Popular church candles put at risk by safety rules
CANDLES which light up a town centre church are at risk of being snuffed out unless parishioners can fund a new electronic device for lighting them.
The 90 candles suspended at St Michael’s Church on Market Place create a magical atmosphere for events including Christmas carols, brass band concerts and weddings.
For 20 years they have been lit by David Smith, who climbs 20ft up a ladder to reach them.
There are two main Jacobean and Victorian brass chandeliers which hold some of the candles and five smaller chandeliers.
But David, of Tytherington Park Road, Tytherington says at 60 years old he will not be able to light the candles for much longer - and he’s the only man in church who’s been properly risk assessed to do so.
The church insurance policy does not cover anyone else to climb the 20ft up to the candles.
He and other church members have launched an appeal to raise £7,000 for an electronic winch and pulley which would mean the candles can be lit from the ground.
Church members would use a remote control to bring the chande- liers down to be lit.
David, who with wife Sheena is a member of the church choir, said: “I am currently allowed and covered by our insurance policy to go up a 20 foot ladder but no-one else in church is qualified as they would have to be risk assessed. We are updating the method of lighting our candles to make it easier, safer and more compliant with safety regulations.
“The candles are a feature of our services especially in the winter.
“I enjoy seeing the church lit up and people have come to expect to see the candles.
“I like the joy people get and when they say how beautiful they look. It will be very sad if we can no longer light the candles.”
The church is hosting a whisky and hot pot supper at 7.30pm on Friday, June 3 to raise money, featuring an explanation of Scotch whisky distillation and a selection of whiskies with tasting notes.
David said: “I hope as many people as possible come along. We need people to support our appeal so we can keep the candles burning.”
Tickets are £25 available from David, payable in advance to D A Smith, c/o 21 Tytherington Park Road, Macclesfield, or from the parish office, town hall and Portland Wine Company on Chester Road.