Salisbury Cathedral "thrilled" with government funding
They're one of many city organisations to have have received a financial boost.
The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Reverend Nick Papadopulos, has said he is extremely thrilled with the money Salisbury Cathedral has received from the government.
They will receive £245,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund, which is being used to help keep venues across the country open after the pandemic.
Salisbury Cathedral say they will spend the money on a number of different things, including:
- Perspex screens and new displays to help keep the building safe for visitors
- Support work on ways the Cathedral can remain financially sustainable in the future
- More signage to help tell the story of the Cathedral as guides are unable to speak to people
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos said:
"The financial crisis that this pandemic has caused is biting harder than ever across the country and I am aware that many are suffering. I am, therefore, very grateful to all our supporters, DCMS, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, our community and Cathedral Friends - to each and every donor - for the help they have given and are giving us.
As in 2018, during the Novichok crisis, the Cathedral is proving remarkably resilient. We are not out of the woods yet, and are mindful that 2021 is unlikely to see a rapid return to 'normal', and we may be working with considerable constraints for some time to come. However, thanks to the support we have been given, we are making inroads into our projected £2m shortfall this year. We can't thank those who have helped us get to this point enough and for our part, we will do our best to raise funds and ensure that we remain relevant and vibrant, particularly as we approach Christmas and the New Year."
The full money has to be spent by the end of March 2021.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING
The government grant comes on top of more money that has come from the Heritage Lottery Emergency Fund Award.
£233,600 has been awarded to the Cathedral to help "stem losses made during lockdown and supporting staffing demands as a result of Covid 19".
Meanwhile, there is also good news from their own recovery appeal.
It was set up in July to try help get some vital funds to help secure the Cathedral's future.
So far around £250,000 has been raised by the public.
You can donate to their recovery appeal by visiting the Salisbury Cathedral website.