We are four parishes (Bransgore, Burley, Hinton Admiral, Sopley and Burley) on the edge of the beautiful New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. We exist to honour Jesus Christ who came not to be served, but to serve and gave his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10.45).

New Forest Edge Churches

Lead Theft at St Mary’s Church

I’m very sorry to say that a substantial amount of lead has been stolen from the roof of St Mary’s Church. When it rained heavily last weekend, we noticed lots of water coming into the office and kitchen. When we inspected the roof we were surprised to see just how much was taken. The gullies…

Ben
1–2 minutes

I’m very sorry to say that a substantial amount of lead has been stolen from the roof of St Mary’s Church. When it rained heavily last weekend, we noticed lots of water coming into the office and kitchen. When we inspected the roof we were surprised to see just how much was taken. The gullies between the kitchen and the office and between the kitchen and the hall have been stripped bare. The stones covering the flashing on the corridor (pictured) have been dislodged and the flashing taken.

We don’t know when this took place – any time in the last few weeks. The lead has smartwater on it (and we have signs saying so) and we have a security camera and light (this has happened before…) but this does not seemed to have been a deterrent. If anyone has any information on this, you can report it anonymously by calling 101. The crime number is 44180154061.

What we’re trying to do at St Mary’s is so much greater than just keeping our wonderful historic building fit for purpose. The real frustration of this theft is that it’s a distraction from the much greater challenge of serving Jesus Christ and the people of our fantastic village!

5 responses to “Lead Theft at St Mary’s Church”

  1. Shirley burke Avatar
    Shirley burke

    I am so sorry to read this. I agree with your comment at the end.
    Shirley b

    Sent from Samsung tablet.

    Reply
  2. Howard Murty Avatar
    Howard Murty

    The Dr’s surgery in Burton had the same around 22nd March. Probably same people.

    Reply
    1. Ben Avatar
      Ben

      Thanks for the info. The details have gone to the police who say they’re most likely to investigate if there’s a pattern of similar offences.

      Reply
  3. Rob Mangles Avatar
    Rob Mangles

    Wow. Just wow.

    I’ve been on that roof so many times to repair tiles, clear gulleys and fit the gulley protectors as church warden. It’s slippery and difficult to navigate; and the broken slate

    That is no small achievement to cause that much theft and damage without killing oneself in the process! Therefore skill and experience required and hopefully finger prints may link the two thefts?

    Therefore, it’s trained ability

    Reply
  4. Rob Mangles Avatar
    Rob Mangles

    ….and the broken slate is razor sharp!

    Reply

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