Brewery answers Cathedral's prayers (From This Is Wiltshire)

Brewery answers Cathedral's prayers

2:35pm Thursday 20th March 2008

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Forget divine intervention, it's the brewery that has come to the rescue of Salisbury Cathedral ahead of one of the busiest weekends in the Christian calendar.

An archaeological dig taking place inside the Cathedral means the historic building is temporarily missing a fontor at least it was until bosses at Devizes brewery Wadworth raided the storeroom and donated an old copper priming vessel.

After quickly checking the vessel, formerly used for dissolving sugar during the brewing process, was watertight, Wadworth set about polishing it up and shipping it out some 20 miles down the road to Salisbury.

Now safely in the hands of Cathedral staff, their scheduled morning baptisms during Easter Sunday can go ahead as planned.

Wadworth's marketing manager Paul Sullivan said: "We are delighted to support the Cathedral, especially in their 750th anniversary year, but even we were surprised when the Archdeacon of Wilts, who lives in our home town of Devizes, literally knocked on our front door asking for some help.

"It's an unusual donation, but the vessel has been out of action at the brewery for many years. It was due to go on display in our Visitor Centre, but we felt the Cathedral's need was rather more pressing.

"Our team at the brewery pulled out all the stops to get the container looking its best and we hope the baptisms on Easter Sunday can now go ahead without a hitch."

Chancellor of the Cathedral, Cano Edward Probert, said: "We are extremely grateful to Wadworth for coming to our rescue and at such short notice. I have to say that this is one of the most unusual 'vessels' the Cathedral has used as a font. But then, using a 'priming' vessel seems particularly appropriate as baptism is the 'primary' step in the Christian life."

Wadworth was founded in 1875 and produces a range of high quality beers, including its flagship 6X and (appropriately enough) Bishop's Tipple.

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