The Church Times reports that the Bishop of Winchester has ordered an independent investigation into recent events at the Cathedral, amid allegations of bullying and forced departures.
The latest development is the resignation of former BBC deputy DG Mark Byford, the senior non-executive member of Winchester Cathedral Chapter. Byford (pictured), 66, is a straight talker with an impeccable record for honesty and fair play.
The office of the Bishop, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, says: ‘In the light of that significant development in the cathedral’s governance, the Bishop has decided to commission an independent review, under the terms of the Cathedral’s Measure 2021, into the events that have led to this.’
The story so far can be found by searching slippedisc.com. Briefly, Andrew Lumsden was ousted as director of music, other musicians resigned. NDAs were imposed to maintain secrecy. The Precentor, Canon Andy Trenier, was accused of unacceptable high-handedness. The Dean, Catherine Ogle, issued a bromide video. The COO brushed the main concerns under the carpet.
The CT report is very soft indeed. There is one minor inaccuracy: the CT says DofM Claudia Grinnell left in March. She will actually leave in September to become DofM at St Edmundsbury cathedral.
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