The vintage flagstones in St Andrew’s Church, Andreas, are being removed as part of maintenance and development of the building.

The surface of the stone floor had deteriorated to an ’unsafe state’ and so replacement became the only option.

However, the 200-year-old pieces of solid Peel sandstone are to be used by Manx National Heritage on the island’s monuments, including in the restoration work on Peel Castle’s walls.

At an event at the church to celebrate all that the flagstones have meant to generations of families in the north, Dave Martin, a trustee, spoke on behalf of MNH:

’This is a remarkably kind and thoughtful gesture from the parish. These flagstones have seen manifold lives come and go, and have witnessed events - almost all joyful in some way - in most of the parish’s families’ lives.

’They will be valued and used for the good of the island’s monuments.’

Waveney Jenkins, one of the volunteers in the restoration works, described the subsequent removal of the stones, estimated by another volunteer as around 170 pieces.

’A wonderful, energetic team from MNH came and lifted them,’ she said.

’Laid on sand, the flagstones were easy to lift - though incredibly heavy - and came away undamaged.

We very much hope that they will be prove to be of huge value to the restoration of the island’s most iconic monuments.’

A large quantity of ancient bricks in prime condition were also discovered when areas of old floor boards were carefully lifted for re-use by carpentry contactors Darragh Designs.

Mrs Jenkins added: ’The bricks are estimated by an expert to have been fired locally in around 1780. These were also laid in sand - so are in prime condition.

’We have stored as many as we could - but weren’t able to find anyone who would have been able to re-use them all.’

In recent years Mrs Jenkins has carried out exhaustive research and consultation to identify the best way of restoring the church floor.

She said: ’Over the years the dirt from the good wet Manx earth had got ingrained into the stone - but worse, when carpets were laid in the hopes of making the church warmer - the carpet underlay was firmly glued down to the stone.

’This glue had got absorbed by the stone, and caused the surface to deteriorate.

’Sandstone laid in a church can’t be scrubbed as one might a garden flagstone, or even one in a kitchen - so it was a conundrum.

’That’s why it was so wonderful to find the Manx National Heritage would give them a good home and new purpose.

’The next step will be consolidating and levelling the floor before laying new flagstones. Sourced from the island, the new ones are of Indian sandstone, which has proved to be of excellent quality and has been used all over the island over the last 20 years.

’We are all committed to the ongoing development of this iconic church so it continues to be a wonderful focus for the church’s life in the north of the island - and also a really useful building for the community around.

’There’s already a film club for young teens up and running, and it is hoped to provide many activities to include all age groups - from young mums to the older generations.’

As part of the development, the church will now have open areas that can be used for a range of purposes such as receptions and wakes after weddings and funerals, seasonal coffee shops, children’s parties, and arts and social events of all kinds. Ideas are being discussed and explored, including possibilities of partnership with local businesses.

The church is at present rolling out a flagstone appeal - asking those with Andreas connections to sponsor a flagstone or two, and to nominate someone or a family to be remembered in a memorial book which will be exhibited in the church.

Details can be found on the Andreas, Ballaugh and Sulby Churches Facebook page, or through ringing Mrs Jenkins on 880777.