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Sponsor a Stone Success
Published: on 3rd March 2006 by Eleanor Course in Development Campaign News
York Minster’s Sponsor a Stone scheme has raised £50,000 in its first month. In late December HRH the Duke of York launched a scheme whereby individuals and institutions could, for £600, sponsor a stone which will eventually be set into the East Front of York Minster. The scheme has been incredibly popular, and within a month 85 people have pledged to sponsor a stone.
At least 2,500 stones need to be replaced, and these stones can be sponsored for £10 a month for 5 years, or £5 a month for 10 years. The Duke of York, who is Patron of the York Minster Development Campaign, sponsored the first stone. The sponsored stones will carry the initials of the donors, written in indelible ink, and a list of all donors is kept in the Minster.
The restoration of the East Front will be the major project at the Minster for the next 10 years. The East Front features the magnificent Great East Window, which is the biggest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. Some of the East Front stonework has not been repaired since it was built in the early fifteenth century, and needs extensive work. Some high level masonry has become unsafe and needs securing, and widespread erosion of the stonework means that many of the stones will have to be replaced.
The Director of Development, Dr Richard Shephard, said, "The Duke of York's scheme has captured the imagination of many people in the area. We have made a splendid start on the project, but it's worth bearing in mind that around 2,500 stones will need replacing - so there are plenty left to be sponsored."
To sponsor a stone, please contact the Development Office on 01904 557245, email heidic@yorkminster.org, or pick up a form in the Minster.