The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, will lead an online service marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day on 8th May at 10.00am, streamed via the Cathedral’s website.
The service will include readings from the Cathedral’s Clergy and Mrs Susan Pyper, HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, recorded from their homes.
You can watch the service here:
In addition to their online service, Chichester Cathedral has joined other Cathedrals across the country for the Big Picnic For Hope, an initiative encouraging people to join their communities, friends and families for an online celebration for VE Day in the place of physical events which have now been cancelled.
The project also serves an opportunity to recognise that these times are difficult for many people and aims to raise £5000 towards The Trussell Trust, a charity supporting a network of foodbanks and helping those in need in the UK. You can join in by visiting the project’s website (www.bigpicnicforhope.com) and by sharing your picnic online using hashtag #BigPicnicForHope.
The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, said:
“Communities around the country had events planned for VE Day which have now been cancelled, including Chichester Cathedral. We are delighted to offer this online service for those at home, as well as to be encouraging people to take part in the Big Picnic For Hope, as a way of remembering the heroes of the past and present.”
Samantha Stapley, Chief Operating Officer at the Trussell Trust, said:
“As the Coronavirus outbreak develops, more people are likely to need a food bank’s help. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure that food banks are able to remain open and have the necessary stocks to respond to this crisis. The support of the Cathedral network means we can remain agile to respond to the fast-changing situation and ensure food banks continue to provide the lifeline of emergency food and additional support for people in crisis. Thank you.”