A big thank you to those who helped clean the church at Rackheath yesterday. We dusted, swept, washed and polished and by lunchtime the church was looking significantly smarter than when we arrived.
We were joined by a group who included those from the local community who are committed to recognising local heritage, those who grew up in the area and came to the church as children, those who are involved with other local churches, new members, the key holder and representatives of the Norfolk Churches Trust.
One of the group was the daughter of the last rector of All Saints, Rev’d Martin Benians, who had fought hard to save the church from closure. She told us of her memories of the church, candlelit services as the church has no electricity, and of the organ being pumped by bellows. She remembered that the organist lived in Horsham St Faith and used to cycle to the church to play at morning service, she kept her hat in her basket as she could not possibly play without wearing her hat in church. She remembers June Trafford of the Wroxham Estate putting on events in the church including a Japanese Tea Party!
The sunlight certainly highlighted the dust storm that was created with the energetic cleaning, and many a spider was sent scurrying!
Rackheath, All Saints came into the direct care of the Norfolk Churches Trust in 1981, and we are grateful to those who help us look after this building so that we can keep it open for the benefit of all. There are many interesting memorials to see in this church to the Stracey and Pettus families, including the ledger stone being washed above.
We are holding our next Coffee, Clean & Chat at Bagthorpe, St Mary, on Tuesday 7th October, click here for more information.
