St Andrews Great Ryburgh

St. Andrew’s stands at the entrance to the Norfolk village of Great Ryburgh, close to the bridge over the River Wensum. This round tower church with its possible Saxon origins continued to nurture a Christian community that has existed in the village since at least the 8th. Century. It remains a distinctive feature of a village that is essentially a working community with a maltings, some light industry and a shop that has been retained as a community venture.

The cruciform design of the church building is unusual, each arm of the cross being almost equal in length.The most recent reordering of the Chancel in 1912 by Sir Ninian Comper gives the building a wonderful feeling of space and light as well as a flexibility of use which the parish uses to full advantage for its services, community events and concerts.

St. Andrew's, Great Ryburgh is part of the Upper Wensum Benefice. The Revd. Robin Stapleford now divides his time between two benefices and looks after fourteen parishes with the help of a number of retired clergy who give generously of their time.

Visitors are welcome every day of the week.

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EVENTS THIS MONTH

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK: 11^th – 17^th MAY

This year we are invited to support communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. In places like Guatemala, extreme weather is destroying crops, deepening hunger and threatening livelihoods. But with the right tools and training, farmers can build sustainable futures.

Every pound we raise could help:

Provide climate-resilient seeds to help families grow food.
Fund water conservation techniques to protect crops.
Support vital training so farmers can build a sustainable future.

OPEN FOR TEA: 16th MAY 2.30 - 4 p.m.

All welcome! Come and join us for a cup of tea, a scone and a slice of cake. Bring your friends!

SPRING FAIR - PLANTS and BOOKS: SATURDAY, 24^th MAY 9.30 – 12 noon

There will be a range of stalls including plants for your garden, second hand books, paintings, crafts, cards, preloved treasure and gifts. St. Andrew’s Pantry will be open for coffee, scones and other homemade delights. Do encourage friends and neighbours to come into the church and join us! Contributions as well as offers of help will be gratefully received. All proceeds to Church Funds

ASCENSION DAY LUNCH for CHRISTIAN AID: 29^th MAY 12.30 p.m.

Ascension Day is a feast day in the calendar of the Church. We have not yet managed to arrange a service but we will be taking the opportunity to invite you to lunch and raise money for Christian Aid – it never seems right to share a good meal during Christian Aid Week itself! If you would like to join us, please leave a message on 01328 829413 by 20^th May and let us know of any dietary requirements.

The choir rehearses on Tuesday afternoons and the Ryburgh Ringers on Thursday evenings. New recruits always welcome!

The Friday Morning Team meets every week to keep our churchyard and field cared for, colourful and open to all. Please come and join us.

Our church building has been here for over 1,000 years and we try to ensure it is a welcoming and inspiring place for worshippers, local residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The William Martin Building with its much needed handwashing and hospitality facilities is fully in use. We wonder how we ever managed without it! We are so grateful to those who built it and to those who donated materials, labour and funds. The Jubilee Window was returned to the church in time for it to be blessed and dedicated on Remembrance Sunday. Thanks go to the many who donated to the Restoration Fund and also to The Round Tower Churches Society, The Norfolk Churches Trust, The Benefact Trust and Crispmalt. Thanks to Peter, the porch roof has now been repaired and the interior cleaned and refurbished to great effect.

JOINTING AND REPOINTING 23/24: The current project is the repointing of the north and west nave walls, together with repairs to the east and south walls at ground level where the walls meet the perimeter channel. Any donations would be very helpful to ensure we can complete the project on time. Not a glamorous task but a very necessary one to avoid costly bills in the future!

IF YOU NEED TO REPORT ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF ANY KIND, YOU CAN CONTACT THE DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING TEAM ON:

01603 882345 or safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org

See the SAFEGUARDING PAGE for more details.

OTHER SOURCES OF HELP

Help for young people wishing to report abusive behaviour

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Mary Carden Tel: 07808164686 Email: marycarden1@icloud.com

You can if you wish also contact Childline (childline.org.uk or telephone 0800 1111 This service offers free, confidential advice and support about whatever is worrying you.

Help for adults wishing to report abusive behaviour

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Mary Carden Tel: 07808164686 Email: marycarden1@icloud.com