North Suffolk

A half term visit to relatives in Suffolk has enabled me to fit in a few more churches, just to keep the project going really as well as being an excuse to go to some favourite churches.

First up is the lovely, haunting;

St. Andrew’s, Covehithe

A church within a church. The original was a huge 15th century church probably financed by the wealthy incumbent, William Yarmouth. It was always far too big for such a tiny place. In 1672 the parishioners built a much smaller church within the shell of the old one by using materials from it. The large tower was preserved as a sailor’s landmark and still contains a ring of five bells. This really is a lovely spot but the sea is fast enroaching on this bit of the coast and I wonder how long it will be before St. Andrew’s succumbs as many other places have to the restless North Sea. Visit it whilst you can!

There is no church sign but in the porch is a welcome notice and another that the church is open each day. It receives many visitors as a lot of walkers pass this lovely spot. The visitor’s book had 43 entries in the last month which is very good for an isolated church in October. There is a guide too buy, post cards, Christmas cards, fridge magnets and tea towels. Also some used books at 50p each. I rate St. Andrew’s as Okay for the visitor. It really is worth a visit.

The website is at http://www.standrewcovehithe.net/

and does say that the church is open daily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Edmund’s, Southwold

St. Edmund’s is open every day and the sign outside is very good as it tells all comers that this is the case. At this time of year, it is open 10am – 4pm, longer in the summer.

There is plenty to see here. It is worth starting any visit by looking carefully at the outside of the church. The flush flint work is spectacular. Inside, there was a steward on duty, a very friendly lady. Displays of church life and the people of the church are arranged at the back. There is a well stocked book stall and a Traid Craft stall with fair trade goods. An excellent guide book is on sale for £5 and some inexpensive ones as well. For children, there is a small book stall and toys and books are left out to keep younger visitors busy.

The Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich have featured an event called ‘Angels & Pinnacles’ , which has been mentioned on some of my earlier posts. In Southwold there was a photographic display which had resulted from a workshop. Some excellent photos could be viewed. The lovely Lady Chapel is set aside for prayer and there are some prayer cards, a prayer tree and a votive stand to use. Also a lovely prayer which visitors are encouraged to take away. A Bible is left open in the church also.

71 visitors had signed the book in the last month.

It was nice to see some children’s artwork displayed which had been done by a local school. All in all a great church to visit. Recommended and I rate this as very good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holy Trinity, Blyburgh

A famous church, often know as the ‘cathedral of the marshes’ due to it’s position on a low hill overlooking the Blyth estuary. The church is open every day but the sign outside is very simple and doesn’t mention this.

Inside there are various gifts for sale as well as cards, postcards, a good guide and, even better, a ‘Junior Trail’. These are, sadly, seldom seen. A free church plan is provided for visitors as well. There is a range of Tim Tiley booklets on the Christian faith as well as some prayer cards for sale.

A lot of thought has gone into welcoming visitors and providing for them here as there is also a laminated prayer walk around the church. Very well done.

There is a Priest’s Room above the porch (a Parvais chamber) and this is open to visitors which is quite an unusual feature. A lovely peaceful place for quiet and meditation with the Blessed Sacrament being here also.

The Hopton Chapel in the main part of the church has a votive stand and prayer board to use.

112 visitors had signed the visitors book in the last month so Holy Trinity receives a fair few visitors and rightly so as it is well worth seeing.

I rate this church as very good for visitors. It is nearly an excellent but the sign outside does let it down somewhat.

Both Southwold and Blyburgh are part of the Sole Bay Team and their website is at-

http://www.solebayteamministry.co.uk/

It doesn’t say anything about visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

All Saints and St. Margaret’s, Pakefield, Lowestoft

Not many churches in Lowestoft are open to visitors but Pakefield has recently started to do so. It is a lovely church with a thatched roof on a low cliff overlooking the North Sea. The churchyard grass is kept down by two sheep, Rosie and Lucy, which seem to be popular with both visitors and locals.

The signs here are very good making it very clear that this is a church open each day and that visitors are welcome.

Inside there is a small room open for children with the usual toys and books etc. There is a guide book, mugs and post cards for sale. Also, a rack of home produced prayer cards with a good variety of prayers, Psalms, poems and Bible passages on them. A good idea that doesn’t take too much effort to do and is I am sure appreciated.

This church was originally two, semi detached, buildings hence the double dedication. The St. Margaret’s Chancel is used for prayer and there is a prayer request board and a sand tray for votive candles. This is very much living church and there is a good selection of banners around. It is also well cared for.

I rate this church as very good and worth a visit.