People of Salisbury "outstandingly generous" towards Cathedral Recovery Appeal
The money is being used to support the site through the pandemic
The Dean of Salisbury has thanked the people of Salisbury for being "outstandingly generous" towards the Cathedral Recovery Appeal.
The Very Reverend Nick Papadopulos says they have received around ÂŁ250,000 since starting the fundraising in July.
After the first lockdown and many months of closures, Salisbury Cathedral set up the appeal to help them recover from the pandemic.
They said the effect from the events of this year is "catastrophic" with a big loss of income from visitors and their events.
ÂŁ2 million pounds is still the target for the appeal, and the Dean hopes people continue to support them:
"We've been absolutely thrilled with the response to the appeal, the people of Salisbury have been outstandingly generous as we've received roughly a quarter of a million pounds in our recovery appeal and that makes a substantial difference towards closing the gap that was left by the first lockdown the visitor related income that was put at risk then."
The Cathedral have done a few things to try boosting the appeal.
This includes their flower arrangers getting a little bit festive, and making Christmas wreaths.
A 35 strong team took orders for 12 days at the end of November, with each one costing ÂŁ25.
All profits from those went towards the appeal.
In a statement on their website, Salisbury Cathedral said:
"For 800 years this incredible building has been a place of worship and wonder. It is a place where people come to seek peace and comfort, to be uplifted and transported by its architecture, music and art.
It is above all a place of prayer, where people of all communities come together for mutual fellowship and sustenance. It is a place for everyone. At moments of sadness and rejoicing the Cathedral is the place where we can gather for reassurance. Its very existence provides a tangible link with our heritage and our local community.
Throughout the centuries the Cathedral has been protected and sustained by the steadfast support of those who love it, at home and abroad, sustaining it through civil disruption, times of plague and two world wars.
That’s why we are asking for your help now.
We need to continue vital repair and restoration work on our medieval building, to offer prayer and reassurance to all who need it, and to reach out through our education and work with the community. We need to play our part in the economic recovery of the city."
You can donate to their cause by visiting the Salisbury Cathedral website.