A CHURCH which is one of the oldest in Warwickshire has lost an important member of its flock.
St Espirit Church in Marton dates back to the mid 12th century and it is thought there was an even earlier wooden church on the site.
Being so old the church has to undergo regular restoration and it has just been discovered during the latest repair works that a special sheep was missing.
A church spokesman explained: “A special feature of St Espirit is regionally significant painted inscriptions on zinc metal panels. The church is currently in the process of having the zinc work restored and conserved. During this process three loose plaques in the church tower have been restored and one of these plaques is being mounted into a new wooden frame by a villager so that it can be put back on the wall of the memorial chapel from where it was removed in 1936.
“At the top of the largest zinc plates there should be a plaque showing the Pascal Lamb. It was removed years ago and nobody now knows where it is.
“We are in the process of trying to find the lost lamb in the hope that it can returned to its former and rightful position in St Espirit Church.
The ‘Lost Sheep’ will be the focus of a stall at Marton village’s sports day on Sunday July 6, and the church is hoping it may jog people’s memories and prompt barn, garage and outhouse searches.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the lost lamb is urged to contact Jenny Walsh via email at [email protected], orby calling 01926 632547.
