We will be supporting Operation Christmas Child again this year with their Christmas Shoebox campaign. You are invited to fill a shoebox with items to delight children across the world on Christmas morning, assuring them that they are not forgotten and giving them an experience of love.
Shoe boxes are available from the Group Office or you can fill your own box. Why not join with some friends to fill a box, or fill a box from your organisation or club. Perhaps you are unable to get out and about or just don’t have the time to go shopping. Why not build a shoebox online! For details see the website: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-online which will give full instructions.
Wed, 16 Oct, 2024, 2pm - Wed, 16 Oct, 4pm @ Seething Village Hall
COMMUNITY CAFE
Seething Village Hall
Wednesday 16th October 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm
In aid of Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice
Offers of Prizes fro raffle or tombola would be so welcome and / or come and join us on the day or make a donation to the fund.
Why not pop in any time between two and four to enjoy tea/coffee and cake for just a £2.00 donation, you would be so welcome. Hopefully a chance to make new friends or catch up with old ones.
Prizes can be left with Margaret at 17 Mill Lane, Seething or with Keith at the Post Office/Shop.
Sun, 29 Sep, 2024, 2pm @ from Rockland Staithe car park, NR14 7HP
September Group Walks
Sunday 29 September Walk
The walk on Sunday 29 September at 2 pm will now be from Rockland Staithe car park (NR14 7HP), almost opposite the New Inn. It is a circular walk of just over 5 miles along footpaths by the Broad, and riverbank leading to the village of Claxton taking in quiet lanes and footpaths along field edges and through woodland. Walking boots recommended as there are some damp areas. Tea and cake afterwards at the home of Daphne and John. Please let them know if you will be coming so they don’t leave without you (Tel: 01508 494318).
Sun, 8 Sep, 2024, 9am @ The Hempnall Group of Parishes and the Brooke Benefice
FOOD BANK
Items for our Food Bank are still needed; we are very grateful to all who continue to contribute during this difficult time.
URGENTLY NEEDED ITEMS:
PASTA
TINNED FISH
TINNED VEGETABLES
NON URGENT ITEMS:
INSTANT NOODLES (NOT POTS)
TINNED POTATOES
MICROWAVE PUDDINGS/CAKES
Donating Food: Items for the food bank can be left at the back of St Margaret’s Church, Hempnall, at the Group Office, Hempnall or in the porch at St Peter’s Church, Brooke.
Donating Money: Regular giving is a great way to support the Food Bank
For further details please check out this website: https://waveney.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/
Sun, 11 Aug, 2024, 9am @ The Hempnall Group of Parishes and the Brooke Benefice
FOOD BANK
Items for our Food Bank are still needed; we are very grateful to all who continue to contribute during this difficult time.
URGENTLY NEEDED ITEMS:
PASTA
TINNED FISH
TINNED VEGETABLES
NON URGENT ITEMS:
INSTANT NOODLES (NOT POTS)
TINNED POTATOES
MICROWAVE PUDDINGS/CAKES
Donating Food: Items for the food bank can be left at the back of St Margaret’s Church, Hempnall, at the Group Office, Hempnall or in the porch at St Peter’s Church, Brooke.
Donating Money: Regular giving is a great way to support the Food Bank
For further details please check out this website: https://waveney.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/
Our occasional, pop-up Dog Café will next be held in Hardwick Church
on Wednesday 24 July between 9:30am and 11:30am
Do call in, with or without a dog, to enjoy human and canine company and refreshments. By popular request (i.e. wagging tails), there’ll be home-made pup cakes….
Sun, 14 Jul, 2024, 9am @ The Hempnall Group of Parishes and the Brooke Benefice
FOOD BANK
Items for our Food Bank are still needed; we are very grateful to all who continue to contribute during this difficult time.
URGENTLY NEEDED ITEMS:
PASTA
TINNED FISH
TINNED VEGETABLES
NON URGENT ITEMS:
INSTANT NOODLES (NOT POTS)
TINNED POTATOES
MICROWAVE PUDDINGS/CAKES
Donating Food: Items for the food bank can be left at the back of St Margaret’s Church, Hempnall, at the Group Office, Hempnall or in the porch at St Peter’s Church, Brooke.
Donating Money: Regular giving is a great way to support the Food Bank
For further details please check out this website: https://waveney.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/
Mon, 27 May, 2024, 11am - Mon, 27 May, 5pm @ Topcroft
Topcroft Open Gardens save the date!
