Feeling on top of the world – or just the top of Walton!

A Walton church has plans to get its supporters just those few feet nearer to God next month in aid of its bell tower restoration.

St Mary’s is offering people the chance to abseil down the Church Street place of worship on Saturday September 11 to raise money for the restoration work.  

The event is to be overseen by Hatt Adventures. The company is fully insured and qualified to run such events. You will be fitted with a harness and helmet, then climb up the steps inside the church tower, past the bells awaiting restoration and emerge on the church roof, 18.5 meters [61feet] above Walton. From the roof you can see as far as Ranmore Church near Guildford.

The qualified instructors will fasten your harness to secured ropes and you will begin your descent over the edge of the tower. When you reach the bottom you will receive a certificate of achievement. The registration fee for adults is £25 and we ask that you try to raise at least £150 in sponsorship.

The registration fee for those aged ten to eighteen is £15 and we ask you to raise at least £50 in sponsorship. Completed registration forms and fee must be returned to The Parish Office, St Mary’s Church Hall, Church St, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2QS as soon as possible so that you can be allocated a time slot for the event.

All participants will be required to sign the medical disclaimer form produced by Hatt Adventures. This form will be available on the day.

You must be at least ten years old with all under 18s requiring parental consent on the registration form and a parent must be present throughout the duration of the abseil.