Community gathers round after devastating fire at Royston church

Revd Heidi Huntley and team from St John the Baptist Church receive gift cards and a trolley dash around Tesco to replace the toddler group toys

Church, community and emergency services have rallied to the support of St John’s Church Royston, following a devastating fire during the night of 8th/9th December. The alarm was raised by a local resident and it took most of Sunday to bring the fire under control, even though the Fire Brigade succeeded in confining the fire damage to the tower. The rest of the church sustained smoke and water damage.

Within the space of a week, alternative venues (the details can be found on www.roystonparishchurch.org.uk) have been found for services thanks to the support of the local community, a Police investigation into the cause of the fire, possibly arson, has begun and fundraising efforts initiated by the local community, the church and a local firm of undertakers, Newlings, have followed.

Revd Heidi Huntley and her churchwardens have expressed their thanks to the community, especially to the schools and other venues which have offered to host Christmas and regular services. The Church has managed a full weekend of Advent services which have been well attended.

This story was featured in E-News, the fortnightly e-mail news bulletin from the Diocese of St Albans

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