Save the date for Topcroft Open Gardens 2024
Sunday 26th May and Monday 27th May
11:00am to 5:00 pm
If you are resident in Topcroft and would like more details about opening you garden small or large all welcome or if you would like to help please do message me daphnebeckett@gmail.com
Sun, 26 May, 2024, 11am - Sun, 26 May, 5pm @ Topcroft
Topcroft Open Gardens save the date!
Save the date for Topcroft Open Gardens 2024
Sunday 26th May and Monday 27th May
11:00am to 5:00 pm
If you are resident in Topcroft and would like more details about opening you garden small or large all welcome or if you would like to help please do message me daphnebeckett@gmail.com
There will be the opportunity to choose from the longer or shorter version of this walk which will take in quiet roads, lanes and footpaths with good views across the local countryside.
There will, of course, be tea and cakes afterwards. All welcome.
For more information please contact Jill Turner 01508 499344
There will be a winter walk on Sunday 4th February starting at 2pm. The walk will be on country lanes in and around Kirstead. The walk will start from Kirstead Church NR15 1ER. Apologies, but no refreshments will be available. For further information, please contact Josephine Murgatroyd on 01508 530453.
Come and enjoy a Cuppa and a Mince Pie or a bowl of Chilli and a Jacket Potato
Come along and join the fun and good company
If you would like to book a table for your arts and crafts, home made sweets cakes etc. for £10 please contact Jackie 01508 482 267 for more information
(It would be helpful if you could supply your own table, as we are very limited with church tables)
Sat, 25 Nov, 2023, 10am - Sat, 25 Nov, 1pm @ Hempnall Village Hall
A Christmas Craft Fair will be held in Hempnall Village Hall on Saturday 25thNovember 2023,
from 10am – 1pm in aid of St. Margaret’s Church Hempnall. Why not come and find that special Christmas gift or card? Coffee, tea & cakes, raffle. Offers of help, Raffle prizes and cakes or biscuits would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Please contact Yvonne Davy 01508499405 or email ydavy01@yahoo.co.uk
We will be supporting Operation Christmas Child again this year with their Christmas Shoebox campaign. You are invited to fill a shoebox with items to delight children across the world on Christmas morning, assuring them that they are not forgotten and giving them an experience of love. Shoe boxes are available from the Group Office or you can fill your own box. Why not join with some friends to fill a box, or fill a box from your organisation or club. Perhaps you are unable to get out and about or just don’t have the time to go shopping. Why not build a shoebox online! (Check out the Operation Christmas Child website here: https://shoeboxonline.samaritans-purse.org.uk/
Ideas for what to put inside are available at the Operation Christmas Child website: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/how-to-pack-a-shoebox/along with full instructions.
3.5 mile walk around the Old Buckenham area. Leave from Liz Billett’s home Chestnuts, Mill Road, Old Buckenham NR17 1SG. Tea afterwards at the Chestnuts.
Those who are unable to do the walk are welcome to join the tea from 3.45 onwards.
Please let Liz know if you are intending to do the walk (Tel: 07891
854219 or email: lizzie.billett@gmail.com) so we don’t leave without you.
Since the Bike Ride started, over £4million has been raised! A tremendous effort by everyone who has taken part. 2023 will be the 40th anniversary of the Bike Ride and The Norfolk Churches Trust want to make it a really special day.
And don’t forget the competitions that they run including The Lord Lieutenant’s certificate for the individual who raises the most money and the Wall of Fame for the most churches visited.
Sun, 13 Aug, 2023, 2pm @ Meet in the layby on the B1332 just south of Poringland
August Walk is on Sunday 13th August 2023
We will meet in the layby on the B1332 just south of Poringland for a 2:00pm start. The walk will be 4+ miles along footpaths and country lanes from Poringland to Brooke and the edge of Alpington and return to Poringland layby. If you would like to join us, please contact Daphne on 01508 494318 - so we know you are coming and don’t set off without you.
Sun, 30 Jul, 2023, 2pm @ Meet at Barsham with Shipmeadow Church
July 2023 Walk
Sunday 30th July - Walk starting at 2pm from Holy Trinity Church, Barsham with Shipmeadow Church. The walk will include part of the Via Beata way and will last 2 hours or so. Refreshments will be provided in the Church afterwards. The Church is situated off the B1062 from Bungay to Beccles.
Sun, 25 Jun, 2023, 2pm @ Starts at Topcroft Church
June Walk
Sunday 25th June 2023
Our walk will start at Topcroft church at 2pm. The walk will be approximately 5 miles along public footpaths and lanes around Topcroft. It will include a short section of the Via Beata. There will be refreshments in Topcroft church afterwards.
