An appeal to in-spire us all
An appeal has been launched to save the spire of one of England's most historically important churches.
The spire of St Mary de Castro, Leicester, is in desperate need of repair after six-metre cracks were discovered on four of its eight faces.
Architectural engineers have been called in to install steel bands inside the 120ft structure to save it from collapsing.
However, up to £500,000 may be required to fix the damage properly.
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Supporters have now launched an SOS – Save Our Spire – Appeal. Its official launch took place at the church on Saturday, where civic leaders and guests gathered to hear about the 900-year-old building's plight.
Vic Allsop, chairman of the SOS Appeal, said: "Repair of the structure of the spire is necessary due to it being identified by English Heritage as not safe in its present condition.
"English Heritage has kindly offered us a grant of £187,000 towards our £329,000 target.
"However, the project could well end up costing up to £500,000.
"A tremendous amount of work has gone in over the past few months in getting us this far but there is still a long way to go.
"I was born in Leicester and this church is important to me, our city and to an awful lot of other people.
"Heritage is something we lose if it's not looked after."
Church member and appeal co-ordinator Rosemary Mason, said: "The spire is such an iconic feature in Leicester's skyline and we at St Mary's wish to preserve this gem for future generations to enjoy.
"St Mary's is a church for everybody and that's why help from the whole community is so important to this project."
People can sponsor a single stone for £15, or a decorated stone for £250, and have their names inscribed on it.
The church's rescue plan includes developing links with the wider community.
A brass band concert will be one of the first big fund-raisers on December 1.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and chairman of Leicestershire County Council Peter Lewis attended the appeal launch, where Lady Gretton, Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, was revealed as its new patron. Accountants Newby Castleman is sponsoring the appeal.
Sir Peter said: "I am very impressed at how the church has brought so many people together and I'm confident individuals and businesses will support the spire appeal."
Councillor Lewis said: "We should all work together to make sure that in this time of cuts and financial difficulty, treasures such as this building are not forgotten."
For details of how to donate or get involved call Mrs Mason on 07710531792, e-mail:
sosstmarydecastro@ btinternet.com
www.facebook.com/SaveOurSpireStMaryDeCastroChurchLeicester
Comments
by the-market
Friday, September 21 2012, 2:22PM
“Does the" dont mess with us" uni have someone sitting all day getting comments deleted ?
Or just posting reds?”
by leicester
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 1:15PM
“I have no wish to digress on the issue of maintaining this beautiful Church.But I reiterate the position that count von count wants to maintain the Citys heritage but aint got anything for the Church but has pockets full of cash for" petes park".
The comment I wish to add,is that the factories in St Mathews were part funded by the council and most of the "users" are asylum seekers from Somalia.
Thats the money !”
by Jagomeister
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 11:34AM
“Who owns the church?”
by f007e
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 11:17AM
“leicestermale, "I have seen it happen, in St Matthews Muslims have bought, with CASH, unused factories and turned them in to a Mosque"
I'm still wondering what your point is. That Muslims are wealthier than Christians? That they take their religion more seriously? That they should fund the fix of this spire? What is your point?”
by karinfall1955
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 10:52AM
“No mention of the break in the day after the heritage open weekend. I saw for myself all the donated monies in the collection container on the sunday, what a great shame no one thought to remove it to a place of greater safety.”
by leicestermale
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 10:33AM
“by f007e
"leicestermale: "An appeal for a Mosque would soon get the required amount, for for a church building? I don't think so."
Why do you think that is?"
I have seen it happen, in St Matthews Muslims have bought, with CASH, unused factories and turned them in to a Mosque”
by f007e
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 10:21AM
“I must confess it did make me laugh, the thought of Steel Bands being installed inside St Mary De Castro. They'd have to compete with the bells.”
by f007e
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 10:20AM
“leicestermale: "An appeal for a Mosque would soon get the required amount, for for a church building? I don't think so."
Why do you think that is?”
by leicester
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 5:51AM
“Seeing as it is now surrounded by the" sacred" dmu and student accomodation for the "sacred"dmu, why can they not chuck in a few quid?”
by leicestermale
Monday, September 10 2012, 11:32PM
“An appeal for a Mosque would soon get the required amount, for for a church building? I don't think so.”