ARCHIVE NEWS 2023
THURSDAY 21st DECEMBER 11.00 - 1.00 pm
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOP
ST BOTOLPH PCC held in POTT ROW METHODIST CHAPEL
FREE Christmas crafts - FREE children's hot lunch
Christingle - Biscuit decorating - Nativity activities
Decoration and Card Crafts - Christmas Tree Decorating - Carols and Music
SATURDAY DECEMBER 17th
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON
SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER 10 - 12.00 am
CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING
ST MARY'S CHURCH, GT MASSINGHAM
A warm Christmas Welcome with tea and coffee and Christmas treats and fabulous Christmas Trees.
THURSDAY DEC 7th 7.00pm
HARPLEY COMMUNITY CHOIR
ST LAWRENCE CHURCH, HARPLEY
An evening of music by ABBA, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens and many more
Raising funds for Harpley Church, the School and the Village Hall. Mulled Wine and minced pies to get you in the Christmas Mood.
No tickets - just turn up - donations very welcome.
TUESDAY 5th DECEMBER 11.00 - 1.30 pm
CHRISTMAS WREATHING
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, ASHWICKEN
Come and join Katie from Wild Oak Workshops at All Saints Church, Ashwicken (also known as The Church in the Fields) to create your very own naturally festive Christmas Wreath. Price is £50.00 per person. Christmas really is just a mistletoe-kiss away, so why not cross ‘must make my own wreath this year!’ off your list early and book yourself on a wonderful two hour workshop in the gorgeous Church in the Fields. This relaxed workshop will see you weaving armfuls of locally harvested spruce, pine cones foraged from the forest floor, hedgerow teasels, deliciously scented cinnamon sticks and kiln dried citrus fruit slices, all weaved into a natural willow wreath base and nestled amongst lichen and moss to create a natural, wild look to your wreath. With a gorgeous selection of ribbons, raffia or twine to choose how you wish to hang your beautiful Wreath on your front door. Should you wish, as an optional extra, Katie will show you how to carefully entwine fairy lights* (battery operated) to your wreath. So your wreath can be admired all through those dark wintery evenings. A dusting of snow and extra sparkles can add a magical touch at the end of the creative session. Katie looks forward to sharing her love of nature and knowledge about this gentle season. Christmas willow wreath, all seasonal foliage, decoration and ribbon. ( Fairy lights £5.00 extra on the day.) Warming festive refreshments All Workshop bookings are now being fulfilled via Eventbrite. Please follow this link that will take you to the Eventbrite booking page for this workshop. Please note Eventbrite charge a small transactional fee, which will be added on at the checkout stage.
Many thanks for your booking and I look forward to welcoming you at your workshop very soon. Katie xx
SATURDAY 2nd DECEMBER 10.30 - 12.00pm
COFFEE AND CAKE
ST ANDREW, CONGHAM
November's Coffee and Cake morning at St Andrew's church was very busy and buzzing! Glenis's wonderful cakes and cheese scones were much enjoyed and the new heating system and comfy chairs appreciated.
As it was Armistice Day a minutes silence was observed at 11am. Thank you to everyone who came along. We raised £188 for church funds.
SATURDAY 18th NOVEMBER 10 - 12.00 PM
BAKE SALE
ST MARY, GT MASSINGHAM
Can you help?
With the cost of living crisis continuing we have more & more people needing our help.
We really need 'your help with ESSENTIALS,
Tins peas and carrots -Tinned meats -Soup -Rice pudding -Tinned or packet custard - Sugar - teabag's and coffee,
Tinned fruit -Washing up liquid - And any other basics you are able to help with.
Donations can be left in the box provided in the Church porch or on the table at the back of the Church. Thank you for your continued support
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER 10 - 12.00 am
COFFEE & CAKE
ST ANDREW, CONGHAM
Come and enjoy coffee and cake in Church today. As it is Armistice day we will obseve a minute's silence at 11.00 am.
Saturday 4th November
"GIVE A QUILT HUG " DAY
ST ANDREW, LITTLE MASSINGHAM
Rain, rain and more rain heralded the launch of our ‘Let’s Give a Giant Quilt Hug’ project on November 4th. But what a fabulous and colourful St Andrew’s awaited the visitors who were determined to make it. The weather was appalling, but those who did make it were treated to some spectacular and colourful quilts.
