St Leonards couple to sell Eiffel Tower model for charity

A St Leonards man who built a replica of the Eiffel Tower for his wife after plans for a trip to Paris were dashed due to the pandemic has decided to sell the model for charity.
Nick and Bernie Charman pictured with their Eiffel Tower model, Alma Terrace, Silverhill, St Leonards. Pic Justin Lycett SUS-210223-090458001Nick and Bernie Charman pictured with their Eiffel Tower model, Alma Terrace, Silverhill, St Leonards. Pic Justin Lycett SUS-210223-090458001
Nick and Bernie Charman pictured with their Eiffel Tower model, Alma Terrace, Silverhill, St Leonards. Pic Justin Lycett SUS-210223-090458001

Nick Charman, 56, and his wife Berni, 47, were planning to visit Paris to mark the 25th anniversary of their honeymoon last September.

But they had to abandon their plans due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and Nick set about building a scale model of the Eiffel Tower in order to bring the French capital closer to home.

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It took him three months to build before Hastings Borough Council ordered him to take it down, saying he had not sought planning permission.

Nick and his wife have now set up a JustGiving page online in order to raise money for several charities.

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On the fundraising page, Nick said: “Back in September, my wife Berni and I were due to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in Paris. We honeymooned there back in 1995.

“Due to the pandemic, we were unable to do this. So instead, I decided to bring Paris to Berni for Christmas time.

“The model of the Eiffel Tower took three months, 600 pieces of wood and 1,200 screws to construct. I covered it with 2,000 lights and lit it up at Christmas to bring some happiness to local people during this awful time.

“Berni and I thought it would be a great idea to sell the structure for charity. Any money raised will be donated and split between Save The Children, Mind UK and Beat Eating Disorders.

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“We would appreciate any donations and just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us and commented on the model.”

Anyone wanting to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nick-charman1.

* Got a story? Ring reporters Richard Gladstone on 07803 505794 or Stephen Wynn-Davies on 07393 754494.

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