The massive cup will be gleaming and on show all during the match. It will feature in hundreds of press photographs and TV reals, and on thousands of mobile phones too, no doubt. The fact that it gleams so brilliantly is down to the dedication of the gentleman responsible for polishing it - and here's the link with us - he visited the church and on spotting our canvas apron, emblazoned with the church logo amongst the merchandise his eyes lit up. It would be just the thing to wear as he carefully prepared the cup for its annual outing!It will have done its job today and will no doubt for many years to come.The aprons are on sale in the church for a mere £10.
To the north-east of the church, within the boundaries of the Roman fort, are the remains of Bewcastle Castle, an ancient castle built in about 1092, using stones from the Roman fort. The castle was reputedly destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1641.Interestingly the field next to the church is called "the Cannon Field" to this day. Several years ago metal detectorist unearthed a cannon ball about the size of a cricket ball right here, lending weight to the idea that Cromwell laid seige here indeed.
The whole tower had to be repointed using traditional hot lime mortar to cure spreading damp and to help keep the ancient building dry. The expense was huge, more than a tiny congregation like ours could raise so a huge "Thank you" to The National Churches Trust and the Diocese of Carlisle's Minor Repairs and Improvements Grant Fund who generously awarded us grants to help us afford the work.Thank you to Lewis Austwick of Austwick Lime Plastering who carried out the painstaking work. Lewis has experiencce of historical building projects including the restoration and maintaining Grade I and II Listed Buildings.Just before the scaffolding came down we had to touch up the painted rainwater down pipes so, armed with the appropriate paint two of us dared to clamber up the scaffolding - one octogenarian and one septuagenarian! Job done!
Given to us by The National Chuirches Trust the device will help them and us plan our futureThe data gathered will help to build a clearer picture of how many people visit churches across the UK each year. The Great Church Visitor Count is a vital research project aiming to collect accurate visitor numbers through digital counters and visitor book data.Read more about this scheme here -https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/explore/promote/visitor-count
