News and Events

A new way for your business to be part of Kent's heritage

If your business is looking for an inspiring way to link with the Kent community, why not get involved in one of the most exciting heritage projects in the country that's taking place in our very own county?

Last October, Canterbury Cathedral launched a £50 million Appeal to raise funds for a major conservation and development project. Behind the picture postcard images of the Cathedral we see in the tourist brochures, the reality is actually very different. The stonemasonry is crumbling, the magnificent stained glass is badly corroded and the massive roofs need replacing to prevent further leakages into the Cathedral itself. A major conservation project costing £30 million is now getting underway to address these very serious problems. Major investment is also needed to modernise the visitor facilities and enhance the Cathedral's glorious music tradition.

The messages from the Cathedral are stark - if action is not taken now, certain areas will have to be closed to the public within a few years. And who knows where that will lead? We may have to contemplate Canterbury without its Cathedral - which would be an enormous loss to the county for many reasons. There can be little doubt that for the last 1,000 years, the Cathedral has put Kent on the map. As the home of the worldwide Anglican church and one of the most glorious architectural monuments in the country, it attracts over one million visitors each year. It provides a tremendous boost to the local economy and attracts millions of tourist pounds to our local hotels, restaurants and shops. And as part of a World Heritage Site, we are very fortunate to have such a treasure on our doorsteps. It deserves our support.

With daily costs of over £12,000 and no state funding, the Cathedral's regular income just cannot support a project of this size - so that explains why the Cathedral had to launch its Appeal last Autumn.

The good news is that there are now a number of different ways that businesses in Kent can support the Cathedral's Appeal to suit all corporate budgets. Suggestions include:

• " Business packages offering a number of exclusive benefits in return for support for the Appeal. These could include a private tour for clients or staff of the Cathedral's roof spaces or the famous Bell Harry Tower and a visit to the conservation work taking place, free entry to the Cathedral for some staff, discounts on the Cathedral's renowned banqueting facilities and recognition and links on our popular website.
• " Sponsoring a stone or a new lead tile that will be part of the conservation work. From as little as £60, your business can play a very personal part in this historic project and you will receive a certificate to display in the office and recognition in the Cathedral's Roll of Donors.
• " Staff fundraising activities - if your staff enjoy organising fundraising activities perhaps they might like to support the Cathedral Appeal. The fundraising team have plenty of ideas and tips to make it as easy as possible.
• " Other ways to support the Appeal could include having a collection box or leaflets on your office/shop counters, a poster in your window, including a leaflet about the Appeal in some of your client mailings.

Getting involved with such an important local Appeal could be a useful way for you to raise your local profile as well as an enjoyable and memorable experience for your staff. For more information on how your business can be part of this historic Appeal, please contact Karen Gambrell on 01227 865344 or email her at gambrellk@canterbury-cathedral.org