Cathedral Music Trust CEO Jonathan Mayes and cycling companion Leo Wilson arrived at Ripon in time for the beautiful service of choral evensong on Tuesday.

Jonathan is travelling 3,000 miles in 50 days, visiting 100 cathedrals along the way to raise vital funds and awareness.

Speaking of the brilliant quality of choral services, Jonathan said, “I say to people, you have something world class on your doorstep everywhere in this country, which is not replicated anywhere else in the world.

“When I set out on this, the original concept was that you can always get to a brilliant choral service within a day’s cycle ride and I have proved it in places like Yorkshire and Cornwall! I’m trying to raise awareness of the breadth of quality music and for the need to support it.

“The highlights of the tour have included meeting so many people and hearing wonderful music whilst building a better understanding of the unique nature of every single place – it means as a trust we can do our job better.”

Almost at the end of his tour now – (finishing today – Wednesday April 29 with visits to Middlesborough and finally Durham) Jonathan hopes to have raised some £30,000 to support choral and organ music across the UK.

Here at Ripon Cathedral we are extremely grateful to the CMT for its continued support; most recently funding to support chaperones, vocal training for choristers, outreach and professional development for lay clerks.

L to R: Canon Michael, Leo Wilson, Jonathan Mayes and Dean John.