The first of our Coffee, Clean & Chat sessions of 2026 took place yesterday, Tuesday 3rd February, at West Rudham, St Peter.
On a very cold and blustery February morning, what better incentive to warm up and get the blood flowing than cleaning a Norfolk church?
So a big thank you to our willing group of volunteers from the locality who swept, dusted, polished and washed the interior of this grade I listed, historic church which has been in the care of the Norfolk Churches Trust since October 1979.
There was still time to chat about the work of the Trust as well as enjoy a sustaining hot coffee and homemade cake.
By midday, the church was looking much more loved and welcoming than when we arrived.
We were joined by Father Edward, Curate with the Coxford with Toftrees Group, who’s work from the pulpit yesterday was a bit different to the norm!
Not only were the cobwebs banished from the walls, but Colin accompanied us with a blast on the organ.
There is much of interest in the church. The tower here is early 14th century and is looking to be the next major repair project for the Trust, we will keep you updated of progress.
However, the tower is predated by the mid-13th century south aisle, with its beautiful arcade, benches with medieval poppy heads, with the top of the 1912 reredos placed at the east end.
There is some good quality medieval glass dating from 1420 to 1440, in the tracery lights of the nave windows which date from the same period. Like many churches, St Peter’s was restored in the nineteenth century. This included work in the chancel, new stalls and a hand- pumped organ by Norman and Beard were installed. Said organ contains some old, and in places unflattering graffiti by an organ blower who had time on his hands between hymns.
So do visit if you are in the area and take in the history, both old and more recent, within the building.
Our next Coffee, Clean & Chat morning is taking place on Tuesday 3rd March at Cockthorpe, All Saints, NR23 1QS from 10am to 12.30pm, do pop by and join us if you are in the area.
