Over 100 people enjoyed 'Carols by Candlelight' in St. Peter's church on 5th December. Traditional readings and carols were mixed with Christmas songs performed by Dolce choir, led by their musical director Philip Aldred, and included Gaudete and everyone's favourite, O Holy Night.

Thanks to everyone who donated mince pies, and to Paul Lanaway for helping serve mulled wine after the service.

In July this year St. Peter’s Church suffered a significant lead theft from its roof. The thieves were never apprehended.

Since then, after much investigation by the PCC and Churchwardens it was agreed that a ‘State of the art’ alarm should be installed. The system consists of sensors, alarms, recorded warnings and Strobe lighting. Should the alarms be activated the emergency security services will automatically be alerted and within minutes be at the Church.

There are lead alternatives but these do not have the longevity of lead neither are they as pleasing aesthetically.

We had hoped to update the heating in the St.Peter’s but to comply with the Church Insurer’s conditions and to protect this beautiful and ancient building for the community we have no choice but to proceed with the security arrangements. This is an expensive venture.

Contribution towards this community project will be gratefully received,

please contact Susie Rohde, Churchwarden, on 01508 489 363  or  07762 727 539 or

There has been a call for a petition to be signed to help prevent the theft of lead from church roofs.

You don't have to be a church-goer, or even a Christian to care about these medieval buildings, and as any householder will know, the surest way to encourage deterioration within a building is to have a leaky roof.

Strenuous efforts have been made to prevent these thefts; surveillance cameras, locked gates, and even ‘smart water’ that rubs off on the culprits and remains detectable for some time have all been tried, but still the thefts continue. Ironically the cost of making good this vandalism far outweighs the profit that the thieves make on the lead. Church committees and fund raising groups work endlessly and tirelessly to raise funds to improve other aspects of these old buildings, and it is sickening to see this money being spent on the roof yet again. These thefts involve not only churches, but houses, business premises and schools.