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 continues 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 curate, The Revd. Dr. Rhona McEune, and 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

INSIDE UKRAINE - A VOLUNTEER'S STORY: 10^th JUNE 7 p.m.

While the plight of Ukraine features in the news each day and has done so for the past four years, it is not often that we have the opportunity to find out at first hand how its people are coping with the stresses and deprivation of war. Do come and join us and be inspired by the dedication and skill of those who spend long hours working in the camouflage workshops. There will be an opportunity after the talk to speak to Patrick and Margaret informally over a glass of wine and to give them messages of support to take back to Ukraine.

JAPANESE PILGRIMAGE: 11^th JUNE 4 p.m.

The Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC) is planning a pilgrimage walk along the Walsingham Way, stopping at St. Andrew’s on 11^th June at 4 p.m. The pilgrimage walk is part of an ongoing research project, Nara to Norwich, which is looking at landscapes shaped by Christianity and Buddhism in Britain and Japan respectively. You are cordially invited to come and meet the pilgrims and to welcome them to our village community. An English tea will be provided – and if you can let us know you will be attending, that would help the caterers!

OPEN FOR TEA: 19^th JUNE 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! The next date is 17^th July.

OPEN GARDENS: 20^th JUNE

We look forward to welcoming visitors to Ryburgh gardens on 20^th June, hoping that the weather will be good to us. Garden passes costing £5 per adult (accompanied children under 12 free) will be on sale at St. Andrew’s Church and at the Memorial Hall throughout the afternoon. There will be parking available at both of these venues and teas will be served in several of the gardens. It is normally a very friendly and enjoyable occasion.

BURNHAM AND WALSINGHAM DEANERY SERVICE and GATHERING: 23^rd JUNE 6.30 p.m.

Deanery Synod representatives are elected for a term of three years and this month marks the end of the current triennium. To thank those who generously give up their time to represent their parishes, a Deanery Service will be held at St. Andrew’s on 23^rd June, to be followed by a buffet supper. This will also be an opportunity to welcome our new Rural Dean, The Revd. Canon David Longe, who is also Rural Dean of Holt. Bishop Jane will be joining us later in the evening to answer any questions we may have about this linking of two deaneries.

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 with such generosity.

JOINTING AND REPOINTING 23/24/25: 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: Lesley Weston Tel: 07792696619

Email: lslywstn@msn.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: Lesley Weston Tel: 07792696619

Email: lslywstn@msn.com