Auction to boost Glandore Church fund

FUNDRAISING for the restoration of Christ Church in Glandore began in 2012 with a summer auction and now, four years later, the committee hopes to complete the fundraising with another auction.

When it became apparent that the future of the church, consecrated in 1861, was at risk because of the dangerous condition of its tower, a public meeting was held and a cross-community committee formed to protect and restore the unique building.

‘Thanks to the huge support received from the general public and State agencies, not only has the tower been restored, but electricity has been installed, the gutters and downpipes replaced, new drains installed, most of the stonework repaired and last year the windows and interior were painted,’ explained Dean Chris Peters. 

‘This has enabled the church to be used extensively to enrich the life of the local area and community, while maintaining its integrity as a place of worship,’ he added. But there are two small sections of stonework that still need to be repaired.  The committee has been gifted the necessary stone, but needs in the region of €13,000 to finally complete the restoration project.

To help raise this money a major fundraising auction of more than 90 select items, (antiques, paintings, a power boat course, a whale-watching trip for two and much more) is being held in The Celtic Ross Hotel on Wednesday July 27th at 8pm. Auction items can be previewed from 5pm on the day of the auction. 

As usual, a series of events will take place in the church during July and August.  The opening event, on Friday July 15th, is a traditional music concert with Jim Murray on guitar, Richard Lucey on accordion and Fiona Kelleher on vocals. 

On Saturday July 16th and Sunday 17th, Glandore Yacht Club’s summer school will host a series of lectures and discussions on all things maritime, in the church with more details at glandoreyc.com.

Continuing the maritime theme, the award-winning documentary ‘Atlantic’, which follows the fortunes of three fishing communities, and explores how we are managing our ocean resources, will be shown on Friday July 22nd.

And Wednesday July 27th is the fundraising auction at the Celtic Ross in Rosscarbery, previews from 5pm. Admission by catalogue is €5. Email [email protected] or text 087 1334730.