churchtourismstudy

On the way home from Norfolk I called in at a couple of churches

 

St. Peter & St. Paul, Swaffham

 

 

A large, town centre church which is open every day. The signs outside make this clear and that visitors are welcome. There were guide books and stall selling cards, prayer cards, book marks, mugs, marmalade and some children’s gifts as well as one of two other things. On checking the visitors book I found that 85 had signed it in the last month – quite a few people are calling in here. There is a prayer board to use. This is an interesting church to visit in a busy little town. Yet more used books for sale!

I rate this church as good for the visitor.

 

St. Mary’s, Mildenhall

This church was always firmly locked but is now open each day. It is well worth looking at because of it’s wonderful angel roof as well as many other items of interest. The sign outside is pretty basic but there is a good welcome in the porch. Inside there is a newly produce guide book as well as a cheap mini guide and a laminated sheet to carry around. Quite a bit of thought has gone into welcoming visitors here. There are various gifts for sale as well as some gospels to take and some of the good Prayer Trust booklets on various subjects to do with the Christian faith. One table has two jigsaws on it, partly completed. I am not sure quite why they are here and I didn’t add any pieces. This church has featured in the ‘Angels and Pinnacles’ scheme run by the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich. The leaflet for this was around as was the children’s guide. There is also a Prayer Book Society display on the 350 years of the BCP as well as some displays on local history. Pilgrims can also light a candle at the votive stand and there are some prayer slips to leave prayer requests. I rate St. Mary’s as very good.

St. Peter, Great Walsingham

This large church sits on the edge of the village, not to be confused with it’s more famous neighbour. It is open every day but there appear to be no signs at all. Inside, there is a guide book and some postcards. There is the set of guides for the 6 churches in this group (see entry for Little Walsingham). Some 21 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. This is a church of real character and worth seeking out, you can see an ancient poor box and some lovely wood carvings. It is a pity that a bit more effort hasn’t gone into attracting and welcoming those who do come. I have to rate this as just about Okay but would like to see this improve. Given that this is such an impressive church, just down the road from a major Christian pilgrimage site, so much more could be done with just a little bit of thought and effort.

All Saints, Waterden

The only problem with this church is finding it. The postcode sends you to a nearby farm. The church is down the hill from that. What the visitor is looking for is a gap in the hedge and a grass path from that that leads down to All Saints. A sign would be nice! Anyway, it is well worth seeking out. This is a real gem of a church. Tiny, simple, unmessed about with. It has a really holy and peaceful atmosphere. For the visitor there is a simple guide and a registers folder giving details of old family records. Unfortunately someone has stolen the box which money went into! I personally rate this church very highly but for the purpose of this study I have to rate it as poor. It would be a great place to lead a quiet day.

St. Peter & St. Paul, Fakenham

A real contrast to the last entry in all sorts of ways. This large church sits just off the Market place in the centre of the town. It was market day and everywhere was busy, including St. Peter & St. Paul’s. Refreshments were being served in the church and there was a book and bric a brack sale on . It was good to see lots of people inside. There is a small book shop with a decent selection of items, including some prayer cards also a paddle board to take around. There didn’t seem to be a guide book but these may have been cleared away. There is a prayer corner with a harrowing story about a young boy who disappeared many years ago and has never been found. There is a votive stand to use.

I rate this as good for the visitor.

St. Margaret, Kings Lynn

Kings Lynn has two distinctive smells about it. There is that rich smell of damp earth to remind us that we are at the edge of the Fens – the smell of fertility. Then there is the smell of pine wood near the docks. Kings Lynn is a major port for the importation of timber.

A very large church in this ancient port. It’s full name is ‘The Priory Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, St. Mary Magdalene and all the Virgin Saints.’ Perhaps not surprisingly it is usually referred to as simply Kings Lynn Minster. The signs outside are very good and welcome the visitor inside. The first thing the visitor sees is a display about prayer, much better than a begging notice and it does emphasise that this is a living church community. There is also a lovely prayer chapel with a stunning votive stand in the form of large globe.

There is another quiet chapel to use as well. There are various guide books and leaflets and also post cards and some paddle boards to take around with you. Children can buy ‘Look at the Church of England’, one the the Bessercar print leaflets. Are they still produced? Children also have an area which features the Olympics and pray for other countries. Yet more used books on sale – don’t seem to be able to get away from these. 88 people had signed in in the last month so this church must get a good number of visitors. I rate this as very good.

St. Lawrence, Castle Rising

An unusual Norman church which features some good stone carving, both inside and out. The door was open but here is another church lacking signs. The guide books had sold out and 44 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. Much more could be done here for the visitor. I have to rate it as poor but it could really be so much better as this is an interesting church.

St. Mary Magdalene, Sandringham

This church is tucked away behind some trees and is not obvious from the road. There is a sign to it near to where you pay to go into the house and grounds. There is no church sign when you get to it either. There is a welcome notice in the porch which also asks the visitor for money. There is a steward on duty who is happy to answer questions. There are cards, booklets, prayer cards, children’s bibles, postcards etc to buy. There is no visitors book but one would probably be impractical here due to the sheer number of visitors. People were in and out all the time I was there. It is very ornate and very Victorian. There is a nice prayer sign and a candle left burning at the entrance to the chancel. There is also a prayer book to write requests in, of which there are many. Worth seeing but don’t expect to find much peace and quiet. I rate it as good.

St. Mary, Snettisham

A very grand church for a small place. it was open with a welcome notice outside. Other notices inside make sure that the visitor feels as though they are really welcomed and not just tolerated or just seen as a source of funds. There are post cards, guide books, children’s and adults books to buy as well as ‘Why Jesus?’ and some other leaflets. There are drinks for visitors as well. Children have an area to use. There are displays of local history, an open Bible on the altar and some interpretation of what parts of the church are about. A chapel is set aside for quiet. 26 people had signed the book in the last month.

