Toller Church stars in new TV series

Toller United Reformed Church, Kettering, and minister, the Revd Helen Carr, feature in the first of a new BBC2 television series “Alex Polizzi – The Fixer”.

In the programmes, Alex Polizzi, who previously appeared in “The Hotel Inspector”, sets out to help save family businesses struggling in the difficult economic climate, and she begins with a Kettering bridalwear business, Courtyard Bridal Boutique. She challenges a mother and two squabbling daughters who run the boutique, to work together to arrange a promotional event; this results in eight brides and their husbands, who are previous customers, gathering at Toller URC to renew their wedding vows.

The event was also a challenge for Helen Carr, who was ordained in 2010, and had only previously conducted one wedding ceremony. She said: “One anxious bridegroom is hard to cope with; I had eight - who were all as nervous as on their wedding day."

Helen was determined to ensure that it was a special occasion. She said: “In talking with the couples, I learned that most had not originally been married in church. The atmosphere created clearly touched them all, and their families.  I hope it made for good television, but I also feel it built new and cherished relationships, and gave us special memories of a God who is for all, and with all.”

As minister of a town centre church, Helen, has been keen to build relationships with the retail community. One consequence of being involved in the programme was that Helen subsequently baptised two of the children of one of the daughters who run the boutique.  Programme presenter Alex Polizzi returned for the occasion – to be a godparent.

The first edition of “Alex Polizzi –The Fixer” featuring Toller United Reformed Church, will be screened on BBC 2 on Tuesday 31 January at 8pm.