Success Cathedral nears £1m target
GLOUCESTER Cathedral is getting close to hitting a mammoth £1million target in a bid to stay operating fully.
Having been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, it stands to lose up to £1.3m by 2021 in lost visitor and events revenue.
The city’s most famous landmark launched the ‘Beacon of Hope’ Appeal in June in a bid to to raise £1m by Christmas.
To help with this, it has been reported that the Diocese of Gloucester has committed to donate a £250,000 boost to the pot.
This financial support will enable the Cathedral to continue to play “a crucial role in the community’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic”.
The cash comes from earned income of the Gloucester Diocese Bishop’s Council trading activities, such as Good and Faithful Servant.
In addition all grants and donations to the appeal will enable a programme of cultural and social activities to help inspire people in Gloucester, promote wellbeing, support those who are most vulnerable and stimulate the city’s economy.
Luke Jerram’s Gaia - a seven-metre wide diameter sculpture of the Earth - is currently on display at the Cathedral as part of this programme.
The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester said: “Gloucester Cathedral is the Mother Church of our diocese and a prominent centre of worship and mission, both locally, nationally and internationally, so we felt it was vital to support the Beacon of Hope Appeal.
“We now pray that this commitment from the diocese will urge other potential funders to do the same and that the Cathedral can remain open and able to bring both hope and practical help to others in its key role at the heart of our diocese.”
The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said: “I am incredibly grateful to Bishop’s Council for this extraordinarily generous grant.
“Gloucester Cathedral stands as a Beacon of Hope and this funding will help to ensure we continue to light up a path to recovery across the region.
“The money raised so far has enabled us to keep the building open for everyone, provide daily worship, hold stunning cultural events like ‘Gaia’ and continue our work supporting the most vulnerable.
“And although we know it will be different this year, we are working hard to plan a Christmas celebration for the local community that will live long in the memory.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the organisations and individuals who have donated to our appeal.
“We are now just £250,000 short of our target and are confident that with the support of the local community we will reach £1m by the end of the year.”