0:00:04 > 0:00:08York Minster is a marvel of the Medieval age,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11a testament to human faith and the worship of God.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17But looking after this 800-year-old building is no easy task.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22The staff and volunteers go to extraordinary lengths
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- to maintain its Gothic splendour. - It's pretty hairy.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29Everything will be moving in different directions.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33This is the story of one year in the life of the Minster,
0:00:33 > 0:00:36and for the people who work here, it's much more than a job.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37It's a calling.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14It's the beginning of February
0:01:14 > 0:01:17and the Christmas celebrations at York Minster are coming to an end.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21The Nativity scene needs clearing away
0:01:21 > 0:01:25and head verger Alex Carberry is on the case.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Right. If you want to get the Virgin Mary, Bill.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34We've had this set up since just before Christmas.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38In fact, the Christ child goes in on Christmas Eve at our crib service.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42We've just got to the feast of Candlemas, which is on February 2nd.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46And that's the day that now the church
0:01:46 > 0:01:49finishes its celebration of the Christmas season.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52So it's in order that we take away the Crib figures,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55dismantle the Crib and put it away for another year.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04They were made in Brussels, probably in the early 20th century,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07and very fine pieces, it has to be said.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13It's an Italianate background of the Crib but, of course, you know,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17a building this size, it needs to be in proportion, so somewhat larger
0:02:17 > 0:02:20than the normal Crib you'd find in most parish churches.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26But not every statue is a delicate work of art.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32We've got Sunday school and meet every week, and I think it was
0:02:32 > 0:02:36one of the children had left it behind, and we just thought...
0:02:37 > 0:02:40A little spark of inspiration came to us
0:02:40 > 0:02:44and we thought, "We can actually utilise this in the crib."
0:02:44 > 0:02:45We've got a Father Ted moment.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49We've got the large ox that we have at the front of the crib but we've
0:02:49 > 0:02:54got a very small cow that we put at the back because it's far, far away.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05The vergers are the ones who make the Minster tick.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08They're the odd job team,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11working every nook and cranny of the building.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21BELL TOLLS
0:03:21 > 0:03:26An automated system rings the Minster bells every 15 minutes,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30but at certain times, human intervention is needed.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33The idea is is that we have the 12:30 service,
0:03:33 > 0:03:38and the idea of ringing the bell is as a kind of traditional call
0:03:38 > 0:03:41to prayer, so it's kind of making people aware of the service.
0:03:41 > 0:03:47It's a 10¾ tonne bell that is very heavy to try and get ringing.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52It normally takes about eight or more pulls of this.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55It certainly keeps you fit.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59BELL TOLLS
0:03:59 > 0:04:01There's a bellringing rota for the vergers
0:04:01 > 0:04:04and it's not good form to be late.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09We have a three-minute warning time that's the chimes on the clock
0:04:09 > 0:04:10that's in the north transept.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13And it kind of gets to that point where you sort of go,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15"Oh, need to get going to ring the bell!"
0:04:15 > 0:04:18And I have kind of run up the spiral staircase,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21just as it's been striking 12 and things like that.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25There's a technique to all of this
0:04:25 > 0:04:29but Iain has a way of getting the most out of his bellringing duties.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Now, there is one bit of this that is quite fun,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34but you might want to stand back.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48It's one of those things where you kind of see it in the TV
0:04:48 > 0:04:51adverts and things, don't you?
0:04:51 > 0:04:55And Iain's not the only one who's enjoyed hanging out in the Belfry.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01What you've got here is various different names of different
0:05:01 > 0:05:04members of staff that have joined the teams over the recent years.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07We have got a number of names over on the wall over there
0:05:07 > 0:05:09from kind of late 19th-century and things like that.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11So it is really a long tradition.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14And again, it links people in with kind of what's gone
0:05:14 > 0:05:17here before, with the people that's gone before and that
0:05:17 > 0:05:20tradition of being here and working here and being part of its history.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21You've got myself there.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25I was brought up when I was a Minster host and inscribed my name.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28And then, when I became a verger, they added my name to it.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29It's that thought, isn't it,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33that we're only here for a very small portion of the time?
