A NEW cross has been installed outside St Paul’s Church, in Evenwood, designed to allow the congregation to mark special occasions in their own way.
The cross was created by retired GP Dr Joe Said, who is responsible for a number of metal-work creations in the village.
Church member Brian Carter said: “The cross is something we have talked with a couple of members of the church. Dr Said has designed it so that it is multi-purpose.
“There is the basic cross, but for instance he has made a Lest We Forget installation with some poppies on, which can be hung on the cross on Remembrance Sunday.
“Then it can be taken off so if the church wants to adorn the cross for Easter they can do.”
“Dr Said did the Covid-19 memorial at the community centre and two years back, off his own bat, he put chains around the war memorial in the cemetery.
“In the last few weeks he’s put a bar around the war memorials to slot the wreaths in so they do not get blown around in the wind.”
The new cross was installed at the church earlier this month, with a number of church members in attendance to watch the doctor at work.
It took him about four weeks to complete the cross.
The former GP’s interest in metal work came about through his love for off-road sport and having to make repairs to his vehicle through welding when it broke down.
Dr Said added: “Making this beautiful village better in a small way is absolutely satisfying. It is the best village in the dales, there is no doubt.”
