Minster Fund to get a new director

The fund’s trustees revealed yesterday that Neil Sanderson will take over at the helm as the current director, Michael Benson, is retiring after nine years in the role. Mr Sanderson was born in West Yorkshire and now lives in the East Riding. The father-of-three has more than 20 years of experience in managing director roles in the food industry such as Findus Group, Tryton Foods and Danone.

The fund’s chairman, Charles Dent, said: “Charities working to preserve our country’s national heritage are operating in a challenging and highly competitive environment and the fund is no exception - we need to raise a minimum of £1m-a- year for vital work at the Minster. With his successful background in industry and building on firm foundations, Neil will bring fresh impetus and outlook to our fundraising activities.”

The fund was set up in 1967 to help pay for the underpinning of the Central Tower. Since then, it has raised more than £30m to help restore the Minster.