One exciting development here is a proposed Church Heritage Room project which would give a display area as well as a meeting room. I would rate this church as good, it will hopefully be very good when the project comes to fruition.

St. Edmund, Hunstanton

A centrally located church in a bustling holiday resort. But it is shut with absolutely no indication if it is ever open outside of Sunday worship times. A poor witness and a really wasted opportunity. I rate this as very poor.

St. Mary the Virgin, Old Hunstanton

The signs are OK here and the church is open. I found a guide and a history as well as a leaflet which gives brief details of the other churches in this group. All of which look worth visiting. There are cards, postcards and prayer cards for sale, as well as tea towels and cloth bags. Children have an area with colouring and books. This won an award in 1998 for it’s welcome to children. It could do with updating though. 121 people in the visitors book in the last month so quite a few people do call in here. The front pew on the south side is set aside for prayer with some simple prayers printed out to use. Some ‘What do Christians believe?’ and ‘Why go to Church?’ leaflets are available too, as well as a booklet ‘Norfolk Pictures and Prayers for the Autumn of life’. Very well done.

A good church to visit and I rate it as good.

St. Mary, Holme next the Sea

A large church right on the main road in the centre of the village. The signs are very good with a clear welcome. I found guide books, post cards and prayer cards for sale. There are some photos of church activities to help bring the building to life. There are some prayers to use on a prayer desk.

I would rate this as Okay. More could be done here with a bit of thought. There is a nice peal of bells here – a bit of a rarity in this part of the world. More details on http://www.hntsbellringers.co.uk/church.htm

St. Mary the Virgin, Brancaster

This church was open but again no signs! There is a guide booklet and some post cards as well as the leaflet mentioned for Old Hunstanton. There is a small area for children. 10 people had signed the book in the last month. There were some prayers printed out and out on a reading desk (as per Holme next the sea). There is a small display of items of interest in the church.

I rate this as Okay, but only just about.

St. Martin’s, Glandford

This church sits in an idyllic spot just above the unique Shell Museum and near to the ford over the River Glaven. This church as once a ruin but was restored by Sir Alfred Jodrell as a memorial to his wife, Adela. She died in 1898 so most of what we see dates from after then. It is open every day and the sign outside proudly says so. Inside there is a guidebook, some postcards and a laminated history sheet to look at. There is much to see. Just about the whole interior is covered in wood carvings of a high quality. The lights come on automatically when you walk in, otherwise you might miss seeing some of the detail. 38 people had signed the visitors book in the last month.

This is a splendid church well worth visiting (the Shell Museum is worth a look as well). I rate it as OK, there is much more that could be done here.

St. Nicholas, Blakeney

I was fortunate in arriving just as a service was due to start so I was able to join in. Simple, peaceful and very refreshing. This is one of my favourite churches. In part this is because so much thought has gone into making the visitor both very welcome and helping them to understand what this church exists for. The signage is very good, making it plain that here is a church which is open each and every day. There is a dog bowl of water in the porch and a sign which says that well behaved dogs are also welcome in church.There is a good range of guides and gifts on sale inside with some simple children’s guides as well. There is also a ‘What do Christians believe?’ leaflet. Drinks are available for visitors, tea, coffee and squash. There is a votive stand to use and a prayer board with some small cards to take away which say, ‘I lit a candle for you in St. Nicholas’ Church Blakeney’. Very simple and very effective. A range of displays help the visitor to understand who Jesus was through the eyes of classic art.

All in all a very good example of what can be done with just a bit of thought. I rate this church as excellent.

The Priory Church of St. Mary and the Holy Cross, Binham

This was once a great priory but a lot of the buildings lie in ruins. This church gets many visitors and there is a lot of information about it’s history. It is open every day and the signs proclaim this. There are all sorts of momentos to buy here, mugs, pens, cards, tea towels, bags, text cards, guides (including a young visitors guide) and a card model of the Priory to make. I bought one of the latter as I couldn’t resist it! There is a wonderful reflective guide to the Priory which takes the visitor around the church explaining the significance of what it there – very good indeed. This was written by a previous rector and professionally printed via a grant by the heritage lottery fund. There is a children’s area set up with the usual colouring and books but also with some very unusual brass rubbings for them to do. To remind the visitor that this is also a living parish church there is a folder of pictures – ‘A Glimpse into the church community.’ Bike ride leaflets are also there. A prayer tree and votive stand cater for those who wish to pray. Again, I give this an excellent and hold it up as an example of how a historic site can be made interesting and relevant to the visitor.

St. Nicholas, Wells next the Sea

A large church beside the main road. On my visit it was full of a display about the Olympics. There was lots of good art work done by children. There was a knowledgable steward o hand to explain the church’s features. There is a guide book and a children’s trail as well as various books for sale. Children have a very good area to use. Displays give details of the history of the church. There is a votive stand to use. An interesting church to visit. I would rate this as good.

St. John the Baptist & St. Mary, Stiffkey

The signs here are basic. Inside there is a guide book.There is an invitation to add prayers in a book, an open Bible and some village history displays. There is an interesting ‘Prayer Net’ with an invitation to add a ribbon to it. This church is mostly associated with it’s one time Rector, Harold Davidson who was eventually defrocked and ended his life being mauled by a lion in a circus display.

The guide mentions him and points out where his grave is but more could be made of this incredible story. I do feel that it is worth bringing a church building to life by telling the story of characters associated with it. This makes a worthy place into an interesting one. I would rate this church as OK.

