Gloucestershire floods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24th July 2007

Father Keith Miles, Parish Priest of English Martyrs in the Tuffley area of Gloucester said:

“I have been phoning round parishioners, particular the more vulnerable or those living on their own; just to see how things are and if they is anything we can do. As some people’s phones have been down, along with the electricity and water, I’ve been visiting many others as well. People I’ve visited have been pleased to know of Bishop Declan’s concern and assurance of prayers.

“I must say that the community spirit and care for people here really is amazing. It’s not just me phoning and visiting people, but the parish and wider community together – making sure everyone is as ok as possible under these exceptional circumstances.

“I travelled down to Bristol yesterday and stocked up with bottled water; even there it was running short in the shops. We are making that available to people and already I’ve offered much of it round to neighbours and parishioners.

“A local firm, Premier Kitchens owned by one of our parishioners, has brought a load of drinking water down from Yorkshire donated by Somerfield and we now have several pallets of water to distribute to our local community.

“Together with the Anglican parish in Quedgeley, which is close to us, we are coordinating help together and I have offered the use of our church to the police and local authorities for people who have lost their homes. At the moment our electricity has been restored but the water ran out overnight. How long we keep the electricity is anyone’s guess.

“Fortunately the church has not been flooded, but the water was only 100 yards away.”

Father Richard Dwyer, Parish Priest of St Joseph’s, Tewkesbury whose church is cut off by flood water, said:

“The spirit of the community here in Tewkesbury is very positive. So many people helping and supporting one another, is to me, an example of the Holy Spirit at work. I see determined people pulling together.

“The doctor’s surgery close to the Abbey has been flooded. I’ve been trying to get in touch, but so far in vain, to offer our, albeit rather small, facilities to them. I also know that Holy Trinity, our neighbouring Anglican parish, is offering to put people up. Again, this is our strong community working together. Of course, when those evacuated return to their homes, their need for help in rebuilding their homes and lives will be something needing our full attention and support.

“In town this morning (Monday) many people have said this is the worst flooding here in living memory.

“The congregation was around 30 this Sunday as most parishioners live in the area now cut off by the water.

“I have been receiving offers of help from far afield. One offer, from a Catholic family, was to provide a holiday respite in a quieter and unaffected part of the country. This is really touching many people’s hearts. It shows how the media’s work of bringing a particular situation to a wider audience can have many positive repercussions and responses.”

The Bishop of Clifton, Right Reverend Declan Lang said:

“I have been in contact with parishes in the affected areas, offering my assurance of prayers and expressing my concern for people who are so badly affected. I also expressed my appreciation of the practical help given by parishes. The many people who are working tirelessly to help the stranded, to restore the drinking water supply and to resolve the problems with the electricity supply are also in my prayers and those of many people in the Clifton Diocese and beyond.

“Having spoken with priests and people in Gloucestershire, it is the community spirit that is coming through at such a difficult time that is so impressive.

“Speaking with Father Richard Dwyer, Parish Priest in Tewkesbury, it is when people return to their houses, will we discover what needs they have and then respond as best we can.”