By Isle of Wight Observer
Members of the congregation at Sandown’s Christ Church have celebrated the re-opening of the lych-gate, following extensive repairs to the structure, believed to have been in place since 1845.
Sandown Town Council worked with the Church Diocesan Advisory Committee, and local builders, Plenty Construction, to complete the restoration project, using locally-sourced oak.
Rev Mark Williams said: “We are really delighted to see the lych-gate restored to its former glory. It is a gateway for family events like weddings and christenings, and I’d like to thank all that have enabled the project. We look forward to further joint projects in the coming months and longer term.”
Town mayor, Alex Lightfoot, added that working with the church was important. He said: “This improvement, along with repairs to the clock, the introduction of a warm space, and other partnership projects benefit the local community, and reflect the positive outcomes of co-operation and collaboration between the council and the church can achieve.”
