CHAGFORD residents went to great lengths to raise money for the church recently — 83 feet to be exact — abseiling down the church tower.
Thirty brave souls took part in the sponsored abseil raising a massive total of £2,300 for the tower appeal.
The abseilers were assisted by members of the 42 Commando Royal Marines who have just returned from Sierra Leone.
Chagford Bellringers organised the event and Jan Lamacraft was one of the ringers taking part.
'All I had was this tiny bit of rope between me and the ground, I was supposed to be controlling it and I just couldn't believe this little rope was going to hold my 13 stone!,' said Jan.
'When the marine said lean straight out, my legs just turned to jelly, utterly — I really couldn't feel them — I ended up upside down!
'I could hear the crowd underneath gasping, while I just chatted to this marine — he was ever so nice,' she said.
'I must have looked a right mess — and loads of people took photos of my bum!'
Eventually, after about five minutes, Jan said the feeling returned to her legs and she managed to right herself — with the rest of the abseil going like clockwork.
She said: 'It was absolutely fantastic — and I had to do it really, being a member of the choir and I also ring the bells.'
Jan's efforts netted her £108 towards the tower appeal. She thanked everyone who sponsored her and those who turned out to support her on the day.
She admitted a few drinks were required after the event — purely for medicinal purposes.
A weekend of fundraising events included an evening of lighthearted entertainment in the Jubilee Hall, the main attractions being the Okement Valley Handbell Ringers, the Hatherleigh Silver Band and 'Moor Music' with various local supporting acts.
The evening raised £1,154.
Co-ordinator of the tower appeal, Maurice Jeffreys, said the church needed to raise £50,000 and it was already over halfway there.
'It is looking very promising but that does not mean to say we can lessen our activities towards fundraising,' he said.
'It is a real community effort and I commend all the people who abseiled down the tower — many of whom had never done anything like that before.
'It was a very scary experience for most of them including my wife Margaret who said it was the most terrifying thing she had ever done.'
Thanks have been expressed to Chagford resident Mark Parnell, a member of 24 Commando, who secured the assistance of the marines for this event and Lt Col Andy Salmon for giving his permission for his men to help.