A new floor destined for the 13th century Chatteris Parish Church could hold a history lesson for future generations if plans to bury a time capsule beneath it go ahead. The idea is one of a handful put forward at the launch of a £60,000 campaign to repla

A new floor destined for the 13th century Chatteris Parish Church could hold a history lesson for future generations if plans to bury a time capsule beneath it go ahead.

The idea is one of a handful put forward at the launch of a £60,000 campaign to replace the rotted oak and pine floor which was laid in 1910 in the Grade I-listed building.

The campaign has already received a boost from regulars at the town's Walk The Dog pub, who donated £1,000 from an auction suggested by church member Zip Zimmerman. The sale of goods brought in £500 and £500 was given from the pub's charity fund.

The Revs James and Wendy Thomson said St Peter's and St Paul's Church floor had suffered badly from wet rot which had caused rapid deterioration.

Mrs Thomson said:"We have been talking about a variety of fund-raising ideas and we hope to bury a time capsule beneath the new floor giving a snapshot of Chatteris for future generations."

The Parochial Church Council is applying for a variety of grants.

A small fund-raising committee has been formed and events planned include lunches, coffee mornings, concerts and a banquet.

CHEQUEING IN: Colin and Dee Chalk (front centre and left), from the Walk the Dog, hand over the £1,000 cheque to the Rev James Thomson, watched by Philip Hammerton and Zip Zimmerman. Picture: BRIAN PURDY 4597