Minster Musings
Where did September go? September in the Minster saw the anniversary of the King’s Accession, and we began the farewell procession to Ed Anderson CBE, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire who retires in December, before Adeeba Malik CBE takes over; the Halifax Heritage Weekend; the Anne Lister Festival; the launch of our Liturgical plan and the Conservation Management Plan; and finally we celebrated Michaelmas, the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. A typical month in the life of Halifax Minster!
During the last week of September, Mick Walker and I attended the Major Churches Network conference hosted by Sunderland Minster and Hexham Abbey. Two very contrasting Major churches, one in an Urban Priority Area the other in a leafy affluent Market Town. The theme of the conference was Pretty Gritty – a phrase used to describe Calderdale, and one that sums up many of the aspects that Major Churches share in their own context. As well as visiting each church and hearing their stories of joy and sorrow, there were workshops exploring many aspects of Major church life, including a presentation from our own architect Tom Brigden, on Sustainability. This of course is the next focus for the Minster Development Board as we look for find the money to commission our own sustainability plan.
Over the last few weeks, you may have seen some scaffolding on the south side of the Minster, as we did some repair work to try and stop the water ingress on the south aisle that has been prevalent for many years. This included some new lead, repair for the rainwater goods which are attached to the clerestory (the windows above in the Chancel) and the repointing of the pinnacles on the south porch. Sadly it would appear that we did experience some water ingress in the north aisle that has caused some damage to the organ, and we shall need to investigate what the problem is? Much work is being done on the tower at present. We became aware of a failed beam in the chamber where the bells are hung, and that has led onto as full inspection of the whole tower, which we now understand needs some considerable work on it, replacing worn out stone, major repointing inside and out, and repair of the broken beam. It has cost nearly £20,000 to simply find out the problems and create a plan to fix them.
This Sunday, The Friends of Halifax Minster have their AGM. The Friends are made up of people who live near and far, and who want to support the Minster financially and many volunteer in numerous roles. The Friends help to protect the Minster’s annual budget, by making a substantial financial contribution towards the maintenance of the fabric of the building. Without them we’d be broke! I can’t begin to thank them enough for their generosity, for the money they provide and the hours of volunteering they give. Please consider joining The Friends and playing your part in the stewardship of this beautiful place and include the Minster with a Legacy in your Will, which is the way The Friends raise most of their money, and are able to help pay some of the really big bills that we face.
One restricted Legacy came in for the music department recently, allowing our Director of Music to be employed for a 3rd day a week in support of the Minster. A lovely old lady who was a friend of Philip Tordoff left us a percentage of her estate for the music department – her generous gift will enable the music department to flourish for many years to come.
As the leaves turn brown, the temperature cools down, and autumn arrives, we thank God for the seasons in their turn, and in October we shall celebrate Harvest, and all that God has given us.
Rev Canon Hilary Barber
September in the Minster
As mentioned above, the Minster marked King’s Accession with a visit by Ed Anderson CBE, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in his retirement year.
The Heritage weekend saw the launch of the Conservation Management and Liturgical Plans. Speakers included Bishop Michael Ipgrave, Chair of the Liturgical Commission, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, retired Dean of Southwark and representatives of the Purcell Architects practice. The launch was attended by members of the Local Authority and other churches. These plans will guide to work of the PCC and Minster Development Board for the next 5+ years.
The Minster played host to a number of concerts in the month, including a fabulous concert by the Black Dyke Band with friends from the Five Lakes Silver Band from Michigan, performing on their way to the Swiss Open competition in Zurich.
The Anne Lister Memorial service was held at the Minster, this year led by Rev Dr Catherine Shelley, Vicar of Todmorden. Over 2500 watched the service by livestream. It’s still available on the Minster’s Facebook page.
Hammonds Band turned the Minster into the Royal Albert Hall for a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert to raise funds for the Overgate Hospice ‘Big Build’ Appeal’ in a concert arranged by the Rotary clubs of Calderdale.
It was lovely to welcome back the Calderdale College University Centre for its Graduation Day and we wish all the graduates all the very best in their future.
October at the Minster
This month’s Thursday @ One October Recital is given by Sean Montgomery, with a programme of music including by Gigout, Guilmant and Percy Whitlock. Full programme details are given at https://halifaxminster.org.uk/organ-recital-series/ Admission is free, with a retiring collection and buffet lunches served from 12.15pm.
On Friday October 3rd we have the first of a number of tribute concerts this autumn with local singer Joe Tilly performing as Freddie Mercury.
🎟 Tickets – £25 available from the Minster Shop and online – HERE!
We are very grateful to our team of volunteers who steward and serve drinks at our pop-up bar for events like the concerts above. If this is something you’d be interested in helping with, please contact Andy Barber at the Minster Office. Coming up this Autumn are tribute concerts of Simon & Garfunkel, Coldplay, Beatles, Luther Vandross, ABBA and Country Classics. In 2026 we have a number of these concerts, which are a good source of income for the Minster. Full details of upcoming concerts are on our website.
This Sunday is our Harvest Festival. Please bring donations of long-dated tinned and dry grocery items, which will passed to the Community Supermarket, run by Happydays. The Minster is a collection point for Happydays and donations can actually be brought at any time. For more information about the work of Happydays visit: https://www.happydaysuk.org/
On Saturday 18th October we welcome back the Overgate Hospice Choir for their concert of Brahms’ Requiem. Tickets are selling fast and are available at the Minster shop and via the website.
Parishioner Profile
Name: Damien Field (although my birth certificate has me down as Charles Damien Field)
Favourite colour: Red – as it is the colour of Welsh rugby, Liverpool Football Club and (last but not least) the dress Alison wore on our wedding day
Favourite music: I consider myself to be a music buff, enjoying a wide range of styles from opera and jazz through to electronic dance music. “6 Music Dad” hits the nail on the head, and because of this I do get regularly mocked by my family for trying to be “down with the kids”
Favourite place: Being a newcomer to the area I can say the hills (and pubs) of West Yorkshire – but also having spent a lot of time down South I’m still partial to the hustle and bustle of London town. Outside of the UK, the 2 countries I have most enjoyed spending time in, and still wish to return to, are France (for its je ne sais quoi) and Brazil (for the vibe of its people)
Favourite food: Fish and chips. Big fan of Hirds Family Fisheries in Siddal
Thing most proud of: I’m not sure if I should be encouraged to indulge in one of the seven deadly sins! But as you insist… I consider myself very fortunate to have been brought up by my incredible parents, had lots of opportunities for education and travel, met my beautiful wife and been blessed with 3 lovely children – and to be able to look forward to what their futures bring. I’ll admit to feeling proud when I harvest the year’s honey crop or serve up some food to an appreciative table of people
Work life: I’ve had a 30-year (and counting) career in market research. This has meant that throughout this time I have always been learning new things about what people think and feel. I have been lucky enough to travel around the world working with fellow-professionals and getting a glimpse into lots of different people’s lives. For around half this time I have been the leader of a market research company with all the challenges and joys that brings – especially supporting and developing other people in their careers.
100-word bio: Born in England, raised in Wales. Studied English Literature in London (where I met Alison in a play). Took a job in market research, which by luck more than judgement I have forged a career in. Married for 25 years with 3 wonderful children. Lured to Halifax 3 years ago by Alison after spending 25 years in London. Beekeeper, occasional runner and wild swimmer, swearing DIY-er, aficionado Yorkshire beer, Minster coffee maker and barman, a baritone who pretends to be a tenor, keen preserver and fermenter, cricket umpire, lover of live music and other performances.
