St Andrews Great Ryburgh

St. Andrew’s stands at the entrance to the Norfolk village of Great Ryburgh, close to the bridge over the River Wensum. This round tower church with its possible Saxon origins continues to nurture a Christian community that has existed in the village since at least the 8th. Century. It remains a distinctive feature of a village that is essentially a working community with a maltings, some light industry and a shop that has been retained as a community venture.

The cruciform design of the church building is unusual, each arm of the cross being almost equal in length.The most recent reordering of the Chancel in 1912 by Sir Ninian Comper gives the building a wonderful feeling of space and light as well as a flexibility of use which the parish uses to full advantage for its services, community events and concerts.

St. Andrew's, Great Ryburgh is part of the Upper Wensum Benefice. The Revd. Robin Stapleford now divides his time between two benefices and looks after fourteen parishes with the help of curate, The Revd. Dr. Rhona McEune, and a number of retired clergy who give generously of their time.

Visitors are welcome every day of the week.

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EVENTS THIS MONTH

LENT LUNCHES: Wednesday, 11th March and Wednesday, 25th March

Home made bread and soup lunches will be served from 12.15 until 1.15 p.m, followed by a talk given by a member of a charity or community group. There is no charge although donations to be divided between church funds and a charity of the speaker’s choice would be gratefully received! All are welcome and there is no need to book.

11th March: "Walking the Camino de Santiago" by Ann Owen, senior lecturer at UEA.

25th March: "Hear for Norfolk" by Aliona Derrett, CEO of the Norfolk Deaf Association.

MARCH MARKET - FLOWERS, GIFTS and BOOKS: 14^th MARCH 9.30 – 12 noon.

Choose some flowers and gifts for Mothering Sunday, browse the books and see the heritage displays. St. Andrew’s Pantry will be open for coffee, scones, cake and savoury treats.

OPEN FOR TEA: Friday, 20th March 2.30 – 4 p.m.

Join us for a cup of tea, a scone and a slice of cake. We will be in the warmth of the William Martin Building but if the weather is very cold, you can check beforehand that the Tea is going ahead by calling 829413 between 1 and 1.30 p.m

The choir rehearses on Tuesday afternoons and the Ryburgh Ringers on Thursday evenings. New recruits always welcome!

The Friday Morning Team meets every week to keep our churchyard and field cared for, colourful and open to all. Please come and join us.

Our church building has been here for over 1,000 years and we try to ensure it is a welcoming and inspiring place for worshippers, local residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The William Martin Building with its much needed handwashing and hospitality facilities is fully in use. We wonder how we ever managed without it! We are so grateful to those who built it and to those who donated materials, labour and funds with such generosity.

JOINTING AND REPOINTING 23/24/25: The current project is the repointing of the north and west nave walls, together with repairs to the east and south walls at ground level where the walls meet the perimeter channel. Any donations would be very helpful to ensure we can complete the project on time. Not a glamorous task but a very necessary one to avoid costly bills in the future!

IF YOU NEED TO REPORT ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF ANY KIND, YOU CAN CONTACT THE DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING TEAM ON:

01603 882345 or safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org

See the SAFEGUARDING PAGE for more details.

OTHER SOURCES OF HELP

Help for young people wishing to report abusive behaviour

Provisional Parish Safeguarding Officer: The Revd. Robin Stapleford Tel: 01328 853226

Email: upperwensumrector@btinternet.com

You can if you wish also contact Childline (childline.org.uk or telephone 0800 1111 This service offers free, confidential advice and support about whatever is worrying you.

Help for adults wishing to report abusive behaviour

Provisional Parish Safeguarding Officer: The Revd. Robin Stapleford Tel: 01328 853226

Email: upperwensumrector@btinternet.com