St. Clement, Burnham Overy

A strange church which is effectively cut it two by the tower. You would note be able to see nor hear a service being taken from the chancel if you were sat in the nave Most odd. There was a friendly cleaner here who pointed out some things of interest. I have mentioned before how important those who do jobs in a church are. The signs outside are very basic – just a printed list of the services in the group. There is a guide book and 1000 Best Churches is on display as St. Clement’s is in it. The chancel is the best bit as it is very light and has some nice modern furniture in it.

A rather lovely church but the visitor could get a much better welcome so I have to rate it as poor.

St. Mary’s, Burnham Market, Westgate

This church was open with an art exhibition in it. There were two stewards who weren’t very talkative! Again the signs are very basic – the same as above. There was a sign about the art exhibition. Guide books, post cards and mugs could be purchased as well as yet more used books.

This is a nice clean church, set in a village which gets many visitors. I have to rate it as poor for the visitor though as very little effort has gone into catering for them. 24 people had signed the visitors book in the last month.

All Saints, Burnham Thorpe

This is the church associated with Nelson as his father was Rector here. They make much of the link and why not. The church is open every day and there was a sign out of the nearby green saying that. Inside I found Nelson booklets, guide books, a sailors version of the 23rd psalm, prayer sheets, mugs, cards, pens, psalm cards and footprints poems. There is a children’s area with books and colouring. I forgot to count the visitors book but it would be quite a number. Several people came in whilst I was there. In the porch there is also lemonade to drink with just a donation being requested. There were some old pictures of the village displayed as well as a display about Nelson.

Two huge white ensigns hang at the west end of the church. There is a prayer corner with a prayer cross to pin your prayer requests onto. An interesting church which I rate as good.

St.Margaret’s, Burnham Norton

This church is open with the same very basic signs as the others! Inside there are prayer cards, guide books and mugs for sale. 35 visitors had signed the book in the last month. One notable feature of this church is that it has two pulpits. One is very old and not used. There is a prayer chapel and a votive stand to use for prayer. I rate this as OK from a visitors point of view.

St. Mary’s, North Creake

A large church right beside the road. There appears to be no signs outside but the church is open and all sorts of delights await inside. This is a lovely church, much better on the inside than on the outside. I found chutneys and jams for sale. There is some info on the church to take around. Post cards and normally a guide but this had sold out.

A folder gives details of a graveyard survey. There is an amazing font here and the interior does have a wow factor. I rate it as OK from a visitor point of view but much more could be done.

Our Lady St. Mary, South Creake

The signs here are basic – not giving much information for the visitor. Inside there is much going on! There are statues everywhere. Various leaflets are available, histories and guides. Children are catered for by a small area with colouring etc. There is prayer book and a votive stand to use. This is an interesting church to visit, although some things are covered because of bats. I happened to meet the new Rector here, Fr Clive and he told me of his wishes to make this church,much more accessible to both visitors and regulars alike.

There is certainly much potential here to make this a well visited church. 37 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. I rate this church as good but it could be so much better with a bit of thought as there is much to interest the visitor here.

St. Andrews, Letheringsett

A delightful little church on the main road through the village. It is advertised as being open from 9am. I got there at 9.30 to find it still locked. Not rated.

St. Peter & St. Paul, Cromer

This magnficent church with its high tower is slap bang in the centre of Cromer.It receives many visitors, there were 100 + entries in the visitors book for the last two weeks along. It is well worth a visit. Outside the signage is basic but the door is open and there is a good welcome inside. There is much to see.

For the visitor there is a small bookshop with a good selection of books (children’s as well), there are also prayer cards, cards and church guides, pens etc. Even a children’s guide which is always good to see. An area is set aside for them as well with the usual colouring and books. One thing that impresses here is the prayer area. Here the visitor can light candles, write a prayer on a slip, drop a stone into water (with a meditation to use), use a sand tray (again with explanation) or meditate on some Bible stories. All very well done. I would rate this church as very good.

St. Margaret’s, Felbrigg

This church is in the extensive grounds of Felbrigg Hall and is unusual in that you have to pay to park here (unless you are a National Trust member). Then there is a walk across a field to the church. Worth doing though. There are lots of monuments to see here. Outside there is a lovely welcome notice on the gate, which has an unusual mechanism to keep it shut and the cattle outside from the churchyard. Inside there is a guide book and some prayer cards for sale, as there are some second hand books. A good selection of leaflets on faith are laid out – Sgm Lifewords and CPO. This really is a lovely peaceful park in a splendid setting. 109 visitors in the book in the last month. I rate this as good.

St. John the Baptist Aylmerton

Featuring a round tower, this church is open. The signs outside are basic. There are some nice line drawings of the church for sale as well as some cards. There is a laminated guide to walk around with. An interesting poster tells of the wildflowers that grow in the churchyard. Yet more secondhand books for sale – with a few CD’s as well. I rate this church as OK.

There is quite a bit of room for improvement. It just takes a bit of thought.

All Saints, Gresham

Another round tower church with a good welcome sign outside. Also a good welcome in the porch. It makes you want to step inside. There are prayer and saying cards for sale, post cards, key rings, some local history as well as a church guide and one to the magnificent seven sacrament font.

16 visitors had signed the book in the last month. Yet more books for sale! I would rate this church as good +

St. Mary the Virgin, Baconsthorpe

This was open. The signage is basic. Inside, there are guides on sale and one on the brasses. Also some postcards. Yet more second hand books – this seems to be a done thing in North Norfolk. Only 6 visitors had signed the book in the last month. There are a lot of bat droppings here – the most I have seen. It is always hard to know how to respond to this. On the one hand, it is good to provide a roosting site for a thriving bat colony, but it does make cleaning up the church a rather thankless and difficult task. I rate this church as OK.

All Saints,Hempstead

What a lovely little church! The thatched apse looks ancient but was only built in 1925. The signage is very good with a clear welcome. Only 6 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. There is a deanery church trail leaflet, a guide, cards and post cards, as well as jam and chutney to buy. And yet more used books! There is a prayer request box. This church is beautifully cared for and has a wonderful atmosphere.

