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.

◄ ►

EVENTS THIS MONTH

OPEN FOR TEA: 21^st August 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 18^th September.

RYBURGH ARTS FESTIVAL XX: 28^th – 31^st August.

This is a major event to which both professional and amateur artists and musicians will be contributing. This year is a very special one as it is the twentieth anniversary of a biennial festival that was started in 1986 – quite a record! We are delighted that nationally acclaimed artist Annie Tempest has kindly agreed to open this year’s Arts Festival at 7 p.m. on Friday, 28th August. You may have come across her strip cartoon “Tottering-by-Gently” which has appeared in Country Life magazine since 1993 and features widely on tea towels and greetings cards, but she is also known for her internationally exhibited sculpture and paintings. Do come and support this exceptional event marking 40 years of biennial Ryburgh Arts Festivals!

ARTS FESTIVAL OPENING HOURS

Friday, 28^th August: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wine and canapés preview.

Saturday, 29^th August: 10 – 5 p.m.

Sunday, 30^th August: 1 – 5 p.m.

Monday, 31^st August: 10 – 4 p.m.

Morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea will be served each day.

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