Tourism:  To liaise on behalf of Abbey activities with other tourism bodies including the Museum, the Castles, The Almshouse tearoom, Sherborne Town Council and the Tourism Forum.

Situation:

The Abbey is part of a tourist town: perhaps the lead attraction, but one of several.  It is suggested that we should take a more positive role with other heritage and arts bodies, publicising each other’s offerings and perhaps co-ordinating our activities.  This happens to some extent through the Tourist Forum, but needs supercharging.

Requirement:

We need someone to engage actively with Sherborne Town Council and other tourist attractions in the town, with a view to developing a more active programme; and to develop the Abbey’s arrangements for encouraging and serving tourists, including links with commercial operators such as cruise ships visiting Portland.

Reports to: Rector and Standing Committee

Application to: directorofmusic@sherborneabbey.com

Energy adviser:  To examine the Abbey’s energy use and potential terms of supply with a view to developing the most efficient operating pattern.  Consider potential installation of solar panels on south aisle roofs.

Situation:

The Abbey heating rests primarily on air-source heat pumps (ASHP) feeding underfloor heating, with a control system on times and temperatures.  Gas-fired boilers and underfloor fans provide backup for peak demand.  We do not at present try to use off-peak rates for electricity.

There is scope for solar panels on the south aisle roofs.  We have thus far felt that the capital expenditure would not be a high priority.

Requirement:

We would like someone to analyse electricity use, research available prices for different patterns of electricity supply, and ascertain whether a more economical regime could be developed.  The potential contribution of solar panels for daytime supply might form part of this.

Reports to:  Chairman of Fabric Committee

Application to: directorofmusic@sherborneabbey.com

Archaeological co-ordinator:  To liaise with the School concerning the cataloguing and potential display of materials from previous archaeological work; to consider the possibility of further investigations in the building or, more likely, in the Close.

Situation:

Sherborne Abbey, with a history of 1300 years activity on the site, is potentially a major archaeological resource.  We have material from previous excavations, investigations from recent works and unexplored remains under the site.  While there has been extensive reporting of previous work, there is much that remains undigested.

Requirement:

We need to develop an archaeology policy, identifying the known issues and the opportunities.  This will involve liaison with the School regarding material stored but undigested, assessment of recent Ground Penetration Radar findings, and items for possible further research.  While we see a need for an amateur lead, it is likely that this will lead to recommendations for some professional involvement.

Reports to:   Chairman of Fabric Committee

Application to: directorofmusic@sherborneabbey.com

Textiles:  To encourage the formation of a textile/embroidery group with a view to cataloguing the collection of robes, altar frontals etc; to identify and potentially carry out conservation and repair.

Situation: 

We have a substantial collection of robes, altar frontals and other textiles which are not catalogued.  Some may be redundant, while others have considerable value.  A detailed assessment is needed to identify conservation requirements.  Following a personal visit by an accredited textile conservator, it is suggested that we try to form a textile and embroidery group, possibly drawing on the wider Sherborne community.

Requirement: 

We need someone with competence in this field who might draw together a team of volunteers in embroidery and textiles.  Arrangements could be made to call on real expertise to advise the work of this team.

Reports to:  Head Verger

Archives Recording:  To develop an online skeleton for the Abbey’s archives and work with others to collect current archival material.

Situation: 

The Abbey has not in the past kept its own archive, but has sent significant documents to the Dorset History Centre, formerly the Dorset Record Office.  This worked well when records were all on paper.  But the change to digital records has brought two changes: the amount of information has exploded, and we have the ability to store it more efficiently.  This is not currently being done effectively.

Requirement:  

We need someone with the digital skills to set up a record system and to instruct the relevant people on its use.

Reports to:  Parish Secretary

Application to: directorofmusic@sherborneabbey.com

Existing archive material:  To sort and catalogue material in the Abbey Library and Muniment Room with a view to proper storage or disposal as appropriate

Situation:

The old Abbey Library above the vestries and the Muniment Room above the porch contain a miscellaneous collection of books and documents.  Some are, for example, old hymn books which could be discarded.  But there may also be valuable books and important records.  There is a need to go through them carefully to catalogue, identify the rubbish for disposal, and arrange for the proper storage of the important material.

Requirement.  

It would be desirable to establish a team to do the primary sorting and cataloguing, with a leader who can make a judgement on value and have the contacts to seek further advice where necessary.

Reports to:  Parish Secretary

Application to: directorofmusic@sherborneabbey.com

Environment:  To re-form the Eco Church Committee, review the Environment Policy and develop policy as appropriate for the Church and Close.

Situation: 

The Church of England is keen to pursue this area with the objective of achieving net-zero.  A committee was formed a couple of years ago, but has subsequently lapsed.  A basic environment policy was drafted in 2025 to support a grant application, but needs review and development.  Aims will embrace not just the obvious reduction of energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, but our use of other materials such as paper and the way that we use the Abbey estate.

Requirement:  

We need a lead person who can review this area and liaise with others across the parish who could develop the required improvements in our environmental practices.

Application to: directorofmusic@sherborneabbey.com