Please contact David and Margaret Ferre on 01508 482562 for further information .
Annual Meetings of Parishioners (open to all on the Church Electoral Roll for a parish and also to all on its civil Electoral Roll by virtue of residence) elect Churchwardens. Then Annual Parochial Church Meetings (open to all on the parish's Church Electoral Roll) receive annual reports and accounts and elect members of the Deanery Synod, the Parochial Church Council and the Hempnall Group's Joint Council.
Please do come along if you can to your own parish meeting to hear about local church activities and to help choose representatives.
Sat, 29 Apr, 2023, 10am - Sat, 29 Apr, 4pm @ Ditchingham Village Hall
New Benefice Vision Day
Saturday 29th April
10am – 4pm
Ditchingham Village Hall
A light lunch will be provided.
Everyone who lives or worships in the current Brooke Benefice or Hempnall Group is invited to a “Vision Day” for our new benefice. We hope that spending a day together will help us to get to know one another and to look ahead. We will be able to share our ideas about what churches should be like, to explore the things that are important to us and to dream about the things we would like to do in our parishes and communities. During the day there will be opportunities to worship together and to socialise.
The formation of our new benefice is an important opportunity to listen to God’s call to us and to begin to live it out. We hope that everyone will want to participate in making decisions about our future life together – and to help us finalise a choice of name for the new benefice.
There will be no charge for the day, but you are asked to sign up so that we know how many people to cater for. To do so please contact the Hempnall Office by phoning Frances on 01508 498157 or e-mailing: hempnallgroup.office@btinternet.com. After the 1st April you will also be able to sign up at our Sunday services in church. If you will need help with transport please contact the Office and we will do our best to help.
We look forward to meeting together to share in planning for the future.
Please join us for our Palm Sunday procession from the Mill Centre to Hempnall Church (joining in the procession is purely optional).
10:00am Group Palm Sunday Service
Our Palm Sunday Procession is followed by our Group Palm Sunday Service at Hempnall Church. This is a non-Eucharistic service with extended reading of the Passion.
4:00pm Family Praise
The family praise team will be holding there Palm Sunday Service in Hempnall Church at the usual time of 4:00pm
6:00pm Palm Sunday Reflective Communion Service
Our final Palm Sunday Service will be held at Topcroft Church
7:00pmSpecial Service at Hempnall Church - Licensing of Revd. Lynn Chapman
Further to last month's news about the re-organisation of benefices, the Revd. Lynn Chapman is to be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the existing Hempnall Group. This is in addition to Lynn's current position as Priest-in-Charge of the Brooke Benefice and is a logical step while the formal Scheme is prepared for our new integrated benefice, at which point Lynn will automatically become its Incumbent, as previously announced.
The Bishop of Thetford will conduct Lynn's licensing to the Hempnall Group at a special service to be held on Thursday 23 March at 7pm in Hempnall Church. The simple service of Holy Communion will be followed by light refreshments.
All are welcome so do please come along if you can to mark this licensing and to welcome Lynn to the Priest-in-Charge role.
Wed, 22 Mar, 2023, 12:30pm @ Friar's Farm Morningthorpe
Lent Lunches
Simple lunches of soup and cheese will be held during Lent. These provide a pleasant opportunity to meet new and old friends. There is no cost but donations will be welcomed to support the work of Emmaus at Ditchingham.
Each will start at 12.30 on the following dates:
Wednesday 22nd March at Friar’s Farm Morningthorpe
hosted by Mary Sargent 01508 530269
All are welcome but please let the hostess know if you will be coming.
Thu, 16 Mar, 2023, 9am @ St Peter's Church, Brooke
Thursday 16th March 2023
Lent Communion and Bible Study
We begin the morning with a simple celebration of Holy Communion, with time for intercession, at 9am. When the service concludes, those who wish to, are invited to stay for coffee, along with the opportunity to share in Bible Study. Each week we will look at the Gospel reading for the following Sunday, which will also be the reading at our Thursday service. As the church is so cold and we're trying not to use the heating too much, we will meet in the Vicarage for both the service and Bible Study. Everyone is still welcome.
Simple lunches of soup and cheese will be held during Lent. These provide a pleasant opportunity to meet new and old friends. There is no cost but donations will be welcomed to support the work of Emmaus at Ditchingham.
Each will start at 12.30 on the following dates:
Tuesday 14th March at Ashness Hempnall
hosted by Yvonne Davy, 01508 499405
Wednesday 22nd March at Friar’s Farm Morningthorpe
hosted by Mary Sargent 01508 530269
All are welcome but please let the hostess know if you will be coming.
