The Binstead and Havenstreet war shrine.
THE search is on to find some Binstead limestone to help reconstruct a mainland war shrine.
The Binstead and Havenstreet war shrine stands on the hill above Havenstreet, remembering the 39 men of the two parishes who died in the Great War.
Last month, the little building was listed Grade II in recognition of its architectural and historical importance.
The shrine, and its identical twin at North Stoneham, Hampshire, were both built in 1917-18, during the war, and were the very last buildings to be made of Binstead stone from the once extensive quarries at Binstead.
Whereas the Binstead and Havenstreet shrine remains in near original condition, the Stoneham war shrine has long been derelict and plundered for its materials.
But following on from the announcement of a £50,000 Heritage Lottery award last year, restoration of that shrine is beginning next month, before Remembrance Day.
Harry Willis Fleming, whose great-grandfather built the two shrines and owned the quarries, said: "It is obviously not feasible for us to reopen the old Binstead pits, so we need to find some secondhand stone — perhaps from a demolished building on the Island?
"If anyone can help us, we would very much like to hear from them."
For centuries, the Binstead area was famous for its quarries.
The cream-coloured limestone was prized for its hardness and used throughout southern England for ecclesiastical buildings.
It was even used for parts of the Tower of London and a number buildings on the Island.
The last Binstead quarry closed in 1876; but just before the First World War, a small seam was reopened near Holy Cross Church.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk