Hollywood star donates signature (From Witney Gazette)

Hollywood star donates signature

9:00am Wednesday 12th July 2006 in Witney By Samantha Simpson

A CHURCH restoration appeal has nearly reached its target thanks to a little help from a Hollywood starlet and other kind-hearted donors.

Pride and Prejudice star Kiera Knightley will sign a copy of the novel after offering her signature to an auction of promises to raise funds for the Stonesfield Parish Church Restoration Appeal.

She and boyfriend, Rupert Friend, who starred alongside her in the film adaptation of Jane Austen's classic, will both sign the book.

Mr Friend's mother, Caroline, lives in Stonesfield, and it was one of her close neighbours who bid £40 to have a copy of the novel signed. The auction, held at Stonesfield Primary School, raised £5,001, plus an extra £305 in donations leaving the appeal fund less than £5,000 off its £30,000 target.

Appeal organisers are getting ready to start the restoration project at the 13th-century St James the Great Church.

Miss Knightley's offer to help came after a month after she raised £4,301 for Oxford-based charity Oxfam, by donating the dress she wore to this year's Oscars awards ceremony.

"We are that much nearer to being able to re-roof the church, redecorate it, and carry out other necessary repairs."

Simon Haviland

Although her pledge gained a lot of interest, there were others that raised more money for the fund, including two holidays, that each netted more than £200. Among others attracting the attention of bidders was a book donated and signed by Witney MP and Conservative leader, David Cameron, which fetched £80, and a silk habutai scarf, to be made by the rector's wife, Judith van der Weegen-Gussin, which went under the hammer at £40.

Organiser, Brian Hodgson, who acted as auctioneer for the night, was delighted with the outcome.

The restoration will begin with the removal and restoration of the church's roof.

Appeal secretary, Simon Haviland, said the auction exceeded everyone's expectations. He added: "It means we are that much nearer to being able to re-roof the church, redecorate it, and carry out other necessary repairs."