The Appeal for the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens Development Project

The Bishop’s Palace is over 800 years old, a site of both local and international importance. It is steeped in history, whilst its beautiful grounds, containing the prehistoric wells which give the city its name, are ranked amongst the most important heritage sites in the region.

But there’s a problem. Limited accessibility and lack of visitor facilities, especially interpretation materials, has meant that the 40,000 visitors who pass through the gateway each year often leave after a short duration, feeling unrewarded and with limited understanding of the site’s historical importance and purpose.

It is our most heartfelt wish to change all this by making this glorious place more open and welcoming to families, visitors and a wide variety of local organizations.

As such we have launched an appeal to raise funds for a major development project. This includes a new ‘green’ café, Community Garden and outdoor theatre, plus an activity, creativity and education centre in The Old Stable Yard. The medieval undercroft will become a focus for exploring the Palace’s history and there are also plans to provide disabled access to the Rampart Walk offering dramatic views of St. Andrew’s Cathedral and create a new viewing point for visitors to see Wells’ famous swans.

Planning permission has now been received, and thanks to Heritage Lottery funding, grants from the Church Commissioners, generous contributions from other trusts and individual donors, over £3 million has already been raised, leaving a shortfall of £1.6 million, which we are now looking to raise through the Appeal.

By supporting it you will be helping to give the Bishop’s Palace a sustainable future and so preserve an important part of then nation’s heritage, as well as contributing to a project that will benefit the people of Somerset.

Donations to the Appeal can be made online through VirginMoney. Or send a cheque, payable to The Palace Trust, to The Bishops Palace, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD.

If you would like to help raise funds for the Bishop’s Palace here are a few fundraising ideas for inspiration

Auction – this can be an event in itself or an idea to raise money at the event you have chosen to organise. See if you can get prizes donated or even make it an auction of promises.

BBQ – great for a summers day, or even hold it in the winter to give it a bit of a twist! Ask people to make a donation for the food and think about other activities you can do to help raise money – how about some team games in the garden??

Coffee Morning – hold it at home, work or a local building. Use our posters and invitations to publicise the event. If you want to make your event a bit different why not make it a Cappuccino Morning instead!

Dress down – or up if you would prefer! Charge £1 for people to wear something different to what they would usually wear.

Evening event – can be as extravagant or low key as you feel able to manage. Invite your friends, family, colleagues or neighbours to join you for the evening of your choice. Use our posters and invitations to publicise your event.

Fish and Chip Party – everyone loves this great British tradition so why not serve it up as a fundraising dinner party.

Garden Day – open up your garden and ask your neighbours to do the same. Or, even just have a garden party for friends.

Karaoke Party – a fun way to raise money. Why not make it a competition?

Masked Ball – ask your guests to wear a mask for the evening and award a prize for the best.

Pamper Day – hold it for your friends or at work. See if you can organise a local beauty therapist to treat you all with a range of 15 minute treatments. A percentage of the charge can be donated to the Palace Trust. Make smoothies and have fruit available to give everyone a bit of a detox.

Quiz Night – join in your local pub night with a team or even hold your own.

Tea Party – ask your guests to bake cakes, and treat your guests to an afternoon tea party.

Wine Tasting – great for getting people talking – why not ask them to bring their own bottle for everyone to try.

Bishop’s Palace Appeal Cider – Gaymer Cider Company has generously produced a special limited edition cider in support of the Appeal. You can buy a single bottle for £1.75 or a case of 8 bottles for £12.50 – a great Christmas present idea – you can buy the cider from the Bishop’s Palace shop, or from our stall at Wells Market on 23rd December between 08.30 and 16.00. If you would like to place a larger order you will find forms and delivery details on the Palace website www.bishopspalace.org.uk or call the Palace Trust office on 01749 988 111.

Or why not make it even easier and get involved with a local (or international) event that is already happening...

Keeping fit has never been so popular with hundreds of running events happening all over the UK, from 1 mile to 26 miles! With so many people wanting to take part, why not get them to raise money for the Bishop’s Palace at the same time.

It couldn’t be simpler - once they have secured their place, you provide them with a Bishop’s Palace sponsorship form (contact the Palace Trust office for copies) and posters to help them raise as much as possible. If you can help them, all the better, and don’t forget, support on the day is always gratefully received as well as being good publicity.

For a full list of national and international running events, you may find the following websites useful:

• www.runnersworld.co.uk
• www.tophalfmarathons.co.uk
• www.london-marathon.co.uk

And finally...

If you would like to make a donation to the Appeal please you can do so by logging onto VirginMoney or call us at the Trust office on 01749 988111 and ask for a donation form.

Thank you!