The new chair of the CFCE has been announced as Dame Fiona Reynolds.
The Church of England writes:
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, after consultation with the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, have appointed Dame Fiona Reynolds to be Chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE), it has been announced today. She succeeds RT Hon Frank Field MP, who is standing down after serving two terms and ten years as chair, and over seen a period of creative conservation and development of the Church of England’s 42 cathedrals as well as the award by the Government of the £20m WW1 Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund for essential repair works to cathedrals.
The CFCE is the national body overseeing the management of conservation and development of the Church’s cathedrals. Dame Fiona was director of the National Trust from 2001-2012 before becoming Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
Speaking about her appointment Dame Fiona said: ‘I am honoured and delighted to accept the role of Chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England. I have loved and been inspired by the English Cathedrals all my life, and will relish the opportunity to work more closely with Deans, the team at Church House and the many other organisations and individuals who cherish them. I look forward in particular to being part of the strategic thinking that will take place, not only about the stewardship of these remarkable buildings, but their place in today’s society.’
The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, lead bishop for cathedrals and church buildings, said: ‘I am delighted that Dame Fiona has accepted the invitation of the archbishops to take over the chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission in succession to Frank Field, as are the members and staff of the Commission. Dame Fiona established a formidable reputation whilst Chief Executive of the National Trust through her success in transforming that great institution for the better. We are very fortunate that she is willing to bring her expertise, vision, advocacy skills and enthusiasm to bear upon our forty-two Cathedrals in England. They are the jewel in the crown of our cultural heritage and, more than that, are living buildings which contribute an enormous amount to the common good.’
View the press release and a full biography of Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE
