A Christmas Thank You
As Christmas comes around once again, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year such a special one. To all our staff and volunteers, and to everyone who plays their part in the life of the Minster in big ways and small, thank you. Your time, energy, and kindness are deeply appreciated.
Many people have said that this Christmas has seen the biggest turnout for services that they can remember at Hull Minster. It’s been wonderful to see the building so full, and it’s a real sign of the life and warmth of the Minster community.
I hope you all have a peaceful and joyful Christmas. Do remember that Christmas is a season, not just a day — so please keep celebrating for all twelve days. Those of you at the Carol Concert will have this impressed on their memories through Jem's splendid leading of us in the actions of the12 days of Christmas!
I hope you’ll be able to join us for our Epiphany Eucharist at St Mary’s, Lowgate, on Monday 6 January at 6.30pm, when we’ll round off the season together (with some final mince pies too).
May the peace of Christ be born in each of us this Christmas.
With my prayers and best wishes for the new year,
Canon Dominic Black
Change of time - The Joint Service of Holy Communion of 28th December 2025 will be at 10.30am.
#Holy Communion for the Feast of the Epiphany at St Mary's Church Lowgate
Join us at St Mary's Lowgate for a Eucharist marking the Feast of the Epiphany, supported by the beautiful music of the Hull Minster Choir. At Epiphany we remember the Magi—the wise visitors, or three kings bringing their gifts who followed the star to honour the Christ child with their gifts of gold, frankincense and Myrrh. Their journey speaks of seeking, discovery, and the light of God revealed to all people. This service offers a thoughtful moment of worship as we begin the new year, and everyone is warmly welcome.
Tue, 06-Jan-2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm
#CAR PARK
Our car park is now managed by Just Park.
£2 p/hour in daytime 8am to 6pm
£5 overnight 6pm to 8am.
Pay on Just Park App
This will bring in a much needed financial contribution to our running costs and charity work.
I have also set up a deal with Apcoa at King William House Multi-storey carpark on Market Place. A full day for £2.50, this is done via their pre-book system which can be done just before entering the carpark via the app, anyone wishing to take advantage of the offer is “minster250”, all they need to do is click on full day parking and when they check out just enter the code and it will reduce the price to £2.50.
#GIRLS BRIGADE
Just wanted to update you on some on the wonderful things 1st Hull Girls Brigade have been doing over the last few weeks:
25th November 2025 Christmas Party at Lush (Please tag or mention if you can link it)
The girls and leaders had a wonderful party evening at Lush Cosmetics in Hull. We were truly spoiled, looked after and had lots of fun and games, plus we got to take home our very own party bag with lots of extra treats.
We all made a comfort bubble bar together as part of our product making session and got our hands messy doing this. We also made pink and white bath bombs and got to experience lots of different products around the store.
During the evening we played Lush bingo and a lush leader would drop a product quietly into the conversation and see of it was marked off the girls individual sheets. There was a prize for both he row and full house!
There was an hilarious game of throwing a shower jelly at the window, (much harder than looks when trying to hit a target!)
Thank you to Hull Minster and the Ann Watson Trust for enabling us to go and have a very different party night that was thoroughly enjoyed.
2nd December 2025 Lord Mayor's Christmas Tree Festival
The girls have been working hard once again to decorate their tree for the Lord Mayor's Christmas Tree festival. It looks wonderful. We had a lovely evening finishing off our decorations and listening to Christmas music, putting up and decorating our tree and enjoying the wonderful trees from that the other groups had put together. Well done everyone!
With many thanks and best wishes,
Lauren
#Make a Difference Behind the Prison Walls – Volunteer at HMP Hull
Have you ever wondered what life is really like inside our prisons? Do you care about justice, dignity, and the humane treatment of others? The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to help ensure that prisoners are treated fairly and given opportunities to change their lives.
Every prison in England and Wales has an IMB – a group of ordinary citizens appointed by ministers to act as the public’s eyes and ears. As a board member, you’ll visit your local prison regularly, speak with prisoners, observe conditions, and help resolve issues ranging from healthcare access to bullying concerns.
No formal qualifications are needed – just sound judgement, empathy, and a commitment to fairness. Volunteers receive training and are reimbursed for travel and other approved expenses. If you live within 45 minutes of a prison and can commit to at least two visits a month, this could be your chance to make a real impact.
To learn more or apply, visit www.imb.org.uk. We will be recruiting 7 January until 18 February.
#Alma our Church Cat
She has her own bauble on the RSPCA Christmas Tree
Alma, the Minster cat, is now settling in well. She is gaining confidence now, to venture into the church when it's not to noisy and continues to love visits from volunteers and staff to play with her and give her treats. She is also now growing and gaining weight.
We will be saying a temporary goodbye to her for the Christmas and New Year period, as she goes on holiday to Marion's house, where she will be pampered.
#FROM HULL'S PORTS TO THE GOLD RUSH: THE STORY OF 'GASSY JACK' DEIGHTON
Born in Hull to a shopkeeper on Brooks Street, the story of 'Gassy Jack' Deighton is a spellbinding tale of a self-made man who made his name overseas.
For years, he has been celebrated as the 'Father of Vancouver', with his statue proudly adorning the streets of the neighbourhood of 'Gastown', on the site of his old bar. He is perhaps the most influential Hullian to ever leave his mark on North America, and without his famous 'Globe' bar and hotel, Vancouver may never have existed.
However, the story of this remarkable man is now in jeopardy. In 2022, protestors in Vancouver tore his statue down, leaving his legacy at risk of being lost forever.
Learn the true story of 'Gassy Jack' from our resident Vancouverite, our Heritage Manager James Cameron, and help to preserve the story of one of Hull's greatest sons.
Talks are FREE entry in the Minster Chancel, and available to view online through Facebook Live! No ticket required, just turn up.
#GIRLS BRIGADE at CHRISTINGLE
The girls from Girls Brigade helped Rev Rob with the Christingle Service, doing the readings and the prayers. Thank you so much for your lovely readings and prayers.
#Christmas Markets
Thank you to Julie and Becki who led on our two markets. We had 4500 at Victorian and 1000 people through the doors, which is a fabulous opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful Minster. It’s a lot of hard work but two fabulous events. Thank you to all the volunteers too.
#Joy Leaflets
Thank you to everyone who pushed out the green Joy leaflets. Each one costs 9p and can only do it’s work in someone’s hands. No good sitting on a shelf.
#Peter Levy
Peter Levy popped into Hull Minster Christmas Market & Christmas Tree Festival on until 24th. We had to take a look at the BBC tree @peterlevy.bbc #hullminsterchristmastreefestival @bbchumberside @bbclooknorth
#Hull Minster Choir
A massive thank you to our choir, Mark, Thomas, Ben and every other volunteer involved. You are the sound of Christmas at Hull Minster. Your sound is amazing.
Wonderful news: Sponsors of Hull Minster Choir!
Investing in the 'next generation'.
We are enormously grateful to the members of Hull Ladies' Choir and Westgarth Community Pop-in for their very generous donations of £1000 and £1410. These fantastic donations will go to our Choral Scholarship Fund, supporting the musical education of the children in Hull Minster Choir (choristers).
