Sean Godfrey (Chairman of Cleveland Branch) writes to tell us that the cross at Lochnagar Crater [on the Somme] had blown down, as follows:
"The Cross at Lochnagar Crater blew down in a gale the other night. It seems that it was rotten inside, probably the aftermath of a lightning strike many years ago."
From the Friends of Lochnagar Crater website:
The iconic Cross at the crater has succumbed to the elements and has recently blown over, breaking into several parts. The Cross was erected in 1986 using wood from an ancient deconsecrated Northumberland church, and it is hoped that a new source of wood from Northumberland, ideally a hundred years old or more, can be located and transported to France to replace the old Cross.
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 task of removing the old stump, preparing the ground for the new Cross and making good the surrounding area will be very costly, and will probably run into several thousand pounds.
If you feel you would like to help by contributing to the costs please send a cheque made out to 'The Friends of Lochnagar', and send to Little Down, Hog's Back, Seale, Surrey, GU10 1HD.
It is proposed that the names of donors be will be shown on the site.
Images courtesy the Friends of Lochnagar Crater website: top right shows the cross on 1 July 2009, the image below shows the site now (Sept 2010).
