Two energetic members of the Lichfield Cathedral community, Eric and Margaret Harding, are walking 90 miles this summer between Chester and Lichfield Cathedral to raise funds for the Cathedral’s East End Appeal. They have completed 83 miles of the journey and are appealing to local residents to join them and complete the final stage of the walk to Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 3rd September, arriving at about 5pm in time for Evensong. Anyone who would like to walk with them for the last part of the walk will be most welcome and should meet them at Castle Ring (on the Southern edge of Cannock Chase) at 12.45pm prompt. For more details please email Eric Harding (eric_harding@btinternet.com).
Margaret, a lay member of Lichfield Cathedral Chapter and her husband Eric Harding, who is a Cathedral steward, started their long distance walk between Chester and Lichfield along the Two Saints Way on June 28th and aim to complete the walk in stages throughout the summer. The first leg of their journey began at Chester Cathedral, where the couple attended Evensong and enjoyed meeting other Cathedral volunteers. Other highlights of the trip included visiting Bunbury Church, getting drenched in Calverley, meeting the organist at St. Mary’s, Nantwich, seeing the Staffordshire Hoard at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Newcastle and finally reaching the last but one section of the journey at Trentham Gardens.
Despite a foot injury developed by Eric whilst walking in the Manifold Valley and a resulting delay in starting this sponsored event, the pair are still eager to complete the challenge. The couple already have pledges for £1,000 towards the East End Appeal but are keen to increase their total and urge the Lichfield community to support their journey.
Patricia Collins, Director of Fundraising commented:
“Margaret and Eric are an inspiration to us all. In undertaking this walk they emphasise the community between Cathedrals and their people, raise awareness of history, the meaning of heritage for present and future generations and are set to raise a considerable sum for the needs of the East End of Lichfield Cathedral. We are most grateful to them and all their supporters and look forward to welcoming many new visitors to Lichfield Cathedral. Eric and Margaret would be delighted if you cheered them on their way and made a donation to the cause they feel so passionate about”.
Last year, Eric and Margaret resolved to walk more and have tried to walk at least once a week in preparation for this sponsored event. They completed 120 miles along the Staffordshire Way in 2010 and choose local buses for access.
The Two Saints Way
The aim of the Two Saints Way Project is to establish a new fully way-marked pilgrimage route between the cathedral cities of Chester and Lichfield. The proposed 90 mile route from Chester will begin along the Shropshire Union Canal and proceed to Nantwich via Beeston Castle. The route will continue eastwards across the M6 via Apedale to the Saxon Cross at Stoke Minster in Stoke-on-Trent. From thence it will take a southerly direction via the Trentham Estate, Stone and Stafford before joining the Heart of England Way across Cannock Chase to Lichfield.
The walk is being developed by a group of enthusiasts led by David Pott and partners in the project including amongst others Chester Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral, Stoke Minster, British Waterways and Staffordshire University. The route is called Two Saints Way in honour of St Werburgh, Patron Saint of Chester Cathedral and St Chad, the Patron Saint of Lichfield Cathedral.
Lichfield Cathedral’s East End Appeal
In 2004, it became apparent that a combination of 200 years of weather erosion of the sandstone and the effects of condensation, grime and pollution had taken a severe toll on the East End of Lichfield Cathedral, which was in imminent danger of collapse. Emergency funding was secured from English Heritage, which allowed the Herkenrode glass to be removed to safe storage and work to begin on the restoration of the stonework. The painted and stained glass made in Herkenrode, Flanders (now Belgium) between 1532 and 1539, is possibly the finest example of Renaissance glass in England.
The East of the Cathedral was boarded up for over a year whilst work continued to strengthen and restore the stonework. Repairs were completed on time and within budget by Advent 2010.
The total cost of the restoration project is £3.7 million and to date the Cathedral has raised over eighty percent of this amount from Trusts and through the generosity of individuals in the Cathedral community and beyond. The Cathedral is now in the final phase of the appeal with approximately £700,000 required to reach target.
There are a number of ways to sponsor the Lichfield Cathedral Two Saints Walk and support the restoration of the Herkenrode glass and its eventual reinstallation in the Lady Chapel:
· In the donations box at the West End of the Cathedral
· By post to Judith Ayton, Fundraising Officer, The Chapter Office, 19a The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD. Please make cheques payable to ‘Lichfield Cathedral’ and write ‘Two Saints Way East End Appeal’ on the reverse of your cheque. Please do not send cash in the post.
· Via the Cathedral’s JustGiving page. Please visit www.justgiving.com/eastendappeal. JustGiving is a simple and secure way to donate online.
· Via JustTextGiving. Simply text EAST23 plus the amount you wish to donate (£1/£2/£3/£4/£5 or £10) to 70070. Texts are free and your personal details will not be used for any other purpose.
· By setting up a regular standing order. Please contact Judith Ayton, Fundraising Officer, on 01543 306106, e-mail judith.ayton@lichfield-cathedral.org, to request the relevant forms.
For more information about the Two Saints Way please visit www.twosaintsway.org.uk For more information about the East End Appeal please visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org
For further information regarding this news release please contact Claire Lamplugh (Communications & Marketing Officer on 01543 306121) or email claire.lamplugh@lichfield-cathedral.org
Join the Race to Save the East End of Lichfield Cathedral: www.justgiving.com/eastendappeal
