Work is about to begin to repair the earthquake damaged Saint Oswald’s Memorial Church, on the coastal road between Kekerengu and Ward, in Marlborough.
A popular rest point and landmark between Christchurch and Picton, access has been closed for eight years since the Kaikōura quake damaged the stone walls, making it unsafe to enter. Work will strengthen walls, replace the roof and create a treed area to park and enjoy the grounds. A ‘Sponsor-A-Tile campaign’ has been launched to fund the remaining balance required. Spokesperson for the project, Leicester Murray, Saint Oswald’s Memorial Trust, said that the church is more than just a tribute to his great uncle Hector, who passed away when he was 19, in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1926. “During its lifetime, this roadside landmark has been a well-loved facility for the rural community to unite and celebrate special occasions.” “We’ve also had many comments from travellers to whom Saint Oswald’s has become a special place to stop, where this little stone church brings some peace, and a chance to step back in history.” “There are few road-side monuments with this character in New Zealand.” Nearly 100 years on, heartbreak has returned to the Kekerengu community. In 2022 Leicester, a descendent of the Church’s benefactor, together with Laura Murray, tragically lost their much-loved son, Wilson, aged 21. Once repaired and restored to its former glory, Saint Oswald Memorial Church will honour Hector and Wilson, by providing a final resting place for two adored sons. Hector’s remains have recently been returned to New Zealand in preparation for the repair project’s completion. Funds raised by the community group of volunteers has allowed the project to start but more money is required. “We have launched a Campaign to Sponsor-A-Tile, to be able to see the work through to completion,” Murray said. Each tile is valued at $500 with of course more than one tile being able to be secured by a sponsor. An estimated 900 tiles will be used in the proposed new roof, using recycled polymers so there are plenty to go around. “The new tiles are an environmentally sensitive solution but look and feel very much like natural stone slate,” Murray said. “The Trust is incredibly grateful for support already given but with a total estimated repair cost of up to one million dollars, we still need your help,” he said. A ‘Sponsor-A-Tile campaign’ has been launched as work begins on repairing the well-loved roadside landmark, Saint Oswald’s Memorial Church, Marlborough. A tile sponsorship form can be downloaded from the website or requested via [email protected] Donations of any amount can also be made via givealittle.co.nz/org/stoswalds.
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AuthorSaint Oswald's Memorial Trust |