BACKING for the Newport Cathedral restoration appeal remains strong despite the economic downturn, with organisers hoping to break the £500,000 barrier in the next few months.
So far £434,000 has been raised toward the £2.5 million target, and thoughts are beginning to turn toward the centrepiece of the ten-year project - replacement of the 500-year-old roof.
Father Mark Soady, Canon at the cathedral, which until earlier this year was known as St Woolos, said the latest boost is a £5,000 award from the Jane Hodge Foundation, hot on the heels of a similar grant from the All Churches Trust.
"It is good to see the work of the appeal's grants committee beginning to bear fruit, and individual donations continue to flow," he said.
"It is amazing given that people do not tend to give in the summer because of things like holidays, and also because of the current economic climate. But that does not seem to have affected the appeal.
"We've had support from all Christian denominations and the place is clearly seen as a heritage asset as well as a working place of worship."
Other successful fundraising ventures include the High Sheriff's Michaelmas Lunch at the House of Lords, sponsored by Lord Kinnock, which raised more than £5,000, while over 20 coachloads have been booked in for the first day of the Christmas-themed Festival of Flowers from November 27-30.
"That is a huge event for us and for the city. We are hoping for 2,000-3,000 visits a day over four days," said Father Soady.
Financial support for the appeal will also be sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The aim is to complete the restoration in several phases, with phases two and three - roof replacement - the most crucial.
"They involve replacement of the medieval roof, timbers inside and slates outside," said Father Soady.
"It is a vast and specialised operation, costing about £1m, and the challenge for us will be keeping the cathedral working while the work is going on. Hopefully we can begin that work in two years' time."
For further information: www.stwoolosrescue.org.uk
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