A statement has been released today from St Catherine’s Church in Ventnor after a church-goer parked on top of grave stones, causing a huge fury among Island Echo readers.
As Island Echo reported exclusively on Friday, eagle-eyed reader Amie Brett sent photographs to the news desk after capturing a truly shocking piece of parking on camera, when two vehicles parked on top of a number of graves next to the church’s gravel car park.
Acting as The Bishop of Portsmouth’s Representatives during the Interregnum between Incumbents, John Holder and Chris Maguire, Churchwardens of St. Catherine’s Church, have said in a statement today:
“We were made aware that a car had parked among the gravestones on Friday through phone calls on Saturday morning referring us to information on websites. We were both shocked and fully understood the reactions of people blogging about it. This should never have happened and is against the loving, caring and respectful ethos of the church. St. Catherine’s really cares about people’s feelings.
“The church hall was crowded with members of the community sharing a Hunger Lunch for Christian Aid. The car park was awash with vehicles and unfortunately the offending cars went onto the grass, one of which tried to manoeuvre between the gravestones.
“The persons concerned admit that they had no right to park there and are devastated that this very thoughtless act has caused such upset and anguish for so many. We are truly sorry and have taken steps to make sure that this will never happen again.
““No Parking” notices were erected on the grassy areas on Saturday and the congregation were reminded of this during the Sunday morning service. This was a very regrettable act for which forgiveness is sought from all. Please don’t let the actions of one or two tarnish the whole of St. Catherine’s community”.
A report has been submitted to the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, the Venerable Peter Sutton, who will decide if any further action is necessary.