Recommended. I rate it as good.

St. Andrew’s, Holt

Another lovely church tucked away down a lane just off the town centre. The signs are OK. There was a friendly steward on duty who provided me with some guides to walk around with. You can see some modern Stations of the Cross, and there is a leaflet to explain these. The guide booklet is particularly good. There are also some leaflets on baptism and marriage. A children’s area is set up to use. This church is very well cared for. There is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for private prayer. This has modern fittings and is sensitively lit – very nice. I rate this church as good +

All Saints, High Kelling

After all these old buildings here is a much newer one. All Saints is easy to miss. You have to look out for the church notice board on the main road. This is a real gem. Originally it was the chapel for the TB hospital. When this closed the community bought it for £500. It was consecrated in 1955. There is even a bell which as bought on ebay and erected in recent years! It is not a great architectural treasure but is well loved and worth a visit.

There is a lectionary left open and a guide book. Very simple and very lovely. No visitors had signed the book since 22nd May. I rate it as OK .

All Saints, Upper Sheringham

An imposing church in the centre of this small village. The signs outside give a very clear welcome. Inside I found a ‘What do Christians believe?’leaflet, a guide book and some prayer cards and post cards. 16 people had signed the book in the last month and there is also a children’s visitors book – not often seen. A folder and book was on display about the new village sign and how it was made.

The chancel has been turned into a Blessed Sacrament Chapel with a prayer tree and a votive stand to use. All very nice. I rate this church as good.

St. Peter’s, Sheringham

The town was bustling today and St. Peter’s was open. There was also an exhibition called ‘Parables on Parade’. These are drawings which illustrate some of Jesus’ parables. There are reproductions for sale and a booklet. Also a guide book and post cards. There was a steward on duty who made me a cup of tea an offered me cake! Very welcome. A children’s area is set up and 11 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. There is also some children’s art work on display because of a competition. There is a quiet chapel to use and a votive stand.

Also a sign indicated the importance of the chancel step – something I have not seen done before.

I rate St. Peter’s as good.

All Saints, Weybourne

Open, with a very good welcome sign. Inside there is a display on the adjacent ruined priory and a laminated guide sheet to use. The children’s area says ‘You are welcome to use the books and toys, just tidy them away afterwards.’ 49 visitors in the book in the last month. A lot more could be done here as this is an interesting place to visit.

I rate it as OK.

St. Nicholas, Salthouse

A must visit church, partly because of it’s position high up above the salt marshes and distant sea and above the village. Also because of it’s austere and magnificent interior. The signs are OK but could give an indication that the church is open. Only 3 visitors in the book in the last month! – what is going on here!

There are local history books on sale, guides, book marks and CD’s of music performed here. The 1000 Best Churches book is open on the page for this church, which gets a well deserved entry. It is often used for exhibitions and there are a few items of contemporary art around to add interest. The Lady Chapel is used for prayer with a prayer tree and a votive stand/ There is a real sense of that tangible silence that speaks of God’s presence here. I rate it as good. Go and have a look!

St. Margaret’s, Cley next the Sea

A huge church that is open for visitors – two women and to dogs when I was there. The signs are OK. There are cards, old photos of Cley, a cook book, a guide and some local history booklets to buy. Even some used books if you so desire.

The children’s area is a gazebo in the corner. There are photos of Rectors going back years. Other items of interest are a prayer tree, and outline of the life of this benefice and an unusual Russian crucifix and how it came to be here. 40 visitors had signed the book in the last month. I rate this as good.

Norfolk part 1

Setting out from Suffolk I very soon entered Norfolk, a county with a wide variety of churches, some of them amongst the finest to be found anywhere. I started at-

The Minster and Priory church of St. Nicholas, Great Yarmouth

Quite title but then this is quite a church. It is reckoned to be the largest parish church in England. That I can well believe. When you walk inside it has a definite wow factor simply because it is so vast. There is much to see here and they have tried hard to make it an interesting place for visitors. But lets start at the beginning. It is open every day and the signs make this both plain and give a good welcome. There is even a sign which says ‘Children welcome.’ There is a coffee shop and a small shop selling guides, cards, jewelery and histories. There are also some children’s books for sale. There are some multi lingual laminated cards to take around with you. Only 3 people had signed the visitors book but it wasn’t in a very obvious place and there were several visitor around when I was there. There are several votive stands to use. In addition, there is a labyrinth laid out on the floor with some prayer stations to use.

A leaflet explains what this is all about. There is also a folder all about the 1953 floods which are a significant part of Great Yarmouth’s history. There is a display also on the severe damage inflicted upon the church during World War II and how it nearly wasn’t rebuilt. There are some laminated posters to explain the significance of various parts of the church. All in all a very interesting place to visit and I would give it a very good rating.

Then onto the nearby church of

Holy Trinity, Caister on Sea

Another good church to visit. Inside it is a bit gloomy – it could do with a light or two left on. The signs make it very clear that the church is open each day for prayer. There are guide books, cookbooks, poems, pens, postcards and note lets for sale. Also some Mark’s gospels. A good range. Only 4 people had signed the book which is a bit of a surprise.

The Lady Chapel is set aside for prayer and there are various prayer books and booklets around to use. This really is a lovely, well cared for church and I would rate it as good.

Holy Trinity & All Saints, Winterton on Sea

This church has a huge tower which is a landmark for miles around. It is open for visitors and the sign outside says ‘Welcome’. There is again much to see here. There is a guide book and a leaflet about a noted former Rector. Talking of which, there is also a memorial on the wall to a Rector who died saving one of his choirboys from drowning.

