Minster appeal hits milestone

11:19am Friday 26th May 2006

YORK Minster's biggest-ever appeal has raised almost £2.5 million in donations and pledges in its first year.

The £30 million appeal, aimed at restoring the crumbling East Front and helping the cathedral's educational and musical life, was launched on March 15 last year.

The Minster revealed that damaged stonework and glass required urgent repairs, and work was generally needed to conserve one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the world.

Since then, the appeal has captured the imagination of individuals, groups, schools and businesses, a spokesman said today.

"Many celebrities have voiced their support for the campaign, including Dame Judi Dench, Michael Palin, Patrick Stewart, Lesley Garrett, Lynne Dawson and Greg Dyke," he said.

Director of development, Dr Richard Shephard, said he was very encouraged by people's response so far. "Raising £2.5 million in one year is a real achievement, and we are thankful to all who have donated or pledged money," he said.

"The restoration of the East Front will last at least ten years, so we hope that people will continue to be generous over the next decade and help us raise our goal of £30 million.

"York Minster receives no direct Government funding, so we rely on the kindness of the public to help fund the restoration projects, and to help us maintain the musical and educational work of the cathedral."

The appeal spokesman said help had come from a variety of sources in the first year, including:

But individuals had also come forward to boost the appeal, such as Rosalind Campbell, from Derbyshire, who walked the length of Hadrian's Wall to raise £1,433 last September.

The spokesman said a scheme launched in December by the appeal patron, the Duke of York, allowing people to sponsor a replacement stone on the East Front, for £5 a month for 10 years, or £10 a month for five years, had raised £50,000 in the first month.

Anyone wanting to help the appeal should contact Dr Shephard at: The Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN, phone 01904 557245 or email richards@yorkminster.org. Cheques should be made payable to the York Minster Fund.

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