Gloucester cloister project kick-started by £550k
LONG-TERM conservation work on the 14th-century cloister of Gloucester Cathedral has begun, after a donation of £550,000 from Julia and Hans Rausing. The stonemason team and other specialists began the trial phase of the Cloister Project on Tuesday. The work will involve replacing with a lime-based mortar the cement that the Victorians had used as mortar in repairs. The cement prevents the stones’ “breathing”, and this causes blistering and decay. The money will also enable the completion of the restoration of the north nave. The Rausings said: “We are delighted to help ensure that this magnificent feat of medieval architecture is preserved so that visitors and worshippers can continue to enjoy it for hundreds of years to come.” The interim Dean, Canon Andrew Braddock, expressed his gratitude for their support. “This project will ensure the cloister remains open for everyone.”
Archbishop of York welcomes devolution deal
THE Archbishop of York has welcomed the devolution deal between the Government and the local authorities of York and North Yorkshire (City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council). Archbishop Cottrell said that the deal, published on Monday by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, had “the potential to unlock major government investment in our region”. Under the deal, once ratified, there would be a mayoral combined authority, local decision-making, and long-term funding. Under government plans, by 2030, every part of the country will have the option of devolution to improve productivity and reduce regional disparities, such as low wages, poor WiFi, and low social mobility.
Team vicar launches MP-watch on environment
A TEAM VICAR in the Witney Team Ministry, in Oxford diocese, the Revd Dr Hugh White, has launched an online and social-media resource to inform constituents about the environmental record of the MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire, Robert Courts. It includes any discrepancies between what he says and how he votes in the House of Commons, the Oxford Mail reports. In October, Mr Courts was among the Conservative MPs who voted down an amendment to the Environment Bill which sought to stop companies pumping raw sewage into waterways. The Robert Courts Watch (RCW) was launched by Dr White, a retired health visitor, Caroline Berg, and a retired vet, Hugo Kerr. Mr Kerr said: “We are not on target to reach even the basic Paris goals. Mr Courts is a part of this Government and communicates their spin. RCW will dig it out and call it out.”