Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement (Course)
Commencing Wednesday 25 January, 7.30pm
The Sea Shanty Festival
Saturday 31 January, 12.30pm & 7pm
The Wars of the Roses (Tour)
Saturday 14 February, 10.30am
Swing into Spring with the Tim Boniface Quartet
Saturday 21 February, 7pm
All our events are available on our website.
Message from the Dean
Warm greetings and welcome to this Advent and Christmas edition of Alban News. As we go to print, the holy season of watching and waiting has begun. We have lit the first candle in the Advent wreath – the light that speaks of the hope that comes to us, and all the world, in the Christ child.
As we look toward 2026 together, we are in no doubt that hope, born out in a lived reality, is something that millions and millions of people in our world long for and desperately need, including in our own communities. The story we retell, of God come among us in Jesus Christ, is the greatest story of hope the world has ever known and experienced. From his birth at the margins of society, with the least expected people as first witnesses, Jesus went on to show us in his life how the world is transformed by hope when the hungry are fed, when those in any kind of need are cared for, and when every individual, made in the image of God, is respected and enabled to flourish.
At St Albans Cathedral, as we are committed to following Christ in Alban’s footsteps, in our welcome and compassion, worship and witness, courage and justice, leadership and service, every day we work to bring hope to life for all who come here, for our community, our diocese, and our world. In this Alban News you will read of some of the ways in which we do that together: in our safeguarding, working for a safer church; in our commitment to environmental sustainability and the appointment of Katy Redmond-Losse; in supporting fair trade the world over; in our partnership with Herts For Refugees; in the Moses Basket Project supporting young families; and in so many other ways. Thank you for your part in bringing hope to life.
On behalf of the Chapter and staff of St Albans Cathedral, we wish you and those dear to you all the hope, peace, joy and love of the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.
Jo Kelly-Moore | The Dean
Overflowing with Care
In 2016, the Moses Project was set up to support parents expecting a baby and struggling to source newborn essentials due to rising living costs and financial pressures on many young families. The Moses Project provides a ‘Moses Basket’ overflowing with baby items - clothing, sleepsuits, blankets, nappies, baby wipes, toiletries for baby and mother, maternity pads, breast pads, bottles, bath toys, and a cuddly toy! These baskets help families who truly need assistance with the equipment and costs of a new arrival.
The project would not happen without the dedicated team of volunteers who sort, launder, and assemble the baskets, and without the generous donations that keep it going.
Juliet Lyal discovered this fantastic project while visiting Suffolk on holiday and was so inspired that she wanted to do something similar locally. Since October 2024, here at the Cathedral, Carol Borras and Juliet Lyal have been holding a stall every three to four months in the South Transept after Sunday services to receive donations.
These are then taken to Herts Baby Bank at Verso Care in the Vineyard Church, right here in St Albans.
Juliet and Carol have been deeply touched by the typically generous response from our congregation, and this already feels like an important and embedded piece of charitable support for us at the Cathedral. For those who can’t donate items like blankets and clothing, there’s always the option to make a contactless donation instead - funds that are used to buy baby buggies and other essential equipment.
Look out for future Sunday stalls in 2026 on 1 March and 12 July, and thank you for your wonderful support!
Compassion in Action
Herts for Refugees was formed in 2015 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. From the start, we knew collaboration with other grassroots organisations would achieve far more than working alone. Together, we’ve sent aid to refugees in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, the Balkans, Ukraine, Greece, and France.
Brexit made moving aid harder and more expensive, and Covid stopped travel entirely. During that time, we supported asylum seekers locally - providing clothing, toiletries, help with appointments, and getting children into school. It was a difficult period, but we were humbled by the quiet resilience of those we met.
When the pandemic ended, we expanded our Festival Salvage programme with help from Hope and Aid Direct, an Essex-
based charity specialising in humanitarian aid logistics. Together we collect tents and sleeping bags left behind, repurposing them for refugees overseas. This year, we delivered three full HGV trucks and saved nearly 4,500 items from landfill - an environmental and humanitarian win!
Sadly, the situation for displaced people continues to worsen. Rising living costs have reduced donations, and public discourse around refugees is increasingly hostile. We remain committed to supporting those in need and are deeply grateful for the generosity of our local community.
