| Betty and the Church Tower | ||
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Our own Betty Jones overcame her fear of heights by climbing St Mary's Church Tower in medieval dress. Mother of three and Grandmother of six, who confesses
to being a "bit wobbly on a step ladder", embarked on this fund
raising feat during
Checkley Medieval Festival
and two days before her 65th Birthday to raise funds
for its much needed restoration work.
She first climbed a spiral stone staircase before hauling herself vertically up six perpendicular ladders then emerging from the top of the tower through the trapdoor.
Mrs Jones who is treasurer for the
Friends of Checkley Church
, says she had been spurred on to climb the 13th
century building by the fact that her friends were willing to sponsor
her. She said: "I have a great affection for the church at Checkley
and have often wondered what the view would be like from the tower, but
I never thought I would be venturing to the top.
In the interests of gaining some pictures of what Betty
saw from the tower Checkley's intrepid reporter climbed up to the top
of the ancient structure. Afterward he said "Though not scared of
heights himself I must admit to being a little nervous. The ladders were
very steep and there was not a lot of space on the platfo It is hopedthe feat will raise hundreds of pounds needed towards the £70,000 bill to mend the roof on Checkley's beloved church. |
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She
was then seen by the awed crowed, gathered below the tower, to abseil
down the side of outside of the historic building. There was much mutterings
of disbelief and amazement that Betty would be brave enough to attempt
such a feat in aid of her beloved church. All were fooled by the young
stunt double that had filled in for Betty. 
There
was obvious relief and joy on Betty's face as she climbed back down the
tower, with the help of her strong young man and was greeted by her husband,
Roy.
rms
between the them. Getting out onto the roof , through a very small hatch,
requires a bit of squirming which puts your head directly over the edge
of the tower. 
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