ARCHIVED NEWS 2026
SUNDAY 21st JUNE 10.30 am - 2.30pm
FoSB PRESENT THE VINTAGE TRACTOR RUN
10.30am. Tractors Leave Manor Farm to take the following route around our villages.
The tractors will turn right out of Manor Farm. Left onto Lynn Road (opposite the Post Office)
Passing Congham Hall. Left onto Chequers Road. Left onto Chapel Road
Left onto Vong Lane. Right onto Gayton Road and past St.Botolphs Church as they head off on their Road Run around West Norfolk.
The tractors return at about 2.30 pm.
and COUNTRY FAYRE from 2.30 pm
MANOR FARM, GRIMSTON PE32 1BG
The Friends of St Botolph Church present Vintage tractors and Farm Machinery,
Steam Traction Engines, Craft Stall with Live Music, BBQ, Strawberries & Cream, Beer, Pimms and Refreshments.
Cash Only Event but FREE ENTRY and PARKING.
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..
WEDNESDAY 17th - FRIDAY 19th JUNE 10.00 - 3.30 pm
PEW POLISH
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, LITTLE MASSINGHAM
Can you smell the Besswax?
Join Caroline and friends polishing the pews in Church - or just turn up for a chat.
Caroline ( nee Meredith) has long family ties with the village - her great grandparents built the Manor.
JUNE 1st - 6th
VOLUNTEERS WEEK
At the beginning of Volunteers’ Week, it feels right to pause and give thanks for those people who quietly, faithfully and often without much fuss, give their time for the good of others.
This weekend, our Benefice Annual Parochial Church Meeting took place. To some, an APCM may sound like one of those rather dry and procedural moments in the church year: reports, accounts, elections, forms and minutes. But beneath all that necessary administration is something deeply hopeful. Churchwardens, PCC members, treasurers, secretaries, safeguarding officers, Deanery Synod representatives and many others have once again stepped forward to serve. They are not just filling posts. They are helping to hold open the doors of prayer, welcome, worship and community life in our villages.
In many of our churches, the life of the parish depends not on large teams of paid staff, but on the dedication of volunteers: the person who unlocks the church, arranges the flowers, checks the gutters, balances the books, puts the heating on, rings the bells, reads the lesson, serves coffee, welcomes the stranger, or simply notices when someone has not been seen for a while. As I preached on Sunday, these are not small things. They are the threads from which community is woven.
The same is true in our schools. As a school governor, I have seen something of the commitment required from those who serve behind the scenes in education. Governors are rarely visible at the school gate. They are not the ones teaching the phonics lesson, serving the lunches or bandaging the grazed knee. But they carry an important responsibility: asking questions, supporting staff, thinking about standards, holding safeguarding to account, planning sustainable finances, embodying values and ensuring the long-term wellbeing of children and families. Good governance is a form of quiet service. It is rarely glamorous, but it matters profoundly.
And then there are the uniformed youth organisations, which shaped so much of my own life for many years. Whether Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Army Cadets, ATC or other local groups, these organisations offer young people something increasingly precious: belonging, adventure, discipline, friendship, service and the chance to discover that they are capable of more than they imagined. Behind every camp, parade, badge, game, hike, craft activity or act of remembrance stands a team of adult volunteers giving evenings, weekends, energy and patience to help young people flourish.
So why, when volunteering gives so much, is it becoming harder to recruit volunteers?
Part of the answer, I suppose, is time. People seem stretched more than ever. By work, family life, caring responsibilities, financial pressure and sheer tiredness from holding a complex life together. The old patterns of community life, where people had more predictable evenings or retired earlier with energy to spare, have changed. People may still care deeply, but they often feel they have less capacity.
Part of the answer, perhaps, is fear. Volunteering today can feel weighed down by paperwork, regulation, safeguarding requirements, risk assessments and compliance. Much of this is necessary and good, especially where children or vulnerable adults are concerned. But for the new volunteer, it can feel daunting. People wonder whether they are qualified enough, whether they will get it wrong, whether they will be left carrying too much.
