Ben Rossi, business development manager at Sheffield Cathedral, sets out the challenges to one of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings – and explains why support will be crucial post COVID-19
People have been gathering on the site of Sheffield Cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. The Cathedral has survived the plague, the Reformation and the Sheffield Blitz. History suggests it will survive COVID-19 as well, but it won’t be easy.
“It’s really tough,” says Ben. “One day we were welcoming hundreds of people to The Observatory to watch the Cathedral being transformed through light and sound and the next day we were closed.
“We rely on innovative events like The Observatory to balance the books and keep the building open. I don’t think the doors to the Cathedral have ever been closed throughout its history until now!”
Sheffield Cathedral is one of South Yorkshire’s top visitor attractions. In a ‘normal’ year more than a quarter of a million people visit, learn about the history of Sheffield, and enjoy the coffee shop and gift shop.
“First and foremost, the Cathedral is a place of worship,” explains Ben. “Admission to the Cathedral is free so we rely on the generosity of our congregation and visitors to use the coffee shop, to spend in the gift shop and to make donations. In this sense we are also a business. We need people to visit the Cathedral to survive.”
Like many businesses, Sheffield Cathedral has been able to furlough staff but despite operating in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, assistance from other business support schemes has not been forthcoming.
To make matters worse, the Cathedral was the victim of an arson attack on May 14. Although the fire was contained within The Cathedral Archer Project, a charity set up by the Cathedral congregation over 25 years ago to help Sheffield’s homeless population, the Cathedral did suffer smoke damage.
Ben is now working with colleagues on a ‘COVID-secure’ plan for when the Cathedral is allowed to open again.
“Places of Worship are in Phase 3 of the Government’s recovery plan along with bars and restaurants, gyms and hairdressers, so it looks like it will be July at the earliest before we can open our doors again,” said Ben.
“We were intending to host a free exhibition called ‘The Foundry’ during the summer and hope this will take place in the autumn now. We are also still fully committed to another ‘son et lumiere’ for the whole of Sheffield to enjoy in December although this time sponsorship will be crucial.
“Sheffield Cathedral is a Grade 1 listed building and has the ongoing maintenance costs to match. It is also custodian to many of Sheffield’s treasures. The Cathedral also tells the story of the city and its people. This is why it is important to support the Cathedral now so a new chapter can be written telling how the people of Sheffield came together to overcome the challenges of COVID-19.”
Ben likens the Cathedral to an ‘old friend’ you take for granted. “You know they’re always there, so you’ll say ‘hello’ or visit tomorrow but you never do. So when the Cathedral is open again, please find the time to pop in and say: ‘hello old friend’.”
To support Sheffield Cathedral visit: www.sheffieldcathedral.org/donations
For information about supporting Sheffield Cathedral as an individual or corporate patron email: patrons@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk
