Epiphany Letter from the Dean
Last Sunday we celebrated Epiphanytide with our annual evening service of The Three Miracles. This service and procession wonderfully brings together the three key bible narratives of the Epiphany: the arrival of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1–11); the Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:1–11); and the Wedding in Cana (John 2: 1–11). Through these great events Jesus is revealed to the world as the Son of God and Saviour of the World. In processing around the whole Cathedral, through music, carols, readings and prayers, we celebrated the Epiphany of God’s saving love for each one of us. May Christ be revealed anew in your life this New Year.
Dean-designate Stephen Evans
I am delighted by the appointment of Canon Dr Stephen Evans as the new Dean of Southwell (full details here). I know Stephen well from London days, and he has achieved a huge amount whilst Rector of St Marylebone. Stephen has already started to engage in an informal way as he gets to know the Minster, the Diocese and Southwell. We look forward to welcoming Stephen as Dean on Sunday 19th April 2026 at Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. All are most welcome to attend.
My last Sunday as Interim Dean will be Easter Sunday, 5th April.
Safeguarding
A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the INEQE Safeguarding Audit and for all the support received. We have been encouraged by the initial verbal feedback from the INEQE auditors on Friday 9th January. We have welcomed the areas of development identified and are continuing to work with INEQE to provide any additional clarifications as they start to prepare their report. Once we are clearer on the timescales for publication of the report, we will provide a further update.
We continue to be committed to the ongoing work of safeguarding at the Cathedral. If you have any safeguarding concerns, you can contact our Cathedral Safeguarding Officer, Lucy Andrewartha, at safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org
Christmas at the Cathedral
It was wonderful to welcome large numbers of people to our services this Christmas. The general view was that numbers attending continue to increase on the past few years, which is great news. So many people played a part in producing such joyous celebrations, including, our Choirs and Musicians, Vergers, Bell Ringers, Servers, Churchwardens and Sidespeople, Flower arrangers, Cleaners, Back Office Staff, Readers, Stewards, Clergy and Ministers. A huge thank you to them all (and others who I might have forgotten!). It is always good to be reminded that none of this happens by chance, but by planning and a lot of hard work by a great many people. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated staff and volunteers at the Cathedral.
Annual Report and Accounts
We are now on course to present the 2024 audited accounts to Chapter in February. The hard work and the addressing of number of complex issues with the accounts has had the result of giving a much clearer picture of our financial situation. Although this continues to be very challenging, we are now better equipped to face a number of key issues head on. Chapter will be addressing these issues in the coming months and producing a clear strategy, which will be widely shared. The good news is that the work completed on this audit will mean that the 2025 audit will be quicker and simpler.
Exploring Faith
Once again this Lent Bishop Paul and Sarah Williams, in conjunction with the Minster, are running Exploring Faith. This is an invitation for everyone who would welcome an opportunity to explore five key themes at the heart of Christian faith — peace, grace, hope, joy and glory.
It will be running on Wednesday evenings through Lent (25th Feb – 25th March), 6.30pm – 9.00pm at Bishop’s Manor, Southwell. There will be a simple supper followed by a short talk and an opportunity to discuss with others in small groups.
To find out more or book your place, email bishopsmanor@southwell.anglican.org , Tel. 01636 817233 or visit www.southwell.anglican.org/exploring-faith or speak to Canon Amanda or one of the clergy.
Christmas Music Appeal: Sing, Choirs of Angels!
I am delighted to say that our Christmas appeal raised £6,000. Thank you to all who contributed. This achievement will support the full costs of four choristers for an entire year. A marvellous outcome. If you meant to contribute but didn’t quite make it, you could still do so here.
Neil