WORCESTER Cathedral celebrated a significant award of £20,000 from the Associated Worshipful Companies of The Mercers’, Masons’, Cooks’, and Broderers’ to support two vital restoration projects and the career development of its newly qualified stonemasons.
The funding will be used to restore the county war memorial and the Old Bishop’s Palace boundary wall, providing essential hands-on experience for stonemasons Debbie Branford and Alfie Rollett.
Both masons recently passed their Level two stonemasonry apprenticeships with distinctions and will continue their learning through these projects as part of their Level three training.
The first project focuses on the County War Memorial, where frost damage has left the steps worn and unsafe.
Repairs using Portland limestone will ensure the memorial is in top condition for this year’s Remembrance commemorations.
The second project addresses the emergency repair of the north precinct wall between the Old Palace and the Heart of Worcestershire College.
A tree growing out of the wall has caused structural damage, necessitating a careful dismantling and reconstruction process.
This wall, part of a now-lost Tudor building, dates back to the 11th century and forms part of the original Worcester Bishop’s Palace.
Kate Andrew, clerk of works at Worcester Cathedral, said: “My team are excited and very grateful for the award of funds by the Members of the Masons’ Company and Associated Companies to support the repair of the First World War memorial and assist with work on the Old Palace boundary wall.”
Andrew said: “Our project is focused on enabling the Cathedral to continue to provide training and opportunities in stonemasonry to this high standard, at a time of significant financial pressures.
“Each element of restoration will be part of Alfie and Debbie’s CWF Level three core training, providing evidence for their core skills, including liaising with professional bodies, making templates, cutting and fixing stone, and using various conservation techniques.”
The award was presented to Kate Andrew at a lunch ceremony at Mercers’ Hall, London, by The Master of the Worshipful Company of Masons.
The Worshipful Company of Masons, with a long history dating back to 1515, continues to support the preservation and appreciation of natural stone in the built environment.
