York Minster

Patron: Dame Judi Dench, C.H., D.B.E.

In January 2006, the Dean was delighted to announce that Dame Judi Dench had kindly consented to become Patron of the Friends of York Minster. Everyone will have seen plays or films made memorable by Judi Dench’s brilliance. Click on to one of the many websites to see the variety, volume and range of her performances. A Fine Romance and As time goes by will never be forgotten, her stunning Shakespearian performances, and wonderful films: A Room with a View, Shakespeare in Love, Tea with Mussolini, Mrs Brown, Ladies in Lavender, Mrs Henderson Presents……..the glittering roll call runs on.

Indeed that would be enough to be proud of, but in addition is the added knowledge that Dame Judi was born and brought up in York and attended the Mount School. Unintentionally, it was her father who introduced Judi to the world of the theatre, when he was busy as the GP for York Theatre Royal’s repertory company, members of which were in York for a year or so. Performers would often be guests in the Dench household. She appeared in three versions of the York Cycle of Mystery Plays in the 1950s, and was cast as the Virgin Mary in the 1957 plays.

Judi still has strong connections with York. Her eldest brother, Peter, who is a Friend of York Minster, and a Minster Guide, is apparently always trying to persuade her of the joys of retirement, but that plays no part in any of her future plans—she just wants to go on acting.

President: The Lord Archbishop of York

The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Dr John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu

Chairman: The Dean of York

The Very Reverend Keith Jones was born and bred in Shropshire, and so is an Englishman of Welsh ancestry. He went to local schools, and took a degree in English, followed by a period of study of Theology, at Selwyn College, Cambridge before preparing for ordination under the late Archbishop Runcie at Cuddesdon College, Oxford.

He was ordained in the Southwark Diocese at the age of 24, and as a priest has served in various parishes, including St Albans Cathedral. He was for a number of years Vicar of St Mary le Tower, Ipswich, another of the English towns he loves. He became Dean of Exeter in 1995, and Dean of York in 2004.

He is married to Viola, who lectures on the history of art, and with whom he shares an interest in the influence of Christianity on the culture of Europe.

Members of the Friends' Council

Ex oficio

The Revd Canon Jonathan Draper
The Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher
The Revd Canon Glyn Webster

The Hon. Secretary, Mrs Barbara Westray
The Hon. Treasurer, Mr Peter Hepworth

Elected

Mrs Pauline Beadnell
Mrs Pamela Coffin
Mrs Penelope Haldane
The Revd Jeremy Howat
Mr John Long
Mr Graeme Robertson
Dr Richard Shephard
Mrs Fiona Shingles
Dr Weland Stone
Mr Michael Wiles
Mrs Rosemary Wilson
Miss Daphne Wood