Read the update from Chapter’s meeting in December 2022.
The meeting was attended by both the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox and the Chief Executive Officer of the Archer Project, Tim Renshaw
Archer Project
Tim Renshaw outlined the plans for redevelopment of the Archer Project in line with the changing needs of the people who access the project. Agreement in principle was given by Chapter for the planned works and as a result the lease arrangement which is being looked at by solicitors will also include a Licence for Alterations which will be signed alongside the lease once all clauses are agreed.
Finance
It looks increasingly likely that the Cathedral will achieve a break-even position by year end although there remains a shortfall in income from voluntary giving. The Manger had more than 8000 visitors over the six nights with good income from these ticket sales and through spending whilst attending the show. It was noted that, although the show had incurred significantly higher costs than in previous years due to suppliers increase in prices, the operational team had delivered a fantastic event whilst also making a small financial surplus. Sponsorship from the Christmas Tree Festival was again looking like being a real success. The budget for 2023 was discussed and it was also noted that the Cathedral will be drafting a three-year plan in early 2023 which aims to help the Cathedral achieve sustainability in the longer term.
Events Update
An update was given about the success of events run in November and December as well as the plans to employ an Events Assistant and Education Officer to further expand this work throughout 2023.
Canon Missioner
Dean Abi confirmed to Chapter that it had not been possible to appoint a Canon Missioner following the interviews earlier in December. It was agreed that the role would go back out to advert again in the New Year.
Associate Priests
Dean Abi confirmed that Ann and Richard Walton are to be licenced to the Cathedral as Associate Priests. A date for this is to be agreed soon.
Cathedrals Measure 2021
Progress on the development of new Constitution and Statutes and on agreement of a new Committee Structure was given and it was agreed that a draft of the new structure with outlines of Terms of Reference would be presented to Chapter at the next meeting.
The Bishop’s Determination
The Bishop of Sheffield attended Chapter for his annual visit and as part of this meeting he acknowledged the impact of the Visitation upon Chapter and the wider Cathedral team and expressed his thanks for the actions that have been taken and how the overall process has been managed.
Finally, all of this led to the Bishop feeling he is in a position to close the book on the Visitation and he agreed that a public statement to this effect can now be made.
The next meeting was scheduled for 30th January 2023.