News: MAKE YOUR MARK campaign update

£1m in sight but Cathedral still needs more Marks 

The Guildford Cathedral Appeal is in sight of raising £1m, with many individuals, families and parishes getting involved in the MAKE YOUR MARK campaign.  However, the Appeal still needs to raise £400,000 by the end of the summer if the Cathedral is to be saved.  The remaining funds need to have been secured when the Cathedral applies to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant of £4.5m. 

This was the message guests heard, last Saturday, at a glittering fundraising dinner held in the Cathedral Nave.  Community leaders and businessmen who recognise the role the Cathedral plays across the region, enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere, with an auction raising funds for the Appeal.

Guests were also thrilled to hear from speaker, Michael Portillo. Mr Portillo, who was visiting the Cathedral for the first time, was delighted to support the MAKE YOUR MARK campaign.   Referring to the Somerset stone, and wonderful light, Mr Portillo commented: “this is an extraordinary building”.  He added: “Having personally seen the beauty of Guildford Cathedral for the first time, I hope people will contribute generously to save it.”

The Dean of Guildford, the Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams, also calls on Surrey residents and supporters from all over the world to support the iconic Grade 2* listed building.  The Dean said: “We are so grateful to all those who have already made their mark.  If we are to save the Cathedral, though, it is vital that we keep up momentum.”

“With £400,000 to raise over the summer, every single donation is going to be critical.  We need to raise £161 per hour to reach our goal. “

The Cathedral‘s most urgent requirement for funds is to remove and replace crumbling 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.

 MAKE YOUR MARK fundraising events are being planned across Surrey.  The Dean, who recently took part in an Abseil from the Cathedral tower to raise funds, commented “Organising a fundraising event is not only a good way to raise money it’s also an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the MAKE YOUR MARK campaign.  Fundraising - whether it’s a cake sale, a summer BBQ or a sponsored swim - doesn’t have to be time-consuming or elaborate.  Please get involved. “

To make a donation or get information about organising a MAKE YOUR MARK event, visit www.guildfordcathedralmym.com, or send donations (payable to Guildford Cathedral) to Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP.

Added Thursday 22nd May 2014