First they moored a boat inside Wakefield Cathedral, and now they are preparing to sail Windermere in the latest fundraising event to raise money for the second phase of this landmark building’s refurbishment programme, Project 2015.
The Canon Precentor, Andi Hofbauer and Assistant Organist, Simon Earl have spent almost every Monday each week on Pugneys Lake, Wakefield to prepare for their challenge.
They plan to sail round Lake Windermere on August 11 to raise funds for Project 2015 and are asking people to pledge their own fundraising ideas or simply donate money to kick start this new fundraiser.
Canon Andi said: ‘Simon and I are two ‘landlubbers-turning-salty-seadogs’ who enjoy spending time ‘on the drink’ on our local lakes. Sailing around Lake Windermere will be an exciting challenge which we are enthusiastic to take on to help the fund-raising push to renew the East end of our beautiful Cathedral in Wakefield. 2012/13 saw the redevelopment of our nave, and we now invite the people of Wakefield and beyond to become part of that great project to complete the renewal of this iconic building.’
The Cathedral Chapter needs £2.2 million to renew the East End of the Cathedral and has just submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund after securing a first round pass at the end of last year.
Project 2015 will see the East End of the Grade 1 listed building shine again, with clean walls, new lighting and electrics, a level floor, a renewed St Mark’s Chapel and the creation of a quiet area for those who want to simply sit or light a candle.
The music area below in the vestry – the engine room of the Cathedral’s world-renowned choir – will also be renewed as part of this project.
The Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener said: “If you look up to the ceiling of our cathedral it makes you think of a boat and that is exactly what the word “nave” means in Latin so what better way to raise funds for our brighter future than to send Canon Andi and our assistant organist sailing round Windermere.”
“We are extremely grateful to all those who helped us to renew the nave and would ask you once again to dig deep into your pockets to help us finish what we started to create a lighter, brighter future here at Wakefield Cathedral for all of us in this city, this region and beyond.”
See and hear Andi describe the project on You Tube. See how their training is going on YouTube here.
Anyone wanting to donate or fundraise themselves can contact the Cathedral Office on 01924 373923 or donate directly at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/sailingwindyroundwindermere