November 2023 — Sheffield Cathedral

Update music and singing program in school

Dean Abi invited the Cathedral’s Director of Schools Music and Singing, Tom Daggett, to provide an update on the work since its inception in August 2023. Tom shared his philosophy of “happy excellence” with Chapter and provided a detailed update on the work done so far. and his intention to run a program that engages with the children of the diocese who will be most positively affected by the opportunity to be a chorister. Tom spoke about the program’s financial plans and highlighted the work that has already begun in schools.

Finance

The Cathedral Treasurer provided the Chapter with a detailed presentation of the planned Chapter budget for 2024 and provided a summary of the assumptions made. Chapter was able to consider this in detail before agreeing on next steps.

Peer Review

Dean Abi spoke through a summary of the Peer Review report and invited comment on the chapter. An action plan identifying the recommendations in the report was also tabled and the Chapter was able to explore this. The discussion led to the Cathedral Strategy and the plan to have a small working group to find a working presentation of this before a departure day on 22nd January.

The Measure of Cathedrals

The Chapter received a paper which summarized the current position of the Constitution and Bylaws and ongoing work to address the concerns raised by Church Burgesses and Church Commissioners respectively.

Properties of the Cathedral

The current condition of one of the clergy houses was discussed in detail and it was agreed that new accommodation, more suitable for the family, was needed. The Chapter reviewed a paper shared prior to the meeting on the possibility of a green house in Meersbrook and the Chapter agreed that it was an interesting potential purchase with a review to be made based on available guidance in the first instance.

AOB

The chapter agreed to have Swift Boxes installed in the space above the gift shop.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2024 (departure day).