Annual Report Reveals Achievements and Challenges

Annual Report and Accounts

Wakefield Cathedral’s annual report and accounts for 2024 have been published, and in line with our charity status, have also been submitted to the Charity Commission.

The report reveals the wide range of activities and events that make up the life and ministry of our cathedral. From hosting concerts to playing a part in the civic and municipal life of the city, being open to visitors and serving our diocese with major services marking both local and national occasions, all in addition to the regular worship and music that form our core mission, the cathedral is a busy, active and welcoming place for so many.

Our challenges are also made clear, though, in the financial part of the report. We had a better-than-expected outturn for the year but nevertheless recorded a deficit of some £48,000. Our reserves have been depleted since the pandemic. Main sources of income are congregational giving, grants, event income, donations from visitors, legacies and investment income.

“The Chapter, or Board of Trustees, is well aware of the challenges we face,” commented Canon Jane Evans, vice-chair of Chapter. “However, we are also confident that the cathedral is in good hands under the care of our clergy, staff, and volunteer teams. We are an incredibly important asset to the city and district of Wakefield, and to our diocese. This report sets out just how much we do with really very few resources.”

There was considerable change in senior personnel during the year of the report. We welcomed a new precentor and a new chief operating officer, and said goodbye to one of our residentiary canons, Canon Derek Walmsley.

The report foresees some of the activities and challenges of 2025. The financial picture would be even more challenging, the report predicts, while major projects would include the continuing drive to net zero and a review of the plans for our Phase 3 building project.