St Mary's Spire appeal began last summer with an amazingly successful Exhibition of Vestments and flowers. Many people were overwhelmed with the beauty and finery of the mostly Victorian hand- stitched embroidery. During the year various events and initiatives have swelled the coffers, including the beautiful Church and Town Flower Festival a month ago (pictured). The church has also been fortunate to receive generous grants and donations, both from official bodies like the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Church in Wales, Monmouth Diocese, Monmouth Town Council and Our Town Mayor's Charity Fund and from personal gifts of much worth. The Vicar and members of the Parochial Church Council would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the Spire Appeal. Hard work and fun, one has described the appeal. There is now an end in sight and plans for the rebuilding of the apex of the spire are nearing fruition as the Diocesan architect makes the final preparations. One of the final events will be a Sealed-Bid Auction and the lots for this are a hand- made silver brooch, a copy of the original cockerel that caused the problem. How did he do that, you may well ask? Well, his constant spinning at the bid of the winds and his final sinking loosened the stones near the apex and caused church members to have him removed. Sadly, his days as lord of the town are now ended, but he lives on inside St Mary's Church, a reminder of his former splendour. Be assured, another younger model will take his place to ensure Monmouth has in the future, a landmark for all to appreciate. The brooch, a copy of the cockerel, made in solid silver, by local jewellery artist Rosemary Williams may be seen in the window of the Atlantic Gallery, Church Street, Monmouth until Monday, 14 July. Alongside the brooch will be a piece of Calligraphy, crafted by Tess Cooling Edwards. Tess is also a Monmouth artist of some repute. Both Rosemary and Tess have very generously donated their work in aid of the Appeal and hope you may want to enter a bid in a sealed bid auction. Please look kindly on this last lap of the Appeal.