Herts for Refugees | Hertsforrefugees.org
This Advent, Herts for Refugees is our official Christmas charity. Ten percent of all money collected from Cathedral services will go to support their vital work.
Safeguarding: Why Standards Matter
At St Albans Cathedral, we are committed to being a safe and welcoming space for all. Central to this is our adherence to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Standards, which provide a clear framework for protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults. You can view the standards via this URL: rb.gy/9lsua0
These standards unify safeguarding practices across cathedrals, dioceses, and parishes, ensuring consistency and accountability. They cover five key areas: Culture, Leadership and Capacity, Prevention, Risk Management, and Victims and Survivors. For us, this means fostering a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, supported by strong leadership and robust policies.
The standards help prevent harm through safer recruitment, training, and proactive measures. They also facilitate thorough risk assessments and safety plans, reducing the likelihood of abuse.
We are embedding these principles into daily life to demonstrate transparency and accountability. The INEQE audit in November
2027 will assess compliance and highlight areas for improvement, reinforcing public trust. This structured approach meets legal and ethical obligations and reflects our Cathedral’s values: welcome, compassion, courage, justice, and service.
Ultimately, safeguarding is about creating a safe environment where worship and community life can flourish - now and for generations to come. These National Safeguarding Standards provide a helpful framework for this mission.
If you have any questions about the National Safeguarding Standards or indeed any questions or concerns please contact our Cathedral Safeguarding Officer:
Elaine Rabbitt
Fairtrade: Not just for Christmas
Every decision to choose Fairtrade matters. You can help transform the lives of those who benefit from our purchases. As Christians, we are called to give to the poor and support those in need. Through fair trade, we enable people to live with dignity and become selfsufficient, improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. Fairtrade empowers farmers and workers in developing countries with better prices, fairer terms of trade, improved working conditions, and greater climate resilience.
At this time of year, we all make choices about what to buy as presents for friends and family. By choosing fairly traded gifts, we support producers not just at Christmas, but throughout the year. Skilled artisans and growers around the world report huge positive changes in their lives. Traditional skills and expertise can only
continue to be passed on through generations because of our purchases. Not only do producers benefit, but entire communities gain from the Fairtrade Premium, which funds education and health projects.
A wide range of good-quality products is available - not just the tea, coffee, and chocolate familiar to everyone! At my regular stall, held on the second Sunday of the month, I carry as much of the range as possible and am happy to take orders. The Christmas card collection offers great value and something for every taste. Don’t forget the delicious Palestinian goods - olive oil, almonds, dates, and couscousalso available.
Do come and browse what’s on offer. There’s one more Sunday stall before Christmas, on 14 December, in the Welcome Centre from 10.30am, so you can visit on your way out of the 9.30am service or before the 11.30am service. The need to support producers continues yearround, so the first stall of 2026 will be on 11 January. New customers are always welcome, and regulars are encouraged. We look forward to seeing you!
Linda Waller
The Whales of Wonder
Under the Whales from 31 December - 4 February
Photograph: Simon Newman
The enchanting whale sculptures by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser will make a splash in our Nave this New Year, bathing us in reflection and wonder.
These magnificent forms - crafted from ghost nets and other human-made scrap salvaged from the sea - invite us to consider our relationship with the planet, the ocean, and the impact we have on other life.
Throughout January and early February, schools and the public are welcome to join us for interactive trails and hands-on activities, or dip your toes into an exciting new story at the Whale Tale Cove.
If required, you can sail past the January blues with the Whale-ness programme - think yoga, tai chi, and soothing sound baths.
Music fans are spoilt for choice with a collection of events and performances as rich and varied as the sea floor. There will be a New Year’s Eve silent disco, a lively sea shanty festival, award-winning classical performances from the likes of The Sixteen and many, many more.
Under the Whales truly has something for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Elouise Wathen | Events and Visitor Experience Executive
“And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures.’ … So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm … and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:20–21)
Last year, we invited people to wonder at the mysterious attraction of the Moon in the night sky. This year, we invite them to immerse themselves in the hidden depths of the sea with our exhibition of three whales suspended in the Nave.
Accompanying this is a full programme of events and activities to engage visitors and help them reflect on the beauty of creation, which we are called to care for. Please take a look at what’s happening - and spread the word!
