Comments on: Film Crew Besieges Ely Cathedral

By: Danny Macpherson

Danny Macpherson — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 10:07:24 +0000

Hi, i was emailing as i heard from staff from Ely Cathedral that there is to be additional filming at ely some time in the near future. I am part of a media studies class at Hills Road SixTh Form College cambridge and a number of us would be willing to act as extras for the film if any additional people are needed.
If you could reply that would be great, danny

By: Karl Bedingfield

Karl Bedingfield — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:44:46 +0000

Thanks for your concise explanation Stephen.

By: Stephen Wikner, Bursar

Stephen Wikner, Bursar — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 16:44:55 +0000

Ely Cathedral was closed during recent filming for three days not four. Acess to the Lady Chapel was restricted for somewhat longer. As a rule the building is open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. However from time to time special services or events mean that acess has to be curtailed or restricted. Some of these events are revenue generating.

No church is obliged to stay open all the time. Indeed, sadly, many churches these days are closed except for Sunday services. During the nine days of filming for ‘The Golden Age’ Ely Cathedral did not lose a single act of worship although the times and precise locations of particular services sometimes had to be adjusted.

It costs £3,000 a day to keep Ely Cathedral open and operational. Revenue to cover these costs has to be found if the building is to remain open. It is as starkly simple as that.