The first Girlguiding Staffordshire Big Sleepover took place at Lichfield Cathedral last month in aid of the East End Appeal. Whilst most of Lichfield was safely tucked up in bed, over 375 very excited Guides and Leaders from Girlguiding Staffordshire, gathered together for a Big Sleepover and slept under one roof in the Nave and Lady Chapel of Lichfield Cathedral. The event, held at the end of September, was a fundraiser for the Cathedral’s East End Appeal.

The Big Sleepover included a whole host of exciting activities, starting with a dramatic introduction on the organ by Cathedral Organist, Martyn Rawles. Other activities included story-telling by Cathedral Guides, an African singing and drumming workshop, a picture trail, crafts (including the creation of Mouse Choristers) and a Staffordshire Hoard treasure hunt around the outside of the Cathedral. The evening’s proceedings were concluded with a classical musical workshop led by the Cathedral’s  Director of Music, Cathy Lamb and then the Ceremony of Torches with over 375 Guides and Leaders processing around the Cathedral by torchlight. Finally the Guides grabbed a few hours sleep and in the morning, they enjoyed breakfast in the Nave.

County Commissioner for Girlguiding Staffordshire, Pauline McKie gave her thoughts about the event:

“It was a fantastic event. Thanks to all our volunteers and the Cathedral staff, the Guides were so busy enjoying every moment of the activities that they almost forgot they were spending the night in this magnificent and historic building. It was a night to remember and hopefully one to be repeated”.

The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield commented:

Thanks to the generosity of the Girlguiding, the event raised funds for the East End Appeal. The funds will go towards the East End Appeal of Lichfield Cathedral, including the restoration of one of Europe’s greatest artistic treasures – the Herkenrode Glass. The Cathedral has a target of approximately £700,000 to complete the painstaking conservation programme which will bring the glass back to its former glory, and restore it as the central icon of the religious and spiritual life of the Cathedral.

Patricia Collins, Director of Fundraising for Lichfield Cathedral said of the event:

“We were delighted to host Girlguiding Staffordshire at the Big Sleepover and hope many girls will return with family and friends to visit Lichfield Cathedral, the magnificent icon of the West Midlands. Whilst here, they were introduced to the history and spiritual life of the Cathedral, appreciated some of the treasures and craftsmanship of centuries whilst having fun singing and making keepsakes.   The money raised will go towards the conservation of our 16^th century hand-painted glass which will return to the windows of the Lady Chapel in about four years time.  We could not have wished for better guests”.

To find out more about Girlguiding Staffordshire visit www.girlguidingstaffordshire.org.uk

For information please contact the County Secretary on 01889 270757 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information about supporting the East End Appeal at Lichfield Cathedral please visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org and click on Support or contact Patricia Collins on 01543 306245.

To make a donation please visit the JustGiving website www.justgiving.com/eastendappeal

ENDS

For further information regarding this news release please contact Claire Lamplugh on 01543 306121 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it