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.
ITV Anglia News reported this wonderful news - you can view its report in Videos or click here.
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ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, CONGHAM CELEBRATES A NEW ALTAR FRONTAL
The altar frontal was originally embroidered by Susan Gurney, nee Elwes (a long established Congham Family) in memory of her sister, Nancy Jamieson, who was killed in a car accident in 1963.
It depicts two angels and much of the embroidery is in goldwork. The original design of the frontal was incomplete, as in the early 1
960's, the cross on the altar was used as the central focus.
Since then the altar has been moved forward to allow the rector to officiate facing the congregation. In 2026,after consultation with Juliet Webster and Sarah Douglas-Pennant, two of Susan's daughters, Sarah very generously offered to renovate the frontal and make a new pulpit fall as the original piece had been damaged by insects. She was helped with the design and direction of the work by Susan's embroidery teacher, Isabel Clover. a renowned ecclesiastical embroiderer. Isabel helped with the design and direction of the pulpit fall, and also helped with alterations to the altar frontal, adding side panels and creating a central cross on a ‘super frontal’ which hangs over the altar frontal.
The restored piece and new pulpit fall form a matching set.
A celebratory service was held at Congham church on Saturday 8th August 2026 to dedicate beautiful embroideries , continuing a family legacy of craftsmanship.Sarah and Isabel were both present at the service, which was conducted by Rev’d Josh Whitnall with assistance from Sarah’s stepson Rev’d Oli Douglas-Pennant, together with many family members and friends and regular worshippers from Congham and across the benefice.
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: 07947 137484
SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 3.00 pm ASHWICKEN
PARISH WALKS
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
OCTOBER 10th 10.00 - 12.00 pm
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!
Ken Dewing of the Gayton History Group will be coming along with photo's and archives of the village.
WEDNESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 10.30 - 4.30 pm
CELEBRATING GOD'S CREATION ON MASSINGHAM HEATH
A day set aside to see and celebrate God's lovely creation , through drawing, painting and writing.
A peaceful and mindful retreat - walking with the wind on your face - gleaning from the natural world.
Walking with and worshipping Our Father.
Lunch is provided and there are no charges for the day.
Please RSVP by August 23rd to Revd Josh at rectorggmbenefice@gmail.com.
It is being held at Little Massingham Barn - PE31 6DS - it is about 600 yards from the entry to Church Lane from the Massingham/Grimston Road heading uphill and the turning is on the left.
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
SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 10.30 - 12.00 pm
COFFEE MORNING
ST ANDREW, CONGHAM
Come and join us for coffee, cake and chat at our famous coffee morning.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 3rd 10.00 - 1.00pm
HARVEST FLOWER WORKSHOP
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
Come and create an Autumn arrangement in a Pumpkin.
£10 tiket includes Tutorial, all materials and refreshments. If you would like - stay on for lunch - homemade soup and a roll.
To book your place, please contact Jennie Haywood 07711 340 849. Help decorate the Church ready for its Harvest Festival.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th 10.00 - 4.00 pm
CRAFT FAIR and OPEN TOWER
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
Craft Fair and Open Tower Afternoon with the St Botolph Bell Ringers.
The Friends of St Botolph invite you for Crafts, Demonstrations, Raffles.
Craft Fair 10.00 - 4.00 pm
Open Tower !.00 pm - 4.00pm
All are welcome - Set your satnav to PE32 1BH.
TUESDAY 21st OCTOBER 7.00 pm
AN ILLUSTRATED TALK ON ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, GAYTON
An illustrated talk by Revd Sue on St Francis of Assisi and follow in his footsteps.
£5.00 each to include drinks and nibbles.
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