Launch of new guidebook for St Anne’s Cathedral
Visitors to St Anne’s, Belfast, will be able to take home a lasting record of the historic cathedral following the launch of a new full colour guidebook.
It has been many years since the last publication of a guidebook to Belfast Cathedral, although information has been available to visitors on a sheet.
The new guidebook places a strong emphasis on pictures and the photographer is architectural historian Paul Larmour, of the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering at Queen’s University, Belfast, who has published a number of books featuring local buildings. The text is largely written by Norman Weatherall, Belfast Cathedral’s most senior guide (pictured above with the Lord Mayor), with input from the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev John Mann.
The 56 page book is sized so it can fit easily into a pocket or handbag, and is on sale for £5. The publication has been jointly funded by the Friends of Belfast Cathedral and the Good Book Shop, Donegall Street.
Dean Mann said: “We see the guidebook as important in presenting the Cathedral to visitors to the City and it is something they can carry away with them, remembering a happy visit to the Cathedral and City of Belfast.“
It is part of our ministry to the tourist and part of the Cathedral’s contribution to the life of the City.”
The launch on Wednesday July 18 was attended by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Gavin Robinson, who congratulated everyone responsible for producing the updated guidebook.
“This will be of real benefit to the many tourists visiting our city and is a valuable asset to help promote such an important and beautiful building in the heart of Belfast,” he said.
He told those gathered at the launch: “I hope that people of all hues take the opportunity to come in and experience the warmth of this cathedral and use this new book as a prayerful guide.”
The Mayor added that Belfast was blessed to have a Cathedral with such presence so close to the economic and commercial hub of the city.
The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, thanked the Lord Mayor for his support. He paid tribute to everyone involved in the project, in particular Dean Mann and the guidebook author Mr Weatherall for all his hours of dedication.
The guidebook will be available in a number of international languages from the autumn.