Following several months in vacancy, the parishes of the Sancroft Benefice are delighted to learn that the Revd Julia Curtis has now been appointed as Rector, to be installed in March of next year. Revd Julia is currently serving in the Diocese of Worcester and is well used to rural ministry.The benefice looks forward to giving her and her husband a warm welcome.This appointment follows the retirement of Revd Canon Susan Loxton after 17 years of faithful ministry.
Revd Maria was ordained as priest by the Rt Revd Dr Joanne Grenfell, Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, at a joyful service in St Edmundsbury Cathedral on 27th June. She was enthusiastically supported by members of our parishes.She took her first Holy Communion, with guest preacher Rich Henderson, Archdeacon of Suffolk, at the Sancroft Benefice service the next day, Sunday 28th June, at St Andrew's Weybread.
<h3>Scything Saturday at Mendham Churchyard!</h3>Last Saturday, Waveney Volunteers for Nature turned their attention to scything the long grass in Mendham churchyard. This was a tricky job where the grass was growing around the gravestones but with a good number of volunteers sharing the job, we made short work of the task. We then retired to the church for coffee and cake and a friendly chat with local residents.Mendham churchyard is a lovely spot and it was a pleasure to help in its maintenance. We were also greatly encouraged by Revd. Diane and the interest and support of local residents, not to mention (again!) the delicious locally made cake and coffee!Mendham churchyard now has a new feature in the shape of a tall mound of hay. This will perhaps serve as a temporary home for hedgehogs or grass snakes and lizards, but it will soon settle. Meanwhile, keep an eye on it!
Plant Fair Exceeds ExpectationsVillagers, friends and the wider community came along to a Plant Fair held at All Saints’Church, Mendham, on Saturday 30 th May 2026.The weather was surprisingly hot, but that didn’t deter those wishing to buy wonderful locallygrown bedding plants, and a variety of community donated herbaceous, border and houseplants.Alongside, a garden bring &amp; buy stall sold pots, planters, garden tools in need of a newhome, as well as gardening books and magazines.There was an opportunity to bid in a silent auction for a Pear tree or an English oak; grownfrom an acorn, a Garden themed raffle, and a chance to converse with supporters ofHarleston Volunteers for Nature, who help maintain the flora and fauna in our churchyard.Inside the coolness of the church, a Bistro café awaited with tables ladened with tasty, sweetor savoury snacks and filled rolls along with a well-earned drink of choice.Mendham School recently celebrated their 150th birthday and the children contributed to anexhibition of their recent work about gardens and gardening.Our endeavours were rewarded beyond expectation with £1,349 raised for church funds.The event was enjoyed by all, with grateful thanks to those who gave their support in anyway.
