Truro Cathedral was thrilled to welcome Robin Ellis, author, acclaimed actor and the original TV Ross Poldark in the 1975 series, to ‘Sign-A-Slate’ at the weekend.

Robin, who has also starred as Reverend Halse in the recent Poldark series, was visiting Truro to attend a book signing for his recent cook book, and scheduled a visit to the cathedral to support the ongoing roof appeal.

Robin joins Dr Andrew Graham, former master of Balliol College, Oxford and son of Poldark writer Winston Graham, in his support of the huge conservation project of Cornwall’s only cathedral, requiring £3.2 million pounds funding over the next five years.

The Sign-A-Slate fundraising initiative was launched in July last year, and has so far seen more than 1,660 people take part, raising more than £60,000. In total, the combined fundraising efforts have generated £597,000, representing just under 20% of the total needed.

The Dean of Truro, the Very Reverend Roger Bush, said: “We are very grateful to Robin Ellis for supporting us in this way. Sadly, because of being out of kilter historically, Truro Cathedral can never appear in an episode of Poldark, but having a former incarnation of the title role coming here is a great thrill for all of us.”

Commenting on the signing of his slate, Robin Ellis said: “I'm delighted to make a small contribution to the preservation of this magnificent and historic building. Truro Cathedral is a gem, beautifully proportioned in relation to the town it serves. This is evident as you arrive by train, especially at night when it is lit up. It must not be allowed to crumble--it's too important a part of Cornwall's more recent heritage. Save the roof!”

Phase 1 of the project, which has seen the replacement of almost 22,000 slates on the High Level Western Arm, is now very close to completion. Phases 2 to 4 are scheduled for completion in 2020, but with around £2.6 million pounds still to raise, fundraising remains more important than ever.

The Dean added “The roof appeal has been very successful so far, but there is still much work to do to ensure that this glorious building remains watertight for the next hundred years and more. Truro Cathedral prides itself on being sacred space and common ground, a place where everyone is welcomed and valued. We appreciate enormously those who have shown us support so far, but if other people can support this appeal we will be very grateful. This is Cornwall’s cathedral for Cornwall’s people, and we want to ensure that this can be so for many generations to come.”

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 or call: 01872 276782.