Exploring the Past,^Embracing the Future^^^

The atmospheric medieval ruins of the Cathedral of St. Michael have become a spiritual beacon for the nation and an important landmark for the community. This special place reminds us of our human capacity to create, to destroy and to reach out in friendship and reconciliation.

2012 marks Coventry Cathedral's Golden Jubilee and this milestone will see new initiatives launched, in partnership with World Monuments Fund (WMF), to safeguard and reinvigorate this evocative place. The scheme also aims to uncover previously hidden treasures and develop the message of reconciliation in a way which is relevant for all in the twenty-first century. In a world that still fails to find peaceful alternatives to resolving disputes, our plan is to create a space dedicated to civilians affected by war and violent conflict, whilst serving a range of beneficial purposes.

We will begin by securing the precious, yet failing structure of the ruins so that the spaces within can be used more inventively for the benefit and enjoyment of the whole of Coventry and the generations to come. The local community will play a big part by helping us with ideas of how best to represent this space.

The scheme will also reveal and share Coventry's forgotten medieval glass collection and rediscover the crypts beneath the old cathedral creating an exciting resource for Coventrians and a new reason for people to visit this fascinating and underestimated city.

Repairing the Crack - Target: £21,357 *

The need for conservation has been highlighted recently by a large crack which has appeared in the south-west corner of the ruins. Since then the results of our five-yearly investigation into the condition of the ruins has confirmed that urgent repairs are needed in several areas to prevent further deterioration of the structure.

The first phase of these vital repairs is focussed on the area affected by the crack and the vaulted west porch entrance adjacent to the tower. The cost of doing this is £102,683. We have secured a grant of £77,383 towards this and are delighted to have received a generous response from the public, yet we still need £21,357.

A Vision for the Future - Target: £51,300 *

To realise our vision, wide consultation needs to take place on how the ruins can be best conserved and how the space can be transformed. This will lead to a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. This is essential if future phases of the project are to happen. We are grateful for the generous early support of an anonymous donor towards this yet need an additional £51,300.

Unveiling Hidden Treasures - Target: £41,625 *

Coventry Cathedral is home to an amazing collection of medieval glass dating from the 15th century. This rare collection is thought to be the work of the city's renowned medieval glass artist John Thornton. It reveals the faces of Coventry's medieval forebears and gives a stunning insight into the incredible skill used in the making of stained glass.

The collection has been hidden from view for generations. The dedication of Cathedral volunteer, Dr. Mike Stansbie, has ensured its preservation until now. We aim to bring this overlooked treasure into the light and share its secrets. To achieve this we need an estimated £46,625 and are delighted to have already received £5,000 towards this.

TOTAL PHASE 1 Target £114,282 *

The second phase of this scheme will focus on completing the programme of urgent repairs and revealing the hidden secrets of the crypt chapels beneath the ruins.

CHALLENGE FUND APPEAL

Overall, we need £1million to complete these first two phases. We are growing a challenge fund of £500,000 through the generosity of those who feel passionate about what we are planning to achieve. New donors will be invited to meet this challenge with every £1 they donate becoming £2.

£200,000 has already been raised for the challenge fund through the generous support of grant-making organisations.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We would be delighted if you would join us on this exciting journey into Coventry's past and help us give a renewed significance to the ruins.

You can make a gift by:

• clicking here to access the Support Us section at www.coventrycathedral.org.uk
• contacting the Cathedral Fundraising Manager Tel: 024 7652 1217
• emailing coventry.gift@coventrycathedral.org.uk
• clicking this button now:

* Please note that the figures given on this page are subject to variation and we reserve the right to change them without notice to take account of new circumstances. If we receive more funds than we need towards any part of the project, we will put them towards areas of the project that are underfunded.