Ponies pull to help historic church

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Seventeen churches in four communities in two hours and 45 minutes '“ that and a vital boost for a church building fund was the achievement of a sponsored horse carriage drive.

Had an unfortunate coming-together with a Hooe hedgerow not intervened, wheelwright and parish council chairman Dick Carey would have achieve his ambition last year.

Like all good stories, however, this one has a happy ending.

The hedgerows bordering the country lanes were full of primroses and spring promise as Dick set off on Sunday morning to raise money for St Oswald’s church at Hooe.

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With co-driver Tina Ray beside him on his dog cart, groom (and hand signal-giver) Molly Dowling seated behind and trusty ponies Magic and Mac in harness up front the party set off at 10am. They were seen off by churchwarden Jack Rist and his wife Margaret.

Jack said: “We need something between £8,000 and £11,000 to redecorate St Oswald’s.

“This sponsored carriage drive is a fantastic effort.”

Margaret said: “It is another bit of wonderful village community life.”