Church and Tower Open Day 2014

The Church and Tower held an open day today. The were a number of exhibitions in the church showing the different groups and who use the church, a number of which were manned by members of those groups. There was of the course the delicious refreshments available which many of the visitors took advantage of! The Bell Ringers of All Saints conducted Tower Tours throughout the day giving people the chance to watch ringing take place as well as take a look at the 6 bells of All Saints.

Although there wasn't as many people as we would have liked to have seen those who did come commented on how beautiful the church was and how it was lovely t be able to come in a take a look as they had passed it so often. Many people were also drawn to the day to take a look at the bells and find out what goes on to make the beautiful sound they love to listen to on Fridays and Sundays. A few even said they would like to come along and have a go at ringing.  

Vigil to Commemorate 100 years since the start of World War 1

A special vigil was held today around the War Memorial in the Churchyard of All Saints Church to commemorate 100 years since the start of World War 1. 

Prior to the service and whilst the congregation gathered around the War Memorial, the All Saints Swanton Morley Bell Ringers rang call changes on half muffled bells for half an hour. As 10 o'clock approached and as the final few people gathered outside the church, the bells were stood one by one until the tenor bell tolled for five minutes. 

The service, which was conducted by the Rev'd Adrian Aubrey-Jones, included the reading of different poems written during World War 1. The congregation were asked to place rosemary around the War Memorial as a sign of remembrance. The short service concluded with prayers before the blessing was given. 

Bell Ringers & PCC - Teddy Bear Zip Wire 2014

We would like to thank everyone who came along to this year's Teddy Bear Zip Wire at All Saints Church. Despite the awful weather conditions a great day was had by all. The afternoon started with a special visit for the BBC Radio Norfolk's Treasure Quest team who came to find the treasure which was a special bear name "treasure Bear".

This year me made a record £372. This money will be split between the Bell Ringers to help maintain the bells of All Saints and the PCC for the restoration of All Saints Church.

PCC - Harvest at All Saints

The Harvest Service was well attended with many people commenting what a lovely service it was and how beautiful  the Church flowers looked. Thanks must be said to the Flower Team for doing such a great job as well as to everyone who kindly contributed produce which was distributed to the elderly within the village.
The harvest supper held in the village hall on 28th September was very successful, there was approximately 50 attending and made a friendly gathering. Thanks must go to all the help received from the ladies of the church and a very big thank you to Dougal Smith and members of "reprise" who entertained us after the meal with songs from West End shows. We were very fortunate and made a total of £200 after expenses for the Heating Fund for the Church.

PCC - Wooden Crosses for The Troops of the Light Dragoons

The Rev'd Adrian Aubry-Jones conducted a special church service for the troops from the Light Dragoons, who are stationed at Robertson Barracks in Swanton Morley, prior to their deployment to Afghanistan later this month. The troops were presented with special wood cross which they will take with them on their tour.

PCC - Pancake Day Coffee Morning

The Pancake Day coffee morning held by Rhoda and Jack Edwards raised £156.50 for the Church's new heating fund. Rhoda and Jack would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who supported them. 

PCC - A Generous Harvest

The Harvest Supper was a great success and everyone enjoyed a two course hot meal. A total of £295.50 was made for the fund towards the new electrical system for the Church.
The Harvest Festival Service was also a great success and the PCC would like to thank everyone who kindly donated produce. This year the PCC decided to take all the tins, packets, fruit and vegetables dontated to Genesis (previously known as St. Matthews) a Charity in Dereham for the homeless.

PCC - Pancake Coffee Morning

The Pancake Coffee Morning at Rhoda and Jack Edwards on Tuesday 8th March raised £152.25 for All Saints Church funds. Rhoda and Jack would like to thank everyone who supported them and all those who kindly helped.

PCC - Supper Success!

Rhoda and Jack Edwards would like to thank all who supported the Supper Party at Swanton Morley on 1 November, which raised £200 for All Saints church funds.

PCC - Welcome to our New Team Vicar

The PCC is delighted to announce that the vacant post of team vicar will shortly be filled.  The Rev'd Adrian Aubrey-Jones, currently serving as a non-stipendiary minister of Dersingham with Anmer and Shernborne, will be licensed on 22 September at St Nicholas Church, Dereham and his first service in Swanton Morley will be on 26 September.  He and his wife, Anthea, will be moving into the vicarage in Swanton Morley on 14 September and we look forward to welcoming them.

Bell Ringers & PCC - The Big Sky Dive

Two brave ringers today took part in a sponsored sky dive to raise funds for both the Friends of All Saints Church and the All Saint Swanton Morley Bell Ringers.
Aaron Hall and Fiona Joisce both said they would take part in this leap of faith all in the name of charity, so on Saturday they join over a hundred other people who were all raising funds for the charities of their choice.
Both agreed it was an experience which they will never forget. You can read Aaron's article by clicking here