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A 134-year-old church is inviting islanders to take part in a "never done before" fundraising initiative to purchase blessed tiles in memory of a loved one that will then be used for the church’s new roof.
At 19:00 this evening, Reverend Mark Bond will perform the ‘Blessing of our Tiles’ which will used in the new roof of St. Aubin on the Hill Church.
Amanda Fry, a member of the church's congregation who is helping to organise the fundraiser, said: "Islanders can purchase them in memory of a loved one, with the opportunity to hand-write their name on the tile before work commences and the tiles are positioned to form our new roof.
"Your loved one's name will also be inscribed in a Book of Remembrance as a Permanent Record.
"There will be a list created to enable future family members to look up their name and know that there is a tile on the roof with their name and original signature on it."
Other than tile sales, she teased "a special surprise for the public which we believe has never been done before and will go down in history".
The current church's foundation stone was laid on 4 June 1889 and opened on 4 October 1892.
When the roof is replaced in "another 100 years", Amanda said, "hopefully the writing will still be in good condition."
She added: "Come along for nibbles and a drink and find out more how to be part of something never done before, or make a donation if you wish, make history, be part of a community project."
The scaffolding, which alone cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, has just been completed, with work to remove the old roof tiles to begin within the next few days.
The tiles can be purchased for a minimum of £10 but islanders are invited to donate any amount.
Can't attend this evening? There's no need for the unique roof fundraiser push to go 'over your head' – tiles can be purchased at the event and from every Sunday onward from 10:00 to 10:30, as well as at Parish Hall events and the Genuine Jersey and Vintage Fair events.
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