0:05:33 > 0:05:35With the Minster, it's been here long before us
0:05:35 > 0:05:37and it's going to go on long after we've been here.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40And it's nice to know you've made your mark on the Minster
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and your name, hopefully, will be here for quite a while.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52From every angle, the Minster dominates the city of York.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59With more than 2 million visitors, it's a big responsibility
0:05:59 > 0:06:02keeping the Minster and everyone inside it safe.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05They might look like security guards,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08but this is the Minster's very own police force.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13There are 10 officers and tonight, Steve Dawson is on patrol,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15and he's not on his own.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Steve's springer spaniel, Bindi, is a Minster legend
0:06:19 > 0:06:21with a keen nose for trouble.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23She's even sniffed out tourists who've been
0:06:23 > 0:06:24locked in the Minster by accident.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31Tonight, Steve and his colleague, Kadir Turkan, are cashing up.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34They're collecting money from the donation boxes
0:06:34 > 0:06:37but it seems Bindi's mind is on other matters.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39She's got a bit of a fetish for stuffed toys.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43If anyone's left a stuffed toy around, she'll find them, no matter
0:06:43 > 0:06:47where they are, stuffed down back of radiators, under chairs,
0:06:47 > 0:06:48she'll find them.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51And we used to have an array of stuffed toys
0:06:51 > 0:06:56all the way around the police cabin. But, yeah.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59She ends up carrying it around for a while and then if she's had
0:06:59 > 0:07:02it for more than 10, 15 minutes, she starts ripping it up to bits.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I start at six o'clock and finish at six o'clock in the morning.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10So me and Bindi and she keeps me company.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17And she spots everything I miss. Bind. Come here.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23She's like the 11th policeman. She does more work than I do! Yeah.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26I just sit back and relax. She does all the work.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30She can't carry the money, obviously, from the collection boxes
0:07:30 > 0:07:33and she can't answer the phone, otherwise I'd be out of a job!
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Steve's following a long line of Minster policeman.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44In you come. In you come.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49The force started in the Victorian era but security and law and order
0:07:49 > 0:07:52at the Minster goes back much further than that.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57In the 13th century, the Minster had its own legal system,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59including magistrates and coroners.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03These days, the Minster police might not have the same powers
0:08:03 > 0:08:06as bobbies on the beat, but they do provide security
0:08:06 > 0:08:09and make sure the dignity of the Minster is upheld.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15I couldn't ask for a better place to work.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19So peaceful in the evening, especially when you're on nights.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22So I often wander around, just me
0:08:22 > 0:08:27and Bindi, wandering around and sit and just take in the atmosphere.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29It's a funny building.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34One minute, it's really peaceful, and the next minute, it's eerie.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39To me, it's the most beautiful building in the world.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41And it's the best job in the world.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45And I get to bring my best friend with me, Bindi.
0:08:47 > 0:08:48Come on, Bindi. Come on.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Come on.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56It's the start of Holy Week,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59the seven days running up to Easter Sunday.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02It might be spring but it doesn't feel like it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06The temperature has plummeted but work at the Minster doesn't stop.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14The stonemasons are a hardy lot and the work continues come rain,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16shine or snow.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21The masons' lodge is an outdoor workspace where the public
0:09:21 > 0:09:23can see the masons at work.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27It's all traditional tools here, the kind of equipment that
0:09:27 > 0:09:30craftsmen from the Middle Ages would recognise.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34And just because it's cold, well, that's no excuse to stop work.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39The chill factor this week was supposed to be about minus 9
0:09:39 > 0:09:43or something, but actually, it's two degrees, I think.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49I've got my sets of thermals, three T-shirts, wool jumper and gloves.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51I'm all right. Good boots, socks.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56And after a day working outside in arctic temperatures,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59even stonemasons start to dream.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04Hot bath and a meal. And the Costa Brava.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14With a building that's eight centuries old,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16there are plenty of repairs to be done.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18The work's carried out
0:10:18 > 0:10:20by the Minster's crack team of master craftsmen.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23It's a painstaking process.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26From the stained glass to the gargoyles and grotesques,
0:10:26 > 0:10:28each piece is a work of art.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35The big project is the £20 million restoration of the east end
0:10:35 > 0:10:37of the Minster.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Behind 16 miles of scaffolding, the stonework
0:10:40 > 0:10:43and windows are slowly being replaced.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46All eyes are now on this weathered figure sitting
0:10:46 > 0:10:49high above the East Window.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Centuries of exposure to the elements mean it's now
