THIS week, as the terrible tragedy of last Saturday continues to unfold, many people are coming to Shoreham to visit the Tollbridge to lay flowers and to sign the books of condolence around the town.

There has been a constant stream of people to the churches, in particular to St Nicolas, near to the Tollbridge and St Mary de Haura, in the town centre, where there are books of condolence.

Many have come in to share their thoughts in writing, to light a candle, to sit, to pray.

The churches offer a quiet place for reflection and prayer, a sacred place where we can sit uninterrupted, and they are there for everyone: for those with faith, for those who do not share this faith or whose faith has all but gone at times like this.

They are open all day, every day, a place where people can come and we can listen, support, be with them in their distress.

And we pray and respond as best we can to the palpable need we see around us.

This Sunday at 4pm at St Peter’s Church, in West Street, all the Shoreham Churches will come together (as we regularly do), to offer a service of prayer and reflection for those who have lost their lives, and for all those caught up in this tragedy.

Everyone is welcome to this and our regular Sunday morning services.

The Shoreham churches are open every day, and that has never been more important than it is this week, or will be over the months to come.

We pray for all those who have died or are injured, for their families and friends, the emergency services and this close-knit community.

  • The Reverend Ann Waizeneker, Vicar, the Benefice of New Shoreham and Shoreham Beach.