Staff Changes and Service Updates at Bradford Cathedral

Recent developments at Bradford Cathedral

Bradford Cathedral has recently experienced a period of staff changes, prompting adjustments to its operations and communications. Several team members who have contributed significantly to the Cathedral’s activities have departed or are preparing to leave, leading to a temporary pause in some services and updates.

Staff departures and impact

Among those leaving is Lydia Rose, the Events and Marketing Officer, who has been with the Cathedral for the past eighteen months. Following the departure of Phil Lickley last summer, Lydia took on considerable responsibilities related to communication and event organisation. She is moving on to a new role as Design Faculty Technician at a school in Leeds. Her departure is noted as a significant change for the Cathedral team.

These staffing changes have necessitated a redistribution of work within a reduced team. The Cathedral acknowledges that this situation limits what can be managed effectively and sustainably, leading to a careful prioritisation of tasks.

Changes to communications and activities

As a result of the current staffing situation, the Cathedral has decided to pause its monthly congregational update for the time being. This decision reflects a strategic choice to focus resources and maintain quality in core activities rather than increasing communication volume during a period of transition.

Despite the pause in monthly updates, the Cathedral encourages the community to stay informed through other channels:

• The What’s On section of the Cathedral website, which lists featured events up to September, including worship, music, and discussions.
• A weekly news sheet available by email, which includes brief news items and event details. Interested individuals can subscribe by contacting info@bradfordcathedral.org.
• Printed What’s On Guides available in the Cathedral nave.
• Social media updates via Facebook and Instagram at @Bfdcathedral.

Outlook and community message

The Cathedral leadership describes this period as one of “creative tension,” comparing it to the workings of a loom where threads are being re-tied and patterns are yet to emerge. While some activities are paused, the overall rhythm of worship and community life continues, albeit in a shifted form.

Revd. Canon Ned Lunn, reflecting on the changes, emphasises that this phase should not be seen solely as a loss but as an opportunity for necessary reworking and renewal. The Cathedral remains committed to its mission and to supporting its community through this time.

Farewell from Lydia Rose

Lydia Rose expressed her gratitude for her time at the Cathedral, highlighting the historic and architectural significance of the building as well as the kindness and good humour of the people she worked with.