I WRITE in response to Judith Holroyd’s letter in the Chronicle on 25 June, regarding the cost of admission to Chester Cathedral. Is it really ‘too expensive’? Interestingly, on page 37 of the same edition, there was a wonderful article about the recent Tudor Day here, explaining the links we have with Henry VIII and the foundation of the cathedral in 1541, although as a monastery it was here long before that.

An establishment of this nature means many different things to many different people.

Chester Cathedral’s mission statement is: “Celebrating God’s presence in the world, we offer worship and prayer, welcome and hospitality, pastoral care and education, and creative use of our heritage.” In these values we aim to embrace all sectors of the community and provide a space for everybody, whatever their reason for visiting, while simultaneously ensuring the survival of this magnificent cathedral for future generations.

As the cathedral church of the Diocese of Chester, we hold three standard services every week day and four, sometimes five, on Sundays – 1,200 in all throughout the year. This ancient building requires continuous maintenance and faces enormous utility costs.

The cathedral receives no regular funding from central or local Government, nor from the diocese. It is a wholly independent financial entity, funded by our own endeavours and the generosity of visitors, friends and worshippers.

In recent months the cathedral has hosted major services for the county council and the Women’s Land Army.

Other organisations such as the Royal British Legion, the scouts and guides, local schools and Chester University come every year for special services and commemorative events.

We hold special services to remember the fallen from the wars and to provide comfort to those who have lost children.

Large diocesan services are frequent; this weekend the cathedral will be packed for an ordination service. We provide a venue for orchestral performances, concerts and charitable fundraisers.

We welcome thousands of primary and secondary school children for educational visits and hold an annual sixth form conference.

Chester Cathedral is a centre of musical excellence with its weekly organ recitals and has some of the finest choirs in the country. It is also a site of extraordinary historical significance.

As a national monument, the cathedral receives many thousands of visitors from all over the world. In days past, there was a suggested donation of £3 per person, but actually we received an average of only 29p per person. In August 2004, it was decided by chapter, albeit with a heavy heart, that we must charge an admission fee to those wishing to visit this historic building.

We have recently reviewed our admission prices and firmly believe that they are reasonable. From the great majority of feedback we receive, we know that most of our visitors very much enjoy their time here. We are one of several cathedrals which have gone down a similar course.

The admission charge is our lifeblood, and it is a sobering fact that without it we would have to close our doors to visitors and for many of the activities mentioned above.

Of course there is no charge to attend our regular services, and we allow free entry to those who wish to come for private prayer. In order to encourage visitors from our local community, we offer Charisma Card holders free entry and a discount in our shop and refectory café.

So is it too expensive? Would you refuse pay to enter a National Trust stately home, Alton Towers or Chester Zoo? Your visit directly supports this amazing place.

If you would like to make a contribution to help keep Chester Cathedral running, you can donate online at www.chestercathedral.com or you can join the Friends of Chester Cathedral, details of which can be found on our website or by calling 01244 500958.

CHRIS WALTON

Commercial Director,

Chester Cathedral