Vicar ‘surviving well’ in whale

Press, 23 September 1989, Page 5

Vicar ‘surviving well’ in whale

By

CLARE BARRY

The vicar of Saint Anne’s was “surviving well” in his fibreglass whale in Waltham yesterday, in spite of “very, very cold” weather. The Rev. Simon Ballantyne is spending two days inside the whale to promote his parish’s annual fair. He said he "huddled up” in the jaws of the whale most of the time, but retired to the back now and again, “as my feet start freezing.” His “whalephone,” installed for the duration of the stunt, had been busy. Most callers were inquiring how he was or wishing him well, but there were a few “nutters.” One caller advised him to tidy up his garden, which the vicar believed was a case of mistaken identity, because his church garden was already tidy. He had counselled some young people over the telephone, mainly concerning relationships. The vicar expected the “whalephone” to be busier last night, as Friday night had been busy when he staged a similar stunt last year. Mr Ballantyne will be “regurgitated” from the whale this morning, in time to open the parish fair.