Local school’s musical appeal to raise Cathedral’s roof
News date published: 3 March 2010
Pupils at Rougemont School are using their musical talent to help raise £1.5 million as part of an urgent appeal to repair Newport Cathedral’s roof.
St Woolos Cathedral’s Emergency Campaign was set up in 2009 in order to raise money for restoration and repair work to its roof, which is now in a critical condition.
In aid of the campaign, the school’s music department have arranged a charity concert, which will showcase the musical abilities of children aged seven to 16, to take place at the cathedral on 6.00pm Thursday 25 March.
Confirmed to take part in the concert are the Junior School orchestra, the Junior and Senior School brass bands, the Junior and Senior School choirs, the young recorder group and several student bands.
Campbell Dobbins, music teacher at Rougemont School, says: “As a school we are keen to help the local community and the cathedral is one of the most significant buildings in Newport. It has a rich and detailed history, which is important to preserve for future generations.
“We have held charity events for the cathedral in the past and they have always been well received. The children here are very excited to be taking part in the appeal and are already rehearsing to make sure that the evening a success.”
Dean Dr Richard Fenwick says: “The cathedral authorities have been aware of the poor condition of the roof for some time now. Over the years some repairs have been made, but because of a lack of funds these repairs could only be remedial.
“The roof has continued to deteriorate and has now reached the point where the whole roof must be totally replaced and restored if the cathedral is to function normally in future.”
“There has long been a good association between the cathedral and Rougemont School, which has helped us with events like these before. I’m looking forward to another concert of great music that brings the community together.”
The event will be free to attend with opportunities to donate throughout the evening, with all proceeds going to St Woolos Cathedral. For more information about the appeal or to donate, please visit www.newportcathedral.com/how-to-give/.
ENDS
All media enquiries to Kirsty Callingham at Freshwater on 02920 545387 or email kirsty.callingham@freshwater-uk.com
Notes to Editor:
- Rougemont School (www.rougemontschool.co.uk) is an HMC co-educational independent school for pupils from nursery through to sixth form (age 3-18). Located in Newport the school combines small class sizes with excellent academic results.
- It has over 700 pupils located on a 50 acre site
- Rougemont was placed joint first for Wales in The Financial Times 2006 top 500 Independent Schools league table, scoring the top score for UCAS points per pupils, with an average 395, where an A grade = 120 points. Rougemont also scored an average 3.9 subjects taken per pupil, the highest in Wales.
- The school places a strong emphasis on creating a friendly atmosphere fostering good working relationships between staff and pupils.