VIDEO: Sabden church 100ft. spire climb for repair fund

The Big Spire Climb takes place throughout the day on Saturday when a brave bunch of people will ascend St Nicholas’s Church spire for a bird’s eye view of the village.

The unusual event is another major milestone in the village’s gigantic effort to save its parish church, which has been closed since May, 2011, when the ceiling collapsed and investigations led to the discovery of major faults, including dry rot.

A public meeting was held and the village voted to launch a fund-raising campaign to save the church, even though repairs were estimated to cost more than £100,000.

Two years down the road parishioners, with the support of the whole village, have raised around £43,000 of their £46,000 share of the cost. They have been supported by grant aid and work has begun.

Contractors are on site and will be in charge on Saturday when people are paying £10 to climb the 100ft high spire.

Safety equipment will be provided and the ascent will be by ladder and scaffolding to a viewing platform at the top.

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times photographer Ben Parsons will be one of the first to make the climb and, weather permitting, will have some stunning shots of the Sabden Valley.

The church officially re-opens on the weekend of October 11-13th with a series of special events including a flower festival and concert by the Earby Brass Band.

l If you want to climb the spire please ring churchwarden Bernard Parfitt on 01282 773759 to see if any slots are available.