The Norfolk Churches Trust was warmly welcomed by Norwich Cathedral, including Budge the cat, on Wednesday 17th June for a Choral Evensong to celebrate 50 years of the Trust. The Cathedral was looking glorious in the early evening light.
The Dean of Norwich, the Very Rev’d Dr Andrew Braddock, commenced proceedings at 5.25pm escorting His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt MBE, and our President, General the Lord Dannatt to their seats.
The beautiful service was was sung by the Cathedral Choir accompanied by the Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars
Our welcome was given by the Dean of Norwich in the early evening sunlight.
The first lesson Chronicles 29. 6 -18 was read by Chair of the Trust, Rosabelle Batt.
Following the Magnificat and further wonderful singing from the choir the second lesson, Peter 2. 4-8, was given by Cathy Stern, a keyholder of St Peter, Corpusty, one of thirteen leased churches in the care of the Norfolk Churches Trust.
The evening, attended by approximately 200 friends of the Trust; included the Bishop of Thetford, Trustees and Secretaries past and present, members of our Advisory Council, representatives of church PCCs, members and supporters of the Trust. It was a beautiful and atmospheric evening, with the 900 year old Cathedral providing the perfect backdrop.
We were honoured that Dame Emma Bridgewater, long time supporter and friend of the Trust, gave a most fitting address to those assembled. You can read the address in full here.
Following the service, our guests joined us in the cloisters on a beautiful sunlit, summer evening for drinks, canapes and the opportunity to mingle.
Below there are a selection of images from the service and from the drinks reception that followed.
To those who attended on the evening, and to those who have supported the Trust over the last 50 years, thank you.