Fr Kevin | Canon Chancellor
Full Score Ahead
It has been a busy first term for the Cathedral’s music. The choristers began with the return of Choir Camp at the Chellington Centre, and we were delighted to welcome ten new choristers in September. We also announced Michael D’Avanzo as the Cathedral’s next Organ Scholar, starting September 2026.
A new schedule this term marks progress toward parity for boys and girls. The Youth Choir now sings a monthly Compline, featuring beautiful choral music and organ pieces by members Benedict and Alby.
Highlights have included Victoria’s Missa pro Victoria, Brahms’ How lovely is thy dwelling place, and Duruflé’s Requiem for Remembrance Sunday. The Junior Choir contributed with Lead me, Lord, while the Parish Singers sang Evensong in Winchester.
Our Lunchtime Organ Recital Series concluded in November
with Romantic works by Brahms, Elgar, and Franck and performed by Dewi Rees, Assistant Director of Music and Partnerships.
The 2026 series opens with organ and chamber music on selected Mondays, setting the tone for a year of exceptional performances. Before that though, the remainder of Michaelman promises much as the Cathedral will be filled with the beauty of Nativity and Christingle services, serene Compline, and the joy of Lessons and Carols featuring the world première of The Coming by David McGregor - a highlight of our Christmas celebrations and a fitting close to a season rich in meaning.
Dewi Rees | Assistant Director of Music & Partnerships
Music Department Events in the New Year:
25 January – Vast Ocean of Light: Music of the Sea
31 January & 7 February – Be a Chorister for a Day
1 February – Candlemas Carol Service
9 February – Lunchtime Live begins
12 March – Cathedral Choir at St Etheldreda’s, Hatfield
13 March – Schools’ Day at Dunstable Priory
Supporting the Future of St Albans Cathedral
St Albans Cathedral has stood for centuries as a place of worship, peace, and welcome. Every day, we are blessed to greet thousands of visitors, worshippers, and pilgrims who come seeking inspiration, reflection, and community within these ancient walls.
The Cathedral receives no state funding, so everything we do - our worship, music, education, and outreach - depends entirely on the kindness and generosity of those who support us. Visitor donations help preserve this sacred space and ensure it continues to serve future generations.
Beginning in December, we will introduce a new team of Visitor Donation Assistants, who will warmly welcome visitors and make it easier for everyone to contribute if they wish.
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a real difference - helping us maintain this beautiful Cathedral, support our choirs and musicians, provide educational opportunities, and continue our mission of faith and service.
We are deeply grateful for your ongoing generosity, care, and love for this very special place. Together, we can ensure that St Albans Cathedral remains a beacon of hope, prayer, and welcome for all who enter.
Melissa Alexander | Visitor Donations Manager
Welcome Sustainability
As a Cathedral, we are committed to our journey towards Net Zero while ensuring long-term financial sustainability to maintain our unique heritage building and sustain our mission and ministry for the future.
Last year, we were delighted to secure Cathedral Sustainability Funding, which enabled us to create a new role - Cathedral Sustainability Projects Officer. This post is fully funded by the grant, and we’re thrilled that Katy Redmond-Losse filled that position for us in November.
What did you do before, Katy?
I worked for twenty years at the National Audit Office, most recently as Director of Environment and Climate Change insights team.
Why did you apply for the role?
I was drawn by the beautiful location and how welcome I have always felt at the Cathedral. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to begin the second phase of my career and to get involved in tackling important, practical challenges. And I live in St Albans, so the opportunity to walk to work was an added bonus!
What excites you about the role?
Getting started with a solar panel demonstrator project, and the opportunity to make a difference through tangible outcomes that will help the Cathedral become more environmentally and financially sustainable. I have also been very taken by the very large number of volunteers here and a sense that the work is part of a larger team and a network with wider links across our community.
What will be the biggest challenges?
Money! The environmental option can often be the cheapest, but other times it needs upfront investment to help deliver the longer-term savings. So, the challenge will be seeing the bigger picture and getting the grants and project fundraising to deliver this. The other challenge will be bandwidth with such a lot happening in such a busy place – so ensuring that this work is a high priority within that.
Thanks Katy! We look forward to your sustainability leadership.
