Truro Cathedral awarded Emergency Resource Support

The government’s Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage has awarded Truro Cathedral £180,200 in Emergency Resource Support because of the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic and the pivotal role it plays in the community and heritage of Cornwall.

The funding will pay for everyday expenses incurred in February – March 2022, such as wages and heating, helping to safeguard the cathedral’s ability to open its doors every day, for everyone, free of charge. The cathedral’s exhausted reserves will also be topped up by more than £20,000, helping it to cope if the unexpected happens again.

The grant is also intended to help the cathedral thrive in the future. Better technology will mean that people can donate more easily with their credit or debit cards and the cathedral will have an online shop where gifts and tickets can be purchased.

Last but not least, the Father Willis organ will be restored to its magnificent best for the rest of the organ recital season, through a repair to the bellows paid for by the grant.

The government’s support for the cathedral is part of its #HereForCulture campaign. At the heart of Cornwall’s history, community and culture, Truro Cathedral is a centre of excellence for classical music in Cornwall as well as a vibrant place of worship. It also provides a wide range of community activities from mindfulness to photography, all in the marvellous setting of a Grade 1 listed Gothic revival masterpiece.

Fundraising Lead, Judith Field, said “We are thrilled to receive this funding thanks to the government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Although many challenges remain – not least St Mary’s Aisle roof – this funding is an enormous help, and we are extremely grateful for it.”

Find out more about St Mary’s Aisle and why it needs repairs.

Find out more about the government’s #HereForCulture campaign