Rydal Bank Historical Society work continues despite pandemic

Fundraising underway for church and other restoration projects

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1 / 1 The removal of the spire from the top of the steeple was a monumental event as it had probably not been removed in its history. Some repair work was needed to reinforce the metal and to make it secure before it could be painted and returned to the top of the steeple. Terry Shuttleworth undertook that work. This made it a family affair as his grandmother, Florian Shuttleworth was among the early members of the congregation. The spire will be repainted and placed atop the steeple once the work is completed. Photo supplied

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NEWS RELEASE
RYDAL BANK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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The Rydal Bank Historical Society has announced that their annual Thanksgiving dinner has had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. This was the major fundraising event of the Historical Society. In its place, they have announced a 'No Dinner Event' where they ask people to support the work of their society during this difficult time by making a donation to the society.

The society has three significant projects that they are undertaking and work doesn’t stop because of the pandemic.

The repair and re-roofing of the steeple of the church is being completed by JL Builders and progress is going smoothly. In fact, Rick Wing, president of the society and overseer of the project, reported that they are pleased that “the steeple was in good condition under the old roofing material. Replacing the boards along the base of the steeple was part of the contract, but the remaining boards were in good condition and did not need to be repaired.”

Funding for this project has been assisted by the generosity of individuals who recognize the difficulty of fundraising during the time of COVID-19. The cancellation of the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Community Hall has resulted in the loss of the major fundraising event of the society’s year, reported Jean Hershey, secretary of the society.

“The 'No Dinner Event' which was recently announced has resulted in people making donations to support the work of the ociety. It’s been wonderful to see people sending cheques for the price of their tickets or making sizeable donations because they recognize the hardships faced by small organizations during this time of pandemic. We may be a small society, but when there are two heritage buildings to maintain and our regular work of the Society to complete, we are pretty big. We certainly appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity of all who have contributed so far,” commented Hershey.

The society is faced with two additional projects. The replacing of the cedar singles at the front of the Rydal Bank Hall is also underway. The shingles have been purchased and it is anticipated that work will begin this fall.

Then finally, the society will accept bids for the painting of the Rydal Bank Church. The wooden structure will have to be scraped before the painting is undertaken. This work will likely be undertaken in 2021.

Donations to support the work of the Rydal Bank Historical Society are eligible for tax receipts and can be made by mail to the Society at RR#2, Bruce Mines, Ont. For additional information, contact Jean Hershey at 705-785-3534.

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