Those in attendance were rewarded with another wonderful trip out to Blakeney Point, courtesy of Jim Temple, to view the seals and the fabulous tern colony.On return to the village hall, full of good heart and spirit, many familiar returning faces, together with newcomers, were welcomed warmly by the PCC team who had decorated the hall and tables beautifully with bunting, flowers and candles, a bar full of refreshments and a delicious choice of crab, coronation chicken or quiche complemented by delicious salads and a spectacular rage of puddings. Guests were bowled over by the evening's events both on and off the water.The event's founder, the late Mary Athill, was toasted with much enthusiasm and a rousing 'Happy Birthday' was also sung to celebrate Gill Kay, our great churchwarden, whose birthday it was. 'Thank you for absolutely everything. It was, as always, a wonderful evening - I really appreciate the huge effort that you all go to so that the whole affair is seamless and totally enjoyable. Not only dd the weather behave, but so did the seals. The food, the service and table setting were all incredible' remarked one satisfied guest. Another commented on how much their guests loved the evening too. ' We hope to be back next year'.These events don't succeed without the effort and fabulous support from the local community. As such our thanks go out to Willie Weston for sourcing the crabs, Jim and Jane Temple for leading and organising the boats, the hard working PCC team in both preparing the delicious food as well as assisting in setting up the village hall to look so welcoming and to those wonderful people who turned up for the event and whose kindness and generosity raised over £2,400 for All Saints Church. Thank you all so very much. We look forward to welcoming you all back again in 2027.
Crispian, alongside celebrated accompanist Ian LeGrice, performed to a packed audience, with a programme showcasing the history of the trumpet from its early days up to modern times.The audience was treated to many musical examples of how the instrument has evolved over the centuries and were entertained by some lovely performances of old classics all the way up to a medley from Hollywood blockbusters.This enormously successful event would not happen without the fabulous support of the PCC and the wider community who produced an arresting spread of delicious canapes as well as decorating the church beautifully with flowers and candles. Special thanks are extended to Paul and Denny Roffey who secured Crispian for the evening and managed the event which raised a fabulous sum of £1,500 in support of the upkeep of the fabric of All Saints.
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.
