The Chapter of Truro Cathedral says it is disappointed that there will be no Ice Rink on the Cathedral Green this year due to current repair work on the north west tower and the start of the Old Cathedral School refurbishment.

Essential repair work is taking place on the mullions (the vertical window dividers). This work involves extensive scaffolding around the tower, the base of which is unfortunately positioned at the usual entrance to the ice rink.

Although it is hoped that the repair work will be complete and the scaffolding removed by the end of November, the nature of the work means this cannot be guaranteed and the logistics of coordinating the timeframe of both activities has made it impossible to arrange the ice-rink this year. Additionally, Truro Cathedral is about to start work on the restoration and refurbishment of the Old Cathedral School with the aim to establish a creative arts and music centre that is accessible to everyone. This work too, demands use of some of the space usually occupied by the ice rink.

Commenting on the decision, The Very Reverent Roger Bush, Dean of Truro, said “The ice rink has been very popular over the past two years and we understand and share the disappointment this decision may cause. However, as custodians of the cathedral, we have to balance this against many factors including health and safety and our responsibility to preserve, conserve and develop this incredible building. Put simply, the safety of the public, the north-west tower restoration and the Old Cathedral School project, which will create a community based building that will create future investment in the life of Truro, must take priority.”

The status and progression of the Old Cathedral School project will play a big part in the decision as to whether the ice-rink will return in 2015.

The Very Reverent Roger Bush continued “There is no doubt that the ice-rink brings a fun and festive element to the City of Truro and we are not saying that it is gone for good. If refurbishment work is at the point we hope it will be in the summer of next year, we will look at whether it would be possible for the ice-rink to return, and in the meantime the cathedral has a schedule packed with events and activities for all to enjoy this winter.”

You can click here to view the Cathedral’s Autumn/Winter events listing, but festive highlights include; Late Night Shopping on November 26, December 3, 10, 17, when the cathedral will be open late and offering a host of things from charity stalls and children’s activities, to musical entertainment and refreshments; St Mary’s Singer’s Candlelit Christmas Concert on November 29; Christmas lunches every weekday in the Cathedral Restaurant from November 17- December 19; An atmospheric Advent service with Truro Cathedral Choir on December 7 ; Christmas Organ Recital on December 21 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on December 23-24 and; children and pets carol service on December 28.