Drop the Clergy

Bishop Jan MacFarlane and Vicar Simon White are both normally happiest when their feet are firmly on the ground, but they share a passion for ‘holy heritage’ and a wish to help St. John’s flourish, now and in the future. So, a bit ‘heart in mouth,’ they agreed to be dangled 40 feet off the ground to launch the Tower Abseil. Bp Jan was delighted to accept the Friends’ invitation to become a joint Patron (along with the Earl of Liverpool, Edward Foljambe), recalling a time when, as a student, she sheltered in the porch of St John’s while backpacking around the Peak District!

The last St. John’s Tower Abseil, done externally from the roof at ninety feet about eight years ago, was organised to raise funds for the repair and automation of the clock winding mechanism. After a safety assessment of that event, it was decided this time to go for a spectacular but weatherproof indoor descent, using the circular trapdoor in the floor of the ringing chamber (clearly visible from the Nave of the church). This was designed to allow the bells to be lowered to the ground for maintenance purposes, and happens to be the preferred rescue route from the ringing chamber in the event of a medical emergency; the Abseil provides an opportunity to test this. Those wishing to take part in the event but who are nervous about abseiling can opt to be simply (and gently!) lowered to the ground.

Find out how you can abseiling yourself - 

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/fosj-launch