Enthusiastic quilt makers are still offering help to make quilts which will encircle the circumference of the church next May. It is going to be an incredibly colourful event when it happens. The funds to restore the roof of this mediaeval building - on the at Risk Register of Heritage England - are beginning to come in but we still have a shortfall of just over £82,000 to restore the roof and more does need doing to the building. The church really does need a hug and some cash along with it! More at fosalm.org
SATURDAY OCT 14th 10 - 12.00 pm
COFFEE MORNING
ST MARY'S, GT MASSINGHAM
Come and enjoy delicious coffee with scrumptious cake at our coffee morning.
SATURDAY OCT 7th 10 - 4.00 pm
AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR
OPEN TOWER 1.00 - 4.00 pm with the Bellringers
ST BOTOLPH CHURCH, GRIMSTON
Crafts, Demonstrations, Spinning, Lace making with refreshments and light lunches served all day.
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SATURDAY OCT 14th 10.00 - 2.30 pm
AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, GAYTON
16 stalls of amazing crafts workers - come early and do some early Christmas shopping. Raffle and refreshments. Free Entry.
SATURDAY 30th SEPTEMBER
ANTIQUES DAY
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON
An Antiques Road Show type event when you can bring your things to be appraised for a small donation.
It will be hosted by Keys Auctioneers with experts on silver, books, pottery, furniture, jewellery etc.
An Antiques Road Show type event when you can bring your things to be appraised for a small donation.
It will be hosted by Keys Auctioneers with experts on silver, books, pottery, furniture, jewellery etc.
If you wish and are satisfied with the valuation, you can leave your items with Keys for placement in an Antique Auction or just have them valued for your own interest. You should put a reserve on items left for auction. There will also be stalls in the church for anybody requiring a table for £5. Please contact the Churchwarden for more details. Please note the tables are low (ex school) or you can bring your own .Refreshments will be available; the show will go on until the valuers have finished probably around 2pm.So check the attic and come along - free entry. There are two good bus routes to Gayton Lynx 48 & 49a stopping opposite the church. Further details from Churchwarden Mr S Watkinson on Kings Lynn 636629 Or email stanwatkinson1@gmail.com
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29 th. 7.30 pm
FoSB present CHANTERS JIGGE IN CONCERT
ST BOTOLPH CHURCH, GRIMSTON
"ONE FOR THE ROAD" A lively jaunt through 600 years of street music.
Admission £10.00 including interval refreshments.
Reserve a seat by calling Pete Coleman 01485 600088 and pay at the door.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24th 10.30 am
ST MARY GREAT MASSINGHAM
SPECIAL FAMILY SERVICE
SATURDAY 16th SEPT 11.00 - 3.00pm
FOSALM present "SEW A HUG"
GREAT MASSINGHAM VILLAGE HALL
POSTPONED
On the 16th September the Friends of St Andrew’s Little Massingham were due to hold a Sew Day, unfortunately because of several issues we have had to postpone the event, but there will be more!!
We are pleased to announce we have decided to make it more inclusive and as well as quilters making patchworks, we are asking people who knit and crochet to take part, thereby making a different style of Hug! When crocheting and knitting we are asking that the hug makers ensure that there are no holes and they are the correct required size of hug. More about the sizes can be found on https://fosalm.org/
The first quilted tops have been made and they look wonderful! We are looking forward to seeing the next batch!
The Friends of St Andrew’s Church Little Massingham (FOSALM) and Quilts 4 Care Leavers (q4cl.org.uk) have joined forces to organise the stitching together of a Giant HUG that will be large enough to wrap around St. Andrew’s Church in Lt. Massingham. We’re holding Sewing days and will be recruiting quilters at various exhibitions and events starting in Great Massingahm. The public are invited to see the hugs being made from 11.30 am – 2.00 pm at Great Massingham Village Hall. Tea and coffee will be available all day. We hope to have a cake stall as well! If you are interested in joining us please check out our web site at https://fosalm.org/ or contact us via Email at: giveahug@fosalm.org.
THURDAY SEPTEMBER 14th 9.00- 5.00 pm
Coach journey and guided tour of the Cathedral £22.00 INCLUSIVE.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the lovely city of Peterborough.
Meet at Hudson’s fen, Grimston (PE32 1BY) at 9am where we can leave our cars.
The coach will leave Peterborough at 4pm so we will be back at approximately 5pm.
