The funeral service of the Very Reverend Jeremy Winston, Dean of Newport Cathedral, will be a Requiem Mass in Newport Cathedral on Wednesday 30th November at 1pm.
The Bishop of Monmouth, the Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS, will preside. The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Rt Revd John Davies, will preach.

Using the scaffolding in place for the roof repairs, staff from the Commission have been able to calculate that the wood used in the roof of the Cathedral Nave was made from trees felled between 1402 -32. Making it potentially only a few years older than the oldest roof in the Kingdom - the roof of Westminster Hall.

Welcoming news of this new find the Dean , The Very Revd Jeremy Winston promised that an archeological investigation of the Cathedral site will get under way soon, which may bring some other interesting discoveries. He continued, ” It is exciting to think that one of the oldest roofs in the country is to be found in the heart
of the city of Newport “.

Thanks to the delicate and detailed restoration of the roof, much of the original timbers from the early 1400s have been retained.

Cathedral Architect, Michael Davies, said “Tree ring dating of ancient timbers is proving extremely valuable in
our conservation work, providing very detailed and accurate information that we often cannot obtain from documentary evidence alone. This highlights the significance of this building, which already displays some very fine architectural features from the Norman period. It’s another piece in the jigsaw, that helps us understand the many layers of history at the cathedral.”

As usual the Concert will have an Advent and Christmas theme to its music and readings. A number of celebrities from the worlds of sport, television and the arts are expected to be involved

Dean-designate Canon Jeremy Winston said, “It is right we should give thanks at the completion of the works - and what a way to say thank you to God and to all who have contributed to the restoration. I am not only pleased the work is nearing completion, but am pleased how well the job has been done”.

Over a ten year period two and half million pounds need to be raised to restore the cathedral to its former glory. The one million raised so far has gone on emergency works , as well as the restoration of the South Porch and on half of a new roof.

To buy tickets for the gala evening at the cathedral on November 24th telephone the Cathedral on (01633)212077

The Parochial Church Council have agreed to install partial new lighting ,

During the Cathedral Festival of Welcome (July 2-9) there will be opportunities to go up the Cathedral Tower and raise money for the Cathedral roof.

From the top of the tower you can have a birds eye view of the Cathedral works. You will also get a panoramic view of Newport, SE Wales and Somerset.

Tower tours on the hour and half hour

Saturdays: 11-2
Sunday: 3-5
Monday - Friday:10-12 & 2-4

The book, entitled Tovey Bros-A 150 year history in Newport, details the company’s rich history as one of Newport’s oldest businesses and will be available for a minimum donation of £6 with proceeds being added to a charitable fund established by the firm. The book was launched at a commemorative service at St Woolos Cathedral to celebrate the anniversary.

Tovey Bros, which was established in 1860, kicked off the fundraising by launching its charitable “1860 Appeal” back in August, asking Newport businesses to donate £18.60. The appeal successfully raised over £3,000 which will be split between The Friends of Tredegar House, The Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge and St Woolos Appeal charities. Profits made from sales of the book will be added to this.

Current owner of Tovey Bros, Humphrey Tovey, said: “Tovey Bros has been serving the community of Newport for 150 years and it is important for us to use this milestone to support other establishments that are an important part of Newport’s heritage.

“The book has enabled us to find out more about our company’s history, how local customs and developments have shaped how we operate and to pay tribute to the hard work carried out by previous generations that have allowed us to serve our community over three centuries. We hope people will enjoy reading the book and that we raise even more money for a great cause.”

The anniversary service was attended by notable Newport figures including Mayor of Newport, Councillor Bill Langsford and the High Sheriff of Gwent,  Mr Hugh Phillips. The service was led by The Very Reverend Dr Richard Fenwick, Dean of Monmouth.

Barbara Bennett, social secretary of The Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge said: “We are extremely grateful for this kind donation from Tovey Bros. Money raised from businesses and the public enable us to keep our visitor centre open, and cover staff and merchandise costs.

“There are only eight transporter bridges left in the world, so our visitor centre has attracted tourists from many different countries. During the Ryder Cup, several oversees visitors commented on the impressive structure and how Newport must be very proud to have one. We want to ensure that people will be able to enjoy the bridge for generations to come.”

For more information about the Book-”Tovey Bros-A 150 year history in Newport” please contact James Tovey at Tovey Bros on 01633 266 848 or email info@toveybros.co.uk

The Company invited other city businesses to contribute £!8.60 (the year of their establishment) to an Appeal funds money’s from the fund will go to support 3 Newport Landmarks including the Cathedral.
The photo shows representatives of the 3 charities along with specially commissioned paintings of them. Copies of the cathedral painting will be on sale shortly in the cathedral shop.

Newport Cathedral has joined in the Ryder Cup excitement with one of the city’s superdragons taking up residence on the Plazza outside the cathedral. The Wetlands Dragon was done by artist Tom Brown is one of 30 superdragons to appear around the City between now and October 27th as the City hosts the 2010 Ryder Cup Golf event.

The cathedral will also host a Jazz Concert performed by young musicians from across South East Wales on Thursday, 30th September.