Since it was established in 1989, the Summerfield Charitable Trust has given more than £7M to good causes in Gloucestershire. These include grants to the arts, the natural heritage and environment, community projects, education, recreation and sport, and the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
This grant is the largest one-off donation the Cathedral has received towards the Project Pilgrim funding target of £1.5M. It will help to unlock a further £4.3M if the Cathedral makes a successful round two application to HLF later this year.
The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said, “We are thrilled that the Summerfield Charitable Trust has agreed to award us such a significant grant. It will help breathe new life into one of our most precious assets, ensuring it remains in the best possible condition for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Mr Edward Gillespie OBE, Chairman of the Summerfield Charitable Trust said, “Over the past 25 years, the Summerfield Charitable Trust has made a substantial contribution to conserving many of the county's outstanding buildings and helping to enhance the experience of new generations of visitors. The Trustees are delighted to be engaged with the vision of Project Pilgrim and most specifically in plans for the exquisite Lady Chapel. We wish the Dean and Chapter every success with their continued fundraising to bring the project to a successful and sparkling conclusion."
About Project Pilgrim
Project Pilgrim is an ambitious ten year programme of activity and capital development to be delivered over three phases. The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a round one development grant of £320,000 to the first phase – “Project Pilgrim Phase One: the Heart of Gloucester” in June 2016. A further £4.3M delivery grant has been earmarked towards the building phase of the project by HLF subject to a successful round two application.
LINK: Gloucester Cathedral - Project Pilgrim will make Gloucester Cathedral better for everyone