Thefts dampen cathedral Jubilee celebrations

A series of senseless thefts have cast a shadow over the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle.

The cathedral opened a floral exhibition and put on several musical performances and a fashion show over the holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen’s 60-year reign.

However, cathedral officials have been left disappointed by the theft of items from the floral exhibits, including military medals, map making instruments and a vintage flying scarf.

The floral exhibition was opened last week by the Duchess of Northumberland and attracted more than 2,000 visitors over the weekend.

The Rev Canon Sheila Bamber described the thefts as “outrageous”.

“These displays were designed to be part of the celebration of a great occasion in our nation’s life and stealing from them is a wanton act of selfishness and blatant disregard for anyone else,” she said.

“I simply can't understand what makes anyone stoop so low as to steal items that have very little monetary value but to their owners are priceless in term of sentimental value.

“These thieves have just wandered in wilfully and spoil other people's parties and celebrations. It's not on.”

Flower festival chief florist Margaret Vickers is not optimistic that the items will be returned.

She said: “I think it is a terrible thing that someone would steal medals that someone had fought in wars to protect the freedom of our nation had won. What were they thinking of?

“I don’t know if they stole them for money, I hope not. We have contacted the police and they have taken statements and notified all of the local businesses dealing in such items to be on the lookout, but I don’t hold out much hope that they will be recovered.”

It is not the first time that the cathedral has been the victim of theft. Last year a collection box was stolen.

Rev Bamber said: “This kind of thing happens in churches but I think we are quite vulnerable here in the city centre.”