This Saturday 9 May, the Bishop of Exeter will join a brave group of fundraisers to abseil 140 feet down the Norman North Tower of Exeter Cathedral. The event, kindly supported by Knight Frank and Apex Scaffolding, marks a significant milestone in the Cathedral’s Investing in our Welcome project.
The Cathedral is inviting members of the local community to gather on the Green to applaud the intrepid abseilers on the day and play a vital role in the building’s future by adding to the amount already raised. The event is still open for new participants to join in.
The Cathedral will open its doors to encourage people to give their thoughts on the next phase of the Cloister buildings project, which includes plans for a new permanent café and improved activity spaces. Visitors are invited to view the Medieval Hall – a hidden gem of a space on the Close which aims to be open to the public on the day.
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter, admitted he is approaching his first abseil with caution.
He said, “I’ve never abseiled before and neither have I been to the top of the Cathedral’s North Tower, so it is with some trepidation that I am undertaking this abseil.
As Christians, we talk about stepping out in faith and on Saturday that’s exactly what I will be doing. However, it is for a great cause, to raise money for the upkeep of our beautiful and historic Cathedral and its buildings… I just hope I don’t literally put my foot through a stained-glass window on the way down – as I fear that may wipe out any funds I manage to raise!”
Jill Taylor, Director of Development at Exeter Cathedral, said: “Funds raised from the abseil will directly support the development of the Cathedral’s Grade 1 listed Medieval Hall. Not only does this part of the project aim to transform the space into a warm, accessible community hub for learning and engagement activities, it also seeks to make the building more sustainable – through underfloor heating aided by an air source heat pump – and to conserve the remarkable original features, such as the wooden beam roof.
We have ambitious plans to improve the Hall and the Cathedral Cloister over the next five years, and so we look forward to hearing people’s ideas on what activities they would like us to offer in our future, new and improved spaces.”
The event combines with the Exeter Independent Market on Cathedral Green, making it a perfect day for locals to cheer on the participants, explore the historic site and contribute to the building’s future.
Donations to support the Bishop and the team of abseilers can be made via the official JustGiving page or by cheque to ‘Dean and Chapter of Exeter’ sent to 1 The Cloisters, EX1 1HS.
Individuals can enquire to participate by emailing Exeter Cathedral.