Thursday 23 March 2023

A NEW film documentary revealing the race against time to save Beverley Minster and St Mary’s Church is premiered in Beverley this evening and will go live online from noon tomorrow. It was produced by Beverley-based Blue Aurora Media for the Two Churches One Town charity, which launched a £20 million appeal in 2019.

Beverley Minster looking across the rooftops to St Mary’s Church in the distance

£5 million has already been raised but the documentary reveals how the two churches could be in danger of closing despite their national significance and international reputation. Unless a further £15 million can be raised from independent sources to save them, the crumbling fabric of these ancient buildings could see them closed on safety grounds before the end of the decade, is the film’s stark message.

An example of St Mary’s crumbling stonework. BELOW: Charity chairman Tim Carlisle

It’s hoped the film’s breathtaking ultra-high definition filming, including stunning drone footage, will help convey the urgency of the situation. Charity chairman Tim Carlisle told us: “You’ve got two Gothic churches that are famous in Europe and considered to be the best of that build. What nobody wants is the nightmare scenario of having to close these buildings because they’re unsafe. If we do nothing their survival is in danger.”

The film screens at the Parkway Cinema tonight and will be available via the website www.BeverleyTwoChurches.co.uk from 12 noon tomorrow. We will also be talking to those behind the film on tomorrow’s Morning Mix around 10.15am

BISHOP BURTON College has retained its “Outstanding” judgement from Ofsted for its residential accommodation. The inspection report said the college offered “an exceptional level of protection for young people who live away from home”.