ABOUT £200,000 is needed to complete a major project to restore Worcester Cathedral’s historic gateway.
That was the message from fund-raising director Nick Drew who is aiming to secure the funds needed to save Edgar Tower, which is situated in the cathedral’s precinct, from falling into disrepair.
The cathedral has so far received a £69,500 grant from the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE) as well as other donations towards the two-year project, which is set to get underway next month.
Mr Drew said despite the fact they are still well short of their £300,000 target, he believed the generosity of Observer readers could help them.
“We have had some luck from grant-making trusts and we were very pleased to get some money from the CFCE, but obviously we are looking for new donors to come forward,” he said.
“It’s sufficient enough now so we can start the work, but we need to get the money within the next few months and that will be my main priority.”
The project comes after stonework was found to be seriously worn down on the Edgar Tower and Mr Drew said they will be using the cathedral’s own stonemasons to carry out the work.
“Edgar Tower is a vital part of the cathedral’s life today,” he added. “It is the main entrance for pedestrians and vehicles to the south side of the cathedral, a vital access point for supplies to the Masons’ Yard and the Service Team, and a route onto the site for many of the visitors, volunteers and staff.
“However, in recent years, the Tower’s exterior stonework has deteriorated to such an extent that urgent work is needed to repair it, otherwise the gateway may need to be closed.”
Anyone interested in making a donation or joining Worcester Cathedral’s Guild of Benefactors should contact Mr Drew on 01905 732912.
