Frances Cambrook Retires After Distinguished Service with Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship

Frances Cambrook, a pillar of the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF), bids farewell as she steps down from her role as Executive Director. Her departure marks the conclusion of a career in higher education spanning more than thirty years, and sixteen years’ service to the CWF. During her time with the CWF , Frances has been instrumental in shaping and delivering the validated qualifications offered by the CWF, including the Foundation degree in Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair and the more recent Foundation Certificate in Stonemasonry. Both courses, validated by the University of Gloucestershire (UoG) have received glowing commendations following a recent Collaborative Partnership Review by the university.

Frances joined the CWF in 2008, bringing with her a wealth of expertise and a passion for heritage conservation and work-based learning. Under the auspices of a government funded skills development initiative, she supported and guided the original eight cathedral members and created for them the first CWF programme, a Foundation degree in Personal and Professional Development in Stonemasonry. In 2011 Frances started to work directly for the CWF , leading the delivery of the Foundation degree and the training of the team of tutors who deliver it, and developing the partnership with the university. This led, in 2015, to the establishment of a formal Collaborative Partnership with UoG and the revalidation, renaming and expansion of the Foundation degree to provide the three craft pathways we have today. Frances was appointed as Executive Director in 2020 and under her leadership, the organisation has grown significantly, expanding its membership and establishing itself as a key player in the preservation of traditional craft skills.

Carolyn Bruce, Executive Director of Chester Cathedral and Chair of the CWF Trustees, praised Frances’ contributions, emphasising her key role in the transformation of the CWF. “Frances has been the driving force behind the remarkable evolution of the CWF,” she began. “Her unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her tireless dedication and boundless energy, has propelled the organisation forward, leaving an indelible mark on its history. Frances’ leadership was particularly evident during the process of establishing the CWF as an independent charity,” she explained. “Her vision and strategic guidance were essential in navigating the complexities of this transition, ensuring the organisation’s sustainability and continued growth. In addition to her instrumental role in developing and delivering validated qualifications, Frances has played a crucial part in expanding the CWF’s reach and impact,” she added. “Her collaborative spirit and innovative approach have fostered strong partnerships and initiatives that have enriched the heritage sector and benefited cathedral members nationwide.” Carolyn concluded “Frances’ legacy will endure for years to come, and her contributions will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to uphold the highest standards of excellence,” she said. “We are immensely grateful for her leadership and commitment, and we look forward to building upon her achievements as we embark on the next chapter of the CWF’s journey.”

Karen Powell, Academic Programme Manager for the Foundation degree, echoed similar sentiments, praising Frances’ transformative impact on the student experience “So many heritage craftsmen and women have benefitted from the work-based programmes which Frances led on within the CWF. These students were supported by her over the years as their programme manager and were given a whole new range of professional opportunities as a result”. Reflecting on his invaluable experience working alongside Frances Cambrook, Michael Sheppard, Deputy Director of the CWF, shared insights into the profound impact her leadership has had on the organisation’s ethos and vision. “It has been a pleasure working with someone of Frances’ calibre,” Michael began. “Her professionalism, boundless energy, and innovative approach have been instrumental in shaping the success of the CWF over the past 16 years. Her legacy will continue to benefit the heritage sector for years to come.”

Michael highlighted Frances’ dedication to providing quality learning experiences for students at member cathedrals. “Frances’ passion for heritage conservation and her dedication to providing quality education have been truly inspiring,” he noted. “Her leadership has enriched the lives of countless students and has had a profound impact on the heritage sector. The holistic benefit of traditional craft skills taught across the membership would not have been possible without the development of the Foundation degree, and for that, we are all grateful. Frances’ vision and dedication to excellence have set a high standard for us all. As we step into the next chapter, we remain committed to upholding the ethos and vision of the CWF, ensuring that her legacy of providing quality education and preserving traditional craft skills continues to thrive.”

Reflecting on her time with the CWF Frances said, “A chance encounter with the late Peter Lyddon, former Administrator of the CWF, at a conference hosted by the (now) King’s Foundation, led to the creation of the first CWF Foundation degree and the start of my CWF journey. It is incredible that sixteen years have passed since then, and I really don’t know where the time has gone.

I have always been interested in historic buildings, but when I started working with the cathedral Master masons to design their new course, I realised that I knew very little about how they are constructed, repaired and conserved and even less about the depth of knowledge and skill that stonemasons and other crafts people require for the mammoth and endless task of keeping our cathedrals standing. People used to say to me ‘stonemasons? degree level? really?’ to which I was quickly able to reply ‘yes, absolutely, these are higher level skills!’

It has been a privilege to have worked with such a fantastic team of dedicated and highly skilled craftspeople over the years, and to be able to develop their tutoring skills so that they can pass on their knowledge to the next generation. And as for the students, they have never ceased to amaze me! ‘Academic’ study often doesn’t come naturally to practical craft-based learners, but without exception every single student that I have encountered in the CWF (81 and counting!) has shown a determination to challenge themselves and to develop their skills beyond where many of them thought they could go.

I can honestly say I have had the most amazing time. There have been ups and downs and challenges of course, but always a fantastic cathedral building to enjoy at the end of that interminable train journey, that makes it all worthwhile! The CWF has come a long way, and I am honoured to have been able to help to get it to where it is today. The next few years promise to be equally exciting, and I wish everyone the very best of luck for the future of the organisation.”

As Frances embarks on her well-deserved retirement, the CWF community expresses its heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable contributions and wishes her the very best in her future endeavours. After a short break over the summer Frances will return to the CWF in an advisory role working with the team to ensure the highest level of quality assurance possible.