0:10:52 > 0:10:56so badly eroded, there's now a debate about who it once was
0:10:56 > 0:10:59and what its replacement should be.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It could have been, potentially, Archbishop Thoresby,
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Christ in Majesty or St Peter.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09It was a pretty unanimous decision that where this figure is
0:11:09 > 0:11:12and because of the detail in the Great East Window
0:11:12 > 0:11:17and the iconography there that this would most likely be St Peter.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19So from there,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23we've had lots of really helpful experts helping us
0:11:23 > 0:11:26get the right modelling in place
0:11:26 > 0:11:32so that we can apply for permission to update and change this figure.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34The model of what St Peter should look like is quite
0:11:34 > 0:11:37advanced but it's still being tweaked.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40His hat will have to be a bit taller
0:11:40 > 0:11:43and some of his curly locks will have to go.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45In her office at the stone yard,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Rebecca is hoping they get the sign-off soon
0:11:48 > 0:11:50so that work can start.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53I think, at one point, he was thought to look a little bit grumpy
0:11:53 > 0:11:58but I think that was updated and everyone's been happy with his face.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00We're nearly there.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05And I think everybody likes the figure and agrees with the changes
0:12:05 > 0:12:10that have been made and, you know, the Dean and Chapter are happy.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14And so, it's just the final consultations taking place.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19We're just a dot in the history of the Minster
0:12:19 > 0:12:24but this is such an iconic figure that it will be remembered.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26We will be a part of that history.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Three tonnes of limestone from Poitiers in France
0:12:33 > 0:12:37has arrived in the stone yard but until the design is signed off,
0:12:37 > 0:12:38the carving can't begin.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Back inside the Minster, there's no let-up in the Easter schedule.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It's a hectic time for the staff.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53The Minster will be the epicentre for a host of services
0:12:53 > 0:12:57and Alex Carberry and his team of vergers are rushed off their feet.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Ask Stan to fill one of the radio mics.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04We're going to need that underneath the Central Tower... Morning.
0:13:04 > 0:13:11- ..for the first part of the service, OK?- The vergers' HQ is the vestry.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15From here, operations are directed and supplies dispatched.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- You all right?- Big plastic jugs for orange squash.- Are they not in there?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Can't see them in there.- Right, OK. I'll go and find some.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25I will find some. OK?
0:13:27 > 0:13:31There's no time to stand still as Alex racks up
0:13:31 > 0:13:33the miles around the Minster.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36There's a lot of activity to start with on...
0:13:36 > 0:13:41Well, any day where we've got major services.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43And basically, we like to try
0:13:43 > 0:13:48and get as much done early on as we possibly can
0:13:48 > 0:13:52because it's during the last half an hour before a service that the
0:13:52 > 0:13:55questions start cropping up, you know. What are we doing?
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Where do we need to be? Etc, etc.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03So a lot of activity but it's organised.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05We know what we're doing and we're all calm.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10So you're on my left. You're holding the book.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13So we begin with the choir singing from over there,
0:14:13 > 0:14:17then I do the greeting, introduction, Blessing of Palms.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21It's a well rehearsed routine but on Palm Sunday,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23the pressure is suddenly increased.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26The Easter schedule has been months in the planning
0:14:26 > 0:14:29but the cold weather has forced a change.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Unfortunately, because of the weather, it's so cold,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35we felt it to be unfair for the children in the choir to be
0:14:35 > 0:14:40stood out there in cassocks and surpluses that we decided
0:14:40 > 0:14:43we'd scrap the idea of processing through the streets of York.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45We'd actually start the service here in the Minster.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48But that decision was made very late on.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52The service is about commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and you
0:14:52 > 0:14:55can't really commemorate that unless you actually walk into the building.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58But we're doing our best, given the cold weather.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Well, you'll be pleased to hear you've not got to go outside today.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05You're staying inside. It's like a duck.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11The feet are going underwater but, you know, you've got this demeanour.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17The order of service? Are we not doing that now?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- Have we not started doing that already?- No, I haven't.- Ah, right.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24We need to do that. Right. We really need to do that.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26I think, if the stewards can start handing them
0:15:26 > 0:15:30out now to the people who are already in, and then, as people come in,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32we just have to keep handing them.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- Right.- Along with the Palm crosses.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41There we are. Can I give you one of those?
0:15:44 > 0:15:45Oh, you've got one.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50'I think I'm just about at that point where we've done as much as we can.'
0:15:52 > 0:15:55'It's just a case of now waiting for this service to start,'
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and making sure everybody knows what they're doing.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01So I think we can just...
