Discover Your Abbey – Open Day, Saturday 18^th October 2008

A Showcase hosted by the Friends of the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban

Saturday 18^th October is going to be a busy day in the life of the Abbey. It will be the day when the doors will be thrown open and the Friends will host an open day to showcase the work of many of the departments that make up The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban.

Everyone is welcome to visit between 11:00am and 3:00pm, when exhibitions and demonstrations will run continuously. Old favourites such as the Tower Tours and tours of the muniment room to discover the treasures in our archives will be available. However, places on the Tower Tour will need to be booked in advance as places will be limited. Pre-bookings can be made from 4^th October, by telephoning 01438 831156.

New for this year’s presentation will be preview exhibits of the Cathedral Music Trust’s newly commissioned community opera, “Alban”, to be premiered in the Abbey in May 2009, and sponsored by the Friends, and the launch of the newly published souvenir book about the Abbey, with stunning specially commissioned photographs taken by local photographer Donato Cinicolo; this unique publication tells for the first time the story of the Abbey in all its facets, from Alban to the present day.

Christina of Markyate was a lady of great significance for St Albans. The Abbey Friends invite everyone to come along and learn her story, and perhaps even get to meet her! Another star in the history of the Abbey was Matthew Paris, a 13^th century monk who left a remarkable set of diary writings. His anniversary will be celebrated in 2010; there will be a short presentation on Paris’s life and works. And then there is the huge lump of machinery in the north aisle – the Wallingford Clock; there will be an opportunity meet the experts and to see and hear how the clock works.

The event will attract younger visitors as well. There will be the chance to join in the “Christopher Trail” and follow the route around the Abbey set out by the Mendicant.

Whether your interest is flowers, textiles, history or you just want a warm welcome and a cup of tea, the Friends cordially invite you to “Discover your Abbey” on 18^th October.

For more information contact the Abbey Information Desk on 01727 890210. All the events in the showcase day are free.