The Prince of Wales joins Hereford Cathedral party
HRH The Prince of Wales made a visit to the reception of the London gathering of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust’s London supporters in No3 Parliament Street, the official residence of the Clerk of the House of Commons last Tuesday evening (Tuesday 7 February). The Clerk, Robert Rogers, is a former Chairman of the Perpetual Trust and extended the invitation to the Trust’s Patron.
HRH The Prince of Wales being welcomed to No3 Parliament Street by Robert Rogers, Clerk of the House of Commons & the former Chairman of the Perpetual Trust and Catherine (left) and Jane Rogers (photo : Catherine Beddington)
The biannual drinks party draws together key supporters from London, some who are solely London based and other who spend time in the diocese and the south east.
‘We were already delighted to have the opportunity to host our party in No3 Parliament Street,’ said Glyn Morgan, Chief Executive of the Perpetual Trust, ‘and when we received the news that The Prince would be joining us, it was a wonderful addition to what was already going to be an enjoyable evening. We are so grateful to Robert, and his wife Jane, for welcoming us into their home.’
Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust has a programme of London-based events, including an annual Westminster Quiz (18 April), an autumn dinner at one of the top London clubs and the annual Advent service in the Guards’ Chapel.
During the evening Ludlow MP, Philip Dunne, announced plans for a dinner at No1 Carlton Gardens, the official residence of the Foreign Secretary. Stanhope plc, developers of the Old Cattle Market in Hereford, also announced their continued support of the Guards’ Chapel service.
During the evening The Prince also had the opportunity to see the new Diamond Jubilee Mace, which had been dedicated the previous Sunday and had been presented to the cathedral by the Lord-Lieutenants of Herefordshire and Shropshire, along with Sir Thomas Dunne, the former Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, and members of the two Lieutenancies. The new Choirbook for The Queen, given by Jane Gibson in memory of her late husband, David, were also on display.
‘We were delighted to be able to show The Prince our new mace and the choirbooks,’ said the Dean. ‘Both were dedicated on Sunday (5 February) at our Jubilee service and it was a pleasure to show them to His Royal Highness.’
‘The Prince was very kind in his comments about what we have achieved at the cathedral and it was a pleasure to have him meet so many of our key supporters.’
‘We hope our London programme not only promotes our own work but that it also helps to showcase the English Marches, and Herefordshire and south Shropshire in particular, on a national stage,’ said Glyn Morgan. ‘We would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining our programme – our focus at events is always to have fun and to enjoy ourselves, while also helping with the restoration of the cathedral and the continuation of its renowned choir.’