2 December update:
We are delighted to be open for public worship, in line with Government guidance. Please visit our Services Calendar page for up-to-date information on all services. We look forward to welcoming you back to Southwell Minster.
Please note that the wearing of face coverings is mandatory in all places of worship, so please bring one with you, unless you have a valid medical reason for not wearing one. Thank you.
Watch the Dean’s demonstration of our hygiene and social distancing measures:
- Please bring a face mask or other face covering with you, and wear it throughout the service, unless you have a valid medical reason for not wearing one.
- The Minster will open every day from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
Entrance is through the north porch only, via a one-way system using the side doors. The double door is for disabled access only. - Because of the need to keep the building well-ventilated, we will be keeping the large west door open wherever possible (but not for entrance or exit). For this reason, it might be useful to bring an extra layer on all but the warmest days.
- Hand sanitiser is available inside the door. Please use on entrance and exit.
- A small number of chairs have been arranged in the Nave which allow for spacious social distancing. If you arrive with your household group or ‘social bubble’ there are some chairs arranged in twos and threes.
- Children must always be supervised.
- While the Minster is usually dog-friendly, only assistance dogs will be permitted.
- There will be temporary signage and floor markers to guide you in a one-way system.
- A maximum of 20 people will be permitted in the Nave at any one time.
- A Verger or another member of staff will always be on duty in the Nave, and a member of clergy or chaplain whenever possible.
- The shop in Church Street will open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am-4.00pm (11.30am-3.30pm on Sundays), but there will be no retail available in the Minster.
- We respectfully ask that no one stay longer than 15 minutes, to allow others to enter.
- There will be no access to any other part of the Minster or Archbishop’s Palace (including the toilets).
- The Education Garden and churchyard is fully open.
- We continue to welcome donations and encourage contactless payment.
- Remember there are contractors on site working on the ‘Leaves’ project and we cannot guarantee it will always be quiet in the Minster, but it will always be peaceful and prayerful.
For so many people the period of ‘lockdown’ has been painful, lonely and bewildering. Many find solace and comfort by sitting in a church building and the Minster over 900 years has given a warm embrace to all who come, regardless of their faith or background.
We will do all we can to make each person feel welcomed and supported as they come to spend time in worship, prayer or reflection. We do so in the name of the One who says:
‘Come to me all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.'