Friends Charity Pledges £2 million towards Exeter Cathedral’s new lighting and sound systems in the Nave
The Friends of Exeter Cathedral has announced that they will award up to £2 million towards a major new project within the cathedral.
The extremely generous grant will fund a brand new lighting scheme and modern up-to-date sound system within the nave of the historic building to replace the current failing systems. The new schemes will make this historic space more accessible and welcoming for visitors attending services, events and community gatherings.
Dr Rosemary Yallop, Chair of the Friends of Exeter Cathedral, says the charity is delighted to be supporting the project:
“We are delighted to be able to support the cathedral by funding the project to install new lighting and sound systems in the Nave, which will improve the experience of both worship and welcome. It is the largest single grant which we have made, but we were unanimous in our wish to use our resources to make a real impact on the life of the Cathedral; we feel sure that our members and all those who have so generously given to The Friends over the years will be proud to have enabled it.”
For The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, the grant is gratefully received and will make huge improvements to the cathedral:
“I was overjoyed to learn of the Friends’ immense generosity in supporting the sound and light in the nave. Inability to hear is currently the source of endless disappointment and complaints which end up in the Dean’s inbox. This needs urgent attention, and now we are much relieved to be able to get on with the work – starting we hope in June. And thanks to modern technology and mobile work platforms, the plan is to do the job with minimal disruption to cathedral life. So hurrah for our Friends – and if you’re not already a member, please do join up at your earliest convenience.”
Founded in 1929, The Friends of Exeter Cathedral was established as an independent charity to help preserve and improve the fabric and furnishings of Exeter Cathedral.
Funding from the Friends is crucial for the ongoing conservation of the historic building as well as to preserve its heritage crafts, particularly the cathedral’s stonemasonry. Funds also go towards providing equipment and materials, including the extraction of local stone used for repairs to the fabric of the building.
In recent years, the Friends have helped to fund a range of important projects including the building of the Friends’ Cloister Gallery, completed in 2024, and the installation of a new lighting system in the cathedral’s 13th century Chapter House
The charity enjoys a global membership of around 2,700 people, who establish a connection with the historic building through regular donations, subscriptions and legacies.