It’s sometimes easy to forget about all the work that the Friends support. There are some big ongoing projects in the public view and then there are plenty of things that happen ‘behind the scenes’ that have a big impact on the running of the Cathedral. It’s important to acknowledge and keep you updated on all the things YOU, as members, do, and how your support and generosity really does mean so much.
We thought we would recap what has been happening in the background, update you on some of the projects YOU have supported as we make plans for the year ahead.
Gilbert Scott Conservation Project
For anyone who has visited the cathedral recently, you will notice scaffolding around the Gilbert Scott Screen (the stone screen that separates the Quire from the Crossing). The Screen was designed by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878).
The Friends of Durham Cathedral have supported, along with private donors, the conservation work currently being undertaken to clean, repair and conserve the 150 year-old Screen.
It is just one of the many projects that the Friends members voted to support at our 2024 AGM.
Cathedral Spaces Project
We were lucky enough to be given a tour of the ongoing work to this space by Michael Corkhill, Head of Facilities. The Friends of Durham Cathedral have been supporting the Cathedral Spaces project since 2023. The Project encompasses the transformation of three spaces within the Cathedral: The Music Library, The Deanery Undercroft and The Vergers Vestry. This Vision will also bring the Chapel of the Holy Cross back in to regular use.
The Cathedral Spaces Project is a great team effort of the departments of the cathedral and it was wonderful to see the level of skill of the Cathedral joiners and all the Works Yard team who are making the project a reality.
We hope that you will all visit these wonderful areas in the future and see the hard work that has been put in to create these spaces.
Learning and Education Centre
On our tour with Michael Corkhill we also visited the Learning and Education Centre to see the results of our support. Redecoration and upgrading facilities were needed and it was lovely to meet with Sarah Dellar, Learning & Engagement Manager, to see how the Friends’ support has created a positive impact in the learning space and find out more on what happens here.
Bells
The legacy of music and the sound of the Durham Cathedral Bells is a big part of conservation and preservation projects that we and our members support. We were asked to fund urgent repairs to secure the Durham Cathedral Bells, so of course our members said yes!
We’re pleased to report the future of the Cathedral Bells is now secure thanks to the work carried out by the skilled team at John Taylor & Co Bell Foundry.
Read more about the project at https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/explore/caring-conservation/cathedral-bells-conservation