This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 27 September 2016. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
BATS swooping around the nave and chancel in response to Evensong vibrations in the summer inspired the churchwarden Wendy Osborn to organise a safari with a difference.
Shutterstock She invited Julie Hopton and Margaret Grimsey of the North Bucks Bat Group to lead a Bat Safari.
Around 30 people of all ages looked at displays and leaflets, children created bat masks while others used the opportunity to explore the ancient church.
Julie talked about bats and their life histories.
The audience responded with questions and Julie and Margaret dispelled some of the fears and superstitions that surround these nocturnal creatures. Wendy said: "One highlight of the evening was meeting Rose, a rescued noctule bat who sat on Julie's arm munching delicately on mealworms.
When it was time for us to take a break, refreshments more palatable to the human congregation were served - hot chocolate, chewy brownies and fresh coffee. "When it was completely dark, the group went outside and using detectors tuned into the chattering world of bats.
Julie said: "We walked together along a footpath to the lakeside nature reserve nearby, a rich source of food and habitats.
Then, as a full moon slowly rose above the water, it created a golden pathway to where we were standing.
The murmur of pipistrelles and daubenton bats reached a crescendo of song and we fell silent, awestruck by the experience.
It was breathtaking; an evening of our lives few of us will forget. "