At the end of October, Les West will retire as Steward
of Worcester Cathedral, a post he has held for 13
years. The Steward is the Chief Administrative Officer
for the Cathedral and is responsible for the Cathedral’s
management, including finance, property, staff, events
and the care of the building.
Before coming to be Steward, Les worked as a Business
Manager for Medicine in an NHS hospital in London. He
said: “I came to Worcester for the job. It was a complete change in my career and has
been wonderful – the best job I’ve ever had! I shall miss it greatly, the building, the
music, the worship, but most of all the people who I’ve worked with over the years.”
Highlights of Les’ time in post have been the visit of HM The Queen for her Diamond
Jubilee as well as many events and concerts. “I’ve also enjoyed coming to evensong
regularly, something which I’ve tried to attend each day as I finish work.”
Les is moving to the small village of Reepham in Norfolk, near to where his wife’s
family live. He said: “We bought a retirement bungalow two years ago and have just
completed all the work on it, so it’s ready for us to move in. I’m looking forward to
having time to do other things. At the moment, there are no particular plans, but I’m
thinking about volunteering at Norwich Cathedral and for a local National Trust property.
But mainly, I’ll be seeing what comes my way!”
In succession to Les, the Chapter has appointed Val Floy, who comes to the Cathedral
after being Chief Operating Officer at Anti-Slavery International and before that at the
Children’s Society.
Please pray for Les as he begins this new chapter in his life and for Val as she takes up
the post of Cathedral Steward.
Droitwich Deanery – Rural Dean: Sheila Banyard; Lay Chair: Janet Bryan
Diocese of Southeast Florida (USA): Bishop Leopold Frade with Coadjutor Bishop Peter Eaton
Diocese of Sheffield: Bishop Pete Wilcox with Bishop Peter Burrows (Doncaster)
Diocese of Sodor & Man: Bishop-elect Peter Eagles
Diocese of Greenland within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark: Bishop Sofie Petersen