To reserve a place please contact Rosemarie Bowers on 01485 600485 / 07940913176 or Joy Smith 01485 600402 / 07900893891
SATURDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 9.00 - 5.00 pm
NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST ANNUAL BIKE/WALK/DRIVE DAY
The annual Norfolk Churches Trust takes place when you can bike, walk or drive to over 600 Churches and Chapels as you can.
More details and how to raise funds can be found at www.norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2nd 7.00pm
A CONCERT "A Trip down Memory Lane"
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, GAYTON
John Bennett & Gill Smith present an evening of music and readings - including works by A A Milne, Lewis Carroll & Hilaire Belloc.
Refreshments at the interval. All are welcome - admission £5.00.
PARISH WALKS
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9th 6.30 pm
CONGHAM
Meet at Congham Church with refreshments afterwards.
SATURDAY 26th AUGUST 3.00pm
EAST WALTON
Meet at Abbey Farm with refreshments afterwards.
SUNDAY SEPT 3rd 3.00 pm
BAWSEY
SUNDAY AUGUST 6th 10.30 am
REVD. JUDITH'S FINAL SERVICE
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
After 9 years 
of service in our Churches, Revd Judith is retiring and looking forward to spending more time with Mike and her boys.
It has been a tumoultuous period with the loss of Revd Jane and several stalwarts of our Church community here. She has helped us through the death of HRH Prince Phillip and then of our dear Queen Elizabeth II. We all suffered through the years of Covid and she has remained steadfast in supporting our communities here.
This Sunday all were welcome to this her last service before leaving us and to offer her and her family all our good wishes for the next chapter of their lives. There was also a presentation of gifts from us all including a boquet of flowers and cards from all the congregations, a watercolour of St Botolph's Church - a photobook of memories of her time here and a cheque for £1000.00.
At the end of the service there was time for chat along with refreshments - tea/coffee - drinks and light finger food.
TUESDAYS AUGUST 1st/ 8th/15th/ Thurs. 24 th 1.00 - 3.30 pm
SUMMER FUN
ST MARY'S, GT MASSINGHAM
After last year's successful fun afternoons, we are planning to do it all again. Crafts, Games, Face painting, Water games plus surprise entertainment.
Once again all activities will be free including drinks and snacks. All children must be accompanied buy an adult.
SUNDAY JULY 30th 2023
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, CONGHAM
CHURCHWARDEN'S SERVICE IN NEWLY REFURBISHED CHURCH
St Andrew's at Congham has now completed its refurbishment and held its first service in hosting the annual Churchwardens' service.
The Church had been closed since January 2023 when scaffolding went up and work commenced in retiling the whole roof and adding new guttering. External brickwork has been repaired and additional work done on the tower. Inside has had walls re-rendered and the whole Church deep cleaned. New lighting and heating inside and outside lighting has also been installed. Above all of this, the Church has completely updated its entire audio/visual capabilities with a totally modern microphone and speaker system and remote cameras for recording along with a wi-fi interface to stream events. All of this was made possible by a generous bequest.
FRIDAY 28th JULY 11.00 - 1.00 pm
CHILDREN'S FREE CRAFT EVENT
ST BOTOLPH'S CHURCH, GRIMSTON
SATURDAY 8th JULY from 11.30 am
SUMMER FETE
ST MARY, GT MASSINGHAM
Jump in to summer and join us for a Fete with Food, Crafts, Raffle, Tombola, Music, Face painting, Sweets and more.....Prosecco & Pimms.
A craft table for children and fun for all the family. Raffle drawn at 3.00pm.
TUESDAY JUNE 27th 9.00am
Ashwicken C of E Primary School KS1 Visit All Saints' Church
They explored the churchyard and made good use of the different textures in the bricks and stones,
discovering the small creatures that live in the nooks and crannies.
Rev'd Sue Martin explained about the church building,they were really interested in the small doors!
After a break for a drink they walked back to school, down the hill and along the lanes.
Many thanks to all the staff and especially to Mrs Kirstie James Hoddy. EYFS Lead Teacher.
TUESDAY JUNE 27th 7.00 PM
ARCHEOLOGY TALK ON THE DISCOVERIES AT EAST WALTON
EAST WALTON, ABBEY FARM.
