Holy Duct Tape

According to the UK Telegraph, one fifth of the Canterbury Cathederal's pillars are being held together by duct tape, yes duct tape.

Heather Newton, the head of stone conservation, said that 20 per cent of the hundreds of 12th century Purbeck marble pillars that line the interior walls of the cathedral were bound with tape to prevent them crumbling. She added that a number of crockets, the decorative ends of the pinnacles on some of the towers, had been blown off in storms.

The Cathedral has launched a campaign to raise 50 million Euro over the next five years for urgent and long term renovation and conservation. They hope to appeal to Anglicans and wealthy benefactors worldwide.

The dean, the Very Rev Robert Willis, said that all avenues of fundraising would be considered, though suggestions that the cathedral could sell the Archbishop of Canterbury's house or collaborate with wealthy Muslims might not best serve the local community.

Until suitable financial donors are found, please send your spare rolls of duct tape to: Canterbury Cathedral, 11, The Precints, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2EH

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