Press Releases May 2004

CONSERVATION PLAN FOR ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban is one of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in Britain, standing on a site of unique value for the clear archaeological links between Roman times and today. Recognizing its responsibility for the care of this precious and fragile building the Cathedral Chapter has published a Conservation Plan to help retain and enhance the special qualities of this unique and special building for the future. The plan will form the basis of all future decisions on the preservation and development of the cathedral building and its surroundings.

The Abbey began as a church marking the martyrdom of Saint Alban and developed as a major place of pilgrimage to the Saint's shrine. It continues as a place of pilgrimage whilst serving the Anglican Diocese of St Albans as a centre of excellence in worship, education and mission. It is a place of worship for one of the St Albans City parishes with a large and vibrant congregation. The Abbey has a special relationship with the City and District of St Albans and with Hertfordshire and is a local centre for lovers of art and architecture, of music and craftsmanship. It is a major draw for tourists, who are welcomed as visitors and pilgrims, bringing added prosperity and vitality to the City centre.

The Conservation Plan identifies the constituent parts of the cathedral, identifies current issues which have emerged from the consultation process, assesses vulnerabilities and puts forward policies to address them. The author of the plan independent consultant, Peter Burman, an architectural historian and conservator and chairman of the statutory Fabric Advisory Committee of St Paul's Cathedral consulted widely, both locally and nationally, while preparing the Conservation Plan.

Acting Dean, Canon Stephen Lake said, "This major piece of work will be an essential aid to the Chapter and its advisors as we grapple with the huge task of maintaining, conserving and enhancing this amazing great building".

Copies of Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban - Conservation Plan can be obtained from the Abbey Bookstall price £15.99.

For further details and review copies please contact Nicholas Bates, Cathedral Administrator Phone 01727 890208 Email: admin@stalbanscathedral.org.uk

24th May 2004

CATHEDRAL WELCOMES NEW DEAN AND ANNOUNCES DATE OF INSTALLATION

The St Albans Cathedral Chapter and congregation have welcomed the appointment the new Dean, Canon Jeffrey John, currently serving at Southwark Cathedral, and are looking forward to his installation in July.

Canon Stephen Lake, Sub Dean and Acting Dean said: "Jeffrey John brings to the Abbey a track record of scholarship and preaching, and a commitment to mission. We look forward to his arrival and his new ministry.

"The support for Jeffrey John from the Cathedral Chapter and congregation is clear. The vast majority of the congregation have shown their support for the appointment and are looking forward to his installation and ministry here. In addition, the Abbey has received numerous messages of support for Dr John since the appointment was announced.

"Cathedrals need Deans. We have been without a Dean since Christopher Lewis' last Sunday in July 2003, before he left to be Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. The Abbey community is keen to have our new Dean installed this summer, one year on."

The Installation of the new Dean will take place on Friday 2nd July, at a time yet to be confirmed. Arrangements for the service are currently being finalized.

More information: Canon Stephen Lake 01727 890201.

4th May 2004