Norfolk man keeps village church open for decades
For more than half a century Donald Gotts has opened the beautiful Harpley church to visitors, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Donald Gotts has lived in Harpley village, between King’s Lynn and Fakenham, all his life and has hardly missed a day since he volunteered, back in the 1960s, to unlock the door to the ancient church every morning and relock it every evening.
He first unlocked the door an incredible 75 years ago, when he was in his teens and volunteered to help his mother. He later took over the role from her.
Don is now handing the huge iron key to a rota of volunteers who will make sure medieval Harpley church continues to welcome visitors and worshippers.
At a special presentation to thank him for his years of service the Rev Karlene Kerr gave the retired farm worker a framed picture of the church he has cared for so faithfully, his own key to the door and a personal letter of thanks from the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, who said: “You have been opening and closing the beautiful church in Harpley for every day of my life.
“Thank you for your dedication and faithfulness in serving Harpley Church and village. Your example of selfless, quiet dedication has inspired your friends and neighbours.”
The 15th century door which Don has been unlocking daily for decades is known for its carvings of eight saints, a lion and a stag.
story and image originally from Diocese of Norwich