And part of the answer must be a cultural shift. We live in a more individual age. Many people are less rooted in one place than previous generations. We consume community services without always seeing the volunteers who make them possible. We want the church open, the school strong, the youth group thriving, the village event running and the local charity responding — but we do not always connect those hopes with the simple need for people to say, “Yes, I can help.”
So how might we begin to reverse the trend?
First, we need to celebrate volunteers better. Not with empty flattery, but with genuine gratitude. People need to know that what they do matters. A thank you, a public acknowledgement, a card, a cup of tea, a kind word after a long meeting. These things count and make such a difference. A church I used to be a part of celebrated an annual afternoon tea just for the volunteers, a way of giving something back to those who serve them so well. Food (quite literally) for thought.
Second, we need to make volunteering more accessible. Not every role needs to be a lifelong commitment. Some people can give an hour, some a morning, some one event a year, some regular weekly service. We need to stop asking only, “Will you take on this role?” and start asking, “What could you offer, and what would bring you joy?” I have always been taken by the Asset Based Community Development approach to volunteering, not based on deficit, or what we are missing in a community, but based on what we already have, the skills and gifts that people already bring.
Third, we need to train and support people well. Volunteers should not be abandoned once they say yes. Good induction, clear expectations, shared responsibility and encouragement can turn anxiety into confidence. The best volunteering is not a burden dumped on one pair of shoulders, but a shared vocation.
Finally, we need to recover a vision of service as something life-giving. Volunteering is not simply about plugging gaps. It is about belonging to one another. It is about refusing to become spectators in our own communities. It is about discovering that when we give ourselves away in service, we often receive far more than we expected.
At the start of this Volunteers’ Week, I want to say thank you: to our newly appointed church officers, to school governors, to youth leaders, and to every person who serves quietly and faithfully in our villages. Our communities are stronger because of you. And perhaps the best way we can honour you is not only by saying thank you, but by each asking ourselves: where might I serve next?
Happy Volunteer Week!
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
The success of the coffee mornings is covered in a short video clip hosted by Revd Josh and Helen Lilley, Churchwarden. Watch it in our video's or by clicking here.
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!
SUNDAY JUNE 14th 10.00 - 4.30 PM
HARPLEY OPEN GARDENS
ST LAWRENCE, HARPLEY
Eight gardens will be open along with Croquet, a plant stall, an observation bee hive and an historical trail and quiz, a Treasure Hunt around the village. Raffle and Refreshments in the Church all day.
SUNDAY JUNE 14th 5.30 pm
HARPLEY COMMUNITY CHOIR IN CONCERT IN CHURCH.
Selection of Music from Classical to Modern. Donation in Church requested.
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.
TUESDAY MAY 20th 7.00 pm
HOLY LAND TALK BY REVD SUE
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON
Illustrated talk from recent pilgrimages by Rev’d Sue Martin looking at special places from the Bible in today’s world.
Part 1 Northern Israel St Nicholas Church Gayton 22 nd April 7.00pm
Part 2 Southern Israel St Botolph’s Church Grimston 20 th May 7.00pm
£5 includes wine and nibbles, proceeds to the church.
Coming to Gt Massingham later, date to be decided.
SATURDAY MAY 9th 10.00 - 12.00 pm
and SAT JUNE 13th, 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!
SATURDAY MAY 9th 10.00 -12.00
YARD SALE
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON VILLAGE
A Yard Sale around the streets of Gayton with stalls also available in Church where refreshments will be available.
The cost is £5.00 per household with application forms available in Church at St Winifreds (Lynn Road - by the gate) or on line at stanwatkinson1@gmail.com.
Applications must be received by Thursday 7th May to be included on the map.
SATURDAY 2nd MAY 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 APRIL 25th 10.00 - 1.00 pm
PLANT SALE
ST NICHOLAS, GAYTON
Please bring along your donated plants, shrubs and seeds from 9.30 am. You can leave them by the Church porch. The sale starts at 10.00 am and there will be coffee, tea and cakes available.
Please contact Steve Williamson 01553 636413 for further details.
SATURDAY 18th APRIL 10.00 - 12.00
COFFEE MORNING AND PLANT SALE
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
As Spring is getting underway, come and join the FoSB to raise funds to help keep your beautiful village Church in a good state of repair.
