Welcome to the on-line teacher support section for the Adopt a Gargoyle campaign. Please see the drop down menus for further details about fundraising/curricular ideas, the competitions and image bank.

We know that fundraising is a part of school activities and we would be delighted if your school became sufficiently interested in our project to host a non-uniform day or other such initiative in response to our Adopt a Gargoyle project. We are hoping that you can help Lichfield Cathedral by encouraging a contribution of £1 per child in the 2011-12 academic year.

In the last few years, the east end of Lichfield Cathedral has undergone a major programme of essential repairs to its stonework and conservation of its unique 16th century painted glass. The project is now in its final phases and to help raise the balance of the money for the restoration work, Lichfield Cathedral, in partnership with the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education, is asking for support from your school for the East End Appeal via the Adopt a Gargoyle project.

This appeal:

• is designed to be educational and fun and to stimulate imagination and donations
• is an on-line mosaic where donations light-up a section of the Gargoyle montage
• encourages students to support the habitat of the Lichfield Cathedral gargoyles and receive an "Adoption Certificate"
• enables students to learn more about the history, creation and function of gargoyles
• gives students the opportunity to be creative and enter a story competition
• gives students the opportunity to be imaginative and name some of the new carvings.

Each school is receiving an information pack and suggestions for curricular and fund-raising activities from the Diocesan Board of Education.

The East End Appeal is the first phase of Lichfield InSpires, a long-term programme of conservation and development which aims to safeguard some of the Cathedral's greatest treasures for future generations and to ensure the continuity and enhancement of its spiritual and cultural mission.

We are asking schools to support our appeal by raising £1 per child. In return, as well as acknowledging each donation, we encourage participation in some exciting competitions.

There are three aspects to Adopt a Gargoyle.

First, participate in the Gargoyle Mosaic appeal www.lichfieldgargoyles.mosaicappeal.com

• Donations from schools (or classes) will 'light up' a tile of the on-line 'virtual mosaic'.
• Each school is invited to raise funds to pay for a tile or two, perhaps by holding a non-uniform day or other imaginative initiative.
• Each tile costs £50 - there are 864 tiles - some smaller schools may wish to share.
• 'Adoption certificates' will be sent in response to each donation. A permanent record of donations will be maintained by the Cathedral.

Then Get Creative!

• Students are invited to use their imagination to tell a story, write a poem or draw a picture - story linked to the Lichfield Cathedral gargoyles. 
• What events might the old gargoyles have witnessed in the Cathedral's 1300 year History?
• How are the recently-created gargoyles and grotesques settling into their new homes?
• Prizes will be awarded for the best entries in different age groups.
• The deadline for entries is 15th January 2012.

Then Name a Gargoyle

• As part of the restoration project, several new gargoyles and grotesques were created - students are invited to suggest names for them. 
• All entries will be considered by a panel including the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield and Colin Hopkins, the Director of Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education.
• Students who contribute the chosen names will be invited to a ceremony at the Cathedral, accompanied by a parent or guardian, and given tea at Chapters Restaurant.
• The deadline for entries is 15th January 2012.

For more information contact Judith Ayton 01543 306106 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Or contact Sue Blackmore 01827 707638 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message from the Dean The Very Revd Adrian Dorber

Every year, thousands of children and young people visit Lichfield Cathedral. Throughout the year we host a number of educational visits and an "Open Door" event for primary and secondary schools. in April 2011 over 300 Brownies and Girl Guides enjoyed a 'Big Sleepover' in the Nave of the Cathedral and more sleepovers are planned.

The Cathedral is a friendly place and spiritual centre of the Diocese of Lichfield. We welcome people from all faiths to feel at home here, to appreciate our tradition, spirituality and heritage and to see the very best workmanship of medieval and contemporary artists and craftsmen.

We believe interest and imagination may be stimulated by

• understanding why, in the 21st century, new gargoyles and grotesques were created and
• why clear glass was installed with ecological properties in preparation for the return of the pained glass.
  

By inviting classes and schools to "adopt a gargoyle" we hope

• to strengthen the bonds between us and
• engender a long-term interest in the Cathedral and its work

We look forward to participation from your school, thank you.