It is not just the Trust that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it is also the 50th anniversary of the saving of All Saints, Hargham by Jackie and Cliff Amos.
Jackie’s love of photography, especially of ruined churches, brought her to the ivy-covered ruin of the church in the 1970s. The church had been vandalised, the windows broken and a thick layer of bird droppings covered the floor. Inside it was as if eerily the congregation had just left the last service, hymn books covered in dust, withered flowers in vases, an open bible on a lectern, almost as if the church had been expecting a certain Miss Havisham.
However, Jackie and Cliff (who fortuitously was a builder) were undeterred. At their own expense they reroofed the nave, (you can see images here of them working on the roof it was the 70s!) fixed the windows, made good the walls and cleared the churchyard, calling on friends who gave their time freely.
The church today is light, inviting and well cared for.
The church came into the care of the Norfolk Churches Trust on 1st May 1979, however the church is still very well looked after by Jackie and Cliff to this day. Services are held in the church, including the very well attended Carol Service in December.
To celebrate 50 years of the Norfolk Churches Trust and for Cliff and Jaqueline Amos to celebrate their love for Hargham Church over the last 50 years the church will be hosting ‘Celebrating 50 years – A History in Pictures and Flowers.‘ With flowers in the church representing All Saints over the last 5 decades and a history of the church and village. Please do pop by and see this charming little church.
Opening times and more details can be found here.
Thank you Jackie and Cliff