Come along for a cuppa, home made cake and a chat ...and maybe find some new plants for your garden too.
Any donations of cakes and plants gratefully received either on the day or call Sharon 07786 101681 to arrange collection.
Looking forward to seeing you.
SATURDAY 4th APRIL 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 4th APRIL 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 28th MARCH 2.000 - 4.30 pm
MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, ROYDON
The Mad Hatters Tea Party - with Music - is being held in Roydon Church.
Tea/Coffe and cake £3.50. Raffle. Easter Bonnet competition.
Offers of cakes, raffle prizes or help on the day greatly appreciated. Please contact 01485 600353 or 600869 or 600059.
TUESDAY MARCH 31st 11.00 - 1.00pm
CHILDREN'S EASTER CRAFTS
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
A date for your diary! We are very excited for the Easter ARC events in Grimston - although,
I wonder if the children will manage to get to the eggs or if the Rector will find them first... he is rather partial to a chocolate egg!
P
ALM SUNDAY 29th MARCH from 10.20 am
GROUP PALM SUNDAY SERVICE
ST MARY, GT MASSINGHAM
We will be processing around the well with a donkey and sheep at 10.20 am.
We are encouraging as many children and adults as possible to dress up as disciples and carry their palm crosses.
PALM SUNDAY 29th MARCH from 3.00 pm
FAMILY SERVICE WITH DONKEYS
ST MARY, EAST WALTON
Join Timmy & Jimmy, the donkeys, as they lead us from Abbey Farm to Church
TUESDAY 24th FEBRUARY 11.00 - 12.30 pm in GREAT MASSINGHAM ,
WEDNESDAY 25th FEBRUARY 7.00 - 8.00 pm HARPLEY
THURSDAY 26th FEBRUARY 7.00 -8.30pm GRIMSTON
LENT COURSE OVER 5 WEEKS BASED ON THE "DRAW NEAR" CofE BOOKLET
We will be holding Lent courses starting on Tuesday 24 th February to 24th March from 11 to 12.30pm in Gt Massingham, venue for first couple of weeks is at Barrack House
But from 10 th March will definitely be at the home of Alan and Kim Fraser, Cobwebs, Gt Massingham
And on Wednesday 25th Feb to 18th March From 7 to 8 pm at Lucy Brown's, The Old Rectory, Harpley .contact Lucy 07787 386448
And on Thursday 26 th February to 26th March From 7 to 8.30pm at the home of Dickie and Rosemarie Bowers, Orchard House, Grimston.
For more details, please contact Rev Josh Whitnall 01485 750075
SATURDAY 14th MARCH 10.00 - 12.00
COFFEE MORNING
POTT ROW METHODIST CHURCH
SATURDAY 7th MARCH 10.30 - 12.00 pm
COFFEE MORNING
ST ANDREW, CONGHAM
Come and join us for coffee, cake and chat at our famous coffee morning.
SUNDAY MARCH 1st 10.30 am
SPECIAL FAMILY SERVICE
ST MARY GT MASSINGHAM
Join us at 10:30am on Sunday for the monthly Great Massingham Family Service! Children at Great Massingham school learnt Step by Step in Collective Worship this week, so are ready to go!!
Join us for some live music, craft and something tasty to go away with.
There is also a service of Holy Communion at Roydon at 8.30 am and a Family Service at Harpley at 9.30 am. and A Holy Communion srervice at Grimston at 10.30 am.
SATURDAY 21st FEBRUARY 9.00 - 12.00pm
FoSB WORK PARTY
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
Please come along when you can, for as long as you can and join in to get St.Botolphs churchyard ready for Spring. FOSB fabulous refreshments at 1/2 time. Jobs to do… Low level pollarding of Lime trees Thinning trees in churchyard Clearing leaves and debris Cleaning low level gutters and down pipes Tidying graves Cleaning & tidying remembrance stones Cutting back ivy Weeding the path Rabbit proofing Cleaning/checking bird boxes Clearing mole hills Locating hedgehog houses Bits to Bring… Garden tools Wheelbarrow Bucket Secateurs Gloves Your energy and enthusiasm Whatever else you think will be useful … Look forward to seeing you there!
