Who are the Friends?

Formed in 1932 in association with the Dean and Chapter, the Friends of Hereford Cathedral are a body of supporters who are passionate about taking a share in caring for the cathedral and preserving it for posterity. It gives grants to the Dean and Chapter for various projects and activities.  In the last decade alone, the Friends have donated more than £1million. This includes:

  • Choral Foundation
    The Friends have supported the music and choir for many years by contributing annual grants for training and development of the cathedral choristers.
  • Chapter House Garden
    This was re-developed by the Friends, to include an enhanced cafe and toilet facilities, beautiful gardens (which are still maintained by the Friends), and it now provides a picturesque setting for outside events, concerts and recitals.
  • College Hall
    The Friends funded the total refurbishment of College Hall (which can be seen at the head of this page), which serves as an elegant reception area, in Georgian style, for cathedral hospitality and events. The Friends are currently paying for its re-decoration.
  • Cathedral Close
    The Friends made a significant contribution to the re-development and enhancement of the Cathedral Close.
  • Cathedral bells
    These were repaired and improved by a grant from the Friends.
  • Processional Cross
    A beautiful new processional cross was provided by the Friends to enhance cathedral services.
  • Choir School/Custos House
    The Friends have committed the largest donation pledged to date for the re-development of accommodation and facilities for the choral scholars and lay clerks.
  • Shrines of St Thomas Cantilupe and of St Ethelbert
    The Friends gave significant funds for the refurbishment of these two shrines.

 

What are the aims of the Friends?

The Friends have the following aims:

  • To encourage commitment to Hereford Cathedral, its precincts, worship, music, history and education.
  • To assist in maintaining the fabric and furnishings of the cathedral and to supplement the resources of the Dean and Chapter available for such maintenance.
  • To undertake any such work as shall improve and beautify the cathedral, its precincts, worship, music and education.
  • To receive subscriptions and donations, and to raise funds for all or any of the objects of the Society and to expend them in such manner as the Society shall think fit.

The Annual Friends’ Day, held in June, is a focal point of the year when members gather at the cathedral to celebrate together in worship, music and hospitality. The AGM is held at this time, when the Annual Report and Accounts for the preceding year are received.

There is a full programme of events and activities during the year, including spring and autumn lectures, day pilgrimages to other cathedrals and churches, as well as residential trips, including in recent years to York, Norwich, Lincoln, Canterbury, Durham, London and further afield to Assisi, Malta, Oberammergau, Rome, Florence, Ravenna, Verona and many more.

How can I join the Friends?

The Friends’ organisation welcomes all who wish to join in the fellowship and membership. It costs as little as £15 a year to join the Friends, which will give access to all the activities and events during the year. A membership form may be downloaded here or further information may be obtained from the Honorary Secretary at:

The Friends of Hereford Cathedral
3a St John St
Hereford
HR1 2NB

or by email.

Officers and Trustees