RESTORATION A major programme of restoration and repair was started in 1988 with an anticipated completion within 20 years.  At that time the Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust launched a successful major Appeal.  Approximately £4 million was spent straight away on those items requiring the most urgent attention, most notably the stabilisation of the Tower, which was in serious risk of collapse.  £2 million of the Appeal was very wisely invested and this over the years has generated a steady income.  This income together with very generous Grants from English Heritage has enabled the Restoration Programme to proceed smoothly.  By the time this Programme is completed in about  2008, the cost of this major work will be nearly £10 million. Cathedral Architect The Cathedrals Measure 1990 requires each Cathedral Chapter to appoint a Consultant Architect to advise it on the care and repair of the Cathedral Building Fabric.  The Consultant Architect is expected to have considerable experience in this field of work and a track record of undertaking repairs and conservation to the highest standard. Chris Romain has been the Cathedral Architect at Worcester since 1996 and is fully involved with the Cathedral spending one or two days a week on site and working very closely with the Chapter, the Cathedral Steward and both the Service and Works Departments of the Cathedral. Every 5 years the Cathedral Architect carries out a thorough inspection of the building and prepares a Schedule of Priorities and budgetary costs to assist the Chapter to plan its maintenance and repair programme.  The Inspection includes: roofs; roof voids; external walls; rainwater goods; windows; ceilings; walls; floors; fixtures and fittings and monuments. The Architect also advises Chapter on development including Visitors Facilities and Toilets; Disabled Access; work in connection with Organ and Health & Safety matters. With the end in sight of the original restoration Programme, the Cathedrals attention is now being turned to internal improvements including the new Organ, lighting and cleaning/restoration of ceilings and walls, particularly to the East end. The Cathedral's Works Department consists mainly of Stonemasons and the Department is continually engaged on the restoration work as well as other projects.  The Works Department operates under the direction of the Architect.    Skills, which are not possessed by the Works Department, for example plumbing and slating, are contracted externally by means of competitive tender.