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York Minster welcomes the Minister for Culture
Published: on 13th November 2006 by Alix Peacock in Press Releases
York Minster is to receive a visit from the Minister for Culture, David Lammy MP at 3.00pm on Thursday 16th November to view the crucial conservation work that has begun on the East Front as part of the overall development campaign 'York Minster Revealed'.
Mr Lammy will be met by The Dean and Members of the Minster Management. They will take Mr Lammy up the scaffolding at the East Front of the Minster so that he can see for himself what needs to be done. Mr Lammy will then have the chance to visit the York Glaziers' Trust, whose skilled craftspeople on site are working on the options for the restoration. They have a huge amount of work to do, as the Great East Window is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.
The Minster for Culture, David Lammy says "York Minster is the most iconic ecclesiastical building in the North of England. It is only right and proper that it gets the expert attention that it needs to prepare if for many more years of service, as a place of worship, a showcase of workmanship, and a major tourist destination"
The Dean of York, The Very Reverend Keith Jones welcomes Mr Lammy's visit: "This is our chance to show a member of the government the quality of care we are giving to a place which is hugely important to us all. Cathedrals are a significant element in the cultural life of the country in many ways. They sustain a great musical tradition, are centres of craftsmanship, lively means of education for all ages, and are growing in their numbers of worshippers. Their visitors are international and of many faiths, and York Minster is typical of the way cathedrals are so often the magnet for their city, enlivening the economy and giving distinction to their surroundings. As a former cathedral chorister, Mr Lammy is no doubt aware of this; but I hope he will be pleased to see in York how the Minster gives positive support to the life of its city and area."
Dr Richard Shephard, Director of Development has said "We are, of course, delighted that David Lammy, the Culture Minister in the Department for Culture Media and Sport, is visiting York Minster. He will be briefed by experts at the Minster and this will, we hope, help him as he represents the cause of all cathedrals in discussions at government level."