Stolen silver found in Ashby Canal

Published: Friday, 02 April 2010

INSTEAD of the odd windless and rubbish, workmen dredging the Ashby Canal were amazed to dredge up two silver chalices and a silver plate.

Subsequently, these were found to have been church silver, worth over £3,000 missing for seven years from St John's Church in Hinckley, and were part of a haul of historical records of births, deaths and marriages when a safe was stolen from the church building in  2003, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Thieves not caught

The thieves however were never caught. It was thought at the time they were after cash.

The priest  at the church, the Rev Gary Weston, exclaimed:

"I think it is great news for the church that they have been found because of the sentimental value. These are things that were used in worship for quite a while and communion is a central aspect of worship, particularly at this time of year as we lead up to Easter.It is fantastic to have them back. They will not be in use this Easter because having been at the bottom of a canal for seven years they are in a bit of a state!"

The silver is now being professionally cleaned, prior to it going back on display.