Bradford Cathedral launched its new Patrons scheme in September, with an invited group welcomed in to learn more about the work of the Cathedral’s music and education departments, to hear the Cathedral Choir, and to meet the scheme’s first Corporate Patron.

Bradford Cathedral launched their Patrons’ Scheme at a recent event held in the Cathedral. Specially invited guests included the Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Martin Love and headmasters from both Bradford Grammar School and Woodhouse Grove.

Those gathered heard about the work of the Cathedral now, and its vision for the future. The Bradford Cathedral Choir performed three pieces before the Director of Music Alexander spoke about their work.

“The Music Department here in Bradford is the largest of the Cathedral’s departments, and we have a lot of activity, with about sixty children involved in Cathedral music every week, and they’re all recruited from local schools.”

Bradford Cathedral’s Director of Education and Visitors Maggie Myers also spoke about the vital work of those two areas.

“We’re opening up some of the key historic figures from the Cathedral’s past. There are lots of things we do for heritage days and open days, where we’re really trying to open up this building to people who wouldn’t otherwise know about it.”

Following the short presentations, everyone was invited to explore the cathedral, including a sneak-peek at the contents of the Sacristy safe, including some rarely seen items such as the Cathedral Charter.

The Cathedral is Bradford’s most ancient place of worship and the oldest building in the city. For many centuries the Cathedral was the parish church of St. Peter before achieving cathedral status in 1919. It is a grade 1 listed building.

The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman became the new Dean in June this year. He said:
“We have so much to be proud of here at Bradford Cathedral already and I am developing my vision for the future of this very special place of worship as the newly appointed Dean.

“We have challenges ahead as we seek to become younger and more diverse, to better reflect the City we serve. Our Cathedral story brings together almost 1400 years of Christian witness on or near this site.

“It’s a story of faith lived out in the lives of the diverse communities that make up Bradford. It’s a story of change and ambition, of hard work and dedication as we look to secure the Cathedral’s future for generations to come.”

The Cathedral is looking for individuals and corporates to become Patrons by committing to an annual or monthly amount. Individuals can choose from three different levels of support – £250, £500 or £1000 annually, by a one-off donation or monthly payment and corporate support is £500 annually as a one-off donation.

Sharon Link, Income Development Officer, says:
“Becoming a Patron of Bradford Cathedral will help the Cathedral’s future sustainability. As a Patron, making a regular gift to the Cathedral, you will support many important areas of our work from conservation, music, arts and events.

“There are many benefits to being a Patron such as free tickets to events, VIP tours of the Cathedral and invites to events amongst other things.”

Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants have become the first Corporate Patron and Chairman, Alan Wintersgill spoke at the event about how the company “decided to support the Cathedral without any hesitation”.

Vicky Wainwright, Managing Director at Naylor Wintersgill, says:
“As a proud and long standing business in the local community, Naylor Wintersgill are delighted to become the first corporate Patron of Bradford Cathedral.

“By becoming a Patron, we are able to play a vital part in its preservation and development, ensuring the Cathedral can continue to be a place of welcome and hope in our city.

“Our support will help maintain their music, education and arts programmes, alongside their support for some of the most disadvantaged adults, children and young people in our diverse neighbourhoods.”

To find out more about the Bradford Cathedral Patrons scheme, contact Sharon Link – Bradford Cathedral’s Income Development Officer – on sharon.link@bradfordcathedral.org or visit bradfordcathedral.org.uk/patrons, where you can also sign up to the scheme.