Since 2019 a dedicated group of citizen archaeologists has been working at Abbey Farm, East Walton. During that time we have been very happy for people from the village and beyond to come and see what we are doing, and see archaeology in action, rather than on TV. Come and hear all that has been found so far and how you can freely participate in the digs this year.If you are unable to attend , you can read a report and see how you can get involved here :GGM Benefice | East Walton Church History
SAT/SUNDAY JUNE 24/25th 11.00 - 5.00 pm
HARPLEY OPEN GARDENS
COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERT SUNDAY 5.00pm
ST LAWRENCE, HARPLEY
An advance notice of this biennial event. If you can help in any way please call Gina Wagg 01485 520153
8 gardens open. ..Plant Stall at Flint Cottage. 11a.m. to 5p.m. June 24th and 25th. Community Choir concert in the church at 5p.m. on Sunday. Refreshments available in the church both days. Tickets £5.00 available from the church with maps of village. Children free.
THURSDAY 22nd JUNE 7.00pm
INTERREGNUM MEETING
ABBEY FARM, EAST WALTON.
A meeting for everyone to discuss the way forward during the Interregnum ie: when Revd. Judith retires and how we will manage the appointment of a new vicar and what we do during the period until one is appointed. Meet at the ballroom at Abbey Farm, East Walton. PE32 1PP
SUNDAY JUNE 18th 10.00 am
TRACTOR ROAD RUN
1.30 pm TRACTOR RALLY & COUNTRY FAYRE
GRIMSTON
SATURDAY 10th JUNE 10 - 12.00 am
COFFEE MORNING
ST MARY'S CHURCH, GREAT MASSINGHAM
FRIDAY 19th MAY 18.30 - 21.00 pm
FoSALM present " AN EVENING OF BACH" with CELLIST ORLANDO JOPLING
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, LT MASSINGHAM
As a result of a collaboration between Oliver Birkbeck, who lives in Little Massingham House, and the Friends of Andrew’s Little Massingham, (FOSALM) the village is delighted to be hosting the world-class conductor, composer and Cellist,Orlando Jopling, who has agreed to provide a one night solo Bach Cello Concert in Little Massingham church on Friday, the 19th of May starting at 19:00 hours. Orlando is well known for his performances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Ballet, The English Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Opera House. This very special and unique event, which will be raising much-needed funds for St Andrews Church, is something not to be missed. Tickets priced at £25 which incudes a glass of wine can be purchased from the FOSALM website - www.fosalm.org - in cash at the door on the night, or through Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3YzCdbx
This will be an unforgettable and very enjoyable evening so please book your places early!
SATURDAY 20th MAY 10 - 12.00 am
FoSB COFFEE MORNING & AGM (11.45am)
ST BOTOLPH'S CHURCH, GRIMSTON
CORONATION SUNDAY
SPECIAL SERVICES IN CHURCH.
At Harpley there is also a performance from the newly launched Harpley Community Choir.
WEDNESDAY MAY 3rd 6.00 pm
A VISIT BY THE BISHOP and ARCHDEACON of LYNN
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, GAYTON
The Right Reverande Dr Jane Steen, Bishop of Lynn and the Venerable Catherine Dobson, Archdeacon, will be visiting to chat about the Benefice during the Interregnum. The period after Revd Judith's retiremnent and before a new priest is appointed.
SUNDAY 3O th APRIL 3.30 pm
SERVICE of THANKSGIVING
NORWICH CATHEDRAL
Psalm 75 begins with a great declaration, ‘We Thank you, O God! We Give Thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.’ Psalm 75:1 (NLT)
Over the last few years, it has been very reassuring to know that our God is indeed near to us, helping us to navigate a pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, a war on our doorstep and a myriad of other challenges. We would love for you to be one of the ‘people everywhere’ from across our diocese giving thanks at our Service of Thanksgiving at Norwich Cathedral on the 30th April 2023 at 3:30pm. It is your opportunity to be part of the chorus of celebrating God’s wonderful deeds to us and through us over the last few years. If you would like to come and celebrate with us while we hear from Bishop Graham, please RSVP to naomi.rizk@dioceseofnorwich.org by the 20th of April please.
Refreshments will be available, and all from your parish are welcome. Bishop Graham and our team would love to see you as we give thanks together.
SATURDAY APRIL 29th 10.30 - 1.00 pm
PLANT FAIR
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON
Our Third Annual Plant Fair with lots of plants at reasonable prices.
Donated plants may be left at Church from 9.00 am. Refreshments available.
