Memorial bench gift for Wretham churchyard.

Memorial bench gift for Wretham churchyard.

The churchyard at St. Ethelbert, Wretham, has been given a fine new bench, installed in memory of members of a family with long connections to the village.

Nigel and Linda Anderson, who live now in Banham, gave the bench in memory of Mrs. Anderson’s late parents, John and Gladys Trumpess.

It comes as a gift from them and Linda’s siblings, Carol, Linda, Sydney, Betty, and Michael.

It was placed, with the agreement of the church, under a large sycamore tree at the east end of the churchyard, overlooking a number of Trumpess family grave plots.

The bench, designed to seat three people, with an extra armrest to help those with mobility problems, is also notable because, while looking remarkably as if it is made of wood, is actually constructed entirely from recycled plastics.

It comes from a company called Realise Futures, based in Ipswich, which converts waste material into a range of products, while employing a number of disabled people.

Another successful party

Another successful party.

Almost 100 people attended this year’s Summer Party at Wretham Lodge and, despite a few spots of rain in the latter part of the evening, spent much of the evening outside, touring the gardens or just relaxing, busy in conversation, clutching a glass of refreshment.

Hosts Gordon Alexander and Ian Salter, who provided wine for the evening, mingled with guests, who also had soft drinks available as well as a large buffet, laid on by members of St. Ethelbert’s Church.

A well-supported raffle raised around £300 and, at the end of a hugely enjoyable night for everyone, the funds of the village church were swelled by around £1200.

Jubilee Service

Jubilee Service

A congregation of 25 rounded off celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a rare service of Evensong at St. Ethelbert on the Sunday evening.

The service was led by the priest in charge of the Harling and Guiltcross benefice, the Rev. Simon Richardson with John Richens at the organ for a service that ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

There was a surprise for all those arriving at the service. While the outside was decked with bunting and the interior of the church was full of beautiful flower arrangements from a wedding the previous day, in the porch was a special display staged by congregation member Angela Lynne.

Mrs. Lynne has had a long-time hobby of collecting clothes from past generations and her tableau showed replica outfits she had made of those worn at the Queen’s coronation by Prince Charles, aged four, and his sister Princess Anne, who was two.

Benefice Service led by the Bishop of Thetford

Benefice service led by the Bishop of Thetford.

The latest fifth Sunday benefice service saw about 70 people attend St. Ethelbert at Wretham, with a large number of people happily discovering a church that they had never visited before.

The BCP service was led by the Bishop of Thetford (the Rt. Rev. Dr. Alan Winton) who also gave the address and administered Holy Communion, assisted by our priest in charge (the Rev. Simon Richardson).

Bishop Alan also offered special prayers at the steps of the chancel to George and Christine Price, soon to celebrate their golden wedding and long-time members of the Wretham congregation.

After the service, attended by friends from all but one of the churches in the benefice, many lingered to renew or make new friendships, while enjoying refreshments prepared by members of the Wretham congregation.

Pilgrimage to Walsingham

Our curate, Rev'd Josh Whitnall organised a day trip to see the amazing Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.  It was a most enjoyable pilgrimage and well worth the trip.

Ordination of Joshua Whitnall

A wonderful service was held on Sunday, 2nd July in Norwich Cathedral, in which Josh and 5 others were ordained deacons by Graham, Bishop of Norwich. Several were delighted to greet Josh, with Rev'd Simon Richardson, after the service, in the cloister.  The Benefice is looking forward to welcoming Josh and his family.