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Not rest easy but we can relax a little.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11With a new plan in place, the congregation
0:16:11 > 0:16:16and clergy are spared a chilly march around the streets of York
0:16:16 > 0:16:19and process around the vast interior of the Minster instead.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Grant that we may follow the example of his patience and
0:16:30 > 0:16:35humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- One God, now and for ever.- Amen.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53With Palm Sunday now back on track, there's just the rest
0:16:53 > 0:16:57of the Easter schedule for Alex and the Minster team to work through.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Easter is the most significant festival in the church calendar
0:17:10 > 0:17:14but it's also the busiest and a time for some unusual deliveries.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20It's 5am in the small town of Helmsley,
0:17:20 > 0:17:2220 miles to the north of York.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26A local bakery has devoted part of its production line to
0:17:26 > 0:17:30making 600 hot cross buns for the Minster.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34They're a traditional Easter treat with the central white cross
0:17:34 > 0:17:35symbolising the crucifixion.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41It's early in the morning but there's still a deadline to meet.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44These buns have to be at the Minster by 9am
0:17:44 > 0:17:49so they can be handed out after the Maundy Thursday service.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52A small army of volunteers is waiting to get to work
0:17:52 > 0:17:57on the buns and there's one topic on everyone's lips - it's the weather.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02It's been exceptionally cold, and the Minster is always cold.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05This time last year, we were basking in sunshine at 20-odd degrees.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11The ladies waste no time in getting stuck in,
0:18:11 > 0:18:13as does their only male helper.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- David!- Waste not, want not!
0:18:18 > 0:18:19We're really going!
0:18:21 > 0:18:26One of the big problems with mass catering is that you can get
0:18:26 > 0:18:29a severe case of butterer's elbow!
0:18:34 > 0:18:37The Maundy Thursday service is over
0:18:37 > 0:18:41and there's nothing that brings the church together like tea and cake.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43And for the volunteers, it's another job well done.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50It might seem that everything moves at a sedate pace at the Minster,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- but there can be drama, too. - '..With those two boys.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57'I'm just wondering if anybody said they could go.'
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Come and join us, if you don't mind.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04Minster policeman Steven Reid is following a report that a woman
0:19:04 > 0:19:07and two children may have climbed a staircase, taking them
0:19:07 > 0:19:10to a potentially dangerous part of the Minster.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15I'll stand here, Kadir.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17While his colleague checks it out,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- Steven stands guard to make sure no-one else can follow.- OK.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24People, they come in and try doors. They think it's OK.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30There'll be somebody who thinks...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32They're allowed to go up there if it's unlocked.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37A fall from up above, especially the woman and a couple of children,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39it'd be devastating. We need to get them down.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44It's a tense wait and Steven's hoping no-one else is up there.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47When you fall at York Minster, you die.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- Simple as that.- Steven's seen his fair share of emergencies.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Before his 10 years with the Minster police,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56he served with the American military.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59I'm just totally committed to this place.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02I take my responsibilities very seriously here.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05They asked me to look after this place
0:20:05 > 0:20:07and I'm not going to let them down.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12After an extensive search, there's no sign of any intruders.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- It's all clear, Steven. - Oh, thanks, Kadir. Cheers, mate.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Thankfully, it's been a false alarm.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Steven has done his duty today and kept the building
0:20:21 > 0:20:25and its visitors safe, but in many ways,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28the Minster has become his own sanctuary following traumatic
0:20:28 > 0:20:33events as a young soldier more than 40 years ago.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36I served in Vietnam, several different areas.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42I was there 15 months. There's been some very dark times, yes.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48You feel guilty, sometimes, because you survived and, you know,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50you have friends that didn't.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54You feel an unfairness about what's happened.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58It's the first time, probably,
0:20:58 > 0:21:04since then that I've ever felt real inner peace within myself.
0:21:04 > 0:21:11I could never give York Minster nothing close to what it gives me
0:21:11 > 0:21:14and what it does for me is just...
0:21:14 > 0:21:16makes me want to be the best I can be.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20It seems the Minster is a place of refuge,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23even for those who work there every day.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33Holy Week is reaching its climax and it's Easter Saturday.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35The vergers are on the final stretch,
0:21:35 > 0:21:40preparing for the highly symbolic Easter vigil. It's a big event.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42The Archbishop of York will be taking the service.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47But first, for head verger Alex Carberry,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49there's going to be a severe test of his nerve.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54He's about to perform his least favourite task of the year,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58which involves draping a white cloth over a giant crucifix
0:21:58 > 0:22:01suspended from the Central Tower.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04It's not so bad going up if you're changing things like the lights
0:22:04 > 0:22:08and suchlike up here, which we do use that hoist for because then,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12you're against a pillar, so you do feel there's an element of
0:22:12 > 0:22:15if the thing was to rock forward, there's something to stop it.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Up there, if it was to move in any direction,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22you actually can just be coming crashing down.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Not that it would do because, of course,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27all the safety features are there to help secure it.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32MUSIC: "Thunderbirds" by The Barry Gray Orchestra
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It's pretty hairy.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01You sort of feel very exposed
0:23:01 > 0:23:05and this hoist does move slightly at this height.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08In a moment, when I throw this over the cross,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10the cross will actually start to swing as well
0:23:10 > 0:23:12and that will be a very strange sensation
0:23:12 > 0:23:16because everything will be moving in different directions.