SATURDAY APRIL 22 nd 6.45 pm FOR 7.30 pm
PRIZE BINGO
GREAT MASSINGHAM VILLAGE HALL
All proceeds for the repair of the church clock. Donations of prizes for bingo and raffle would be appreciated.Everyone welcome.
Contact Peggy 520393 or Chrissie 520173
CONGRATULATIONS - OVER £1000 RAISED.
SATURDAY APRIL 22nd 2.00 pm.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR REVD. JULIAN THOMPSON
ST MARY'S, GT MASSINGHAM
We are deeply sorry to announce the death of Revd.Julian.
After a short illness, he suddenly passed away surounded by his family on Jan 2nd.
He played such a large part in St Mary's and St Andrew's in the Massinghams and was very involved in village life.
Dear Lord,
Bless all of us who mourn for Julian with the comfort of your love. That we may face each new day with hope and the certainty that
nothing can destroy the good that has been given. May our memories be joyful, of days enriched by his friendship, and our lives encircled by his grace.
Amen
The eulogy given by his children at the funeral service can be read here.
SATURDAY 15th APRIL 10 - 12.00 am
A SPRING COFFEE MORNING
ST MARY, GREAT MASSINGHAM
WEDNESDAY 5th APRIL 11.00 - 1.00 pm
CHILDREN'S EASTER CRAFT EVENT
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
SATURDAY 25th MARCH 10 - 12.00 am
THE FRIENDS of ST BOTOLPH present A COFFEE MORNING
ST BOTOLPH, GRISMSTON
SATURDAY 18th MARCH 10 - 12.00 am
A COFFEE MORNING FOR MOTHERING SUNDAY
ST MARY, GT MASSINGHAM
FRIDAY MARCH 17th 2.00 - 4.00 pm
WILDOAK WORKSHOP -- SPRINGTIME BOUQUET
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, ASHWICKEN
Come and join Katie from Wild Oak Workshops at All Saints Church, Ashwicken, also known as The Church in the Fields, to create your very own natural and seasonal bouquet to celebrate Mother’s Day. Gather your friends, bring your treasured Mamma, Grannies and Granddaughters to create together. You will find yourself reconnecting to Mother Nature as Katie shares with you fascinating seasonal facts about this special time of year. All blooms have been carefully chosen for the symbology of Motherhood, wrapped in locally harvested wild foliage and deliciously scented blooms. From fresh stems of lilies, roses, freesias, veronicas, to masses of eucalyptus, Spring hedgerow accents of pussy willow and wild saplings. During the workshop, Katie guides you through the creative process and teaches you the art of the hand-tied bouquet while you relax and enjoy the therapeutic, natural aromas as you create with nature. At the end of the workshop you’ll marvel at your divine bouquets made by you, especially for you! Included are all seasonal flowers, foliage, wrapping and ribbon - and warming refreshments and cake!
£40 per person single ticket. Book on line at https://wildoakworkshops.com/workshops (scroll down)
Deadline is Friday 10th March 2023 by 5pm
TUESDAYS 7,14,21, & 28th MARCH 11.00 - 12.30 PM
courtesy KIM & ALAN FRAZER, COBWEBS, STATION ROAD, GT MASSINGHAM
THURSDAYS 2,9,16,23 & 30th MARCH 7.00-8.30 pm
courtesy DICKIE & ROSEMARIE BOWERS, ORCHARD HOUSE, LYNN RD GRIMSTON.
more details from :revdsuemartin@gmail.com or joysmith61@btinternet.com
SATURDAY 4th FEB 9.00 - 12.00 am
CHURCHYARD WORKING PARTY
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
Come when you can, for as long as you can. A winter warm up and get the churchyard spring ready!!!
FOSB famous sausage rolls and refreshments will also be there! - thank you in advance to Judith, Jenny and Christine for supplying them. Jobs to be done - Weeding the gravel path, General weeding and tidying, Clearing trimmings in new graveyard, Oiling the font cover. Useful things to bring…Gloves, Pruning shears, Hoe, Loppers, Bucket, Wheelbarrow, Anything else you think will be useful
SATURDAY 21 st JANUARY 10 - 12.00 am
COFFEE MORNING
ST MARY, GT MASSINGHAM
Come along for COFFEE - CAKE - CHAT in Church this morning.
SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY
RT. REVD. DR. JANE STEEN, BISHOP of LYNN COMMUNION SERVICE
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
The Mission Team with the Bishop of Lynn.
We were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Lynn to a full Church this Sunday.