Very unusual and very poignant. There is also marmalade for sale (not sampled!). A prayer board can be used, as can a votive stand. The visitor is made aware of the presence of the sea nearby. There is a crucifix, ,made from ship’s timbers and this is displayed with some fishing boat lights. Several memorials mention people lost at sea. 25 visitors in the book in the last month. I rate this as a good church for the visitor.

St. Catherine’s, Ludham

I had been recommended this church and I can see why. They have put much effort into welcoming visitors. There is a large sign outside which clearly welcomes people. It says that the church is open every day. There was a friendly and knowledgeable steward who was enthusiastic about her church. There are a range of leaflets etc available. Some are free, including a simple guide which is a nicely produced coloured leaflet which helps to explain what the church is about – very good. There is a ‘Science trail’ or children which is again nicely produced and not patronising as so many children’s leaflets in churches can be. There is a prayer tree, open Bible and a votive stand too use. There is a large display on the history of Norfolk churches, which is again very well produced. This church is a ‘gateway church’ to point towards other Broadland churches.

There is another thing that sets St. Catherine’s apart. Someone has produced a folder entitled ‘Notes for a pilgrim’. It is a set of meditations on the Christian faith and this is set up around the church. It is really thought provoking. Children are catered for by an area for them and there is an ‘Draw and colour an Angel’ competition going on. When I was there two children were busy doing just that. Some simple leaflets explain ‘What Do Christian’s Believe?’, ’Learn to Pray’ and ‘Praying the Bible’. I would rate this church as excellent. It shows just what a small village community can do with a bit of imagination. Go and have a look!

St. Michael & All Angels, Barton Turf

This church features in ‘1000 Best Churches’, and I can see why. It is a lovely church to visit. Next door is a strange MOD site which I would love to know more about! The church is open. The sign outside is basic and doesn’t give any opening details. There is a good welcome notice in the church. There is a free guide and some free small cards, as well as bigger guides and cards for sale. There are also jams for sale. A children’s area is set up with colouring. There were 19 people in the visitors book in the last month. In addition there is a roll of honour for those who died in the world wars.

This is something I have seen quite a bit of and does seem like a very good idea. This one even has some letters from the front – very moving. There are some parish history notes and details of the magnificent rood screen here. A prayer tree and a prayer area are available and the Bible has been left open. The altar and the credence table have been labelled as to their significance. A small library is available. I would rate this church as good.

St. Mary the Virgin, Worstead

A simply huge church for such a small place. It is open. It must be a real struggle to keep this in good order but it is well cared for. The sign outside doesn’t give much away and the visitor enters through the priest’s door into the chancel. There is guide to buy and a loom set up reminds us of this villages’s claim to fame. There are some moving photos of the village war dead. A stark reminder of how much anguish war must always cause. A votive stand can be used. One feature that caught my eye was a very tall ladder in a single piece.

I would certainly not want to climb a 30 + feet wooden ladder! This really is a magnificent church. I rate it as good +.

St. Michael & All Angels, Aylsham

Aylsham is a quaint little town and St. Michael’s stands just off the Market Place. The signs are good and welcome in the visitor. Again, you enter through the priest’s door. There is much of interest here and a lot of thought has gone into the welcome. There are guides and cards, postcards, some leaflets on faith and some gospels. A simple free guide helps you to gain more from your visit and also reminds the visitor of what the church exists for.

There are prayer cards, both to use for praying and to take away. These latter ones are very nice –

‘Lord, thank you…

for your presence here….

for the opportunity to pray,

for the promise of peace,

for the beauty of the world,

for the kindness of people…

for all those I love…

for your love for me

and especially for…

The cross of Jesus

and the power of the Spirit’

Children have an A4 sheet drawn in a cartoon style, an ABC of St.Michael & All Angels. Simple and very well done. Interpretation boards, ‘Exploring the Christian Faith’ are used on the font, altar etc. There is also a folder of photos of children’s activities.

I rate this church as very good.

St. Agnes, Cawston

Another church from ‘1000 Best Churches’. It is open although the signs don’t really tell you that! There is plenty to see here. A guide is available as well as a village history. There are cookbooks, posters, tea towels, pens, pencils, note lets and post cards. Also, one or two leaflets about the Christian faith. Bible activity books for children. This is an impressive church with a wonderful rood screen.

I would rate it as good +. With a little bit of effort it could be very good. Only 6 visitors in the book since 16th July as it is new one.

St. Peter & St. Paul, Salle

1000 Best Churches gives this 4 stars. What a wonderful church. Again this huge building sits in a tiny village of less than 500 population. This is one of the very finest churches in Norfolk. There is a good welcome notice at the door. This church must get many, many visitors but only 40 of them had signed the visitors book in the last month. There is a guide to buy some cards and a parish map. Nothing for children though. A folder details all the inscriptions on the memorials in the churchyard. A good thing for visitors tracing family trees. There is a chapel set apart for prayer. There are some great wood carvings here.

A must visit church with it’s own austere beauty. I rate it as good.

St. Peter & St. Paul, Heydon

Another fine church in another tiny village. It is open to receive you and you will find a guide and some prayer cards. There is an unusual and simple hand written ‘A Church Guide for Young People’. It is nothing clever but it is rather good.

There are some displays of history here as well. 18 in the visitors book in a month – not bad for a church well off the beaten track. Do have a look, you won’t be disappointed. I rate it as OK.

As I left here there was a crack off thunder a few spots of rain so I hurried along to nearby

St. Andrew’s, Thurning

Just as I got there a sharp shower came along. I was glad to get inside this delightful country church. It is quite dark inside and it took a couple of minutes to be able to see it all properly. The storm didn’t help but a light would be a good idea! The sign outside is very basic. There is a guide and some of the excellent Fr John Woolley booklets to take. 15 people in the book (the visitors book not the Lambs book of life fortunately). There are box pews here, labeled up for the different families who lived in the village. Also, a row off hat pegs on the south wall. It is like walking back in time coming in here.

