SIR ED HILLARY MEMENTO TO HELP CHOIR

An unusual memento of Sir Ed Hillary's last trip to Antarctica is about to be auctioned to help a Christchurch choir sing at Westminster Abbey.

A 125-year old piece of Welsh slate from the ChristChurch Cathedral roof was autographed by Sir Ed during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Scott Base in January 2007. It is one of three autographed at the time.

The slate is being auctioned to raise funds for the ChristChurch Cathedral Choir, which leaves on July 11 to tour England for a month.  The choir of 16 boys and 12 men will take up invitations to sing in eight different cathedrals, including a week at Westminster Abbey.

Cathedral administrator Chris Oldham says the slate was removed from the Cathedral roof during refurbishment.

"Thousands of slates were removed, but this one has a special story," he says.  "Just as Sir Ed realised his dream of standing on top of the world, we are offering his signed slate to help the choir realise its dream of singing at Westminster Abbey."

"We are aware some overseas collectors are interested in this historic piece, so have decided to auction it on e-Bay. We will list it in the next couple of days."

 
For more information, please contact:
Chris Oldham      
ChristChurch Cathedral
Ph: 353 7881 / 0274 308 286

Yvonne Densem
Chambers PR
Ph: 377 0147 / 027 2444 244

 

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