Flagstones that were laid in Andreas Church two centuries ago are wearing out and soon to be replaced, and the original stones will be given to Manx National Heritage for use in maintenance of Peel Castle. There is to be a ceremony in Andreas this Monday evening to celebrate the memories and dedicate all the future works. The ceremony in St Andrew’s Church Andreas starts at 6pm on Monday 2nd November.
Long-standing local parishioner and Captain of the Parish, Dorothy Sayle, will be attending, and Dave Martin, an MNH Trustee and local resident, will say a few words about the new home for the flagstones.
Also on 2nd November it is All Souls Day, when people can commemorate loved ones who are no longer with us. Monday evening’s service will include some minutes of gentle quiet when names will be read out, and people can light a candle in memory of those dear to them.
“The rich heritage of this church, both in the people and the building, gives us so much to be thankful for” says the Rector, Rev Iaen Skidmore. “As we remember loved ones who we see no more, and other things of the past ~ a mixture of sad and happy memories ~ it’s a great delight to us that Manx National Heritage are giving these well-used flagstones a new purpose in an equally-treasured Manx location. We hope that the Peel Castle works and our own church works will go smoothly, and all contribute to a positive future.”
