14 October 2010
Three buses pulled discreetly into Northcourt Road this Thursday and 34 detectives from the local R.E. Detective Agency crept out to begin their undercover investigations. Were the rumours true? Did those surrounding buildings give any indication that this area had once been an old farm? Was there indeed a church hidden in a 700 year old tithe barn? The detectives moved in silently.
They were welcomed by four people who were well acquainted with the area; Jit, Matt, Val and Judy. Our detectives were divided into two groups. Eyes and ears were alert for clues. Matt looked remarkably like a gap student they had known very recently.
The first group, to their surprise, found themselves involved in memory games, wine smelling and Smartie sampling as they gathered round a table set with candles and a cloth. The wooden table was engraved with the words... Draw Near. They knelt down, hands held out expectantly. To the left, the other group crouched by a rough stone font. Jugs of water and a baby suggested something was about to happen, but only they would know the answer for now.
Judy then gathered our detectives to equip them with vital clues about the history of the church before they set off to explore every nook and cranny of this ancient building. Drawings were done, observations made, measurements taken. No spire, no bells, no stained glass, but very much a church it seemed. A short break for essential refreshments gave an opportunity for some super sleuths to investigate the notice boards and return with news that missionaries travel from the church to other parts of the world. Advanced detective work indeed. After a very closely contested quiz, duty called back at headquarters, so with information and equipment gathered, transport was summoned and the detectives returned to their Frilford base. Their investigations continue.
