Hexham Abbey is grateful to the National Churches Trust, which has awarded a grant of £3,000 towards the cost of works to repair the valley boards and timber battens, due for completion by the end of July. This project was needed to prevent water ingress to the Chancel South Transept and to repair timbers which had become rotten.
We are further delighted to announce that Cathedral Music Trust have awarded a grant of £14,500 to Hexham Abbey towards the core costs of the music department. The grant will be used to support the salary of our Assistant Director of Music and other resources for the music department. The appointment of Matthew Kelley as Assistant Director of Music is already starting to have an impact on raising standards in choir, with sectional practices now taking place. Matthew brings a wealth of experience from his former roles at Wimborne Minster and Chelmsford Cathedral and has quickly settled into his new role.
Michael Haynes, Director of Music, commented on this award: “We are extremely delighted to receive this generous grant from Cathedral Music Trust. Rebuilding the choir has been a long journey, but with hard work, inspiration and support, we are beginning to shine brightly again! Recruiting a fantastic Assistant Director of Music, as well as new choristers and chaperones, has played a major part in our story”.