THE parish council at North Hill is seeking donations from residents to help reach a £400 target to return the church’s bier to its rightful place after it was sold off many years ago.

The parish bier was purchased by the father of parish councillor Paul Tucker in the 1960s from Coads Green Methodist Chapel for around 1s 6d (7.5p). Paul Tucker recently placed the bier up for auction, but he also approached the council as he believed it should stay in the parish. The council agreed.

Unfortunately, after he then approached the auctioneers to withdraw the item, he was told the request was too late as it had already been advertised and put up for auction.

After strong bidding the hammer fell at £450, with Mr Tucker agreeing to reduce this to £400, which the parish must raise in order to return the bier to the church.

There have already been some generous donations from residents and parish councillors, but approximately £80 is still needed to settle the account.

A commemorative plaque on the bier reads: ‘This bier was subscribed by voluntary contributions and is the property of North Hill parishioners — 1930’.

It is hoped enough donations can be received to ensure the bier can be placed back in the church at North Hill after almost 35 years.