Dr Andrew Graham, political economist, former Master of Balliol College, Oxford, and son of Poldark author Winston Graham, together with his wife, Peggotty, laid the first signed slate on Truro Cathedral roof, marking an important milestone in the cathedral’s roof repair project and appeal.

The chance to ‘Sign-A-Slate’ was launched as part of the overall roof appeal on July 27, this year and has so far seen more than 1,400 people take part, directly raising more than £35,000 and generating over £27,000 in additional donations. The roof works on the western arm of the nave are well underway and the team is now ready to lay the slates that have so far been signed.

The Dean of Truro, the Very Reverend Roger Bush, said: “The laying of the first signed slate is a significant moment in the project and we are incredibly grateful to Andrew and Peggotty for supporting this. It feels very fitting for Andrew especially to be involved given that, as a boy, he was involved with the cathedral and attended Truro Cathedral School. It is wonderful to continue his story and association, especially knowing the message he has written on the slate today will form part of the cathedral for generations to come.”

“We have been absolutely thrilled by the response to the Sign-A-Slate element of our appeal. Truro Cathedral was built by the people of Cornwall for the people, and it has been inspiring and uplifting to feel the involvement and power of people from all areas and of all ages coming together once again to show their support for the preservation of this special place.”

Commenting on his roof-top laying of the slate, Dr Andrew Graham said: “It was deeply moving. For me, it connected the past, the present and the future. I recall leaving Truro Cathedral as a school boy to the soaring sound of Bach being played on the organ at the end of morning service; the day I signed my slate happened to be St Catherine’s Day and she is the patron saint of Balliol College where I was Master; and the slate which I laid, in honour of my mother and father, may well be on the roof as a memory to them for hundreds of years.”

In total, the fundraising efforts for the £3.2m Roof Appeal have generated more than £562,000 (17.5%). The remainder will be raised between now and 2020.

There is still opportunity for people to participate in Sign-A-Slate. The roof work is ongoing with many more phases of the repairs to be undertaken – Sign-A-Slate will continue as long as new slates are needed. People seeking unique gifts for friends and loved ones this Christmas may consider giving Sign-A-Slate gift cards, which are now available.

In conclusion, the Dean commented: “We still have a long way to go with the appeal and the work, but we would like to extend a genuine and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated and supported so far. Your help has enabled us to really push on with the roof-works that are currently underway. You have not simply contributed to a slate on a roof, you have helped to sustain the work and life of Truro Cathedral and all the communities it serves for years to come. Thank you.”

Anyone wishing to take part in Sign-A-Slate can do so by simply coming into the cathedral and visiting the Slate Station, open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 3pm, or you can find out more by visiting the dedicated appeal website www.tcroofappeal.org.uk. If you would like to fundraise for the Roof Appeal, or if you’re a community group and would like to arrange a group visit to Sign-A-Slate, please email appeal@trurocathedral.org.uk.