THE Queen has sent a message of good wishes to the Friends of Winchester Cathedral as it celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. The organisation was set up in 1931 by the then Dean of Winchester, Gordon Selwyn, to provide financial support to the cathedral. Two of the Friends’ earliest projects were the restoration of the St Swithun’s Gate into the Cathedral Close and support for the embroidery of over 100 kneelers and cushions. The work of the broderers and their connection with the Friends was the subject of Tracy Chevalier’s recent best-selling novel, A Single Thread.

The Queen has been the Royal Patron of the Friends since her accession in 1953 and has taken a keen interest in their work. Three years ago, Her Majesty gave permission for Queen Elizabeth’s Winchester’ Carol to be commissioned in honour of her own 90th birthday: ahead of its première in the cathedral, she asked to hear a recording which was sent to Buckingham Palace.

In 2012, she met the present Friends’ chairman, Bruce Parker, at the New Forest Show and asked how their appeal was progressing to raise funds for the cathedral’s medieval windows.

“We’re very honoured to have Her Majesty as our Patron. I’ve been made aware that she knows a great deal about our cathedral history and, particularly in these rather dark days, it’s absolutely wonderful to have such a cheering message from her,” said Bruce, the former BBC presenter.

The Dean, the Very Rev Catherine Ogle, added: “This gracious message from Her Majesty the Queen gives a sparkling start to the year in which we celebrate the 90 years of The Friends of Winchester Cathedral. The Friends are fortunate to have such a patron and we are fortunate to have such Friends.”

Writing from Windsor Castle, Her Majesty referred to the most recent of the Friends’ projects, saying she was “pleased to learn of the success of the many virtual events which have been organised since the outbreak of the pandemic and of the funding by members for an installation in the cathedral to allow online video-streaming of services”.