A group of churches are inviting the public into their premises during the heatwave so they can escape the sun and have a cold glass of water.

Amidst scorching temperatures, St. Edburg’s Church in Bicester, as well as churches in Launton, Bucknell and Caversfield, will open their doors to people today (Monday, July 18) from  to 10pm, and tomorrow from 9am to 8pm.

The Reverend Peter Wright of St. Edburg’s Church said: “In response to the government declared heat emergency, we are opening the church for anybody who wants to get out of the heat.

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“Our old church buildings – St. Edburg’s being 900 years old – are made of stone, and in hot weather they’re quite a bit cooler than outside.  

“For the most part I’m sure people will stay home and have a fan on, but there are a few rough sleepers in Bicester who may need to get out of the sun.”

The Reverend said volunteers – of which he predicts there will be around 12 - will be working on rotating shifts to take care of visitors and provide cold glasses of water.

In October this year Mr Wright – who has been with the Bicester churches team for 10 years - will take up his newly appointed position as vicar for St Edburg’s.

At present, he is acting team rector.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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