The city of Norwich is preparing to bid a fond farewell to a beloved member of its community, the Revd Canon Andy Bryant, who has been a central figure at Norwich Cathedral for the past decade. Canon Andy’s dedication and passion have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, and his departure will undoubtedly be felt deeply. As the Cathedral’s Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care, he has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s outreach work, visitor ministry, and pastoral support, leaving an indelible mark on the community. A special service will be held on Sunday, June 22, to celebrate Canon Andy’s time at the Cathedral and to wish him well as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.
Canon Andy’s tenure at Norwich Cathedral has been marked by numerous highlights, including the introduction of innovative projects that have helped to bring the community together and showcase the Cathedral’s beauty. One notable example is the 2019 Seeing It Different project, which saw a helter skelter installed in the Nave, allowing visitors to gain a unique perspective on the Cathedral’s medieval roof bosses. This creative initiative encouraged people to think differently and appreciate the Cathedral’s architectural wonders from a new angle. Another notable event was the 2021 visit of Dippy the dinosaur, part of the Natural History Museum’s Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure, which brought excitement and curiosity to the Cathedral. Through these and other initiatives, Canon Andy has demonstrated his commitment to making the Cathedral a vibrant and inclusive space, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, reflect, and grow.
As a respected and influential figure in the community, Canon Andy has also been a regular contributor to Network Norfolk’s opinion columns, sparking lively debates and discussions on a range of topics. His thoughtful and insightful writings have helped to foster a sense of connection and dialogue among readers, and his willingness to engage with complex issues has been widely appreciated. The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, has praised Canon Andy’s outstanding contribution to the life of the Cathedral, highlighting his “huge energy, vision, and enthusiasm” and expressing gratitude for the role he and his wife Wendy have played in the community. As Canon Andy prepares to leave Norwich, he does so with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that his work has made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him.
Canon Andy’s journey to Norwich Cathedral has been a long and winding one, spanning several decades and numerous roles. Ordained in 1983, he has served in various dioceses, including Lichfield, Guildford, and Bath and Wells, working in a range of different settings and contexts. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to his faith and a passion for serving others, and his experience and wisdom have been invaluable assets to the Cathedral community. As he looks to the future, Canon Andy is excited to embark on a new chapter, one that will allow him to spend more time with his loved ones, including his daughter and her family, who live in Salisbury. The city of Norwich will undoubtedly miss him, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who remain.
The Sung Eucharist with a farewell for Canon Andy and his wife Wendy will take place at 10:30 am on Sunday, June 22, at Norwich Cathedral. This special service will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Canon Andy’s time at the Cathedral, as well as to wish him and Wendy well as they begin their new journey. The service will also be available to watch online, allowing those who cannot attend in person to participate and pay their respects. As the community gathers to bid farewell to Canon Andy, they will be remembering a dedicated and compassionate individual who has given his heart and soul to the Cathedral and its people. His departure will leave a void, but his memory and legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in his footsteps.
In the words of Canon Andy himself, “It has been a great privilege to serve at Norwich Cathedral; it is a wonderful place in which to live and work.” As he looks back on his time at the Cathedral, he is filled with gratitude for the support he has received from staff, volunteers, and the congregation, as well as his clergy colleagues. The memories he has made during his decade at the Cathedral will stay with him forever, and he will carry them with him as he embarks on this new stage of his life. As the city of Norwich says goodbye to Canon Andy, it does so with a sense of appreciation and admiration for a truly remarkable individual, one who has touched the lives of countless people and left a lasting impact on the community. His farewell service will be a celebration of his life and ministry, and a testament to the enduring power of faith, compassion, and community.
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