Sunday 23 September at 4pm: Do come! We’ll then be on our way to a new home in Hereford, just down the road from some of our grandchildren. I’m starting to get excited about model railways! What will you miss most?
What is the busiest time of year?
You, the people!
Between Easter and the summer holidays, when ordinations, confirmations, parish celebrations and lots of official entertaining all collide into one great whirl. What responsibilities do you have with other organisations outside your role? I bring together my church role
A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR JOHN BUTTIFANT Cathedral Volunteer When I was recovering from a serious road accident in Ely on 30 October last year, my family brought into me whilst visiting, an envelope with the post mark EII R Buckingham Palace. Eagerly opening it revealed an invitation to receive the Maundy Money on 29 March, having been recommended by Bishop Stephen - what a honour! It was a real privilege and honour to represent the Cathedral at such an important event and I have my Maundy Money to keep and remind me of the day I met the Queen! 10
SO70% LD
Luxury retirement apartments in Ely Now available to buy
Roslyn Court Lisle Lane, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4FA 1 & 2 bedroom apartments from ÂŁ224,950*
NOW OPEN
Roslyn Court is a beautiful new retirement development, located on Lisle Lane in Ely. Comprising of 58 one and two bedroom apartments, Roslyn Court offers an on-site bistro style restaurant, an Estates Manager and team on-site 365 days a year and also tailored domestic and care assistance. If you would like to take a look around and view our stunning apartments, book an appointment today. You can chat to our friendly team, view our stunning show home and ďŹ nd out more about the lifestyle at Roslyn Court.
Call 0800 201 4703 to book an appointment or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/roslyncourt *Correct at time of print
LP-Octogon
JUNE
Friday 1 - Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth Stained Glass Museum Family Weekend 12.10pm Holy Communion 1.10pm Lady Chapel Lunchtime Concert Derwent Singers Saturday 2 CATHEDRAL CLOSED TO VISITORS 10am Etheldreda Fair (Palace Green) Open University Degree Ceremonies Sunday 3 - 1st Sunday after Trinity Midday Cathedral Community AGM Saturday 9 12.30pm Walsingham Cell Mass (Lady Chapel) Sunday 10 - 2nd Sunday after Trinity 1.10pm Informal Performance Iowa City West High School Monday 11 - Barnabas the Apostle 12.10pm Holy Communion 6.30pm New Friends’ Evening Wednesday 13 7.30pm Italian Baroque at Ely Cathedral Le Concert Spirituel Thursday 14 7.30pm Organ Recital Edmund Aldhouse & Aaron Shilson Sunday 17 - 3rd Sunday after Trinity 2pm Lunchtime Concert Stockholm Boys’ Choir Monday 18 6.30pm Friends’ Summer Social Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 Ely Cathedral Flower Festival Sunday 24 - St Etheldreda 4.30pm Flower Festival ‘Songs of Praise’ Monday 25 - The Birth of John the Baptist 12.10pm Holy Communion Friday 29 - Peter and Paul, Apostles 12.10pm Holy Communion 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert The Ladies of First UMC Chancel Choir, Alabama, USA Saturday 30 5pm Ordination of Priests
JULY
Sunday 1 - 5th Sunday after Trinity 10.30am Ordination of Deacons Monday 2 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert Texas Children’s Choir Tuesday 3 - Thomas the Apostle 12.10pm Holy Communion Wednesday 4 7.30pm A Celebration of Peace Thursday 5 5.30pm Evensong with farewell to departing boy choristers Friday 6 7.30pm Isle of Ely Arts Festival Fundraising Concert Clare Hammond - Pianist
Saturday 7 7.30pm Cambridge Philharmonic Mahler’s 8th Symphony Sunday 8 - 6th Sunday after Trinity 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert The City Choir of Washington, USA 4pm Evensong with farewell to departing girl choristers Monday 9 7.30pm Antic Disposition Theatre Co Much Ado About Nothing Tuesday 10 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert Chicago Master Singers 7.30pm Antic Disposition Theatre Co Much Ado About Nothing Thursday 12 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert St Thomas’s Episcopal Church Choir, Columbus, Georgia 14 July - 28 October Helaine Blumenfeld OBE Tree of Life - Exhibition Saturday 14 12.30pm Walsingham Cell Mass (Lady Chapel) 2.30pm Lady Chapel Concert London Concord Singers Sunday 15 - 7th Sunday after Trinity 5.15pm Summer Organ Recital Henk Galenkamp Saturday 21 7.30pm The Central Band of The Royal British Legion Anniversary Concert Sunday 22 - Mary Magdalene 5.15pm Organ Recital - Hilary Punnett Monday 23 7.30pm Gabrieli Roar - An English Coronation 1902 - 1953 Wednesday 25 - James the Apostle 12.10pm Holy Communion Sunday 29 - 9th Sunday after Trinity 5.15pm Organ Recital - Stephen Farr Monday 30 10am Holiday Drop-In Session Tuesday 31 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert The choir of The Church of The Epiphany, Washington, DC
AUGUST
Wednesday 1 - Friday 31 Ely Photographic Society Exhibition Wednesday 1 10am Holiday Drop-In Session Friday 3 1.10pm Lady Chapel Lunchtime Performance - Dance Divine, Octagon Studios Saturday 4 10am Cathedral Centre Craft Fair Sunday 5 - 10th Sunday after Trinity 5.15pm Organ Recital - Paul Trepte Monday 6 - The Transfiguration of Our Lord 10am Holiday Drop-In Session 12.10pm Holy Communion
Wednesday 8 10am Holiday Drop-In Session Thursday 9 1.10pm Lady Chapel Lunchtime Concert Hexachordia Sunday 12 - 11th Sunday after Trinity 5.15pm Organ Recital - Edmund Aldhouse Monday 13 10am Holiday Drop-In Session Wednesday 15 - The Blessed Virgin Mary 10am Holiday Drop-In Session 12.10pm Holy Communion Thursday 16 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert Stephen Armstrong and Friends Friday 17 1.10pm Lady Chapel Lunchtime Performance - Lantern Dance Co Saturday 18 - Monday 27 ‘Art in Wood’ Exhibition and Sale by the Ely Guild of Woodturners (Cathedral Centre) Sunday 19 - 12th Sunday after Trinity 5.15pm Organ Recital Alessandro Bianchi Thursday 23 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert Erina Ishiyama (piano) Friday 24 - Bartholomew the Apostle 12.10pm Holy Communion 7.30pm Lenard Bernstein at 100 Cinematic screening of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony Sunday 26 - 13th Sunday after Trinity 5.15pm Organ Recital Sarah MacDonald Monday 27 10.30am Informal Sing Halifax Minster Choir 7.30pm Cambridge Voices Concert Wednesday 29 10am End of Summer Holiday Drop-In Session Friday 31 6pm Summer Supper in aid of the Ely Cathedral Choir Tour Fund
Octagon Magazine
Copies are available in the Cathedral and from the Cathedral Gift Shops, Refectory Café and Almonry Restaurant. Electronic copies can be viewed at www.elycathedral.org Comments or suggestions for Octagon are welcome. Please direct them to: news@elycathedral.org Issue 5 - Autumn edition available early September Ely Cathedral, The Chapter House, The College, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4DL 01353 667735 | www.elycathedral.org Follow us on Download the free Cathedral App