The original cross was installed in 1986, made from wood from a deconsecrated Northumberland church. It suffered a lightning strike fairly soon after, and had to be held together with metal clamps. But after 24 year it finally succumbed to its wounds and in August 2010 it was blown over and broke into several pieces.
These two photos show (l. to r.) the Cross as it was in July 2009 and what remains following the fall of the cross on 29th/30th August 2010
The Rotten Wood Of The Cross 2010
The original Cross, over 20 feet in total length, was secured by some 6 feet of it is being located below ground, encased by a metal frame and held in place by several tons of concrete.
The wood for the new Cross is new green English oak supplied by wood merchant Job Earnshaw.
Transporting the new Cross to France was no easy task as you will see if you read Warren Osborne's article.
The task of lifting the huge weight of the new cross high enough for it to slip into the metal sleeve was not as easy as it might sound.
At this point we must express enormous gratitude to our French friends who very generously loaned the hydraulic JCB equipment (with driver!), that was able to lift the Cross sufficiently to allow it to fit into the sleeve.
Money towards the costs of providing the Cross has been given by many donors, whose names appear below. Grateful thanks to all of them.
Whilst the Cross appeal is now closed, there is at present still an urgent need for funds to revamp the wreath laying area and to reinforce the path around the Cross.
If you feel you would like to help by contributing to the costs of refurbishing the Crater please send a cheque, made payable to 'The Friends of Lochnagar', to :
The Friends of Lochnagar (Refurbishment)
Little Down
Hogs Back
Seale
FARNHAM
GU10 1HD
United Kingdom
Thank you.
Chronological List of Donors Towards Replacing the Cross
