Dr Louise Hampson, Research and Impact Officer
Christianity and Culture > is a leading multi-disciplinary research centre and has be appointed to work with Beverley Minster to use its expertise in history, archaeology, literature, art history, theology, and cutting-edge technology to carry out research, create interactive resources, and work with major heritage sites to engage visitors through innovative interpretation.
They say:
“Our unique approach to the creation of both digital and traditional interpretation, from development of strategy to onsite delivery and training, offers huge potential for our church, visitor attraction and educational organisation partners.
We combine high-quality academic research with cutting-edge digital techniques to create accessible, engaging materials that acknowledge the level of understanding and sensitivity required by the buildings with which we work”.
Introducing our Learning and Engagement Officer, Ali Bodley.
Ali writes:
“My name is Ali Bodley and I have a background working in the heritage industry. One of my early jobs was with the Methodist Church, as Curator at Wesley’s Chapel in London, the chapel built by John Wesley and where he is buried. We welcomed many pilgrim visitors from around the world. Since then I have had many roles including District Curator in Ryedale and Senior Curator at York Museums Trust. I was the UK Co-ordinator for the Young Archaeologist’s Club, a club which inspired children aged 8-16 with archaeology and built heritage such as our nation’s amazing ecclesiastical history. At the British Library I was Programme Manager for Campaign! Make an Impact, a national programme which used historic campaigns, such as the abolition of the slave trade to train young people to develop their own campaigns and change their own lives. I run my own heritage consultancy and more recently decided I wanted experience working with local communities and for a year was Senior Development Officer at Community First Yorkshire, based in North Yorkshire. My husband and I have long been concerned about vulnerable young people and have become hosts with local charity SASH, providing lodgings for young people at risk of homelessness.
I am delighted to be taking up this role at Beverley Minster. It will be great to be working for the church again, and with Beverley’s Minster amazing heritage. I am keen to share the history of the Minster with the wider community, particularly more hard to reach groups and to be able to welcome them to the work of the Minster”.
We plan to tell the story of Beverley Minster, place of sanctuary by working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to broaden the scope of the project’s learning and volunteering opportunites, and project activities, in order to engage with a more diverse audience. To do this we will:
- Appoint a Learning & Engagement Officer to develop and deliver a range of learning focused activities designed to engage a wide and diverse audience.
- Create and install an exhibition/display (with augmented reality aspect) focusing on the historic story of sanctuary in Beverley and the Minster.
- Recruit and train additional volunteers to be welcomers and tour guides in order to increase the number of Minster tours.
- Install interpretation boards within the roof area providing information about the roof construction and ongoing restoration.
- Facilitate heritage craft workshops (including leadwork, glazing and stonemasonry).
- Develop a sanctuary garden as a peaceful space for reflection.
- Deliver a programme of sanctuary-themed cultural and heritage events (including talks, concerts and art exhibitions).
- Create a new Sanctuary website within the Minster’s website.
- Update and publish a new edition of our Sanctuary Book to include the Minster’s history of sanctuary.
- Build upon the Minster’s existing relationship with charities involved in working with people seeking sanctuary so as to engage them with the project’s activities, learning and volunteering opportunities.