26 March 2024
In February, Chelmsford Cathedral opened three new art trails in collaboration with The Arts Society.
Children from The Cathedral Church of England Primary School joined The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford, Gill Murphy, a representative from The Arts Society, The Very Rev’d Paul Kennington,interim Dean of Chelmsford and The Revd John Fry, Interim Cathedral Missioner for the launch of ‘The Trails of Discovery’.
The Cathedral is home to three trails – one for preschoolers, one for school aged children and a memory trail. Children follow the trail and are guided around the Cathedral to learn about the art, architecture and history, completing a quiz sheet as they go.
The memory trail is for people living with dementia and aims to evoke memories and prompt conversation with family or carers as they follow the trail around the Cathedral.
The Revd John Fry who led on the project said:
“The Trails of Discovery are an exciting addition to the visitor experience at Chelmsford Cathedral, opening opportunities for children and also for older people to explore the space, in ways which promote active engagement with the Christian faith.
“The Cathedral is grateful to volunteers from the Arts Society and the parish church of St Mary’s Theydon Bois in the Deanery of Epping Forest and Ongar for offering their time and skill to bring this project to fruition."
Gill Murphy from The Arts Society added:
“I am very lucky to be able to attend the launches of new Trails of Discovery, as it’s always a delightful experience to see children and adults enjoying themselves and chatting together.
“It’s also very rewarding for the people who have made the trail to see children engrossed and focussed on the questions they have set. It was a pleasure to be in the Cathedral which was so busy and buzzy, and the trails seemed to be very well received by everyone. I hope that they will be a useful and enjoyable resource for many visitors."
