Remembrance-tide Letter from the Dean
I write this on Armistice Day, reflecting on a poignant and moving Remembrance Sunday. The Cathedral was packed with young people, members of the armed forces, uniformed organisations, local residents and the Cathedral community. The day concluded with a Requiem Eucharist for the departed, with the Cathedral Choir singing Duruflé’s Requiem.
Today rounded off our season of remembrance as we joined people across the world in observing silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – including, here in the Minster, a group of local Imams.
We will remember them.
Appointment of the new Dean
An interview panel chaired by the Lord-Lieutenant have appointed an excellent candidate to be the next Dean of Southwell. We had hoped that the announcement would be made in October, but unfortunately, this has been delayed by legal formalities, including the DBS process. It is hoped that an announcement will be made very soon. The Dean-designate will the start in the spring. In the meantime, it has been agreed that I will continue as interim Dean until the new Dean is in post.
Safeguarding
A huge thank you to all who completed questionnaires for the forthcoming INEQE Safeguarding Audit. We have heard from INEQE that over 1,000 responses were received from across the Diocese, and of these over 200 were specifically from the Cathedral Community.
The INEQE team will now assess these alongside a substantial body of evidence from both the Cathedral and the Diocese before their formal audit visit in January. INEQE are auditing every Church of England Cathedral and Diocese, and we look forward to receiving their assessment and advice on points for growth. Further details can be found on the Safeguarding page of our website.
Roll of Honour
On Remembrance Sunday, members of the University of the Third Age (U3A) presented the Cathedral with a remarkable book documenting the backgrounds and profiles of all those named on the Cathedral Roll of Honour from the two world wars.
This research, led by David Coulston and his U3A colleagues, represents many hours of careful work. The book is now on permanent display at the War Memorial in the South Crossing of the Cathedral, with a detailed copy of their research available at the Information Desk beside the north door. A very big thank you to the U3A for this invaluable gift.
Annual Report and Accounts
Sadly, the unexpected delays in receiving our audited accounts for 2024 have continued, and we were unable to file them by the end of October. Our new auditors are doing a very thorough job, setting us on a stronger footing for the future. Our clear expectation now is that the audited accounts will be filed by the end of this month and published on the Cathedral website shortly thereafter.
Our financial situation continues to be challenging, but we are working towards a strategy to restore financial stability.
Goodbye
With great sadness, we will be saying goodbye to Claire Connely our Head Gardener. Claire has been offered an excellent new role, and we wish her every blessing as she moves to pastures new. She has done a remarkable job in her time with us, and we will miss her wonderful care and joy in our gardens.
Advent and Christmas
As Advent and Christmas approach, we look forward to the rich variety of worship and music at Southwell Minster. Full details of services and events can be found on our websites at Advent and Christmas 2025 | Southwell Minster, and printed brochures are available in the Cathedral.
Christmas Music Appeal: Sing, Choirs of Angels!
Please look out for our special Christmas appeal, Sing, Choirs of Angels, launching in the final week of November. We hope to find 100 generous friends who wish to celebrate and support the choristers and the glorious tradition of music that lies at the heart of Southwell Minster.
Neil
11th November 2025