Canterbury Cathedral fundraising appeal reaches £6.5 million

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Canterbury Cathedral fundraising appeal reaches £6.5 million

The Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal has raised £6.5 million to save the building threatened by old age and pollution.

The appeal, to finance an extensive conservation and development programme, aims to raise £50 million from donors around the world – though in initial efforts of the campaign have focused on Kent.

David Innes, chief executive of the Canterbury Cathedral Development Office said: “After our strong start last autumn, it’s good to be able to report that the appeal is now gaining momentum.

“The early support from the people of Kent has been magnificent and we’re hoping to enthuse many more people to participate in a number of fundraising initiatives.

“For over 1,000 years Canterbury Cathedral has put Kent on the map and we hope that the people of Kent will share a sense of pride in this wonderful building, and be inspired to help ensure the preservation of this key part of our national heritage.”

It costs £12,000 a day to run the World Heritage Site and to ensure the cathedral remains a working place of worship.

The running costs are met largely by admission charges and property rental, but the income will not stretch to the major conservation and development work needed to save the ancient building.

The cathedral receives no government aid and minimal support from the Church Commissioners.

The donations received so far have been used to start critical conservation work in the South East Transept and the Corona at the east end of the cathedral.

The work includes removal of the black sulphate crust that has built up on much of the external walls, cleaning stonework and replacement of crumbling stones.

Work has also started to repair the South Oculus window, which is considered one of the finest examples of a late 12th century round window.

Fundraising initiatives have included supporters running the London Marathon, store collections, sponsored walks and school collections.

Events in coming months include fundraisers at the Kent County Show, a Canterbury-to-Rome cycle ride along the Via Francigena, the British 10k London Run and a Christmas Concert starring Harry Christophers and the famous Sixteen.

See www.savecanterburcathedral.com for more information.

POSTED: 09/05/2007 14:44:22