York Minster

William Birch and Son support Minster Campaign

Published Wednesday 5th July 2006 by Eleanor Course

York construction firm William Birch and Sons have donated £10,000 to the York Minster Development Campaign.  William Birch and Sons is one of the region’s leading construction companies carrying out all forms of construction work throughout Yorkshire.  The company was established in York by William Birch in 1874.

The York Minster Development Campaign is aiming to raise £30,000,000 to fund the restoration of the East Front of the Minster.  The centrepiece of the East Front is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.  The medieval glass and stonework of the East Front are badly in need of restoration and structural repair.    

Mr Chris Birch, Chairman of the company said, “The decision to contribute to the Minster’s campaign was taken by all of the shareholders and directors. We are all devoted to the Minster and wish to encourage the Dean and Chapter at a very crucial time in the Minster’s history.  Being a construction company, we are very conscious of the costs involved in a project of this scale and intricacy.”

The Director of Development for York Minster, Dr Richard Shephard said, “A donation of this size from one of York’s oldest businesses gives real encouragement. We are very grateful to William Birch and Sons. The work on the East Front has already started and gifts such as this one help to ensure the continuity of the project.”

Anyone wanting to help keep York Minster in its full glory can send a cheque, made payable to ‘York Minster Fund’ to The Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York, Y01 7JN.