THE project to carry out essential repairs to St Mary’s Aisle in Truro Cathedral is nearing completion, with two special events planned to celebrate the aisle’s re-opening to the public.

A one-hour service of re-dedication and Holy Communion will take place on Friday, June 14 at 11am, led by the Rt Rev Graham James and followed by coffee.

A formal re-opening with speeches of thanks will be held on Saturday, June 22 from noon to 12.30pm, followed by family activities and music in the aisle until 3pm. Truro Cathedral Choir will be heard rehearsing in the Nave for their summer concert Sing Joyfully, taking place at 7pm that evening.

St Mary’s Aisle is the oldest part of Truro Cathedral, and the remnants of the place of worship which preceded it. It remains the parish church for the city centre, and the only parish church in the UK to be situated inside a cathedral.

The work has made the roof watertight for the first time in many years, protecting and enhancing the historic interior for both worship and other activities.

Members of the public are welcome to both events, and are invited to share their memories in a special visitor’s book. Invitations will also be sent out to funders, councillors and Friends of Truro Cathedral.

The work was made possible by grant funding bodies including Cornwall Historic Churches Trust, the Duke of Cornwall’s Benevolent Fund and the Bernard Sunley Foundation, and by individual benefactors who left legacies in their wills.

Further details can be found at www.trurocathedral.org.uk