ONE of the region’s cathedrals entered a new era yesterday when two lengthy projects came to fruition.
Ripon Cathedral’s new lighting was switched on following a £700,000 fundraising drive.
At the same time, the final delivery was made of new chairs to replace its pews, dating from the Thirties.
A service of dedication for the custommade chairs will be held at 11.30am on Sunday.
The service also marks the culmination of a six-month project for rewiring and relighting the cathedral, using low-energy lightbulbs where possible.
The project was supported by Lottery funds, individual donations and events.
Furniture company Treske, from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, had the task of creating the 282 oak seats. They will be supplemented by 400 folding chairs.
People who sponsored chairs in the £100,000 project have been invited to attend Sunday’s service.
The cathedral’s old oak pews have all been sold, and 14 of them have turned into tables, two of which were sent to Japan.
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