Exeter Cathedral Celebrations
WE HAIL OUR NAMESAKE SAINT WITH
CATHEDRAL CELEBRATION!
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Devon Mr Eric Dancer Esq. joined local dignitaries from across the South West including The Lord and Lady Mayor of Exeter for Champagne and Christmas canapés at a festive St Loye’s Day celebration at Exeter Cathedral on 1st December.
The special event took place on St Loye's Day, commemorating the traditional patron saint of metal workers and craftsmen and hosted by Exeter-based award-winning national charity St Loye’s Foundation. Over 600 guests filled The Nave of Exeter Cathedral and celebrated the achievements of thousands of disabled and medically disadvantaged St Loye's trainees, who have been helped by the charity since it was founded in Exeter in 1937.
The organisation was founded by Dame Georgiana Buller 72 years ago to teach disabled people a trade and enable them to live independently. It now deals with a range of health and social issues, as well as providing work-related therapy and education.
The service, led by Canon Tom Honey included a moving testimonial by a former trainee and tributes from members of St Loye's Foundation staff. Displays of yellow floral arrangements adjourned the stage specially created for the occasion by floristry students from Bicton College. Cathedral choristers Isca Voices led the carols, culminating with a powerful performance by East Devon's only all-female barbershop choir, Renaissance Chorus.
Christopher Knee, St Loye's Foundation chief executive, said: "This was a significant event for the charity. We are celebrating over 70 years of supporting people with disabilities and mental health challenges. Many of whom have achieved goals and ambition’s once beyond their dreams and this is something Exeter can be very proud of.”