Raising the Chevin Cross

On Saturday 28th March the Easter Cross was erected on the top of Otley Chevin. The cross on the Chevin, which was installed for the first time in 1969, has now become a well-known and loved Easter symbol of hope. The cross, which was replaced after 31 years for the new millennium, was the brainchild of the Otley Council of Christian Churches and is a fine example of a co-operative initiative, which has become a source of comfort and inspiration to many people.

The first cross, which was 36ft high, was blown down in high winds on the first night it was put up. The badly damaged cross was worked on overnight and put up once again the next day - although six feet shorter. It has been erected every Easter since and also at New Year at the end of 1999 to celebrate the Millennium. When the new cross was built for Easter 2000, it reverted back to the original specifications. Wood used in the new cross was from timbers salvaged from the bombed Arndale Centre in Manchester. The new cross was built by Brent Thompson from Ilkley.

The pictures below, with some descriptions where appropriate show the events of the morning.

Loading the wagon in Otley from the garage with the sections of the cross before it is transported to the summit of the Chevin.

The main two sections are bolted together.

The assemblers and erectors gather together.

The cross section is put into position.

The cross piece is bolted into position.

Helpers get ready for the lift.

Howard gives the instructions to pull.

The cross is lifted.

Guylines are tigtened.

A job well done.

View of the Cross on the skyline from the centre of Otley.