There is even a three decker pulpit. A very old fashioned interior but it has real character and is worth a visit. would rate it as OK for the visitor.

Fortunately the storm had passed so on to-

St. Andrew’s, Little Snoring

An unusual little church, just outside the village, with a detached round tower. Apparently this was part of an earlier church and the new one was built slightly to the north but they left the tower. All very strange. This church was used by the RAF in 1944 and 1945 and features a set of boards at the back giving a list of victories and also honours and awards form the nearby airfield. I have never seen this in another church.

There is a guide and some note lets and a poem about the airfield. 46 visitors had signed the book in the last month. There are second hand books for sale. This is a simple, plain little country church which is well worth a visit. I rate it as OK.

Lastly today

St. Mary, Little Walsingham

Walsingham is a special and rather bizarre place. Thousands of pilgrims flock here and it does have a unique atmosphere. This is a delightful church to visit. It is always open. There is a good welcome notice in the porch and a light comes on when you walk inside. There is a good range of prayer cards and a few leaflets and booklets about the faith as well as a guide and a book about the disasterous fire here in 1961 which virtually destroyed the church. It has been, necessarily, much rebuilt and is now spotlessly clean and obviously well loved. It has a special atmosphere about it. There is series of Assumuptsiontide lectures to buy and an envelope containing the 6 guides on the benefice churches. That is a good idea to get people to visit them all. 3 votive stands are available and all were in use. There is a Lady Chapel for quiet prayer and a prayer book to add prayers in. 26 visitors in the last month by the book. Well worth a visit. I rate this as good +.

I have been away again with no internet access so there are few posts to catch up on-

Lothingland

Between Lowstoft and Great Yarmouth there lies a small area known as Lothingland.It straddles the border between Suffolk and Norfolk. I have done a quick tour of some of the churches in that delightful part of the country.

St. Bartholomew, Corton

A striking building with a ruined tower which can be seen for miles around. Unfortunately it was locked, despite it being the start of the Diocese of Norwich’s ‘Open Churches week’ and, despite the church sign saying ‘Visitors Welcome’. Really?

There is a sign that says gives the phone number of a churchwarden. I am not sure that this is entirely satisfactory. The keenest visitors might phone but someone who just wants to sit quietly or say a prayer is not likely to. I rate this as very poor to poor.

St. Margaret’s, Hopton on Sea

Also locked. Incidentally part of the same group of parishes as Corton. Here, the sign outside just gives details of services and the vicar but there is no indication when the church might be open. This is bas enough but a look into the (locked) porch has a prayer on the church door which says; ‘Lord make the door of this house wide enough to receive all who need human love and friendship..’ ! It is a job to know what to say about that. Very poor and a real missed opportunity, especially as Hopton has a holiday camp in it and there were quite a lot of people wandering around. This church could reasonably expect a fair number of visitors.

St.Mary’s, Ashby

A church where the village around it has disappeared. A really idyllic spot. You have to park and walk about 1/4 mile down a track to find the church. There is a very moving memorial by the church fence to an American aircrew who were killed when their plane crashed here in the second world war. Unfortunately the church was locked today but, again, there is a phone number to get a key. It is possible to see into th church through the windows (there is quite a step down into it from the door) which reveals the simple interior. I do understand why such an isolated church is locked but it is still a shame as this is a great place to visit – a suitable candidate for the Small Churches Pilgrim Network? Rating poor.

St. Margaret’s,Herringfleet

A lovely thatched church with a characteristic East Anglian round tower. This is currently closed for repairs to the chancel roof but is normally open. Worth a visit when it reopens. Rating OK.

St. Mary’s, Somerleyton

At long last a church that is open! And this one is well worth a visit. It stands in part of the Somerleyton estate in splendid isolation.The sign outside gives basic information. This church is in the ‘Norfolk Open Churches Guide’. There are some local history booklets available (written by a previous Rector). Also, some book marks, postcards and a children’s prayer card. 20 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. There is an open bible on display. This is an interesting church to visit and I rate it as good for the visitor.

St. John the Baptist, Lound

Another round towered church. Outside the sign is basic but there is a very good welcome awaiting in the porch – a large sign over the door which says ‘Welcome.’ Inside, there is a decided smell of incense! There is a good range of booklets and cards available as well as a book ‘This is what we believe’, which contains a series of sermons based upon the creed. Very good. There are also guide books, postcards, book marks, pens and some small crosses as well as some posters of prayers and verses. A very good range for what is a small,country, church. Also there is a folder of photos of a recent flower festival, a list of burials and memorials as well as a folder of details of Rectors of this parish. A delightful touch, including the story a a Rector who never was! (He got cold feet and left before he was inducted). There is also a statue of John The Baptist and a brief biography of him. The chancel is locked but visitors can easily seen in.

All in all a very interesting church to visit. I would rate this as very good.

You might well wonder how my rating system works. Here is an explanation-

Very poor

This would be a church that is locked and with no indication when it might be open, or how access can be obtained.

Poor

Somewhere open but where no effort had been made towards welcoming any visitors – eg. no signs to say church open, no sort of guide or history nowhere for prayers etc.

OK

Deliberately vague! Simply because this covers quite a few churches. An OK church will be open, but there will be nothing to say that this is the case. There might be a guide book but little else. It is all about thinking what a church appears and feels like to a visitor. Is there a welcome? Is there information on when the church was built and how it has changed over the years? Does it communicate something about the Christian faith? Does it cater for someone who calls in wanting to pray for a crisis etc? And so on. There are variations with this rating , such as OK +

Good

This is much better. Some thought and effort has gone into welcoming the visitor. There will be information about the church and about the Christian faith. A prayer board or votive stand to light a candle. Perhaps some interpretation of what a font is used for and so on. Many churches fall into this rating category.