Cathedral Governance
As Chief Operating Officer (COO) of St Albans Cathedral, I manage a unique set of governance challenges rooted in our dual identity as both a place of worship and a heritage institution.
Balancing ecclesiastical priorities with operational efficiency requires navigating complex stakeholder relationships, including clergy, employees, trustees, volunteers, worshippers, visitors, and external regulators. Financial sustainability is a pressing concern: with rising maintenance costs for a Grade I listed Scheduled Monument, no direct state subsidies, and variable income, the COO must ensure robust financial controls while aligning budgets with mission-driven objectives. Compliance adds another layer of complexity - safeguarding, health and safety, and charity law obligations demand rigorous oversight and transparent reporting.
The Cathedral relies heavily on volunteers alongside paid staff. Building a cohesive culture that
respects ecclesiastical hierarchy while embracing professional standards is a delicate task. Governance frameworks must support collaboration without diluting accountability. Additionally, the COO must manage reputational risk in an era of heightened public scrutiny. Decisions on commercial activities, community engagement, and environmental stewardship must reflect both ethical standards and the Cathedral’s spiritual values.
Finally, governance must steer towards future resilience - addressing environmental sustainability, digital engagement, and evolving visitor expectations - while safeguarding the Cathedral’s spiritual mission. This requires a governance model that is agile yet rooted in tradition, balancing innovation with continuity. So far, our governance model has adapted well, and we will continue to evolve to meet the challenging circumstances we, and other cathedrals, face.
Alan Hartwell | COO
Home Groups: Faith, Fellowship and Friends
What are Home Groups?
Home Groups are gatherings of usually 4 to 12 adults, who meet to discuss readings from the Bible and related literature, explore faith, and consider how to live out Christian beliefs in daily life - while also providing Christian fellowship. The Cathedral currently has 12 active Home Groups, each with its own style and balance of fellowship and Bible study. They are supported by the clergy, who meet with all group leaders twice a year and provide ad hoc guidance and support as needed.
All Home Groups meet in St Albans, mostly in individuals’ homes, but three meet in Cathedral buildings and one in a café. Some meet weekly, others fortnightly or monthly, and at various times of day or evening. Each group holds one or two social gatherings a year, and for the last three years there has been great fun with a summer BBQ or tea party for all Home Groups and anyone interested in joining. Each group also chooses its own study material. However, during Lent, about 15 Lent Groups are formed from the Home Groups, and all study the material written by the clergy in five weekly sessions.
Why bother attending a group?
Home Groups provide an opportunity to discuss the Bible and faith with Christians at different stages of their individual journeys. Below are several quotes from members on why they attend:
“I like listening to different opinions, going deeper, and finding spiritual nourishment.”
“Where would I be without it? I would feel very, very differently about the world.”
“Study and friendship are very important to us all.”
“A safe, welcoming space for connection, fellowship, and meaningful discussion about faith.”
“A cross-generational mix helps us share and learn from different stages of life.”
The principles all members of the groups seek to follow are:
• We are all on a journey and nobody knows all the answers
• We respect each other’s views
• We express our own opinions with generosity and gentleness
• We give space for all to share their thoughts or remain silent as each individual chooses
•We respect the confidentiality of any personal information that is shared.
If this sounds interesting, then you’ll be glad to learn that you have the opportunity to join one of these welcoming, enriching groups. Contact Dawn Knight to arrange joining a Home Group via her details below. You can either attend a meeting now, or wait until Lent, and attend a Lent Group, running for 5 weeks, beginning Ash Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Dawn Knight| Home Group Co-ordinator
07795 117312 | dawnandandrew@ntl-
Following Christ in Alban’s Footsteps
St Albans Cathedral is the United Kingdom’s oldest site of continuous Christian worship, inspired by Alban, Britain’s first saint and martyr.
Our vision and work today is inspired by his story and the Gospel he lived and proclaimed, and so we are committed to:
Welcome & Compassion
Worship & Witness
Courage & Justice
Leadership & Service
Opening times
The Cathedral is open daily 9am – 5pm.
Please donate generously
We need to raise £8,000 a day to keep this Cathedral open.
Tickets
Book online at www.stalbanscathedral.org, in-person at our Box Office, located in the Cathedral Shop, or call 01727 890290.
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