Bishop And Vicar Abseil Inside Rotherham Minster To Kickstart Their Fundraising Plans!

On the 23rd of April 2024, two clergymen from Rotherham Minster put their faith in something slightly different as they took on a 42-ft abseil inside the Minster.

Rev Canon Phil Batchford and Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox took to the pulpit, swapped their Hymn sheets for harnesses, and made the descent from the bell tower down to the central transept.

This unusual endeavour was chosen to raise awareness for the parish's £3m fundraising campaign, ‘Building Hope In The Heart Of Rotherham’. 

This prestigious building has stood proudly in All Saints Square in Rotherham for over 500 years and provided some much-needed solace for the community during Covid. During this time, The Minster became a social supermarket for vulnerable families, a catch-up cafe and a space for the community singing group.

Canon Batchford, the Vicar of the Minster, says "Rotherham Minster is an incredible building and one that lies in the heart of the place and we need to ensure it is here for another 1,000 years"

This project aims to transform the Grade I listed building into a modern space, meeting the changing needs of people who use it, ‘from concerts and exhibitions, to choral singing and food support for those in need’. The campaign is also looking to restore the building’s Snetzler Organ, built in 1777, as well as adding two meeting rooms, and enclosing the Jesus chapel with glass, so worship can continue while other things are happening in the church.

This is not the first time the Bishop has found himself abseiling on the job, having taken on a similar challenge down the west front of Liverpool Cathedral, where he held the position of Dean in the past. It is, however, believed to be the first abseil performed inside a Minster. 

"We believe that this is the first time any UK Bishop has ever abseiled down from a bell tower inside any Minster in the UK," a spokesperson for Rotherham Minster said.

After completing the abseil, Canon Batchford reflected on his experience as ‘terrifying’, especially the ‘leaning out bit’, as he teetered over the edge of an opening in the ringing room floor, where the bellringers stand as they perform their calls to service.

The Bishop of Sheffield added: "I could see the concern on Phil's face, which fed into my fear, but once it was clear it was holding my weight I quite enjoyed the descent down."

This was certainly a unique project for Big Bang and The Minster alike! Rev Batchford hopes the money will be raised over the next 12 months or so, to start work in Summer 2025.

More information on the transformative project can be found on the church’s website; donations can also be made here.

https://rotherhamminster.co.uk/redevelopment