Appeal to put the shine back on weathered cockerel

The congregation of St Phillips & St James have launched an appeal to enable them to have the cockerel, which normally sits at the top of the church spire re-gilded before it is put back in place.

The weathervane, which is currently resting at the back of church whilst the works are being carried out to renovate the spire renovations, has lost its shine over the years so members of the church are hoping to raise £2000 to re-gild it.

Martin Steiger, of The Edge Association, said "Originally, it was thought too much of an expense to have the cock re-gilded but, more recently, it was decided that this was to 'spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar'.

"The likely cost is about £2,500 which, given the number of wealthy individuals in the village, ought to be easily achievable. Perhaps there is just a single donor out there who might be able to cover the whole cost and, as an attraction, we are able to offer tours up the spire while the scaffolding is still in place; the view over the surrounding countyside is apparently fantastic."

Martin added "The church is opened on Sunday and the cockerel can be seen at the back of church, it's not as big as you would think."

Donations can be sent to: Ian Standen, Old Vine, Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge, SK97BW or paid into St Philip & St James Spire Appeal, Sort Code: 20-53-77, Account: 33999939.

Donors are requested to put "w-cock" on the back of the cheque or as a reference against the payment.

Martin added "In the happy event of a surplus on the cock, we would propose to use it on the general spire works which are still several thousands short of the target."

Photo: Choir member Geoff Brockelhurst and organist Peter Spooner with the weathervane. –

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St Philip and St James Church
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