I heard some strange noises in the night but didn't fully realise what had happened until I went across to our church this morning.
The bell's been pinched!
I just wouldn't have thought anyone would go to all the trouble but on reflection, there have been a number of thefts of lead and precious metal from churches in the area. So I doubt it's connected to the recent vandalism that we've suffered.
The bell was installed when St Paul's was built in 1982 and in recent years we've rung it again before our ten o'clock service. We'll certainly miss it. Please do keep your eyes open if you're in the area.
The bell was made by Taylor's of Loughborough and, as usual with their bells, it bears a unique Latin inscription: L'oo f lirpa - a translation from Proverbs 12.23.
Update: now the afternoon's arrived, all has become a lot clearer. See here for details.
