ONE of the largest and most comprehensive collections of oriental kites will be on show to the public next month to raise money to fund the replacement of a historic church floor.
Malcolm Goodman built up his impressive collection of kites, which come from all over the world – including China, Cambodia, Japan, India and Afghanistan – over 50 years.
The unique collection, which fills seven rooms of his home in Middleton-in-Teesdale, includes a number of rare and unusual kites such as an Indonesian one made from leaves.
Now Mr Goodman and his wife, Jeanette, are opening their home Bluebell House, in Market Place, on Sunday, September 4, between 10.30am and 12.30pm, to show off the collection to help raise cash to towards the Friends of St Mary’s Church group appeal.
All donations will go towards the cost of replacing the floor which had to be removed due to the discovery of dry rot two years ago.
Any children attending will need to be accompanied by an adult. Maxine Payne, from the Friends of St Mary’s group, said the first of the group’s monthly coffee morning fundraisers, held at the Masonic Hall, got off to a flying start, raising £400.
One donated cake raised £15 in an impromptu auction.
She added: “I have got a strong connection to the village and it would hurt to see the church close.
“We’re hoping to do some domino drives and other events as well in the
future.”
