Counter terrorism exercise

Along with our Police partners, the St Paul’s Security team work hard every day to keep our staff, volunteers and visitors safe. Part of this work involves testing our emergency plans.

With this in mind, if you are free on Wednesday 14th June between 8.45 and 9.45am, you are invited to come along and support our next counter terrorism exercise by taking part and acting as a visitor to the Cathedral. Please meet under the Dome at 8.45am.

We sincerely appreciate your support, and as always, many thanks in advance.

At the Gates: Sharing the stories of disabled Christians

On Tuesday 6th June, the latest Adult Learning event premiered online. Dr Naomi Lawson-Jacobs and Emily Richardson, co- authors of 'At The Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches' were in conversation with Reverend Zoe Heming. Naomi and Emily centre their book around disabled Christians’ own stories, and call for churches to move from a care-based approach to disability, to one that is focused on justice, equality and access to churches for disabled Christians.

The event is now available to watch on our YouTube channel, and we also have this wonderful piece of feedback from one of the attendees (just one of lots of really positive comments):

'I thought this was a fantastic event overall, and I'm so glad this was programmed. I hope it will be the start of even more events on disability. The speakers were wonderfully articulate and thoughtful, and I loved the inclusion of the individual storytellers - that was so inventive and made the conversation feel so welcoming.

'Also, as a disabled person watching, I was in tears at times - to have so much internalised and societal prejudice being challenged was heart breaking and heart-opening. It's so rare to hear the voices of disabled people in public spaces, and it's utterly liberating when these experiences are shared and broadcast publicly to a wider audience – any of us could become disabled and virtually all of us knows someone who is.

'I've followed St Paul's for many years and watched many broadcasts, but this is perhaps one of the most important I've ever seen in about 10 years. Bravo to Adult Learning for having the initiative to programme this... the Cathedral, as a major institution, is listening and giving a platform to ideas that we need to hear more of... I look forward to seeing what comes next!'

At The Gates: Sharing the stories of disabled Christians - June 2023

Volunteer story: Diana Alsobrook

This week we're sharing the volunteer story of Diana Alsobrook, Visitor Experience Volunteer and Trainee Tour Guide.

What first attracted you to volunteering at the Cathedral?

I saw an advert on Facebook and was intrigued. I work at home on PCs so very much on my own. I wanted something that was interactive and less heavy on my eyes, and my eyes take in so much beauty every day now that it couldn’t be more different!

I meet and interact with so many people from across the world. They are always happy people who want to learn more. I speak seven languages and I’ve already spoken three today.

Where did you learn the skills that allow you to volunteer in your role?

I learned three languages when I was growing up, which is really handy. I love meeting people and I’ve always enjoyed storytelling. Just being available for visitors to ask questions is important.

What is your favourite part of volunteering at St Paul’s?

That’s a hard one to answer, the Cathedral blows me away – learning about it has been inspiring, the other volunteers are so happy to share their detailed knowledge of the building. They pass on articles and are just so enthusiastic.

Are there any aspects of your work as a volunteer that people might not realise you do?

Security training – I just didn’t think about it at all but as one of the most recognisable and iconic buildings in London we must do security training. Of course, I hope I never have to use it but better to be prepared.

What is your favourite place in the Cathedral itself? 

The Library and the Trophy Room. I love the Great Model, it takes my breath away. It’s so detailed and older than the Cathedral; it feels like you could live in it. I also love exploring the hidden staircases.

How do you fit volunteering around your other commitments?

I work as a translator and make own schedule. I simply tell clients I’m not available on Fridays! I sometimes work on Saturday to make up time, but I don’t mind as I simply love being in the Cathedral.

Sustainability at the Cathedral

Spotlight on Corporate Events supplier

Caterers Food Show are a member of isla, an action driven network helping the event industry transition to a sustainable future.

The focus is in three core areas: zero waste, 100% renewable and carbon emission reductions. These are the key ways in which Food Show are working to make a difference:

Transport

Food Show have implemented a company transport strategy to transition their fleet to low emission and electric vehicles. Staff are encouraged to travel by public transport or use eco-friendly transport options and a cycle to work scheme.