WEDNESDAY 18th FEBRUARY 11.00 - 13.00 pm
CHILDREN'S CRAFTS
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
An ARC event, join us for special afternoon of SAsh wednewsday Childrens activities and (Shrove Tuesday) Pancakes.
SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY 11.00 - 4.00 pm
LAMBING DAY
ABBEY FARM, EAST WALTON PE32 1PP
Visit our busy lambing yard and meet the sheep. Perhaps even see some lambs being born.
Tractors and combine to sit in. Refreshments. A talk by Farmer Bill at 12pm and 2pm.
All donations received for St Mary’s Church, East Walton
We are indoors but bring warm clothing and don’t forget a camara!
For your safety if you are pregnant, it is advisable not to attend.
A NEW RECTOR HAS BEEN APPOINTED, SUNDAY JANUARY 11th 3.00 pm,
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON
A packed Church was delighted to welcome Revd Josh to be our Rector at the installation service led by the Bishop of Lynn Rt. Revd Dr Jane Steen, with the Archdeacon the Venerable Catherine Dobson, the Rural Dean revd Canon Karlee Kerr and clergy from the Diocese, Lynn Deanery and our own local members, Revd Sue Martin, Revd David Grundy and Joy Smith LLM. Also present were the Church Patrons, along with Lord Howard, Lord Bellingham, Lord Marsham and Viscount Marsham All our Churchwardens were present along with many representatives of our Schools, Guides and Cubs and Parish Councils.
We were pleased to especially welcome Revd Josh's family, wife, children and parents along with members from his old parishes.
It was a service seeped in tradition but with many fun moments too.
Josh and his family are now settled into the Rectory and his flock of sheep have a new home here. It
was very fitting, therefore, that Bill Lewis, on our behalf, presented Josh and Beth with 2 new Shepherd's Crooks to add to their collection.
We all look forward to Josh starting his Ministry here, after a short period of maternity leave, with hisnfirst Group Benefice Communion Service.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th 10.30 am GROUP BENEFICE SERVICE ST NICHOLAS GAYTON
BEHOLD A BOY
Wow. Great breaking news.
Revd Josh is absolutely delighted to announce that on 21st January at 3.00pm, he and Beth became the proud parents of a baby boy - Reuben John - a brother for Eden and Iona.
Mother and baby are doing well and now settling in at home.
Our love and congratulations to all the family and we hope to see them all soon.
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Revd. Josh Whitnall has been appointed as Team Rector for our Benefice
He is a Norfolk man, deeply committed to nature, the countryside and village life and especially rural ministry.
His wife is a shepherd with a flock of sheep and they have a lovely family - two young girls and another child due in the new year.
We are looking forward to the family taking up residence at Grimston Rectory in early January.
From Lectio 365 on 5th November 2025, this prayer was featured :
Lord, I pray for a Christian leader I know who has recently stepped into a new role – may they know you, love you, trust you, and faithfully follow you always.
May they lead with wisdom beyond their years, and with grace beyond every natural capacity! Amen
( Lectio 365 is a free resource that features bible readings and daily prayers everyday. You can read more here : Lectio 365 - 24-7 Prayer GB )
Josh writes:
I am delighted to have been appointed your new Rector, and I am excited to join you early next year.
I look forward to getting to know you all and ministering together for many years to come.
I am married to Beth, who is a shepherd by trade, we have two wonderful girls, Eden (4) and Iona (2), and are expecting our third child in January.
Much of our family life revolves around the agricultural year, although Eden and I can often be found in a bird hide somewhere in Norfolk.
I must offer my thanks to all whom have already made me feel so welcome throughout the appointment process, especially the parish representatives,
church wardens and ministry team, whom I look forward to working with to continue to serve each of your communities.
With every best wish, Josh
SUNDAY JANUARY 11th 2026 3.00pm
OUR NEW RECTOR'S INDUCTION SERVICE
ST BOTOLPH, GRIMSTON.
This a very special service as we welcome Revd Josh Whitnall to our group of Churches and when he will be formally inducted as our new Rector. All are welcome to attend and there will be refreshments afterwards.