Princess Royal backs catheral’s roof appeal campaign
On Thursday 11 January 2018, Truro Cathedral was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal and delighted that, during her visit, Her Royal Highness chose to ‘Sign-A-Slate’ in support of the Truro Cathedral Roof Appeal.
As the Patron of the Restorative Justice Council, The Princess Royal’s visit was primarily focussed on celebrating developments in Cornwall’s schools which have been supported by the Cornish social enterprise, RJ Working. Truro Cathedral was thrilled that Her Royal Highness was able to dedicate some time in her visit to learn more about the cathedral’s important capital appeal and to demonstrate her support for the project.
The Dean of Truro, the Very Reverend Roger Bush, said: “There is, of course, always a great sense of excitement around Royal engagements and this visit was no exception. It was a privilege to welcome The Princess Royal, not only to offer our spectacular cathedral as a place where she could engage with the work being carried locally out by the organisation of which she is a Patron, but also, by participating in ‘Sign-A-Slate’, to enable her to learn more about our history and enable her to be part of our story for the future.”
The £3.2m five-year Roof Appeal launched in July 2015 and, thanks to the generosity of supporters, has so far raised £1.4m, enabling the western arm of the nave, the south aisle western arm, the Baptistry and the south west porch to be re-slated. This means over 29,000 of the required 60,000 slates have now been replaced.
The Dean continued: “We have been overwhelmed with the level of engagement Sign-A-Slate has inspired and we extend sincere thanks to everyone that has and continues to support the Appeal. The cathedral means so much to so many people, and those people have been moved to write messages on the reverse of the new slates for many reasons, from celebrating a good day out or special occasion to remembering loved ones passed. Knowing that the messages will become part of the fabric of the building, part of the cathedral’s story is an emotional, spiritual and moving thing. We are very happy that The Princess Royal was able to participate and experience that first-hand.”
The slate signed by The Princess Royal will be laid, together with the slates signed in 2016 by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, during the third and final phase of the physical roof works. This is scheduled for completion in 2020 but with £1.8 million still to raise, fundraising for this historic conservation project is more important than ever.
The Dean added “The roof appeal has been very successful so far, but there is still much work to do to ensure that this glorious building remains watertight for the next hundred years and more. Truro Cathedral prides itself on being sacred space and common ground, a place where everyone is welcomed and valued. We appreciate enormously those who have shown us support so far, but if other people can support this appeal we will be very grateful. This is Cornwall’s cathedral for Cornwall’s people, and we want to ensure that this can be so for many generations to come.”
ENDS
A selection of high-resolution images can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t6o11J1O1V
Photography credit: Claire Wilson, LLE Photography.
For further information or an interview, contact Liz Mulloy on 01872 245013 or Colin Reid on 01872 245007.
Notes to Editors:
About Truro Cathedral
Traditional worship has been at the heart of Truro Cathedral since it was consecrated in 1887. Beyond that core purpose, it has served the community in which it stands in a range of ways, often pioneering innovative and imaginative schemes that sit with its spiritual ethos. It is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Truro (which includes Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and two parishes in Devon) and the seat of the Bishop of Truro. To find out more, visit www.trurocathedral.org.uk
About Sign-A-Slate
Sign-A-Slate is a unique opportunity offering individuals and groups the opportunity to leave a lasting message within the cathedral by writing a message, drawing a picture or signing a name on the reverse of one of the new slates being used in the new roof. Supporters making a donation alongside their participation have contributed almost a quarter of a million pounds to the appeal, often giving smaller donations when sharing a slate and larger donations when writing on a whole slate. And, thanks to many supporters choosing to Gift Aid their donation (ultimately boosting by 25p for every £1 donated) we’ve reclaimed an additional £50,000! If you’d like to take part but can’t write on the slate in person, don’t worry. Just tell us what you would like written and we’ll gladly scribe on your behalf. Sign-A-Slate Gift Vouchers are also available – a lovely present whatever the occasion. To take part, just visit www.tcroofappeal.org.uk, download and complete the participation form and pass it to a member of our Sign-A-Slate team in the cathedral, or post it, along with any donation you may choose to make to: Roof Appeal, Truro Cathedral, 14 St Mary’s Street, Truro, TR1 2AF.
