Southwell Minster said it was thrilled to receive £400,900 funding from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.

A spokesman said: “This will make such a huge difference to us, the town and the wider community as a whole.

“This is an essential lifeline that will help us safeguard the fabric of the building, preserve jobs, and build on our hospitality of welcome, which we hope will be enjoyed by all those who visit this remarkable place. We are enormously grateful to the Government for this support.”

The minster is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

The minster will use the funds to deliver its strategic plans for long-term sustainability, develop new areas of income and growth, enhance its visitor experience by developing a more compelling heritage and tourism offer, and continue to provide employment and volunteering opportunities.

The Dean of Southwell, the Very Rev Nicola Sullivan, said: “This generous grant gives us a real opportunity to rebuild our vital work after the serious financial difficulties of the last seven months. People come to Southwell Minster looking for inspiration, peace and hope in these unsettling times and this support will ensure our doors of welcome remain open.”

Adele Poulson, chief operating officer, added: “This is fantastic news for us and an essential lifeline for the Cathedral and all those who work and volunteer here. This funding is financially transformative and will enable us to safeguard the historic fabric of the building, preserve jobs, and build on our hospitality of welcome which we hope will be enjoyed by all those who visit this remarkable place. We are enormously grateful to the Government for this support.”

Newark Palace Theatre, the National Civil War Centre – Newark Museum and Newark Castle, were also awarded a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund.

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