THE Rector of St Dunstan's, Cranford, in west London, the Revd
Michael Gill, had a surprise visitor in his congregation last month
- Sir Winston Churchill.
But the figure sitting in a rear pew, in a three-piece suit and
Homburg, was the churchwarden, Stan Streather, who had come direct
to evensong from a performance in his new career as the tribute act
Winstan Churchill.
Mr Streather, who is in management consultancy, said: "He was in
hysterics, because every time he looked up, he had trouble
controlling his laughter."
He has been a regular worshipper at St Dunstan's since 1987. "I
was introduced to the church through my wife, Lyn. . . I have been
churchwarden twice: from 1996, for ten years, and now since
2009."
He became interested in Churchill last year, when he joined the
amateur singers of West London Opera. "I found out that the cast
were calling me Churchill because they didn't know who I was," he
said. "I bought myself a hat for £40 on eBay, and got out some
suits."
He wore the costume for a 1940s-theme party on the Mid-Hants
Heritage Railway, where he is a volunteer signalman. "People said I
was good at it; so I thought I would have a go. I am learning all
the time."
For details, visit winstan.co.uk