0:23:16 > 0:23:17But here goes.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21While Alex grapples with his fear of heights,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24his vergers look on from the safety of the Minster floor.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28The cross is moving, which, as I say, is very odd.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Every year, I think, I ought to get on my colleagues to do this,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33and every year, I forget to ask them.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Cos they're younger than me. I'm sure they could cope.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38They probably like the thrill and excitement.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- Where's his Hi Viz jacket? - He should have a Hi Viz cassock.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47I used to be really, really good, really confident at heights,
0:23:47 > 0:23:53but as I've got a bit older, that confidence has started to wane.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59The Central Tower of the Minster is a cavernous space.
0:23:59 > 0:24:05It's so big, the Leaning Tower of Pisa could fit inside.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Does it look effective? Does it want to be further across?
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- That's all right, isn't it?- Yeah. - Yeah.- Yeah, that looks better.- Good.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15I'm coming down.
0:24:15 > 0:24:16If I can turn round.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31I'm not going back up.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37That looks all right, doesn't it?
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- Yup.- Yeah. Yes. We'll go with that.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45Thank you all very much for your support and your assistance in that.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- You know you appreciate it. - Oh, dear. Right.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Well, that's that for another year, I'm pleased to say.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Next year, it'll be someone else's turn.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00With Alex safely back on terra firma and the drape in place,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03preparations for the Easter vigil continue.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06The building's empty at the moment, so we're working whilst it's quiet,
0:25:06 > 0:25:08so it'll be for about the next hour or so. We'll be
0:25:08 > 0:25:11getting all set up and ready and then we'll crack on with
0:25:11 > 0:25:14the service and no-one will know that we've been working.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18It's going to be a complicated evening.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Not only is the Archbishop of York taking the Easter vigil,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23he's conducting baptisms, too.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Do you want to just check that you're OK going up those
0:25:26 > 0:25:28steps that we've put there with it?
0:25:28 > 0:25:32For the vergers, preparation is everything, and even the smallest
0:25:32 > 0:25:36details are checked, down to the temperature of the baptism water.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40It's red hot when it comes out of the tap but it'll be cool enough
0:25:40 > 0:25:45by the time we come to the baptism in about an hour and 20 minutes or so
0:25:45 > 0:25:50so no-one gets burns or they're not too... It's not freezing, either.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53This font is Medieval but interestingly, you can
0:25:53 > 0:25:57say this is the very heart of the Minster.
0:25:57 > 0:26:03The first church here was started for a baptism of King Edwin
0:26:03 > 0:26:05in the year 627 in order for him
0:26:05 > 0:26:08to be baptised to marry Queen Ethelburga from Kent.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Now, we don't know if this is the exact spot but for him
0:26:12 > 0:26:14to be a Christian, he would have to be baptised,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16so a little church was built.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18So symbolically, this is the very heart of the place.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36..While a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40# Oh Christ, the Morning Star, has risen in the morning. #
0:26:44 > 0:26:52And today, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56The Easter vigil is one of the most significant
0:26:56 > 0:26:58events in the church calendar.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02Lent is coming to an end and tomorrow is Easter Sunday.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06For Christians, it's a highly important festival as it marks
0:27:06 > 0:27:11the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross on Good Friday.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15The lighting of the fire bowl and the passing of the flame between
0:27:15 > 0:27:20the worshippers symbolises the end of darkness and a return to light.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23It's a time for many to renew their faith
0:27:23 > 0:27:26and for others to join the church.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
0:27:29 > 0:27:33from the dead, remember that through the Paschal mystery,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36we have died and been buried with him in baptism.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son...
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- ..and of the Holy Spirit.- Amen.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56Remember your baptism into Christ's death and resurrection.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57The Dean as well.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01THEY LAUGH
0:28:01 > 0:28:05So I invite you to just welcome Rebecca Caitlin, most warmly,
0:28:05 > 0:28:06in the body of Christ.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11THEY CLAP
0:28:11 > 0:28:14The Easter festival is now well under way
0:28:14 > 0:28:18and the celebrations can begin but the staff can't afford to relax.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24Next time at the Minster, there's an amazing discovery,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- deep underneath the building. - This is very special, actually.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30It's such an important part of York's story.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33And will the choristers hit the right note
0:28:33 > 0:28:34as they prepare to fly solo?