Dark side in church

A FISHPONDS church is bracing itself for an invasion by Darth Vader and his stormtroopers.

The Star Wars baddies are set to descend on a special session of Fishponds Baptist Church's Dads and Tods group on February 11.

Dads and Tods group leader Marcus Phillips invited the 501st UK Garrison (pictured), a group of volunteer re-enactors who visit charity and community events, to the church in Downend Road to kick off a range of half-term activities.

Their visit, from 10am-11.30am, is open to fans aged up to 18, accompanied by a parent, with fancy dress optional.

Marcus said that despite turning out for the dark side of the Force, one of the stormtroopers is actually a Baptist pastor, who is set to return to the church the following morning at 10.30am as a special guest speaker.

Other events during the week include open play cafes for children aged up to 10 from 10am to noon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (£2 charge), a pancake evening from 7pm on Friday and an all-age family service on Sunday February 19, with messy play from 4-6pm.

The Dads and Tods group, which has been running for over ten years, usually meets on the second Saturday of the month from 10am and is for dads, granddads and carers and toddlers aged up to three.

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