Time running out for Leicestershire Launde abbey appeal Owned by the Launde Abbey Trust, the 45-bedroom retreat is used by spiritual leaders, charities, schools and support groups.
BBC
Time running out for abbey appeal
A historic house used as a religious retreat has only weeks to raise the £500,000 it needs to stay open.
Launde Abbey in Leicestershire is one of the few remaining Church of England retreats but is facing a £2.5m bill to bring it up to modern standards.
In April, staff at the 16th Century building launched an appeal to plug a £1m funding gap.
Half of this has been raised but the remaining money has to be found before a September deadline.
Owned by the Launde Abbey Trust, the 45-bedroom retreat is used by spiritual leaders, charities, schools and support groups.
It needs to be converted to offer disabled access, requires a renewal of electric, heating and water services and general modernisation.
If it cannot pass an inspection in September, the retreat will be closed and sold off.
The appeal has received the backing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
Tags: Church Life