A mystery donor has given £1,000 in cash towards an appeal to restore Harwich's church spire.

An envelope containing 20 £50 notes was dropped through Canon Stephen Hardie's letterbox for the St Nicholas' Church Spire appeal.

Mr Hardie said he was delighted with the cash, which will help towards the £386,000 needed for the repairs.

He said: "£1,000 had been put through my door in a not-very-smart brown envelope with my name on the front and inside a note simply saying "for the spire appeal."

"When I opened it, I was surprised and pleased. It was totally anonymous and I haven't got a clue who sent it."

The money was taken straight to appeal fund treasurer Margaret Romeril and put in the bank.

Scaffolding is being put up so stonemasons can begin work on the tower and spire in about three weeks.

Restoration work is needed to the tower, pinnacles and deteriorated stonework

English Heritage recently granted £130,000 towards the scheme. Another £13,000 is needed towards the first phase of the work.

Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette