The Right Reverend Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, has issued the following statement following February’s announcement by the Very Revd Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, about his upcoming retirement:“The Dean of Bradford will retire on 31 July 2021 and the process for identifying his successor has now begun. I am required to appoint an acting Dean for the duration of the vacancy.“Following consideration of options and discussion with interested parties, I have asked Canon Paul Maybury to take on this responsibility with the support of myself, the Deans of Ripon and Wakefield, and the cathedral community.“In order to support this, I have also appointed Canon Philip Gray, latterly Vicar of St Margaret’s, Ilkley, and Area Dean of South Craven and Wharfedale, to be acting Canon Precentor until a new Dean has been appointed and starts in post. This will be on a half-time basis.“I am delighted that both have agreed to take on these responsibilities during a time of transition, and I look forward to working with them.“The whole cathedral community is assured of my prayers and support during the months ahead.”The Revd Canon Paul Maybury, Precentor, says:<span style="font-size: 1rem;">“”We are very grateful to Dean Jerry for his leadership, and we will miss him and wish him well in all that the future holds.</span>“The Cathedral is in good heart, and I look forward to the role of ‘Acting Dean’ knowing that there is an existing strong team of staff, volunteers and congregation all working together.”The Very Revd Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, says:<span style="font-size: 1rem;">“I am very grateful to Bishop Nick for taking the decision to provide extra support to Canon Paul as Acting Dean during the vacancy. Canon Philip Gray is an experienced priest who will fill this role well.</span>“Please support and encourage Canon Paul and the team during the vacancy and be assured of my prayers for you all at this time of change.”<strong>The retirement of Dean Jerry on the 31<sup>st</sup> July 2021 will follow a civic and diocesan farewell on Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> July, and a congregational farewell on Sunday 11<sup>th</sup> July. More information about these services will follow soon.</strong>
Amongst the cyclists were father and son team David and Luke, who are both members of the local Shibden Cycling Club and share a passion for all things two wheels. We spoke to them as they got ready to set off from Bradford Cathedral. “I’ve been cycling since I was 13,” David told us. “I used to race for the ‘East Bradford Cycling Club’ but now I’ve moved onto Shibden. “Luke is a member too and enjoys doing the fun activities with us. He likes the training and the big rides.” We asked Luke what he most enjoyed about cycling. “I enjoy the climbs and the downhills, and having fun whilst cycling!” Luke is a member of the Bradford Cathedral Choir and most enjoys singing at the services. He’s also learning the piano, which is going well. David and Luke enjoyed taking part in the Bradford to Wakefield leg of the relay and led the pack to the doors of Wakefield Cathedral. Their time as members of the Shibden Cycling Club, where a 20-mile ride can include up to 4000ft of climbing, certainly prepared them well for the relay. “I like the climbing,” David told us. “It’s the excitement of getting to the top. it’s hard work getting there, but it’s such a good feeling.” For more information on the Cathedrals Cycling Route, please visit https://www.bradfordcathedral.org/visit/cathedrals-cycle-route/
The role is wide-ranging and rewarding, especially as the chaperones get to know the choristers better, supporting the children in all their activities at the cathedral.Their main responsibility is to chaperone rehearsals and choir events involving children on a rostered basis. They are a second adult responsible for the pastoral care and well-being of the under-18s present, and keep an eye out for children who may have any issues. They are both a quiet presence during choir rehearsals and services, and an active staff helper (for example, serving refreshments before rehearsals). The role is voluntary, and can fit around other commitments; however, it is expected that chaperones are willing to be available at least twice a month.To find out more, and to apply, please visit our website.
