Thank you for booking a place on our Discovery Day in 2024.

Your Choices for Workshops, Tours and Talks

Please choose up to 5 workshops which you would like to do on the day – 3 workshops and 2 reserve choices.
Please select your preferred sessions in order of preference 1 to 5.

Please note:

  • A Visit to the Historic Chapter Library, option 9 is fully booked.
  • Not all workshops, tours or talks are available for every session.
  • Those with limited numbers will be allocated on first come, first served basis and we do our best to allocate you to your top choices.
  • If, for some reason, your choice is not available on the day we will endeavour to substitute with one of your other choices.
  • You will be given a personalised timetable on arrival.
  • We suggest you make a note of your choices for your records.

You can see a full list of the descriptions of  the workshops, tours and talks below >>

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Workshops, Tours and Talks

  1. Friendly Friends: Charlie Leggatt, Chair of the Friends of Southwell Cathedral
    A talk, with questions welcomed, on what the Minster’s main fan club actually does! Where does the money come from and how do they decide what to spend it on? Recently, nearly £100,000 was donated to the Music Foundation – but there is much more besides.  The Friends adopted a new constitution in 2023, underlining their independence – so now is a good time to take a fresh look at their activities and how, with social events, a magazine and email updates, they keep their members engaged and at the heart of Southwell Minster.
  2. Poetry of sacred place: Rev. Prof. Alison Milbank, Priest Vicar
    With Alison’s expert tuition, we shall look at examples of how poets have used words to shape the religious experience of a holy place, whether natural or a building, including an example about the leaves of Southwell by Ronald Johnson from The Book of the Green Man. There will be an introduction, followed by group discussion on the poems, as well as an opportunity to consider our own experiences of sacred place.
  3. The Medieval Chapels and Chantries of Southwell Minster: Minster Guides
    Our guides take you back in time as you explore the chapels, altars and chantries of the medieval Minster, covering their location, dedication and an insight into their origins. (Max 15 per session, 5 steps – hand rail)
  4. Meet the Needlework Guild: Emma Frith and members of the guild
    The Minster Needlework guild invites you to delve into the cope chest and vestment presses to discover the importance of textiles and embroidery in worship. See how vestments are designed, made and cared for with goldwork and canvaswork demonstrations, and get a rare close-up glimpse of our lost and found treasure: the processional banner.
  5. Cathedral Music: Paul Provost, Rector Chori (Director of Music)
    A journey through the history of Cathedral music, arriving at why we do what we do now. This will help to explain the tradition of choristers, of daily sung services, and the repertoire of music sung by the present-day Cathedral choir. It will also unmask the daily life of a chorister and what they experience during their time in the choir.
  6. Tower Tours: with Minster Guides
    Get some spectacular views from clerestory level inside as well as from the top of the Minster (weather permitting) as you join our experienced, knowledgeable guides for a climb up the central tower, visiting the ringing room and bell chamber on the way. (Max 13 per session NB: Approx. 200 spiral steps; narrow spaces; sensible shoes & head for heights needed.)
  7. Silent Meditation and Prayer: led by Rev. Erika Kirk, Priest Vicar
    Christians have practised silent meditation and contemplative prayer for centuries, but how does this differ from modern forms of meditation and mindfulness? Come with questions and curiosity about this way of prayer, and enjoy a time of peace and gentle reflection in the Minster. (Max 10 per session. 1 step)
  8. Exploration of the Palace Gardens: Claire Connely, Head Gardener
    Join Claire on a tour of the Palace Gardens. As you roam the grounds, Claire will tell you all about the history, design and planting of the Palace Gardens. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes and see some of the off show areas of the Minster lands, as well as the greenhouse and cold frame. (2 Sessions only. NB: Uneven ground, possibly wet depending on weather)
  9. A Visit to the Historic Chapter Library: Honorary Librarians: FULLY BOOKED
    A chance to visit the beautiful historic library tucked away inside the Minster in the company of our knowledgeable honorary librarians. View a selection of the Minster’s treasures demonstrating the variety of books and other items to be found there. (Group numbers limited to 8. NB: Includes flight of stone steps)
  10. Southwell’s Hidden Heritage: Southwell Community Archaeology Group (SCAG)
    Dr Stephen Rogers and SCAG give a presentation to take you from the Roman villa to the Medieval period in Southwell followed by an opportunity to see and handle some of the artefacts discovered in the town. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and discover more about the early heritage that is no longer visible.
  11. Flower arranging: Minster Flower Guild
    A talk, demonstration and ‘have a go’ session led by the Minster Flower Guild, whose spectacular creations adorn the Minster throughout the year. Materials provided (scissors / secateurs may be useful to bring). A fun activity for all levels of experience. (A suggested donation of £5 is invited towards the cost of flowers.)
  12. Beading workshop: Anila Boney
    Minster steward and education volunteer Anila explores the use of beads through history as money and status objects as well as a form of meditation. Design and make your own set of prayer / meditation beads using various techniques.

Please make your choices using the form above.

You can view the full programme for the day on the Discovery Day event page.