Gt. Massingham
Mary & the Angel Gabriel
"I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2.10
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, LITTLE MASSINGHAM AWARDED MAJOR NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND GRANT
St Andrew’s Church, Little Massingham, has been awarded a major grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support an ambitious project to preserve and revitalise the historic church for future generations.
The funding will enable urgent repairs to the church roof, replacing the failing temporary covering with a permanent terne-coated stainless steel roof, helping protect the Grade I listed building from further water damage. The church has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register since the theft of its lead roof in 2017.
Alongside the essential conservation work, the project will also explore future improvements to make the church more sustainable and welcoming, including a feasibility study for accessible toilet and kitchenette facilities and trial repairs to other areas of the church using traditional materials and techniques.
The wider project celebrates the church’s place at the heart of village life and the surrounding Norfolk landscape. Plans include new digital interpretation within the church, nature interpretation boards, and heritage walking routes linked to the Peddars Way and Massingham Heath, helping visitors engage with the area’s rich history, wildlife, and rural heritage.
Revd Joshua Whitnall, Rector of Little Massingham said:
“This is wonderful news for Little Massingham and for everyone who cares about the future of St Andrew’s Church. This funding allows us not only to protect a beautiful and historic building, but to reimagine how it can continue serving the community for generations to come as a place of worship, heritage, learning, and welcome. I must express my huge thanks to those who have worked so hard to make this grant a reality!”
The project has received strong support from local volunteers, the Friends of St Andrew’s (FOSALM), The Diocese of Norwich Parish Support Team, grant funding from the Norfolk Churches Trust, conservation specialists, and members of the wider community.
Read more about the award ,the plans for the Church building and the very significant programme of improvements designed to strengthen community use of the church at www.fosalm.org Work is expected to start in September 2026.
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BOOKS WANTED TO RAISE FUNDS for HARPLEY CHURCH.
ON SALE AT BIRCHAM WINDMILL PE31 6SJ
Novels and children's books only. Can be left at Harpley Church, or 22 Back Street Harpley, or at The Mill, Bircham. More details : email ginawagg@yahoo.com or phone 07821 622381.Thanks
MONDAYS 9.00 - 10.00 PRAYER GROUP at GRIMSTON
meets at Orchard House, details from Rosemarie Bowers: 01485 600485
TUESDAYS 11.00 -12.30 BIBLE STUDY at GREAT MASSINGHAM
at Cobwebs, Station Road, details from Kim Frazer: 01485 520930
STARTING WEDNESDAY APRIL 16th 6.30 pm to JULY 9th.
( Not taking place in Half Term week May 28th)
WEEKLY ALPHA COURSE
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON
Many people carry quiet questions about God, spirituality, and purpose, yet rarely find the space to explore them openly.
That is exactly why we are launching an Alpha Course in Gayton starting on Wednesday 16th April.
Alpha is a simple and welcoming way to explore the Christian faith. It has been run all over the world and has helped millions of people reflect on life’sbig questions.
The format is relaxed and informal. Each evening begins with food together, followed by a short video exploring a theme of the Christian faith, and then a chance to talk about it in small groups.
There is no pressure, no expectation, and absolutely no such thing as a silly question.
You don’t need any prior knowledge of Christianity to come along.
Some people attend because they are curious about faith. Others are returning to church after many years away.
Some simply enjoy the conversation and the chance to reflect on life with others.
Wherever you find yourself, you would be very warmly welcomed..
SUNDAY MAY 31st 3.00 pm
A VISIT TO THE PHEASANTRY
EAST WALTON
We are very privileged to be invited to visit Adam Sheldrake's ornamental duck, geese, wild fowl, pheasant and bird aviary for an informative walk around and view the colourful and exotic birds he looks after.
A truly amazing place not to be missed. A small donation in aid of the Church will be collected.
Parking at Abbey Farm, PE32 1PP, from where we can take the short walk up the track to the Phesantry.
SATURDAY 6th JUNE 3.00pm HARPLEY meet at Church
PARISH WALKS
WEDNESDAY 1st JULY 3.00 pm GAYTON THORPE
WEDNESDAY 5th AUGUST 6.30 pm CONGHAM
SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER EAST WALTON
SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 3.00 pm ASHWICKEN
The bluebells in the woods at Bawsey last April were magnificent so we will return there for the initial walk of our 2026 series of ‘Parish Walks’ around the Benefice. Meet at Church Farm, Bawsey PE32 1EU. Saturday April 25th at 3pm Followed by refreshments. Come and join us for some gentle exercise for about an hour. Over the coming months there will be a range of walks for all abilities so there should be something to suit almost everyone. If you’re not a walker why not come along and join us for, or help, with refreshments? These walks have proved to be popular ~ they are also great social events, a chance to chat and get to know those from other villages across the Benefice. Remember to wear strong footwear as walks often include tracks and fields which are uneven or possibly muddy. Why not join us sometime?
For more details check the website or contact: Rev’d Sue Martin revdsuemartin@gmail.com or Rosemary Mehers rosemarymehers@hotmail.com Or Tel: 07720 971753
SATURDAY 6th JUNE 10.00 - 12.00 pm
COFFEE MORNING
ST ANDREW, CONGHAM
Come and join us for coffee, cake and chat at our famous coffee morning
SATURDAY JUNE 13th 10.00 - 12.00 pm
and SAT JULY 11th and AUGUST 8th
COFFEE MORNING
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON
Enjoy fresh coffee, tea, homemade cakes and cookies. Come along to catch up with friends, meet new faces and support our local community. Everyone is welcome.
For more information: contact Christine on 01553 636913 or email revdsuemartin@gmail.com Bring a friend and spread the word!
THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 8.00 am 6.00 pm
BENEFICE COACH TRIP TO ST ALBANS
A Coach journey and guided Tour of the Cathedral with the afternoon free to explore the lovely city of St Albans.
The Coach will leave at 8.00 am from Hudson Fen ( PE32 1BY) where cars may be left and the return will be at 4.00pm with an approximate time of 6.00pm to return.
The cost all in will be £60.00 and to reserve a place please contact Rosemarie Bowers on 01485 600485/07940913176 or Joy Smith 01485 600402/07900893891
From the Church Registers of Baptisms,Weddings and Funerals
An archive of the year's entries in the Church Registers is on the "From the Church Registers" page. Follow the links for 2018/2017 and 2016..
FOR AN OVERVIEW OF NEWS THE YEAR 2021 AND PREVIOUS YEARS CHECK "THE ARCHIVED NEWS" CLICK HERE