Worship | Sunday 12th March 2023 | 3rd Sunday of Lent
2 years ago
Sun, 12 Mar, 2023, 10am @ Topcroft Church
10:00am Group Eucharist at Topcroft
This Sunday we welcome back Revd Canon Susanna Gunner, Diocesan Spirituality and Discipleship Advisor. Who will be leading our group eucharist service at Topcroft Church.
Simple lunches of soup and cheese will be held during Lent. These provide a pleasant opportunity to meet new and old friends. There is no cost but donations will be welcomed to support the work of Emmaus at Ditchingham.
Each will start at 12.30 on the following dates:
Thursday 2nd March at Topcroft Lodge
hosted by Janet Watson, 01508 482435
Tuesday 14th March at Ashness Hempnall
hosted by Yvonne Davy, 01508 499405
Wednesday 22nd March at Friar’s Farm Morningthorpe
hosted by Mary Sargent 01508 530269
All are welcome but please let the hostess know if you will be coming.
Meeting at St Margaret’s Church, Hempnall at 2:00pm for a 3-3.5 mile walk around Hempnall. Please call Shirley and Keith Mayer 01508 499465 for more details.
Saturday 25th February 2023 | Coffee Morning in aid of theTurkey and Syria Earthquakes: emergency appeal for humanitarian aid
The Hempnall Mill Centre is holding a coffee morning to raise funds for the victims of the Turkey and Syria Earthquakes. Any donations of cakes or raffle prizes would be gratefully received.
For more information please call Sarah Batchelor 0776 503209 or Margaret Sparham 01508 499579
This Sunday we will be welcoming back Bishop David Gillett. Retired Bishop of Bolton; Honorary Assistant Bishop, Diocese of Norwich who will be leading our Group Eucharist service at Hempnall Church
Turkey and Syria Earthquakes:
emergency appeal for humanitarian aid
In light of the terrible earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, there will be a 'bucket' collections this Sunday (19th), at Hempnall Church, for a Group contribution towards humanitarian aid through the Disasters Emergency Committee. Donations may also be passed on via Churchwardens/Designated Persons throughout the Group or at the Group Office or paid directly to the Group Bank account by BACS as follows:
You are warmly invited to Our Commemoration Service
Remembering our loved ones who have died
At Hempnall Parish Church
On Sunday 6th November at 3pm
We will be holding a special service to commemorate our loved ones. During this time, we will read out the names of those who have died in the past year. If there are others you would like to be remembered please let us know their names.
One candle will be lit in memory of everyone.
Do let us know if you hope to come, there will be space for all to be comfortably seated.
The Rectory, The Street, Hempnall, Norwich, NR15 2AD Tel: 01508 498157 (office hours: 9am-12.30pm Mon-Thurs) Email: hempnallgroup.office@btinternet.com
Tue, 1 Nov, 2022, 12midnight @ Hempnall Group Office
CHRISTMAS SHOE BOXES—OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children’s lives all over the world through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.
We will be collecting shoe boxes again this year, boxes are available from the Group Office.
Boxes should be returned to the Group Office by Tuesday 7th November 2022
(Office Mon-Thu, 9am-12:30pm. Please phone before arrival – 01508 498157)
Sun, 23 Oct, 2022, 2pm @ From Woodton Church to Topcroft Church
October Walk
Sunday 23rd October. We shall be walking from Woodton Church to Topcroft Church . Meet at Woodton church at 2pm and walk to Topcroft church for tea and cake. This is a gentle walk of about 3 miles following footpaths and country lanes. Contact Margaret and David Ferre for further information on 01508 482562
Other Dates for your Diaries | Autumn & Winter Walks 2022 & 2023
20th November 2022 | Daphne and John Joyce | 01508 494318
26th February 2023 | Shirley and Keith Mayer | 01508 499465
19th March 2023 | Josephine & David Murgatroyd | 01508 530453
23rd April 2023 | Sue and David Banham | 01508 498223
All welcome!
Please contact the walk leader for more information.
Hempnall Church is an important landmark in the village as a memorial of past generations, a place of peace and a centre for significant events in our lives. A place for memories of weddings, baptisms and funerals.
In addition, over the years we have greatly valued the leadership of exceptional clergy and particularly recently the outstanding ministry of Michael Kingston and Liz Billett.
However, to be able to continue to maintain both church and clergy presence we need to have the necessary funds.
