The original Cross was erected in 1986. Made from ancient pine rescued from a deconsecrated church in northumberland, it was struck by lightning soon after it was erected. It did well to last until 2010 and was replaced in 2011.
- The Cross as it was in July 2009
- What remains following the fall of the cross on 29th/30th August 2010
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 years it finally succumbed to its wounds and in August 2010 it was blown over and broke into several pieces.

The Rotten Wood Of The Cross 2010
The original Cross, over 20 feet in total length, was secured by some 6 feet of it 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.
- The bolts that anchor the steel sleeve that hold the new Cross. © 2011 Vinny Felstead
- Vinny and Brian Gibson installing the metal sleeve that holds the new Cross. © 2011 Vinny Felstead
- Vinny preparing the shuttering for the concrete that hides the metal sleeve for the new base. © 2011 Vinny Felstead
- Vinny testing the joint of the new Cross at Job Earnshaw’s wood yard, near Wakefield. © 2011 Vinny Felstead
The new Cross is held in place by a specially made steel sleeve bolted to the old concrete base.
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.

Preparing the Cross ready for lifting into place by the JCB. © 2011 Clive Gilbert
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.
The lower few feet of the Cross that sit in the sleeve were just too big to fit, so had to be slightly trimmed.
- After much heaving and hard work Vinny gives the final ‘thumbs up’. Its there! Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011

Finally in place, Richard gives his beloved Cross a hug! © 2011 Clive Gilbert

A few finishing touches to the base. © 2011 Clive Gilbert
Money towards the costs of providing the Cross has been given by many donors, whose names appear below. Grateful thanks to all of them.

The Cross after the 2011 ceremony. © 2011 Clive Gilbert
The Cross appeal is closed, but there is a need for funds to pay for ongoing maintenance at the Crater.
Chronological List of Donors Towards Replacing the Cross
- REG BRIDGE
- SHEILA & GEORGE ROBERTS
- KIM McMAHON
- PATRICIA STOUGHTON
- KEITH MARTIN
- JON COOKSEY
- MICHAEL HENEKER
- LANCASHIRE & CHESHIRE WFA
- ALAN COLLEY
- R. J. HEIGHT
- GEORGE PARR
- ROBIN THORNE
- W. KUHNE
- NORWICH & WAVENEY WFA
- B. W. & S. SMITH
- J. H. PEARSON
- F. & J. GARWOOD
- J. B. DARWIN
- E. D. PAGE
- L.S. AGER
- C. & V. LIVENS
- I. MURPHY
- ST BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH
- JAMES AND SUE BRAZIER
- JOE HUBBLE
- MR AND MRS M. GREEN
- BRIAN POWELL
- DAVID AND JULIE THOMSON
- TIM CHAMBERLIN / east MIDLANDS BRANCH WFA
- MR AND MRS F. BURNS
- JENNIFER ILES
- MARIE McKEEVER
- MICHAEL AND FRANCES SPEAKMAN
- WFA ESSEX BRANCH
- MIKE & DIANE WILSON
- WFA HEART OF ENGLAND BRANCH
- MRS S. NUNN
- W. K. TAYLOR
- MR N. R. GRANT