The Parish Church of St George the Martyr, Waterlooville
On a night in September 2010 thieves tried to enter the Church of All Saints at Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire. They endeavoured to break a small lancet window on the south side of the church. This selection was unfortunate for them since they unexpectedly discovered that it was of half-
The small lancet window was one of a pair, beautifully engraved in the 1970s by a distinguished engraver, Sir Laurence Whistler. They were precious to the church and to the village, being dedicated to the life of Edward Thomas, a local poet. The left-
It was resolved that the desecration should be remedied. To this end a replacement window was commissioned. The engraver was Tony Gilliam, a well-
A service of dedication for the replacement artistic copy was held at the Church on Saturday 7th December 2013. It was attended by the Rt Revd. Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, who gave an address on the poet Edward Thomas and then delivered the prayer of dedication. A celebratory party was held afterwards. Dr Williams (better known as the former Archbishop of Canterbury) was a great admirer of the poet and his talk was most insightful for the significance and importance of Edward Thomas in the literature of our country.
Much good may come out from apparent tragic events.
Rod Dawson
Easter Edition 2014