THE TOP SECTION
The top section - minus its solid tip - awaits final polishing and transport to Belfast

THE CORE OF THE MAIN SECTION
The core of the main section of the Spire awaits cladding with semi circular stainless steel sheet which is over an inch in depth.

HOPE HAS A STEEL EXTERIOR
The semi-circular sheet steel which will form the exterior of the main part of the Spire which is directly above the Cathedral roof.

THE INTERIOR TIP OF THE SPIRE
John McCalister, Board member with responsibility for buildings, with the solid steel tip of the Spire which will be inside the Cathedral above the Choir.

THE VERY TOP OF IT ALL
Ken Patterson, the project leader, with the solid steel tip of the Spire of Hope. He has not promised to go up there once a week to polish it! The top of the Spire will be 300 feet above ground level.

COMING UP - FOUR FINS
Four fins - none of which you want to fall on your toes - will both position the Spire of Hope centrally in the tower and recess and fix the Spire to the structure of the Cathedral.

THE VERY CRUCIAL COMPONENT
Two Swiss and two Belfast members of the project team with a most important component - this will hold the top of the fins in place - see the brackets, the bottom of the spire will go down the way from this part, and the crane operators with total precision will have to position the top of the Spire directly on the two vertical spikes. Then the stainless steel bolts will be placed and tightened; the whole lot will be welded together - and the job is planned to be good for 100 years. Wind speeds of less than 5 mph are necessary before this operation placing the top of the Spire in position can be attempted.

NO SPIT BUT PLENTY OF POLISH
This operator has the task of polishing the components of the Spire to ensure that the finish is up to standard. The main part of the Spire will not be polished until it is assembled in the Cathedral car park. The polishing of the entire Spire is necessary to cloak the lines of the welding. Do come round and see our etchings! For six weeks the car park on the Talbot Street side of the Cathedral will be a massive welding shop and assembly plant.