Cathedral given £354K for urgent repairs

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announced today (Monday) that the whole amount sought by Ripon Cathedral – £354,617 – had been awarded from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund for England’s Cathedrals

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, has welcomed the announcement. He said: “I am delighted. This grant means that urgently needed work can be done quickly on this iconic building, one that speaks of the enduring presence and love of God in this region.

“The announcement comes at a time when we are doing much in Ripon Cathedral to mark the centenary of the First World War and following a weekend when more than 400 people have participated in a consultation process that seeks to discern God’s will for future mission in this place. This grant certainly helps.”

Part of the project will involve the replacement of some of the cathedral’s gargoyles, which have weathered to the point where their original designs cannot be made out.

The designs for the new gargoyles will be decided through a competition, details of which will be announced in the new year, with the new gargoyles expected to be installed by August 2015.

The £20m Cathedral Repairs Fund was announced by the Chancellor in the Budget earlier this year.

Grants enable cathedrals to undertake urgent repair work, including keeping the building wind-proof, weather-tight, safe and open to the public, and preventing 
further deterioration of the building.

Sir Paul Ruddock, chairman of the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund expert panel and chairman of the Victoria and Albert Museum, said: “The appeal of cathedrals is vast and enduring. Every part of English history can be seen somewhere within their walls, and I am delighted that this second round of grants is providing vital support to keep them open for all to enjoy.”

Award of the grant has also been welcomed by the city’s MP, Julian Smith, who has arranged for MP Sir Tony Baldry, Parliament’s Church Estates Commissioner, to meet the Dean in the coming weeks.

Mr Smith said: “It’s a fantastic boost for Ripon with the cathedral being such a key part of the city.

“My aim is to ensure the cathedral has as much support as possible from Westminster and national level.”