Open Churches Week of exploratory events
Monday August 5 — Sunday August 11, 2013 is Church of England’s Diocese of Norwich Open Churches Week. During this annual week churches host a special range of activities for visitors. From tours to tea, and lectures to art, these diverse events allow visitors to explore stunning church buildings and their own faith, whilst deepening their knowledge.
For a complete list of the week's events visit:
www.dioceseofnorwich.org/visiting/open-churches
Highlighted Open Churches Week events include:
Art in the Aisle
St Andrew, High Street, Ringstead, PE36 5JU. All week, 10–5.
Local artists’ work, within a beautiful church with many of it’s own artistic features.
Admission Free, ample parking, local shop, and The Gin Trap for refreshments.
Mary Ann Hardy activities & events
St Mary, Off London Street, Whissonsett, NR20 5ST
Wednesday 7, at 2pm
Talk by Margaret Bird, Editor of The Diary of Mary Hardy
Norfolk diarist Mary Hardy (1733–1809) wrote compelling Whissonsett entries in her 36-year-long diary. Family visits were frequent, and news was exchanged in letters, during a time of rapid social and economic change.
Refreshments include Mary Ann Hardy’s recipes, as well as 21st century cake!
Self-guided walk
All week.
Discover the house where Mary Hardy grew up; her uncle’s farmhouse and shop; her christening font; the church tower her father rebuilt. Activities include writing and illustrating your own diary page and adding to that to be held in the church during the week. Find Mary’s family memorials, names and images within the church building.
Saturday 10, at 2pm
Recital on the Nicholson Organ by Margaret Vincent.
Music of the period to include Handel.
Donations welcomed after the talk & organ recital
The Bunwell Lecture
St Michael and All Angels, Old Turnpike, Bunwell, NR16 1SN
Friday 9, at 7.30pm prompt.
'Bundling with Big Pharma': Ethics, old drugs and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr William Notcutt FFPMRCA, researcher on the restoration of Cannabis as medicine.
Dr Notcutt has been working for many years on the restoration of cannabis as a medicine and in getting this drug accepted back into clinical practice. The annual Bunwell Lecture is given by a speaker prominent in their field, and sometimes controversial.
Light refreshments.
Plenty of parking nearby and cloakroom facilities within the church.
Tickets £8 each at the door. £6 in advance from Mrs Pennell, Walnut Tree Farm, 45 Bunwell Street, Bunwell, NR16 1NA. T: 01953 788283, E: sue.pennell@live.co.uk
Craft and Family Day
St Botolph, Westwick, NR10 5BW
Saturday 10, at 10– 4
Watch weavers and spinners at work, and enjoy activities for children. Tea and delicious cakes. Arrive with a dirty car and have it washed while you enjoy the activities!
Contact Saskia Elson, T: 01692 538775, E: elsons@btintnernet.com
Explore the Great Hospital & St Helen’s
St Helen, Bishopgate, Norwich, NR1 4EL.
Monday 5 – Saturday 10, at 10–3pm
St Helen’s Church is part of the medieval foundation of the Great Hospital which covers a 6 acre site in the centre of Norwich. Includes the Great Hospital Lodge and Eagle Ward – once part of the church but turned into living accommodation for women in 1570.
Fine painted medieval chestnut ceiling. Craft display in the Great Hospital Refectory.
Nearest parking at the Law Courts (pay & display); teas and coffees in the Birkbeck Hall. Toilets include disabled access.