Wakefield Cathedral gets unusual fundraising boost
lt will be all eyes on the Grand National this Saturday after Wakefield Cathedral was given a £50 each way charity bet to help raise funds for the latest phase of its refurbishment project to breathe new life into the iconic city centre building for future generations.
So it was with some trepidation that the Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, walked into betting emporium, Ladbrokes – situated across the city centre precinct from the Cathedral – to place the free bet on appropriately named horse, Godsmejudge at 20 to 1 for this weekend’s race.
Said Dean Jonathan: “I’ve never been in a betting shop in my life, so this felt very strange, but Ladbrokes is right in the heart of our community and have obviously seen us grow and develop through Project 2013 when the nave was renewed and have come up with this rather novel way of supporting us in the next phase.
“And of course by offering us this free bet, they are demonstrating that good Biblical command: to love their neighbour,” he added.
Project 2015 – which will start in June - will see the East End of the historic Grade 1 listed building renewed – with clean walls, new lighting, heating, new floor and a refurbishment of the crypt area where the cathedral’s world renowned choir meet.
The £2.2m project has already attracted funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and just last week heard it had been granted a further £72,000 from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Fund for conservation and repairs of three east end stained glass windows.
This latest project is the final stage of the Cathedral’s renewal project to renew and refresh the city centre landmark for future generations after the successful completion of Project 2013 which saw a complete overhaul and refurbishment of the nave.
Godsmejudge won the 2013 Scottish National and came second in 2014.