Church feels presence of the Empire

STAR Wars fans, young and not so young, had a treat when some characters from the hit movies visited a Fishponds church.

The visit by members of the the 501st UK Garrison, a group of volunteer re-enactors who visit charity and community events, launched a series of half-term holiday activities at Fishponds Baptist Church in Downend Road.

Dads and Tods group leader Marcus Phillips invited the villains from a galaxy far, far away (or London, Berkshire and Hampshire) to the event, despite pastor Mark Madavan asking: "Why are you inviting the dark side into the church?"

Marcus said: "The Imperial Forces mingled with the crowd and provided the opportunity for some amazing interactions and epic photos.

"They included Darth Vader, a stormtrooper, sandtrooper, snowtrooper, shoretrooper and their support crew.

"They build their costumes and props to screen level of accuracy.

"Full of coffee, bacon rolls and chocolate, we all trooped out to the front of the church to stop the traffic!"

Marcus had the idea after seeing the group on the Netflix documentary Heroes of the

Empire, which detailed their charity work.

One of the re-enactors, Cris Rogers, is a vicar at All Hallows Church in Bow, East London, and returned to Fishponds the following day, to preach.

The holiday week also included three days of family

Play Café sessions, a games and pancake evening and an All Ages Service in the church on February 19.

For more details of events at the church visit www.fishpondsbaptist.uk.

Thought for the month: Page 26