DURHAM Cathedral launched a multi-million-pound five-year development plan this week, to improve its contribution to the spiritual and cultural life of the city and the north-east.
The plan, which has four strands — heritage and conservation, worship and music, learning and discovery, and engagement and outreach — requires £7 million. It follows a year-long consultation by the Cathedral to identify potential development projects. Funding is being sought from a corporate partner programme, and trusts, foundations, and statutory grants, as well as from individuals.
The proposed heritage projects include repairs to the roof of the Prior’s Hall and stained-glass windows in the Galilee Chapel, and maintenance to the masonry of the Nine Altars Chapel. The Cathedral hopes to take on stonemason and joinery apprentices.
As part of the plan for music and worship, girls are to be introduced to the cathedral choir for the first time, from September 2009. A new chapel may be built under the deanery to create a space for prayer when the Cathedral is busy.
There are also plans to improve accessibility to some of the Cathedral’s main attractions, such as the treasures of St Cuthbert and its collection of medieval manuscripts, not all of which are currently on public display.
The scheme outlines the possibility of employing a full-time outreach worker to build on its community work. It also hopes to develop a community resource centre in the Cathedral.
Gaye Kirby, the head of development at the Cathedral, said the plan was an exciting prospect for Durham. “It’s something which has been carefully considered, and we need to make sure we get it right. It’s about developing and enhancing what we have, and to make sure the Cathedral is flourishing for the future, but we need support to enable this. We hope that those people who love Durham Cathedral will become involved with the development programme, and help us to make these and other projects a reality.”
Russian appeal. St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Moscow has launched an appeal for $US8 million for its restoration. It is the only example of English Gothic architecture in the Russian Federation, and hosts a range of community projects, including the Russian Orphan Opportunity Fund.
www.durhamcathedral.co.uk