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Steep price for spire's repair
FUNDRAISERS have been asked to reach for the sky to help restore a historic South Tyneside church.
Repairs to the famous spire at Christ Church, in Grange Road West, Jarrow, will cost 96,000.
Stonework and a metal rod both need to be replaced at the Grade II-listed Victorian church's spire, which has dominated the town centre for more than 140 years.
Insurance, plus a church grant and loan will cover part of the costs, but church officials face a shortfall of 58,000.
Gazette readers and people throughout South Tyneside have been asked to boost the appeal at the church, which has been a hub of community life and a place of religious worship, since it opened in 1869.
Reverend Canon David Osman, priest in charge of Christ Church and St John's, Hebburn, said: "We're talking about a lot of money, but we hope to get a good response to the appeal from local people, plus historical organisations and other charitable bodies.
"The top two metres of the spire, which was damaged in storms last year and was already in a poor condition, have already been removed by contractors.
"But the metal rod running the length of the spire and much of the stonework needs to be replaced. We want to make the job as comprehensive as possible, so we don't have to carry out more repairs a few years down the line."
Church treasurer Jackie Sandford believes the top section of the spire was originally damaged during the Second World War, but not replaced until the 1960s.
She said: "The metal rod inside the spire was badly eroded and needs to be replaced, plus we will have to find the money to restore the rest of it.
"It's a big job, but we hope that people will get behind the appeal."
In October 1936, the famous Jarrow Marchers attended a service at Christ Church, before setting off on their famous trek to the Houses of Parliament, to demand work for the dole-hit town from Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin's Government.
Christ Church, part of the parish of Jarrow Grange, survived an arson attack in recent years and still attracts the faithful to services every week, as well as operating a popular community hall.
Cheques for the appeal should be made out to 'Christ Church Restoration Fund,' and sent to: Miss Jackie Sandford, Church Treasurer, 108 York Street, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, NE32 5RY.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
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