Very good

This is a step on. I am looking for decent guide books, something aimed for children as well. Signs which say that the church is open and welcomes visitors. Also, some decent material of some sort about what the Christian faith is about. Interpretation is important also as many visitors will only have a vague idea what a church is for. Pictures of people are good, and of church activities, all of which show that the church is something alive and well and not just an ancient building. I feel that something to do with prayer is important. I have been reading the prayers people post on prayer boards and they are often very moving. I am looking for a response to these – prayers placed on an altar, or a sign which says these will be prayed for, anything that shows they are taken seriously.

Very, very good

Very few churches make this category, but a few do. This means that they have put a lot of effort into visitors with a full range of material. Stewards are useful too, but not essential. Generally this category is going to go to bigger churches, but not exclusively. I can think of small churches which I would give this category to.

This is the bare bones of my system. It isn’t very scientific and this is a large, subjective, element to it. But I am happy with that. I approach a church as an interested and reasonably knowledgeable person. I am really looking for how I am treated as a visitor. If the church is in itself interesting then so much the better, but every church has a story to tell and every church should point towards God in some way. Ministering to visitors is becoming increasingly important for churches in many areas. We are not an exclusive club for the like minded.

On returning from Somerset I took the opportunity to visit a few churches on the way home. So here they are!

St. Peter & St. Paul, Shepton Mallet

A fine, large church in this Somerset town. The church is open every day and the signs make this very clear. Inside there is a guide booklet to buy as well as a free one and some bookmarks ‘A momento from Shepton Mallet Church’. This is a good idea that a few churches have taken up.  There is a children’s area but it was all cleared away when I visited. In all fairness I think they were preparing for a funeral.

There is a wonderful roof here – well worth sitting and staring at. The visitors book was not dated so I couldn’t count it. I would give this church an Okay rating. It could do better with a little bit of thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Saints. Westbury

This church is clearly signed that it is open to visitors on Saturdays, during the summer months, from 10-4pm. I happened to visit when there was a mid week communion on so it was open for that. A quiet and discrete visit ensued. Only 3 visitors had signed in the last month. It is an interesting church to visit. There is the Chapel of the Holy Name for quiet prayer but no leaflets or guides that I could see. It is perhaps a bit unfair to rate All Saints as my visit was necessarily brief, although I would probably go for an Okay.

 

 

 

 

 

St. Mary, St. Katherine’s and All Saints Edington

Wow, what a church in a brilliant setting. I went from Westbury along the B3098, which skirts the Vale of the White Horse. There are some lovely villages along here. Edington being one of them. This is very well signed off the main road. There is a even a picnic area opposite the church and visitors are invited to use it. Inside, there cards for sale, guides, postcards and a selection of items about the Christian faith. There is a small lending library – I have been surprised at how many of these I have come across. 17 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. One nice feature is some pictures of those who served in the armed forces during the Great War. Those who were killed had their details recorded. There is a children’s area all set up with some sheets to use.

There was a Bible left open. I met a friendly lady who was sorting out some flowers. She was obviously proud of her church and told me that it drew a surprisingly large congregation from quite an area because of it’s musical tradition. This is a church well worth visiting and I would rate it as very good.

 

All Saints, West Lavington

Another Vale of the White Horse church just along the road from Edington. This church is notable for the windows by Simon Whistler.  This is really rather special. Only 1 person had signed the visitors book in the last month! This church is worth visiting. There are some nice touches here. A guide leaflet (donations are invited for this). There is a book to look at all about Whistler’s glass work.

Another good idea is a wooden Jubilee archive box, with contributions invited. This is a simple country church in a lovely setting. There is a prayer book to enter prayers into as well. I would rate All Saints as Okay from a visitors point of view.

 

 

 

 

 

St. Michael and All Angels, Urchfont

Another fine Vale church. The sign outside simply says; ‘Welcome to our church – it is open every day’. Says it all really. Inside, I found a really nice idea. On the table by the door are two folders detailing the anniversaries those who had been married and baptised here. The other folder gives details of those who have died and who’s anniversary falls around now. Even more than this, there is a brief biography of each person which is both fitting and gives a real sense of the local communion of saints in Urchfont. There are also some local history books to look at. There are guide books, some free and some larger booklets to purchase.

Also postcards and some laminated guides to walk around with. A prayer area is provided, with some books of prayers to help people get started. Some prayers can be entered in a book on a side altar which shows how this church treats it’s visitors seriously. I would give this a rating of good. Well worth a visit. Only 5 visitors in the book over the last month! More must discover this gem!

 

St. Mary the Virgin, Upavon

This church is in the Vale of Pewsey, still in Wiltshire. The signs are very good and give a clear indication when the church is open. Only 2 visitors in the book! There are cards, postacrds and a walk leaflet available, as well as a guide. There is a prayer tree and a prayer area at a side altar which had been nicely done.

I would rate St. Mary’s as Okay for the visitor.

 

 

 

 

 

St. John the Baptist, Mildenhall

A church which seems to make all the guide books, and with good reason. A lovely, lovely church, inside and out.  It is down the end of a lane at the edge of the village. There are no signs outside at all! But inside there are prayer and verse cards available as a well as a guide. There are the ubiquitous paddle boards to carry around on your visit. 14 people had signed the visitors book in the last month, which is a bit of an improvement!

There are box pews here and some amazing children’s pews, surely a unique feature? The visitor can leave prayer requests in a box, safe in the knowledge that they will be prayed during the Sunday services.

