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Church vandalism

From the Oxford Mail (full story):

A memorial church window for a vicar of Charlbury has been smashed by vandals.

About 15 panes of the window dedicated to the late Canon Martin Chadwick were damaged by stones thrown at St Mary The Virgin over the Christmas period - leaving the church with a £500 repair bill.

Canon Chadwick's widow Glena was shocked by the attack on the tribute to her husband, who spent almost two decades serving the town.

She said: "I'm very, very sad about it. It's a lovely, handmade, clear glass window, with an inscription about Martin at the bottom. People felt very positive about it. He was immensely popular, it's just very sad. Vandalism is getting worse."

Vicar the Rev Judy French said: "It particularly saddens me that one of the windows was in memory of my predecessor.

"He was so much loved by the people of Charlbury. The vandals just threw stones indiscriminately. It leaves a very sad feeling."

Canon Chadwick was vicar at St Mary The Virgin for 17 years. The window was installed in 2004 and paid for by the congregation and a donation from the Chadwick family.

Windows at the church were also broken last August.

Church warden Mike Summers said: "I feel it's sad that some people feel that need to do that, that they can't direct their energies in a more constructive way.

"There are all sorts of people who don't get the attention they deserve, perhaps they have been let down by society. It's sad and upsetting but it's not the end of the world. We're quite relaxed about it. It's only glass.

"The last time it happened, in the summer holidays, the culprits promised to pay for the damage. The trouble is the lead-lined window is getting rather old and if it keeps being damaged it will need to be replaced, which will cost £3,000."

The damage will take some time to repair as a specialist glazier is needed. The work will be paid for from church funds.

Pc Colin James said: "Twelve windows were smashed on one occasion and several more on two further occasions. Over Christmas damage was also caused to houses, property and vehicles in and around Charlbury.

"We're investigating and would urge anyone with information to contact us."

Anyone with information should call Pc James on 08458 505505.

Richard Fairhurst · Fri 12 Jan 2007, 11:16 · Link


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