'The colourful life and times of the Rev Henry Fellowes', the longest serving vicar of Sidbury, will be the subject of a talk at All Saints' Church Hall on Wednesday, April 10.

The illustrated talk is being hosted by the Sid Vale Association and the speaker will be Neil Thompson.

Henry Fellowes came to Sidbury with his young family in 1813 after serving as chaplain to the Prince Regent, George IV. On arrival he insisted that the existing vicarage was fit only for demolition and had a new one built. Little could he have imagined that he would be vicar there for over 50 years, dying in 1864 at the age at 89.

He had a number of trials and tribulations, including the 'annus horribilis' of 1850 when his vicarage went up in flames, taking the parish records, held there for safe-keeping, with it. He oversaw considerable restoration of the church, including replacing the troublesome spire with a new ‘pepper-pot ‘.

The Rev Fellowes was seen as a colourful and much-loved character, a man of 'integrity and goodness', and hundreds of mourners attended his funeral.

The talk will start at 2.30pm. Tickets will be available on the door for £5 (£2.50 for SVA members), which includes tea & biscuits.