This is a highly recomended church to visit. I rate it as good for the visitor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Lawrence, Hungerford

In Berkshire. This church is open each day and worth a visit. There is a real sense of peace here. There are Jubilee New Testaments, some postcards, a guide book and some discover Hungerford leaflets to pick up. There is a children’s area set out and 15 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. A small library is available and there was a USPG display. A prayer board was well used and there are some booklets of prayers to use. A votive stand can be used for those who wish to light a candle.

I would rate this church as good.

St. Bartholomew, Crewkerne

This large town church in the small town of Crewkerne is open each day. The sign outside doesn’t say so. Inside, I found some guides and post cards. There are also some nice Baptism, Wedding and Funeral leaflets. Children have an area to use. The visitors book is brand new so there was nothing to count! There is a library of books. Also, a display of work needed on the building. A display of church activities can also be seen. There is a prayer tree to use (and it appears to be well used). An open Bible is on display. This church I would rate as good but it could probably do better for visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Mary the Virgin, Norton sub Hamdon

This church is open. The signs are OK. There is a free guide available and some free leaflets (sgmLifewords). Only 6 visitors in the book over the last month. There is a lot to interest the visitor here – A Benefice prayer diary, PCC pictures, prayerrequest cards, a quiet chapel and prayer suggestion slips. There are also some local history society publications to look at. There is a folder of parish events. Churchyard and burial records are on display as well as a war dead folder. The church’s website is http://www.nortonchurch.org.uk I would rate this church as good + – well worth a visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sherborne Abbey (Dorset)

A lovely place to visit. The signs are very good, making it very clear that this church is open and welcoming. There are multi lingual guides and a small bookshop with a range of items for sale. Many of them the excellent Tim Tiley booklets. There are stewards on duty. The lady today was very friendly. She told me that they count visitors and get between 52 and 56,000 visitors per year. I was given a free guide. Children can have no less than 8 different guides to use. The votive stand was very well used. There is a quiet chapel for prayer and the Holy Sepulchre chapel can be used as well – this is a lovely, intimate, space. I would rate the Abbey as very, very good and is an example of what can be done with some resources.

St. Andrew’s, Trent (Dorset)

This lovely little church was open. There are no signs outside. I found guides and some paddle boards to use. 8 people had signed the visitors book in the last month. On display there is Archbishop Fishers cope and mitre. He used to worship here after he retired. There is a prayer board to use. This church is unusual for the area in having a spire. I would rate this as OK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Barnabas, Queens Camel

The door is open here. The signs are OK. There is a guide and some leaflets on faith to take away. Only 8 people had signed the book in the last month. There are lots of pictures of the Jubilee events. The church is blessed with some very unusual lights, installed in 1934. There is a prayer area and a votive stand. An unusual touch here is a book on the altar which lists those who have died, been married and been baptised. A very nice touch indeed. In would rate this church as good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Michael the Archangel, North Cadbury

The church is open but there is no sign outside. Inside there is a brief history available and some good prayer leaflets which have been locally produced – ‘Take time to be with God’. Children have a small area to use. Only 4 visitors in the book. There is an open Bible on display. The organ was being rebuilt and the two organ builders were pretty taciturn! I would give this church a good rating.

 

 

 

 

 

All Saints, Castle Cary

The church is open every day. The signs are pretty basic, not giving very much away for the visitor. Inside there is some good children’s work displayed and a guide leaflet but nothing else. A prayer board and votive stand can be used. Also there are some pictures of young people and Messy Church. Both of which look great fun. I would give this church a good rating.

St. Michael and All Angels, Somerton

This is an interesting church to visit. Inside there is newsletter and a guide. There are cards and bookmarks to buy. Also a young people’s guide which is well done, and all too rare. 20 visitors in the book here. There is a votive stand and a quiet chapel to use. I would rate this as a good church for the visitor. One interesting feature here is some roundels on the chandelier chains – I have never seen anything like this anywhere else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holy Trinity, Long Sutton

Another open church. The signs are very good saying that the church is open everyday. There are various leaflets around for the visitor and a simple guide. A nicely produced parish map is on offer as well. There  is a prayer book and cards to use as well as a chapel set apart for quiet prayer. This is a beautiful church and is well worth a visit. I would rate this as very good and is a good example of what can be done with simple resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Mary’s, Huish Episcopi

The church is open. The signage is OK. There are gospels, guides and some CWR booklets to take away. There is a nice welcome notice which directs visitors to the prayer board. A good idea. I would rate this interesting church as good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Peter & St. Paul, Muchelney

This church is next door to Muchelney Abbey. 30 visitors had signed in the last month. There are guides and paddle boards to use. The church features a stunning painted roof. There is an open Bible. There is a lovely atmosphere here and it is well worth a visit. You can see an interesting picture behind the altar and there is a good crucifix. I would rate this as OK for visitors but thoroughly recommend a visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Martin ‘s, Kingsbury Episcopi

There are no signs outside. There are some postcards to buy but not much else. 11 visitors in the book in the last month. Featured here is a Mother’s Union display with some good resources. There is an open Bible and an open Lectionary.There are a few pictures of church people and a display about the bells. Another interesting church to visit. I would rate this as OK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Saints, Martock

The church is open (as all today’s have been). The signs are very good giving a clear indication of when the church is open. They make a big effort towards visitors here. There is a display of photos of church people in the porch. Also, there was an interesting display entitled, ‘It’s okay to cry’ all about children and bereavement, giving books and where to find help -excellent. A Bible is left open – which is always a nice touch. There is a prayer station, which is using an Olympic theme. There is a prayer board and a quiet chapel (the St. Thomas Chapel) to use. There were people praying here on my visit. One thing that caught my eye was a worship clock for children which explains the Eucharist – a great idea worth copying. There is a book shop and a library. I would rate this church as very good. Worth visiting as an example of what can be done.