If you would like to help and are able to make a financial contribution this can be done in one of the following ways:
By handing your contribution into the church on Saturday 22nd October between 10.00am and 3.00pm.
By cheque (made out to Hempnall PCC) delivered either to David and Claire Key at Burnaby, Mill Road, Hempnall NR15 2LP or the Group office at the Rectory, The Street, Hempnall NR15 .
Gift Aided donations will add an extra 25p in the pound. If you would like a Gift Aid form please contact David Key.
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers and all who support the church in any way.
This is a 5 mile circular walk on mainly flat ground. There is a shorter option of 2.5 miles. Meet at the National Trust car park by Horsey Drainage Mill at 10 am. A lunch at 1 pm is planned at Poppylands, a 1940’s style café with artefacts and shop. If you would like more information to join the walk and/or lunch, please let Daphne and John know (01508 494318) or email daphnelittleboy@hotmail.com as the café requires numbers for lunch.
More dates for your diaries!
Autumn Walks 2022
23rd October Margaret and David Ferre 01508 482562
20th November Daphne and John Joyce 01508 494318
Winter Walks 2023
26th February Shirley and Keith Mayer 01508 499465
19th March Josephine & David Murgatroyd 01508 530453
23rd April Sue and David Banham 01508 498223
All welcome!
Please contact the walk leader for more information.
This is our final event in aid of this year’s charity so do try to support it in whatever way suits you.
There will be:
*Delicious refreshments
*Cake and produce Stall
*Plants and pots
*Hand made cards
*Second hand books
*Raffle
We would welcome any plants or produce or raffle prizes (with a garden theme) or contributions to refreshments, including cakes, or just come along on the day.
As you will have read elsewhere lead has been stolen from Woodton Church this week and it has been temporarily closed while the damaged is assessed and repairs are made. As a consequence of this the Group Morning Prayer Service has been moved to Shelton Church. Please mention the change of venue to anyone you know who might have been intending to go to Woodton.
In the light of the damage done to Woodton Church we should all, please, be extra vigilant in relation to our own parish churches and report any suspicious activity to the police.
We'll all be keeping the Woodton community in our thoughts.
‘The Anglian Singers are back In Concert with a programme of choral favourites from Vivaldi to Bob Chilcott, calling in on Mozart, Schubert, Puccini and Fauré on the way. A second half is devoted to musical theatre and includes medleys from Oliver and The Phantom Of The Opera with a few Stephen Sondheim classics for good measure. ‘Come along and support the choir, your church and the citizens of Ukraine.’
All offers of help, Raffle prizes, and Cakes would be most appreciated
Sun, 19 Jun, 2022, 2pm @ Meet at Fritton Church at 2pm
June Walk
On Sunday 19th June we shall be walking with Bishop Alan from Fritton to Hempnall.
Meet at Fritton Church at 2.00pm and walk to Hempnall church for tea. This will be a gentle walk of about 3 miles which takes us through water meadows and pleasant countryside, following footpaths and quiet roads.
Contact Jill Turner for further information on 01508 499344 or
email: jillemturner@yahoo.co.uk
More Walks in July and August
Sunday 17th July contact Margaret Ferre 01508 482562
Sunday 21st August contact Josephine Murgatroyd 01508 530453
A series of 4 evenings in Lent exploring the connection between Christian faith and pressing issues of our time, asking how can we bring our faith to the worlds current problems and how does it affect our response? with The Revd. Canon Susanna Gunner, Diocesan Advisor in Spirituality and Discipleship author of the Connect series of booklets.
Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82262116244?pwd=cU1IN3VoTkZPVVZXZGYyVVJWZDVuZz09 Meeting ID: 822 6211 6244 Passcode: 842527
You can order all booklets as printed copies or download in PDF format at https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/resource/connect-booklets/ or contact Diocesan House 01603 880853
A series of 4 evenings in Lent exploring the connection between Christian faith and pressing issues of our time, asking how can we bring our faith to the worlds current problems and how does it affect our response? with The Revd. Canon Susanna Gunner, Diocesan Advisor in Spirituality and Discipleship author of the Connect series of booklets.
Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82262116244?pwd=cU1IN3VoTkZPVVZXZGYyVVJWZDVuZz09 Meeting ID: 822 6211 6244 Passcode: 842527
You can order all booklets as printed copies or download in PDF format at https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/resource/connect-booklets/ or contact Diocesan House 01603 880853
Always be the first to know. Tailor your email update to suit your preferences. You can set it to check for updates to the site at a frequency that suits you. You will only be mailed when there is new content.