“In November 2021, Storm Arwen caused extensive damage to the Cathedral when part of a pinnacle from the tower fell through the roof. Twelve months later, repair works near completion and the new pinnacle, crafted by the Cathedral’s own team of stonemasons, is taking shape.

The pinnacle will commemorate both the Late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023. It incorporates all the home nations, featuring a lionhead with a crown for England, a unicorn for Scotland, a dragon for Wales and shamrocks for Northern Ireland.”

Meet some Apprentices at Worcester Cathedral:

Debbie Branford

“In my first year I was able to spend a lot of time practicing my tool skills by spending time in the workshop making practice pieces. The highlight of the year was being able to measure, replace and fix my first stone that was put onto the Cathedral, it’s great being able to look up at it and think “I did that”.

The team are busy at the moment working on the new pinnacle after the old one came down last year during storm Arwen, I look forward to helping them fix it in place during the spring.”

Ewan Pollock

“Currently I have been working on a long project, building frames around the pinnacles on the central tower. They are simple construction but essential work, making 72 to complete the task.

At first it was daunting because there are a few staff members away on other projects some of the time and I have the responsibility to deliver on time. It is slow and steady progress but rewarding. I have had several other small jobs to do too, which has maintained the variety in the day. I have really enjoyed it so far.”

Alfie Rollett

“Currently I’m in my second year of my apprenticeship at the Cathedral. I have been studying at York College in two-week blocks, once every six weeks. This has been the most amazing experience. I’ve had some of the best tuition from my teachers and met some amazing friends. At the Cathedral I’ve been involved with lots of little projects and learned lots of new conservation techniques. They have given me lots of time on the banker to hone my skills, giving me lots of study pieces and different mouldings to practice.

In the autumn of last year, I got sent down to Symonds Yat to attend a course in lime mortars. We worked on a tired old church in a nearby village. Here I learned lots of new skills and met some amazing people from other Cathedrals.”