Cathedral milestones celebrated

Two milestones were reached in St Magnus Cathedral recently.

 

Ingirid Jolly has been working as a relief custodian for 25 years, with the anniversary falling at the end of June.

 

In that time, she has spoken to thousands of visitors from all over the world, all of whom have benefited from her extensive knowledge and love of the building.

 

Ingirid has been in and around the Cathedral all her life, as her father, Albert Thomson, was custodian for 32 years.

 

Current custodian Annie Thuesen said: “It is always a pleasure to work with Ingirid and hear her stories, and we congratulate her on reaching 25 years as a relief custodian. We wish her many more!”

 

The end of June also saw the retirement of long-time upper level tour guide Ross Flett.

 

Ross was one the first guides to take the tours upstairs in the Cathedral, starting in 2002. Things have changed a lot over the years, but the tours remain very popular.

 

Ross said that one of his most memorable tours was for the band Mumford and Sons, after their hugely successful cathedral concert in March 2011.

 

Cathedral curator Fran Hollinrake said: “Everyone loved Ross’s tours – his enthusiasm for the building and his knowledge accumulated over the years was always combined with warmth and approachability. The Tripadvisor reviews have been excellent!”

 

Ross will stay on as a relief custodian so he will be around the Cathedral for a while yet.

 

Nick Hewitt, the Council’s Culture Team Manager, added: ‘I am profoundly grateful to Ross and Ingirid for their years of devoted service to the Cathedral. Their wisdom and insight has made a visit to St Magnus incredibly memorable for many thousands of visitors over the years.”

 

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Photos:

Fran Hollinrake (curator) Ingirid Jolly and Annie Thuesen (custodian)

 Ross Flett opening the tower door for the last time as a tour guide on Sunday 30 June.