Wednesday 16 September marks a very special day for a very special member of our Cathedral family.
Karen Nattrass started work here at Carlisle Cathedral on the 16th September 1996, 30 years ago today!
Many involved with Cathedral life will recognise Karen, and know and appreciate just how much her kindness, efficiency and professionalism shines through in all areas of her work. At our Team Inset Day on Monday, this remarkable contribution to Cathedral life was celebrated, with warm words of thanks expressed by former colleagues, gifts presented by Edith, our Chief Operating Officer, and a beautiful cake presented by Hannah, our Head Chef.
Michael Manley, former Residentiary Canon said “I don’t think I’d have survived at the cathedral without Karen, the office organiser extraordinaire – the times she covered for my mistakes or reminded me of things were countless! But as many will know, she isn’t just super-efficient but really caring too – frequently listening when me or my boys were going through difficult times – nudging one of the clergy when she noticed another member of staff or volunteer struggling , and playing a big part in making the cathedral offices a warm and welcoming place (even cleaning the kitchen and hoovering on the quiet). It’s a sign of how much she gave to our worship too (not just the service sheets and last minute funeral’s ) but also the churches together joint family activities – whilst at the time running her own churches Sunday school, with Thomas, Michael and Kate in tow! It shows what an impact she has made outside the office when so many of the congregation know her and appreciate her. I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you Karen – not just for your professionalism and friendship but for making a very demanding and complex job – not just an amazing contribution but a true ministry. Long may it continue. God bless and well done.”
Bishop Graeme Knowles, former Dean of Carlisle added “When you start a new job in a new place that you don’t know at all, you need a Karen Nattrass! Karen was the perfect guide and mentor for an incoming dean. Her local knowledge was a great gift, gently guiding me through in intricacies of Cumbrian life. Above all she was fun to work with, with a lively sense of humour which got us through lots of tight corners. It really can’t be thirty years! But Carlisle Cathedral has had a hidden treasure in Karen for all that time.”
Mark Boyling, former Dean of Carlisle – who worked with Karen for 18 years – said “You probably know the story of the job applicant who did not get the job. When he asked why, he was told : You say that you have 20 years’ experience but in fact you have one year’s experience – repeated 20 times. That could never – never! – be said of Karen as she celebrates her remarkable achievement at the cathedral. Perhaps one of the most striking things about Karen is her ability to cope with, and bring vital skills to bear on the ever-changing canvas that is Carlisle Cathedral.
When I first arrived in Carlisle, audio tapes were being used to dictate letters and documents that were then faithfully typed up by Karen in the office. Thank goodness for emails! But that example is a tiny thing compared with the transformation that the Fratry Project has brought about over the last 10 years and more and I have lost track of the number of job titles Karen has had as we tried to respond to the latest demands the project was making. No surprise, either, that when Covid struck it was Karen who was not furloughed as we did our best to keep essential functions operating during lockdowns. And when it came to moving offices from No 7 to Church House , Karen took on the project management and, of course, it went as smoothly as such a complicated project could go.
People skills are another thing to celebrate today. Karen has them in abundance. Time and again members of Chapter, colleagues, volunteers and visitors have had occasion to count on and value the wisdom, dependability and discretion Karen brings to bear as she engages with issues across the life of the cathedral. I well remember times when Karen, gently and professionally, made sure I was aware of an issue that needed to be addressed and, again gently and professionally, made sure it had been. Karen, for all you have brought and continue to bring to the Cathedral: thank you.”
Bishop Rob added “I’m delighted to be able to write a message to mark Karen’s 30th anniversary as Dean’s EA at Carlisle Cathedral. Karen has shown herself through all this time as someone who can be absolutely trusted, someone who gets things done and who’s ability, insight and organisational skill is wonderful.
I remember when we were in need of help at Rose Castle and Karen came to rescue us and sort us out! She did rescue and sort us out, and we tried to persuade her to stay, but Karen is absolutely loyal and stayed at the Cathedral. Thank you, Karen, for being such a brilliant and calm member of the team, for all you have done, are doing, and will do for God’s work in Carlisle and Cumbria, and I hope you can mark this milestone properly!”
Edith McColgan, Chief Operating Officer concluded “Karen, I cannot thank you enough for your support, your loyalty, your dedication to the cathedral through thick and thin, your attention to detail which is second to none but mostly for your kindness. My time here over the last five years would have been a very different experience if you hadn’t been here to guide me and offer advice. The knowledge you hold about this place in your head is simply remarkable! I can only hope in my wildest dreams to learn a fraction of what you know and I very much look forward to many more years of working alongside you.”
Thank you Karen, for everything you do, and many congratulations on your 30 years of service.
