The importance of the parish church to Fakenham
In his weekly Wensum column, Fakenham writer Jim Harding discusses the church’s part in the community…
We had very little to do with our parish church when we first came to live in Fakenham. That all changed one sunny afternoon when then-Rector Rev Hugh Buckingham called round and shared a cup of tea with us in our garden.
The response may not have been instant but would have been motivated by my wife who started to attend Sunday morning services. This led to deeper involvement and a realisation that the church actually played a very significant role in the life of the town.
I attended services from time to time and liked to read passages from the Bible to the congregation when called upon. My wife gradually increased her commitment and has been instrumental in helping to guide participants in the annual Christmas Tree Festival. This raises money for numerous charities and, significantly, helps the church pay its annual parish share.
She is currently church warden which includes a multitude of tasks. In the early days, it was decided that a free church magazine would be a good idea. I got involved with this and helped launch The Beacon, which is now delivered to 4,000 houses around the town.
Admittedly, this initial publication was fairly basic but at least it was a start. More recently The Beacon has upgraded to its present standard which is a great improvement and a publication of which we are very proud. It remains free with advertisers helping to cover the costs of printing.
We have managed to persuade regular contributors to write for the magazine and emphasise that while it might come under the umbrella of the church it is very much community-based as well. Looking through the March copy I note details about Gavin Green, the head of Fakenham Academy, details of the regular accompanied walks organised by Fakenham Ramblers and regular columns from requested contributors.
Our Rector the Rev Tracy Jessop writes a Rector's Reflections piece which does not shy away from controversial territory on occasions. Dozens of volunteers deliver the magazine every month - we could do with more of you - to cover most of Fakenham. My round of around 100 homes includes Station Close and stretches along Norwich Road.
I try to deliver when it's not raining. There are copies available in church should you miss out for some reason or happen to be visiting us from elsewhere. Our partner church in Fulmodeston gets coverage and is very active in its own small community. With our market day on Thursdays virtually doubling the local population, the church is available for refreshments should you happen to be around. Lots of new books and other items to buy and the building itself is very much worth exploring.
For your information, the 12th Fakenham Gin and Beer Festival will be held at our community centre today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday). In keeping with medieval church tradition and in alliance with Barsham Brewery, the parish church has sponsored 'The Two Apostles' ale. This will help raise funds for local causes as well as the centre itself and the Ellie's Love charity. The festival is open from 7pm until 11pm on Friday and noon until 11pm on Saturday.
Looking further ahead, arrangements are well in hand for marking the VE80 celebrations, starting early on May 8 with the proclamation in the market place at 8am. In the absence of an official town crier, Richard Tree, whose powerful voice is well-known to many of you, has agreed to step in.
A commemorative flag will be raised and flown from the church tower at 9am and stallholders will be asked to dress in clothing from the 1940s era. Busker Terry Adams will perform music popular from the period during the morning. In the afternoon, everyone is invited to St. Peter's garden for a picnic while listening to performances given by local choirs. This session will conclude with 1940s tribute act, Miss Kitty. To round off the day, the local Salvation Army Band will play. Sounds to me like a day not to be missed.
