News: Guildford Cathedral Appeal achieves £1.3m milestone

Guildford Cathedral Appeal is delighted to announce today that it has reached its first phase goal of £1.3m which will enable an application for a multi- million pound grant to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund next month.

The Dean of Guildford, the Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams said: “It’s a wonderful achievement and we’re so grateful to the many individuals, families and organisations that have supported us through the MAKE YOUR MARK campaign.

“More than 1,000 benefactors have supported us and hundreds more have sponsored and participated in Appeal events.  We want to say thank you to everyone involved.  Your generosity will help us save Guildford Cathedral.   Like the Brick-givers, you are now part of the story of the People’s Cathedral. “

A vital strand of the Cathedral’s 2020 Vision, the £7m Cathedral Appeal will protect and transform the Cathedral, benefiting people of all ages, now and in future generations.

The Cathedral’s most urgent requirement for funds is to remove and replace plaster in the vaults which contains asbestos.  At the same time improvements will be made to access, lighting and sound systems, bringing them up to 21^st Century standards.

Plans also include an oral history project recording the memories of the Brick-givers and the development of new visitor resources so that the Cathedral is able to expand the range of cultural and educational activities on offer to locals and visitors alike.

This Autumn as part of its second phase, MAKE YOUR MARK will continue to raise funds for the Cathedral Appeal, including for the refurbishment of the organ.

To make a donation visit www.guildfordcathedralmym.com, TEXT MARK02 £10 (or any amount) to 70070, or send donations (payable to Guildford Cathedral) to Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP.

Added Tuesday 16th September 2014