By Isle of Wight Observer
By Roz Whistance
A newly-restored Edwardian lychgate received a blessing last Sunday, as well as prayers of thanks for expert workmanship, and for the structure’s historic role in the life of the community.
Following a service at Christ Church, Totland Bay, Rev Jackie Maw led the congregation outside for the short blessing ceremony. It was attended by craftsman, Mick Sivell, of G J Banks Ltd, who had carried out the work, and by his wife, Jill Banks, the surveyor and project manager.
The restoration had been helped by a public appeal towards the cost, around £10,000. The appeal raised £2,000, but the structure was in such a parlous state that it was considered necessary to begin work as soon as possible. Surveyor Jill said: “I was first asked to quote for the work eight years ago, so it’s been a long time coming!”
The Rev Jackie Maw thanked the church wardens and the PCC for their hard work in making possible the restoration, “so that future generations will also walk under it, and through it, through life until death.”
Mick explained that the job had thrown up unexpected challenges. Pointing to the benches inside the arched structure he said: “There was almost no brickwork under it, just plants and soil. Instead of mortar, just roots.” Mick has also restored the gilt lettering ‘Ego sum Resurrectio et Vita’ above the gate, which translates as: ‘I and the Resurrection and the Life’.
The Christ Church lychgate was built in 1906, a somewhat historically dubious plaque states that the wood used was taken from the timbers of HMS Thunderer 74 Guns, which fought on the Lee Line at Trafalgar.
Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Denis Gosden on 07582 861966 or email admin@christchurchtotland.org.uk.
