The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Edward Dowler will welcome livery members from across Sussex to the Cathedral for a very special Thanksgiving Service on Saturday 10 May. The service will be a unique gathering of the livery companies outside of London and will give thanks for their work in the Sussex region.
Livery companies have existed for hundreds of years and are part of the City of London’s colourful pageantry. Philanthropy is, and always has been, a central activity for the Livery. They started out by developing trading standards, training tradespeople and helping workers who’d fallen on hard times. Today, the companies are united by a shared desire to help people, particularly those who are vulnerable and struggling.
There are many examples of the extent, breadth and diversity of the charitable support from the livery companies here in Sussex including Amberley Museum, Eastbourne College, the Sussex Snowdrop Trust and Sussex Prisoners' Families.
We are delighted that the Rt Revd Graeme Knowles CVO, Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians and former Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, will be delivering the sermon.
Following the service of choral evensong guests will enjoy a drinks reception in the Nave. There will also be a chance to explore the Cathedral and see the current exhibition Religion, Rebellion & Reformation, created to mark our 950th anniversary. Additional pre-booked paid-for specialist tours will also be running both before and after Evensong.