Covid-19 vaccinations at Salisbury Cathedral

Patients aged 80 and above have been invited to the iconic venue, which has been chosen to act as a hub for the Sarum South Primary Care Network, to receive their first dose of the Covid jab.

David Halls, the director of music at Salisbury Cathedral, and John Challenger, Assistant Director of Music, will be providing a programme of music throughout the day on the famous Father Willis organ.

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: "We are proud to be playing our part in the life-saving vaccination programme, which offers real hope in these difficult times.

"The staff of our local NHS and their patients will receive a warm welcome to their Cathedral, and we assure them of our constant prayer."

Pictures and video by Spencer Mulholland 

The Cathedral has suspended car parking charges for those getting the Covid-19 vaccine there.

Salisbury Medical Practice, Harcourt Medical Centre, Three Chequers Medical Practice, Downton Surgery and Whiteparish Surgery have invited patients from the over 80s priority group to attend.

Only those that have been invited by the NHS should make their way to the Cathedral, only five minutes before their appointment time.

Dr Dan Henderson Co-Clinical Director for Sarum South Primary Care Network said: "It’s great to be further expanding the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Wiltshire.

"Today marks another step towards getting our lives back to normal."

Former Cathedral steeplejack Lynn Court was the first to receive a vaccination today.

Another person to receive his Covid-19 jab was 95-year-old Louis Godwin, a former RAF flight sergeant tail gunner who flew missions over Germany during the Second World War.

He said: "I’m feeling really well, it’s so easy. Anybody who can, should get it as soon as they can. Everyone should obey the rules, it’s the only way we are going to beat this virus. Please get your jab when it’s offered to you, let’s get rid of it this year."

Louis Godwin    Picture by Alice Smith

Cathedral Guide, Ruth Hawley, who also received her vaccine today, said: "I feel much relieved and delighted to have had the vaccine. What a wonderful place to have it in."

Ruth Hawley  Picture by Alice Smith

She added: "It is an inspiration to have it in the cathedral - to have it in this place of prayer where we come for hope and healing - that seems to me to be absolutely right."

Picture by Alice Smith

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