STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
After the fairway to heaven, the helter skelter that’s a...
IT’S one way of rising above the cares of the world and enjoying high spirits.
A 55ft-high helter skelter has been installed at Norwich Cathedral – costing £2 a ride. The move comes after Rochester Cathedral in Kent opened a free crazy golf course in its nave last week.
The Norwich attraction is designed to give people a closer view of the cathedral’s stunning ceiling – and attract more visitors in an age of dwindling congregations.
Canon Andy Bryant said the idea came to him when he was visiting the Sistine Chapel in Rome – famous for Michelangelo frescoes. He thought ‘the ceiling at Norwich Cathedral is every bit as wonderful’.
He said: ‘We have one of the greatest collections of medieval roof bosses anywhere in northern Europe. The trouble is they are so high up most people never get a chance to appreciate them. And so was born the idea.’
The helter skelter has a viewing platform at 40ft, allowing riders to admire the 69ft-high ceiling.
Canon Bryant said it was hoped the attraction, which will be open until August 18, will pull in more visitors.
He added: ‘Very far from being desperate, this is a sign of our confidence. By bringing lots of people in, we get an opportunity to share our faith.’
He explained: ‘We can take risks like this as we know who we are, we know what we’re rooted in, we know about our faith.’
However, the Rt Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden, former chaplain to the Queen attacked the move, saying: ‘It’s a mockery because it’s treating God like a tourist attraction.’