On a bright day at the end of March 2026, members of the PCC were joined by a number of others from the village to carry out a tidy of the churchyard and a Spring clean of the church. Mindful that it was the nesting season, tasks focussed on weeding the long grass from around some newly planted lilac bushes, weeding some of the older graves, checking the long flint wall for signs of loose or missing flints and clearing the weeds from the path near the gate. Inside there was much sweeping, dusting, polishing and vacuuming with new flower arrangements added. At the end of the session all were rewarded with tea, coffee and homemade cakes - a very productive morning and a lovely get together with members of our wonderful community.
The service, led by the Rev. Ian Whittle, in a church packed with nearly 200 people, was a huge success. The assembled congregation heartily got stuck into a joyful service of nine carols and seven readings with Richardd Peaver once more kindly playing the organ. Billy Curtis opened proceedings with a beautiful solo rendition of the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. Traditional readings were led by locals or their relatives, both young and old. The candle lit church looked absolutely stunning with beautiful flower arrangements illuminated wonderfully by hundreds of candles. The church looked gloriously festive. The atmosphere was a very happy and seasonal one - everyone was welcome whether they were villagers, visitors, relatives or just happened to be passing by! After the service Christmas treats of sausage rolls, mince pies and mulled wine were served.Thanks go to all those who helped put on this special community occasion. The collection for the evening of nearly £800 was, as always, given to the Kelling and Wells community hospitals to continue the good work they do in the wider community of North Norfolk.
Everyone was invited to bring flowers to the church and the names of loved ones to be remembered were read out during the service. The church looked beautiful, filled with flowers and sunlight, and, although a solemn occasion, it was also a joyful celebration of the church and the lives of people important to those in the congregation and those who couldn’t be there in person. The rector gave a lovely, thoughtful sermon and it was especially good to see so many people in attendance from both the village and further afield. After the service, there was a lovely informal get together over coffee at the Anchor – thank you for your warm welcome and warm fire (and the biscuits!).
Drains were cleaned out, grass edges were strimmed, ivy was removed from walls and graves were weeded. Inside the church, the chancel had a 'spring' clean with furniture moved, floors swept and polish deployed.After a very satisfying and convivial couple of hours, coffee and cake, which had been well earned, was served. Many thanks to all those from the village who came and helped, including Slinky the dax!
