Jackie Molnar, chief operating officer of Salisbury Cathedral will step down from her role as Cathedral Workshop Fellowship (CWF) chair of trustees. During her leadership, Jackie has been instrumental in training stonemasons, joiners, and other craftspeople across the 13 cathedral member workshops. Jackie also chaired the governance group prior to the launch of the CWF as a charity.

Executive director of the CWF, Frances Cambrook commented: "Jackie's unwavering commitment to our vision embodies the spirit of collaboration and preservation that defines the Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship. Her guidance and support before and after the charity's inception in August 2023, have been invaluable in shaping our journey."

Reflecting on her time in the role, Jackie said: "serving as chair of trustees for the CWF has been a privilege and a rewarding experience. Witnessing the tangible impact of our training programmes on both individuals and our cathedral communities fills me with immense pride. The dedication and passion of our craftspeople resonate deeply with the ethos of Salisbury Cathedral, where preserving heritage is at the core of our mission."

The incoming chair of trustees will be Carolyn Bruce, executive director of Chester Cathedral who said: "I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of Trustees for the Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship. The work of the Fellowship resonates strongly with Chester Cathedral's commitment to craftsmanship and heritage preservation. I am excited to collaborate with our trustees, staff, and cathedral partners to ensure that the Fellowship continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact."

Valentia Slate, a natural stone derived from Valentia Island in the Republic of Ireland has been officially recognised as a heritage stone. 

Awarded the status of 'International Union of Geological Sciences Heritage Stone', it has been used internationally, including on the floors and roofs of the House of Commons in London and Trinity College, Dublin. The status is only given to stone that has a history of significant use and which is still available for conservation purposes today.

Globally, only 55 stones are recognised by this designation and it was achieved through research by the Trinity research group Stonebuilt Ireland based in Geology in the School of Natural Sciences and led by Professor Patrick Wyse Jackson and Dr Louise Caulfield, in collaboration with colleagues at Valentia Slate Company Ltd and Carrig Conservation Consultants. Connemara Marble is the only other stone in Ireland with this recognition.

The slate which can be used in construction and domestic settings is extracted underground on Valentia Island in the same facility that was opened by Peter Fitzgerald, the Knight of Kerry, in 1816. The company operates a zero-waste policy in extracting slate for a wide variety of purposes including flooring, roofing slates, worktops and headstones.