Living the Lantern
The Cathedral’s partnership with Speaking Up Together stems from the Lantern Initiative, which provides practical support for visitors who face various challenges in their daily lives.
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NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Uncovering Newcastle’s Mysterious Vampire Rabbit with Jess from Speaking Up Together
Published October 2024
Speaking Up Together is a self-advocacy group led by adults with learning disabilities from Gateshead and South Tyneside.
Since their first visit to Newcastle Cathedral in 2022, the group has developed a series of workshops specifically designed for individuals with learning disabilities.
In this article, group member Jess shares her experience leading a session on Newcastle’s mysterious Vampire Rabbit. She has also created an ‘Easy Read’ information sheet, designed to be clear and accessible for everyone
The project, titled ‘Access: Newcastle Cathedral’, was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. An exhibition showcasing the group’s work will be held at the Cathedral during Easter 2025.
“Hey, I’m Jess, a member of Speaking Up Together. We had funding to do an easy-access history project. I led the first-ever session back in March, which was all about the infamous Vampire Rabbit. I’ve always had a fascination with the rabbit and its story, and lots of tourists come to see it when they visit Newcastle.
“In my research, we found out that people think it was either made by Freemasons, made to deter graverobbers, or that it’s just a quirky gothic sculpture.
“After the session, we all made some rabbits out of clay! Mine looked quite strange but its characteristics looked like the rabbit itself. The group did some colouring and made clay models, probably looking better than my rabbit.
“We also did some creative writing about the Vampire Rabbit using cut-out words. I have used this method before when I have led poetry sessions.
“If you’re wondering where the rabbit is, he’s on a building at the back of the Cathedral. You can’t miss his glorious black ears and black appearance. Very appropriate for a Halloween visit and a pumpkin spice latte at Café 16!”
Jess’s model of the Vampire Rabbit
Cut-out words from the creative writing exercise
Discover More Blog Posts from Members of Speaking Up Together…
Stained Glass Windows with Ann
In the first blog post of our series, Ann introduces the stories behind two of our stunning stained glass windows. She also writes about the group’s stained glass coaster workshop, led by the talented local artist, Rita Griskonyte.
Scaling New Heights with Gary and Derek
Group members Derek and Gary share their insights from leading workshops about the Cathedral’s iconic Lantern Tower and the beautifully stencilled ceiling in Café 16.