On Wednesday 12 May, Dean’s Verger, David Maw, is being recognised for his dedication and service to Sheffield Cathedral and the city of Sheffield which spans more than a quarter of a century when he attends this year’s garden party at Buckingham Palace.
David was nominated to attend by the former Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Andrew Coombe, DL.
David started his career at the cathedral on 2 January 1996. He became Dean’s Verger in 2007. The role of Dean’s Verger is a very important one in a cathedral. Basically, David is responsible for everything, from the opening and closing of the building to the safety of the congregation and anyone who works at the cathedral or visits.
David puts it very succinctly: “I look after the cathedral and everyone who comes through the door from homeless people right up to the Queen.” Indeed, when it was announced a few days ago the Queen was not able to attend the garden party, David took it in his stride telling his colleagues: “I’ve already ticked that one off the list. I met Liz when she came to the cathedral for the Royal Maundy Service in April 2015!”
The Very Reverend Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield said: “David is often the first person I see when I arrive at the cathedral and the last person I say goodnight to as he locks up the building. As well as taking incredible pride in his work, David is a superb colleague – wise, experienced and committed, but also gentle, thoughtful and caring. As the new Dean at the cathedral I have been so well supported by him and I’m looking forward to sharing many laughs with him in the years to come. There’s not a cathedral in the country that sparkles and shines like Sheffield Cathedral – and that’s down to David and the team he leads. I’m wishing him a wonderful and well deserved day!”
David has been part of many memorable events during his 26-year career, both good and bad. One of his first memories was the death of Diana Princess of Wales and a sea of flowers laid across the cathedral forecourt. He describes closing the cathedral doors at the start of the Covid lockdown and not knowing when the building would reopen as the worst. Leading the coffin of his boyhood footballing hero Emlyn Hughes in and out of the cathedral was the most emotional. “My legs turned to jelly when the choir started to sing You’ll Never Walk Alone” he says. “I also met and married my wife at the cathedral. I shouldn’t forget that!” David added.
“I’m very proud of the cathedral and I feel both honoured and humbled to be able to come to work in this great building. I’ve taken great pride in serving the cathedral and the community of Sheffield.”