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

CONCERT: “SONGS FOR SUNDAY”: 5^th July 3.30 p,m.

You may remember Sarah Poole who visited Great Ryburgh a few years ago to revive childhood memories of her grandmother. Sarah and her husband, David Heyes, have kindly offered another concert in which he will do amazing things with the double bass! Do come and enjoy an afternoon of music followed by afternoon tea.

Free entry but a message left on 01328 829413 would ensure you a place at the tea table. Donations to the St. Andrew’s Restoration Fund.

OPEN FOR TEA: 17^th July 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 21^st August.

CONCERT: “THE MAGIC FLUTE”: 26^th July 3.30 p,m.

Orpheus Flutes will be returning at the end of the month to present "The Magic Flute" in a version for Flute Quartet and Narrator. We much look forward to having them back with us and many thanks to Hugh Lanham for arranging the concert. As on the previous occasion the performance will be followed by afternoon tea. Entry is free but a message left on 01328 829413 would ensure you a place at the tea table. Donations to the St. Andrew’s Restoration Fund.

“CHRIS AND LESLEY INVITE YOU!” SUMMER BARBECUE: 1st AUGUST 6.30 p.m.

Tickets are now available for this popular event to include sausages, hamburgers, a range of salads, puddings and wine. (Vegetarian options available.) Please leave a message on 829413 by 25^th July to book a place and be sure to include any dietary requirements. A donation of £12 - £15 is suggested but it is up to you. Please bear in mind that prices have gone up considerably since Chris and Lesley first organised this event! The proceeds will help keep our church open and in good repair.

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