Builders' £700k boost for Minster

11:23am Friday 26th May 2006

A MAJOR York housebuilder has donated £700,000 towards the York Minster restoration appeal.

Persimmon Homes will give the money over the next ten years towards the training of apprentices in the ancient craft skills which will be used to repair and conserve the East Front of York Minster.

The campaign is aiming to raise £30 million to fund the restoration of the East Front of the Minster. The centrepiece of the East Front is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. The medieval glass and stonework of the East Front are badly in need of restoration and structural repair.

Duncan Davidson, chairman of Persimmon Homes, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this project for a number of reasons. The business was established in York over 30 years ago and our head office remains in Fulford to this day. In addition, we are acutely aware of the importance of bringing new talent into the industry and supporting apprentices on the renovation of the East Front. This complements perfectly Persimmon's strategy of encouraging youngsters to look seriously at the building and construction sector for a long and fulfilling career."

The Dean of York, the Very Revd Keith Jones, said, "This splendid gift from our leading housebuilder gives us great encouragement. They are helping us protect the Minster by developing skills for the future, and maintaining one of the world's great buildings."

Dr Richard Shephard, director of development at York Minster, said: "This is a most generous and extremely important donation to the campaign."

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