WORK to redecorate, rewire and fit new lights at Derby Cathedral – costing more than £500,000 and funded with the help of the Government – is due to start after Easter.
Last year, the cathedral received cash from the First World War Centenary Cathedral repair fund – set up as part of the 2014 Budget in recognition of the "powerful symbol cathedrals are of Britain's shared history".
On top of the £535,000 they received for essential maintenance work, members of Derby Cathedral also launched a £40,000 appeal to raise money for its redecoration.
And they have already collected £29,000 in eight weeks.
The cathedral has now appointed a new chapter steward – whose job it will be to act as administrator for the building, its 30 staff and 250 volunteers – to oversee the "extensive upgrading".
Rachel Morris will take up the position on January 19 and be made a member of the cathedral foundation on January 25.
Dr John Davies, the Dean of Derby, said: "This is a very positive time for the cathedral – we have new people arriving with fresh ideas and a fresh vision for the building.
"We were obviously pleased to win the bid for funding – it was terrific news at the time.
"And people have also been very generous over the past few weeks, helping us towards our target so we can help make the cathedral look as clean and fresh as possible again.
"Over the Christmas period, nearly 10,000 people attended services and events at the cathedral, which shows how clearly valued and supported the place is."
Dr Davies said the upgrade included new lighting, new wiring, a new boiler and decoration of the main space.
He said: "The lighting at the cathedral is good but more is needed to lighten the ceiling and give it a fresher feel. The wiring won't last the decade and the boiler is on its last legs.
"The decoration is a bit tired too, so, when it's all done, everything will look much cleaner and brighter.
"The money received from the bid will go towards the rewiring, new lights and boiler but the cathedral is paying for the redecoration, hence why we launched the appeal.
"People have made donations and we have held several events to raise money, so we are just so grateful to everyone who has contributed so far."
Dr Davies said Ms Morris was appointed as chapter steward after doing a similar job at YMCA Derbyshire.
He said: "Rachel will be a great asset to the cathedral, given her strong track record of administrative skill, financial awareness and business acumen."
To find out more about the cathedral's appeal and how to support it, contact Derby 341201.
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