What links Fakenham parish church, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower?

Wensum column by Jim Harding

Much of the world seemed to have acknowledged the first anniversary of the invasion by Russian forces of Ukraine. Some buildings were lit in the Ukrainian national colours of blue and gold – most strikingly, to me, on the sails of the Sydney Opera House alongside Sydney Harbour.

I lived and worked on Sydney’s north shore for the best part of four years and never grew tired of the spectacle which these ‘sails’ created as if floating on the water itself. Closer to home the Eiffel Tower in Paris was stunningly floodlit, its lower section in gold, its upper reaches in blue.

A giant peace symbol was lit outside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Elsewhere, small-scale services took place in myriad numbers of worship centres to show the support of people who might otherwise have felt helpless to have their voices heard.

Here in Fakenham at the parish church, prayers were led by rector Tracy Jessop who spoke movingly of the ongoing tragedy which had struck Ukraine. With the devastating earthquake close to the border between Turkey and Syria still very much in mind, the thousands affected there were also remembered in prayer.

Flags of all these countries were on display. The congregation which had gathered were invited to file slowly up the main aisle to individually light candles which created a ‘circle of peace’ on the main altar. All in all, though small in scale, this was a very moving tribute to those who, whether through war or natural causes, had suffered and lost so much.

After the uncertainties of the past couple of years, Active Fakenham is delighted to mark the return of its Easter Sunday Funday in the town centre on April 9.

Both running and cycling routes will be set up on a closed circuit, most of which are UK Athletics and British Cycling events, run under their rules. Throughout the day there will be virtually non-stop action with entries taken on the spot if races are not full. Things kick off at 10.30am with a 5k run, followed an hour later by a town Easter Fun Run of 1k –fancy dress invited.

The morning will conclude with a Toddler ’N Trike race for the Under 5s at 12.15. From 1pm the afternoon will be devoted to cycling, starting with the Under 16s, Youth B and Under 14s girls and boys Criterium races.

These will be followed by the Criterium Seniors Race Category 4 Regional C and C 3 for 16+ riders; the Criterium Women’s E/1/2/3 National B race and finally the Criterium Senior 16+ E1/2/3/ National B race.

Spectators may take advantage of stalls selling various items including food. The area will be restored to normal traffic from 7pm. Active Fakenham continues to be driven forward by Richard Crook, along with the team of volunteers who have contributed to its success over the past twelve years.