They are continuing work to reduce the number of deliveries to each site and bring greater efficiency, and have policies in place to reduce the amount of non-recyclable disposable goods used. They also work closely with approved suppliers to encourage supply chain traceability and the procurement of sustainable and fair trade products.

Energy management

Food Show train their team in the efficient use of equipment to reserve energy.

Produce

Producers and suppliers are carefully selected to ensure their sustainability policies and practices align, purchasing high welfare meat and dairy products. Food Show work with local producers in the UK whenever viable, to minimise their carbon footprint. They also promote plant based dishes and menus to combat environmental damage.

Waste

Food Show regularly train their kitchen team and review production methods to reduce food waste wherever possible. Waste is recycled through their suppliers to convert it to electricity, heat and bio fuel.

Equipment

They only use eco-friendly disposables and do not use any single use plastic.

What's on next week

Sunday 11th June: Please note that the 'It's Time' Memorial Service will take place on Sunday at 5pm. This is a ticketed service, and all allocations have been made. Choral Evensong at 3pm and Eucharist at 5.30pm will not take place.

Wednesday 14th June, 7pm: Mothers' Union Festival Eucharist

Job opportunities

Virger

Hours: Full-time, average 35 hours per week (280 hours over 8 weeks)

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum plus benefits

Closing date for applications: 16th June 2023

Find out more.

Senior Plumber

Hours: Full-time, 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: £44,500 per annum plus benefits

Closing date for applications: 30th June 2023

Find out more.

New art installation to arrive at the Old Roadway and other City sites next week

A new temporary art installation will arrive at the Old Roadway (across from the Cathedral) next week, one of a number across different City locations.

From the Thames to Eternity is a City of London Corporation temporary stone re-use project designed by Matthew Barnett Howland, Oliver Wilton, and CSK Architects.

The project will re-use 58 granite stones removed from the 19th century Thames river wall at Victoria Embankment. These huge one tonne stones will be placed at seven sites across the City of London, from the River Thames up to Smithfield Market to create places to sit - or could be used as a street performance place.

It's expected that the stones will be in place until autumn 2024. Find out more about From the Thames to Eternity.

School Travel Awards 2023

Earlier this year the Schools & Family Learning team were nominated for best heritage venue in the 2023 School Travel Awards, alongside Ironbridge, Bletchley Park, Hever Castle, the Mary Rose and UK Parliament.

Last week the team attended the awards ceremony (pictured here) and while they sadly didn't win, it's still a brilliant achievement for our small but mighty team; recognising their work with school groups at the Cathedral and beyond.

You can find out more about the awards, nominees and winners on the School Travel Awards website.

Latest podcast episode

The Geometric Staircase

Our latest Stories from St Paul's podcast episode is now live! Continuing our series as part of Wren 300, Douglas Anderson explores the science behind the design of this architectural wonder.

Listen to the podcast

And finally...

We have two 'And finally' pieces to share this week. Firstly, some photos and a lovely message from a long standing member of our congregation, Mr Bola Obanubi. Mr Obanubi recently celebrated his 50th birthday, and wanted to mark the occasion at the Cathedral. He attended Evensong on the 4th June with his family and had private prayers with the Chaplain afterwards. Here's a message from Mr Obanubi:

'First of all, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for accommodating me, my family and friends. It was an awesome and beautiful day. Also extend my regards to the Cathedral team for their warmth towards me. I underestimated the numbers, and we ended up being 35 in total – but the team assisted with seating in the most elegant way. And my special appreciation to Revd. Paula whose sermon was spiritually uplifting, but then afterwards I was very humbled that she hosted all my family and friends - this made the prayer even more special. My support for St Paul’s Cathedral will remain enduring.'

Last but by no means least, we have a very happy announcement to end our Friday news with. Our Financial Controller Dan Graham and his wife Louise welcomed their baby daughter on the 23rd May. Sophia Emmeline Graham arrived on her due date, weighing 6lb 7oz. Many congratulations to Dan and Louise, and welcome Sophia!

If you have anything to include in next week's news, please remember to email internalcomms@stpaulscathedral.org.uk by the end of Wednesday at the latest.

With very best wishes,
Laura