The newly crowned 2003 British BARC Formula Renault Champion James Gornall, and The Very Reverend Michael Bunker, Dean of Peterborough, are looking to support each other in their respective aims for 2004.



The Dean, and James met at Peterborough Cathedral, with the Championship winning car on the 15th January. The Dean presented James with an honorary membership of The Company of St. Peter, whilst James presented a framed and signed photograph for the Cathedral to keep. 

Peterborough race ace James Gornall, who won the British Karting Championship in 2001, has taken the car racing world by storm in his first season of single seater racing, by not only winning the 2003 Championship, but also on the way, setting 6 new lap records, with 5 wins and 9 podium finishes! This has resulted with approaches from some of the top motor racing teams in the UK. During the season James has sported the 'Company of St. Peter' logo on his race car around all the major UK circuits, to help promote the fund raising efforts for the Peterborough Cathedral. And its certainly been at the forefront of all the races!



In 2004, James intends to organise and take part in a charity karting event in order to raise funds for the Company of St Peter as they seek to support the Cathedrals' restoration and maintenance programme. James commented " the Cathedral is a fantastic heritage for Peterborough and indeed the country, and I just feel I would like to do my bit to help support the excellent work that goes in to its restoration and upkeep. When I arrange the event later in the year, it will also be a lot of fun. I hope the Dean will be having a go!" 

The Dean commented "we have a great talent in Peterborough in James, who really has a wonderful career ahead of him in the motor racing world and we really appreciate it at the Cathedral to think he has made the effort to support us. Nevertheless, like the Cathedral, James needs to raise substantial amounts of money via sponsors and backers in order to keep progressing. This is even more necessary for this year given his success to date and current plans. The least we can do is give him our support and blessing and hope that he finds the financial backers he needs soon to keep his career on track. After all, with James racing at all the major circuits again in 2004 in front of millions of TV viewers, it can only help the profile for the Company of St Peter and Peterborough Cathedral. The Company of St Peter is a membership organisation who's objective is to help to sustain the life & heritage of Peterborough Cathedral. Members subscribe annually to maintain the Cathedrals ministry, music and fabric."

The days events captured the imagination of both press and media, with BBC and ITV camera crews present and local and national newspapers in attendance, and of course the people of Peterborough. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative day was had by all!

Full selection of photographs from the day! Click here!