AIRSHOW CRASH: Town church holds special service

SHOREHAM’S town church, St Mary de Haura, was packed this morning for a special service following yesterday’s plane crash.
Father Paul Rampton leading the special service at St Mary de Haura Church this morningFather Paul Rampton leading the special service at St Mary de Haura Church this morning
Father Paul Rampton leading the special service at St Mary de Haura Church this morning

Father Paul Rampton led prayers and spoke movingly of the impact on the town and community.

Among the congregation were East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, Adur District Council chairman Carson Albury and Fred Lewis, Adur councillor for Widewater.

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Two Worthing United players, Brad Stevens and Jamie McKenzie were also there to pay their respects having learned that two teammates died in the crash, on their way to play in a match against Loxwood.

Father Paul Rampton leading the special service at St Mary de Haura Church this morningFather Paul Rampton leading the special service at St Mary de Haura Church this morning
Father Paul Rampton leading the special service at St Mary de Haura Church this morning

Seven candles were lit by the church for the known victims and a minute’s silence was held after the choir had quietly walked through to the altar.

Father Paul welcomed all those who had come to mark the short act of remembrance and reconciliation at the beginning of the Eucharist service.

“We will never forget that ominous black cloud that must have been visible for miles around,” he said.

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“Now that we are beginning to know the extent of what happened, we have to respond as a church community, as a town community and as individuals here today.”

DM155899a Lighting candles after the service at St Mary de HauraDM155899a Lighting candles after the service at St Mary de Haura
DM155899a Lighting candles after the service at St Mary de Haura

Priest-in-Charge the Rev Ann Waizeneker was unable to attend the service but sent her love and prayers to join with those at the church this morning.

Father Paul said prayers for those who had died, saying: “It is beyond our understanding and more than we can bear.”

He also said prayers for those who mourn and those who were injured and traumatised by yesterday, for the emergency services and medical staff.

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Adur District Council chairman Carson Albury lights a candle, followed by councillor Fred Lewis and East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim LoughtonAdur District Council chairman Carson Albury lights a candle, followed by councillor Fred Lewis and East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton
Adur District Council chairman Carson Albury lights a candle, followed by councillor Fred Lewis and East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton

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