Fakenham Parish Church: Community Blog

An email received from Gail Allcock a member of Church

Hi, Adrian, did you hear that the Fakenham children’s daycare centre had been a victim of arson yet again? Last Monday they had their outside shed destroyed by fire and many of the children’s outside toys have been ruined beyond repair. The last fire they had, local businesses were very kind and offered equipment and cash to help replace lost equipment but they don’t feel able to ask for help yet again. Two things, could we give them some publicity in the Beacon? they just want the vandals and arsonists to leave them alone. also would we be able to offer them a stall at one of the craft fairs again to help them raise money to replace toys etc. ? Gail

Of course we can help. We are planning to give the complete takings from the Thursday Church Market Stall and Coffee this week to the Centre. This shouldbe be over £300.  Adrian

Did you know that Fakenham’s Charity Shops, yes all of them, there are 7 that I can think of, are Staffed by really kind, helpful and happy people who freely give up their time to do this work. As I am not one of them I feel I can ‘blow the trumpet’ on their behalf without any bias.!

Not only do they all have lovely Staff, they also have amazing bargains of every type, sort and description.

Being of a certain age and size I cannot find any clothes I like in the shops which trade in new clothes, but I have found things which I really do like AND can afford, in this Goldmine which is at our disposal.

Now that we cook only for two, I have also found pyrex or other casserole dishes which are exactly right for us. Oh and I found a superb complete set of fascinating history books ( I think it was called Horrid History) aimed at young people which made a good present for a 7 year old grand child.

These shops are a treasure on our doorstep and they are all helping various charities.”

Regards

Ann

Totally agree. Rector

Last evening the Church was full of people for a concert by the West Norfolk Jubilee Youth Orchestra and Concert Band. It was great ! Young people enjoying music and willing to try some exciting pieces of music from every generation including Sting ! I have asked the Orchestra back next year. If you missed it, you missed a real treat. The Church received £100 donation from the event which we will be giving to Steven Newing House in Fakenham helping young people who are in difficulty and need some support.

A lady this week told me off through a member of  my staff for always asking people for money for the Church. Well actually as a Church we probably give away more than any Church in our Deanery and one of the highest in the Diocese. Last year over £30,000 was raised for charities other than the Church which included £21,000 from the 7th Christmas Tree Festival.

I hope that she is in a minority because we really do try to help and next Thursday we are donating all the proceeds from Thursday Market Day stalls and refreshments Fakenham Children’s Day Care Centre which has again been hit by vandalism even though we need £10,000 for urgent repairs to the Church.

May be I am a little touchy about this point. But we just try to help where we can and like HM  The Queen, often our generosity is not noticed because we want to give quietly.

Any advice would be helpful?

Adrian Bell

Just had to put pen to paper and thank the Parish Church for the wonderful welcome surprise that happened to me yesterday.

After spending long hours on Monday night/Tuesday morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital when Mother was taken in by ambulance with a possible stroke, following numerous visits, by yesterday afternoon I was both tired and emotionally drained - when suddenly there was a knock on the door to tell me that I had won £50 in the Church monthly 200 Club draw.

God certainly does move in mysterious ways. What a much needed boost that was! Thank you again.

Olga Lowne.

Having just received an invitation to a family wedding in Cumbria in the summer I was delighted to receive the wedding gift list. Normally it means a trip to John Lewis or House of Fraser and looking down a list of saucepans and china, but this invitation was different.

My nephew, as a keen  carer for the world, has asked all guests to donate to OXFAM. The donation will not be  in money, but  we will be able to purchase  an item or even an animal to help the Third World. What a wonderful idea. In age when we all have far too much this is one way we can share.

What do you think ?