On 7th July 2005, the same day on which the country was shocked by the bomb attacks in London, our church of Blessed John Duns Scotus suffered a serious fire which caused extensive damage, all due to a candle left in a dangerous position before the shrine of St Antony, the object of much devotion in the church.  The church has been closed ever since, while plans were debated for its future.  One plan would have seen the whole property sold and the old Franciscan church of St Francis, Cumberland Street, now a social centre,  brought back into use as a church.  After four years this plan has been abandoned and full attention is now on the rebuilding of the burnt-out church.