Come to Aylsham church’s dancing fundraiser

Aylsham Parish Church is organising a barn dance and supper with the aim of raising additional funds and awareness for the charity which this year was the focus of the Bishop’s Lent Appeal.

The event will take place at Aylsham Town Hall from 7pm on Saturday 6 September, with the proceeds of ticket sales, a raffle and drinks sold at the bar being donated to rural mental health charity YANA (You are not alone). The barn dance will feature music led by the Keel Band, while tickets also entitle attendees to a meal. There will be a licensed bar and a raffle.
 
First launched in 2008, YANA provides mental health support for people living and working in agricultural and rural communities – with the ultimate aim of preventing loss of life through suicide. Churchgoers throughout Norfolk and Waveney raised £16,415 for YANA as part of the Bishop of Norwich’s 2025 Lent Appeal, with the funds being used to support the charity’s vital helpline.
 
Revd Canon Julie Boyd, Team Rector for the Aylsham and District Team Ministry, is keen that the support evidenced through donations to the Lent Appeal is part of a consistent giving effort to the East Anglian charity:
 
Julie explained, “As a church we felt that it was important to continue with our support for YANA to help continue to raise the profile of the charity and help people to know the reality of the difficulties faced by people working in farming and rural businesses.  We want everyone to know that they are not alone and so fully support YANA in the help that they give to the people who need them most."
 
Virginia Edgecombe, one of the charity’s trustees, praised the fundraising effort by Norfolk churches: “I have been reminded of the brilliance of the parish system and the ability that the Church has to reach the rural communities en masse – it’s quite something and very powerful.”
 
Tickets are £12.50 (£6 children), and are available from Postles Electrical in Aylsham. Numbers are limited.
 
The bottom right photo above shows, left to right, Melinda Raker, founder of YANA, Bishop Graham Usher, and Virginia Edgecombe. The whole image is courtesy of Diocese of Norwich.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.