ONE of the Tyne Valley’s most historic buildings has big plans to bounce back from the disruption caused by Covid-19.

Hexham Abbey launched its Bounce Back Appeal earlier this year after its income streams was devastated by the first lockdown.

That appeal ended at the beginning of November, and has helped raise more than £83,000, with the local congregation and community showing great generosity.

With the visitor centre and cafe now closed at least until December 2 for the second national lockdown, the money raised will see the abbey come out of the lockdown in a much stronger position financially.

The appeal concluded with a service of thanksgiving on Sunday, November 1 at which over 200 candles were lit in the shape of a Triquetra, which is the Abbey’s logo.

Each candle represented a donor.

At the service the Rector, the Rev David Glover, thanked people for their amazing generosity and commented that such financial giving reflected a real commitment to the life of the abbey, and the town, and should give people great hope and optimism for the future.

The abbey will now have to close to visitors, and for services until the lockdown is lifted, following government guidelines.

However, the abbey building will be open for private prayer and will re-open in other ways as soon as the government guidance allows and it is safe to do so, a spokeswoman announced.