Church is praying for another magic miracle
AVICAR who has had her prayers answered once is now calling for another miracle.
Canon Elaine Chegwin Hall from St George’s Church in Heaviley and parishioners were convinced the closely-affiliated C of E primary school across the road was used as a military hospital during World War One.
But they could never prove it - until now.
A worshipper appeared clutching a shoebox containing old slides showing nurses and doctors actually tending sick and wounded soldiers on those premises.
It was a dream come true for the vicar who, with a team of workers, is currently staging a festival to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Cheshire Regiment’s role in the First World War.
But, alas, to show the slides in all their glory across the massive width of the church they need a Magic Lantern, a 19th century image projector an antique they simply cannot get their hands on.
“I am so excited that we have these precious pictures,” said Canon Chegwin Hall.
“We always believed the school was utilised during the War to nurse our wounded, but for some reason nothing appears in the archives, which is amazing in view of the importance of the social history.
“It was a miracle that someone should just turn up with the very proof we have been hunting for years at the time we need it most.
“Ideally we want to project the pictures right across the church on a giant screen for everyone to see, but without a Magic Lantern that is impossible.
“It would just be a dream come true if someone could loan us this old projector so the whole town can benefit from this heaven sent gift. I’m sure someone has got one stashed away in an attic or a cellar.”
Canon Chegwin Hall said that St George’s Primary school - newly built at the time and still in use today - was turned into a military hospital because of its ‘good light and ventilation’. The first patients were admitted in July, 1915.
At Heritage Open Days from September 7 to 10, part of the original school, which is located just off Buxton Road, will be transformed back into a Military Hospital.
Part of the festival, which has already begun with concerts, talks and exhibitions, will honour local men who fell during WW1, including those whose names do not appear on the War Memorial commemorating 137 local heroes.
To compensate for this omission local photographer Naomi Jones is taking pictures of the front doors of those local men who lost their lives without recognition to combine with the Certificate from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The photographs,, courtesy of a lottery grant, will be displayed at a Heritage Open Day on Saturday, September 9, where there will be more history on the areas surrounding the Church.
If anyone can help locate a Magic Lantern please contact Canon Elaine Chegwin Hall on 0161 456 9382 or email vicar@stgeorgestockport.org.uk.