Cathedral hit by credit crunch cash crisis
Cathedral staff today warned that the Lincoln icon's long-term future is at its most uncertain in living memory.
The annual cost of restoration work on the 11th century building has risen by an estimated £250,000 from £1 million a year to between £1.25 million and £1.5 million since 2006.
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Lincoln Cathedral needs financial support
But as families feel the pinch in the current financial crisis donations have started to drop.
Richard Clarke, Lincoln Cathedral fund-raising manager, said work had been done to expand its ability to generate financial support but now the charity section was starting to feel the squeeze.
"During the last month we have begun to see a decline in general donations – fewer visitors to our fund-raising office and fewer contributions arriving by telephone and post," he said.
"National surveys suggest that charitable giving is one of the first areas where people cut back when they feel less financially certain.
"Without public support, today more than ever in living memory, the long term future of the cathedral and its community services would be uncertain."
For more on Lincoln Cathedral's funding, plus responses from staff, see Thursday's Echo.
25 Comments
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by manx imp, isle of man
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:39AM
“mr pilchard says we don't need a castle as we have'nt been invaded for 942 years - probably about the last time your brain cells were functioning !!”
by Andy Bird, lincoln
Monday, October 06 2008, 6:34AM
“I am sure that many people find themselves in position where they wish to support the building and appreciate its historical, cultural and architectural significance but most certainly do not want to give money to a religious institution.”
by micky philp, lincoln
Saturday, October 04 2008, 10:05AM
“I wish the Echo could publish a photo of our city without the cathedral there, it might wake a few folk up. It would make a cold hospital, it is open at least four times a day for services which one may attend free. there are 8 sung services a week, attendance free. When it was built 95% of the population would have given and 5% not. Now 95% expect it to stay up and stay open and only 5% give towards the upkeep. We know what hapens to rich organisations when they sell off their assets! We ought to look after our heritage we are only here for a short time and will not be around to hear future generations' comments on our poor stewardship. I will always support in my own small way. p.s. there must be 17,000 peolple in Lincs who have enjoyed the Theatre Royal and would put up £10 a year to be 'Friends' and so save it.”
by R Clarke, Lincoln Cathedral
Friday, October 03 2008, 10:18AM
“In addition to being a great mediaeval building, icon of the County and a much-loved a centre of community life, the Cathedral is a leading visitor attraction bringing 200,000 tourists per year as part of a £113M annual local tourism economy. The vast majority of visitors to Lincoln come to the Cathedral. The tourism trade employs 1900 Lincolnians working in the areas of accommodation, dining, recreation, transport and more. For every one pound spent on maintaining the great church (£1.2M restoration cost/ yr) dozens of pounds return in the form of tourism revenue to the community.”
by T B, Lincs
Thursday, October 02 2008, 9:53PM
“It would make a beautiful mosque.
Joking.
But if they can`t afford the upkeep what will they do Lincoln would`nt be a city without it Lincoln town don`t sound right.”