Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bishop of Leicester's involvement in the Save Launde Abbey campaign?
The Rt Revd Bishop Tim Stevens is the Chair of the Trustees of Launde Abbey and has been committed to Launde for over 25 years as a retreatant visitor and regular user of the premises. He has given his full support to the appeal and as a token of his personal commitment, has made a contribution of £1,000 and hopes that this will encourage others to do whatever they can as well.
He longs to see Launde restored and renewed, and is looking to the people of Leicestershire and beyond to help save this precious resource.
How will my money help?
Due to a number of external factors such as Health and Safety legislation, major renovation work needs to be undertaken to the Main House, at a cost of £2.5million. We have already secured £1.5million of what is needed, but if the shortfall is not forthcoming between now and September, Launde Abbey will be forced to close.
The renovation work will include:
- Restoring the stonework of the Tudor-Elizabethan Main House;
- Renewing the services (electrics, heating and water);
- Creating disabled access throughout the Abbey on the ground and first floor;
- Improving the meeting and counselling rooms;
- Providing new and improved dining facilities and kitchen;
- Bringing the bedrooms up to modern standards;
- Improving the office facilities.
Does it matter how much I give?
No, there is no minimum donation. We appreciate any gift you wish to make - however large or small!
If 1,000 people gave £1,000 each then we would reach our £1 million total straight away.
If you would like to support the campaign, you can donate online through our Just Giving site, by calling 01572 717254 or by sending a cheque payable to ‘Save Launde Abbey Appeal' to
8 Peacock Lane
Leicester
England
LE1 5PX.
Who else has helped so far?
The Diocesan Board of Finance has been extremely generous and the Diocese of Peterborough is making monies available. We have also received donations from people all over the country. The Archbishop of Canterbury is one of the high profile figures backing the campaign.
Who is heading up the fundraising work?
Wendi Stevens, wife to the Bishop of Leicester, is leading the Save Launde Abbey fundraising appeal. She is overseeing the project after being approached by the Management Committee of Launde, based on her successful work as chief fundraiser for the Leicester charity, Hope Against Cancer. She brings a wealth of expertise and contacts developed over the last 6 years during her time of heading up significant county fundraising appeals and events. She works on a voluntary basis for Launde Abbey.
