Boost for church at Stanhoe open gardens day

A drizzly afternoon did not deter visitors to Stanhoe on Saturday for the village's annual open gardens event in aid of church funds.

This year, as with so many Norfolk churches, money is badly needed for an extensive and expensive programme which will incorporate a new kitchen and toilets in All Saints.

"We are also going to create more space by re-ordering the pews at the front and rear of the church," said Parochial Church Council treasurer, Dr Roger Hargreaves.

"Concerts and social events bring the community into the church and it will make more space for them."

But the day was about much more than manicured lawns, trimmed hedges and displays of colourful flowers.

In the church visitors could view the recently completed church record and a display of Stanhoe Women's Institute archive.

There was also a book stall, a tombola, cream teas at Stanhoe Hall and at Everitt House, in the garden of Penny and Laura Pocock, there was a pop-up art gallery with a selection of paintings from the Artmonger Gallery in Burnham Market.

As well as the open gardens the church are staging a sale of art at Stanhoe Hall in August, a Christmas Fair in December and a summer concert in the church. The event is expected to make in the region of £2,500.