Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of the Fundraising Newsletter. This is an opportunity for us to update you on the projects we have ongoing at present, as well as set the scene for future projects, and opportunities.

In this edition we are excited to present an opportunity to contribute towards the impressive installation of The Table for the Nation, as well as update you on the works taking place on the Chapter House and in the Wren Library.

We hope that you’ll find it engaging and informative, both in its content and as a tool that signposts you to information about what we are doing and ways you can engage and support heritage, music and the Cathedral.

Matthew Tarling & Amber Hardy
Lincoln Cathedral Fundraising

A stunning 13-metre-long table, made from ancient, fossilised oak will be on display in Lincoln Cathedral from April.

Created from a section of the nation’s most significant tree, a gigantic 5000-year-old Fenland Black Oak, the table is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The Table for the Nation was installed on St George’s day, before being opened to visitors from Wednesday 24 April. It will remain in residency at Lincoln Cathedral for a year.

In 2012, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, an exceptionally well-preserved section of black oak was found in a field in Norfolk – this became known as the Jubilee Oak. It is thought that the tree would have originally stood more than 55 metres tall, before falling into the peat where it lay undisturbed for 5,000 years.

The Fenland Black Oak project, led by Hamish Low, carefully dried and processed the valuable wood and worked with designers to find the best way to preserve this rare discovery. The chose a table as it allowed the wood to be kept at its full length, and to be viewed in all its glory.

The table’s residency is part of ‘Our World; God’s Creation’ – Lincoln Cathedral’s year-long celebration of sustainability, communities and the environment.

Samantha Mellows, Director of Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Lincoln Cathedral said that the table was a unique and inspiring mix of the symbolic and the practical. “A table is an object familiar to everyone, where people come together daily to eat, have conversations and to play games or do work. But throughout our culture tables have a deeper significance – they are places where people come together to find common ground or share ideas. Here in the Cathedral we hold communion every day – a time where people gather as one, and share in the breaking of bread and the drinking of wine, as we have done for generations.

Thank you for our new lawnmower!

Following our last newsletter and appeal for support in buying a new lawnmower for our Facilities Team, we are delighted to say that one generous donor kindly donated to cover the full cost of purchasing a new machine.

Andy is now happily using the new lawnmower and the grass looks amazing!

Matthew Tarling
Fundraising Manager

Fundraising for Lincoln Cathedral is something that goes beyond what can be seen on the Cathedral’s website, the adoption scheme and memberships. Behind the scenes, Lincoln Cathedral relies on the generosity of individuals across the county and beyond who give generously of their time, experience and passion to help raise awareness of the issues, as well as raising money for the aspect of the Cathedral that means most to them. We have two very active committees, one focussed on supporting the fabric of the Cathedral (the Cathedral building), the other on supporting the music of Lincoln Cathedral. Each of these are vital in continuing the heritage and history of the Cathedral long into the future.

Chapter House Appeal Update | Preparing for Phase Two

Phase one of the Chapter House project is now nearing its anticipated completion in the spring of 2024, from where there will be a seamless shift into phase two focussed the northern side of the Chapter House. The project thus far has been a huge success, as the Works Department stonemasons team have diligently laboured to create new ashlars (the large rectangular stone blocks) as well as detailed decorative carved stones to adorn the upper levels and pinnacles of the building. With the benefit of having the scaffold in place, the Cathedral architect and Works Department have also identified that a significant amount of additional work needing to be undertaken to the upper level, focussed on the gutter and concrete retaining ring that helps hold the walls firmly in place.

Have you thought about sponsoring a stonemason?

It’s a direct and satisfying way to support both heritage skills, as well as the Chapter House Appeal. It’s also an interesting gift for someone who is passionate about the Cathedral, heritage or heritage skills.