From time to time, pilgrims contact us to make a substantial donation – often in memory of a relation or a friend. They usually ask if there any specific item or project that their gift can be associated with. The following are recent examples which have benefited the Shrine considerably.

 Margaret Withers (former Church of England Children’s Officer) wished to make a considerable donation as a celebration of her work and of her retirement. Margaret has often worked with the Shrine’s own Education Department on the musical front – she is an able organist and keyboard player – and she wished her gift to enhance the musical life of the Shrine. The Barn Chapel now has a splendid two-manual organ (designed for us by Bradford Organ Associates) which we hope will enhance the worship of pilgrimage groups using that lovely building. A small plaque on the side of the instrument records Margaret’s wonderful gift.

Pauline Smith from Sunderland recently decided to make a donation in memory of her late mother, Vera Sanderson (who had been devoted to Walsingham all her life.)  Pauline didn’t mind what the money put to, but hoped there would be room for a small dedication. After consultation with Fr Philip it was decided to restore the very windswept and rain-sodden – but still lovely – statue of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs. She stands in a niche on the outside wall of the Shrine Church close to the Sacristy door, partly sheltered by the laurel tree which grows out from the walls. When the statue returns, a small plaque will record Pauline’s and Vera’s generosity.

The Sisters of St Mary at the Cross Convent, Edgware – regular pilgrims with the disabled to the Shrine – have, in addition to supporting the Appeal, generously offered to restore the statue of St Thérèse. She has a niche in a corner of the Pond Garden and every pilgrim on procession passes her – twice. St Thérèse will also look splendid when she returns and we are very grateful to the Edgware sisters for suggesting this project to us.

PROJECTS IN NEED OF A DONOR

It may seem rather odd, with the Walsingham Appeal reaching its target, to be searching for further donors. There is always something that needs doing or something that we hoped to do, but haven’t got enough spare money at the moment.

Currently the fountain outside the garden doors of the Shrine Church is only temporary (in fact it’s a watering-can rose stuck on a pipe!) A fabulous design has been produced by Simon Allison – an amazing fantasy of Aurum lilies sculpted in copper (which, of course will weather to a green colour) with cascades of water shooting up and falling back. This will transform the round pond into a work of art!

Another ‘water-feature’ - part of the design for entrance to the Milner Wing – sadly looks like remaining on the drawing board at present. As costs for the new building escalate, we are being forced to make small cuts in order to keep within budget.

The long, thin window which will run from top to bottom of the Milner Wing staircase tower was designed to have beautiful stained glass (by the same designer as those in the refectory.) Alas, this will have to have plain glass as a temporary measure.

The Shrine’s main archway will look splendid from a distance once the building work is finished – one storey higher and the exterior refaced – that is, with the exception of the walk-through, which although cleaned, will still just be red brick. Plans are being prepared to enhance and lift this grubby entrance with wooden vaulting on the ceiling and refaced brickwork.

If you would further information about gifts in memory of someone or as a thanksgiving please contact the Development Director at the Shrine Tel: 01328 824214; email dev@olw-shrine.org.uk