News: Guildford Cathedral Appeal raises £6.9m

4,000 supporters help Guildford Cathedral Appeal raises £6.9m

The Guildford Cathedral Appeal, which set out to raise over £7m to save and transform this iconic building, has raised over £6.9m – that’s 96% of its original target.

The Dean of Guildford, the Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams said: “We are delighted to announce that more than £6.9m has been raised through the Cathedral Appeal.  This significant achievement was made possible by more than 4,000 people, including many generous individuals, local organisations, the Cathedral community and the Heritage Lottery Fund - all of whom recognise the importance of the Cathedral both as a place of worship and as a vital building and centre for the whole of the Surrey community.  People of all ages supported us in many different ways and we are enormously grateful for everyone’s generosity and support.”

The organ renovation fund, “Sponsor a Pipe” has caught the imagination of a large number of benefactors and raised over £100,000.  The Dean said “We are delighted that so many individuals and local organisations have sponsored pipes to fund the renovation of our magnificent organ.  We are particularly encouraged that a significant number of pipes have been sponsored on behalf of children, who will grow up knowing that they have contributed to the future of our inspirational building, just as many young people did in the 1950s when they “bought a brick” with their pocket money. “

The Dean added: “Everyone who wishes to celebrate the Appeal success and find out about how the funds are being invested for the future are welcome to come to the People’s Cathedral Open Day on 14^th May, 11am-3pm. “ More information is available on the Open Day at www. guildford-cathedral.org/events

The Appeal ended on Easter Day, 27 March 2016.  The funds raised will be used to save and transform the Cathedral, specifically to

1) remove the acoustic plaster on the ceiling vaults which contains asbestos

2) make improvements to the building and facilities, including new sound and lighting systems

3) engage more people through new activities such as family fun days, coffee concerts, oral history

4) renovate the organ which was removed in summer 2015.

Building works started on 4^th April and are scheduled to take 15 months.  The Cathedral will remain open throughout the works and visitors and are most welcome to come and see the works in progress.  

The generosity of Appeal benefactors will be commemorated in the MAKE YOUR MARK Manuscript which will be displayed in the Cathedral and kept for future generations in the Cathedral archive.

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Added Friday 22nd April 2016