This was the first time Bishop Ian had been to All Saints, Wilby. He arrived at the village green by tractor/trailer, for the start of the service, accompanied by Reverend Sarah, with the children from Wilby House Farm also taking a ride.This Benefice Service began on The Green, kindly accompanied by the New Buckenham Silver Band. We then processed to the church to continue our act of worship. At the end of the service, the bishop blessed the new church warden's wand which has been created from Wilby oak through the combined efforts of various local craftsmen. Having the stave blessed at the rogation service was apt, as we celebrated not only the local farming but also rural-based industry.
Grateful thanks to the Horatio Singers, for leading a wonderful service of carols and readings for Advent. Their singing this year was truly sublime and the church looked warm and glowing, thanks to the work of parishioners, creating window displays and setting out the candles. Before the service the village was bathed in the sound of ur bells, ringing out across the fields, thanks to the Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers, South Norfolk Branch.We would like to draw attention for those who attended, to the statement below.Correction to text contained on the back cover of the 2024 Advent Carol Service booklet for All Saint’s church, Wilby:The text read:The process of gilding is both time-consuming and expensive and there is an opportunity to “sponsor” one of the gilded stars.This could incorrectly suggest, that the church incurred time and material costs in the gilding of the stars on the chancel ceiling. In addition, it could lead people to believe that the artist was paid. The correct situation is as follows:1. The artist kindly donated his time voluntarily to carry out the work free of charge. 2. The artist generously paid for all the materials. 3. It was always the intent that any money raised in sponsorship of the stars will be used for the future of the church and not to pay for the gilding of the stars.
This afternoon, in glorious sunshine, parishioners and villagers met for a special preview of the newly created starry ceiling in the chancel of All Saints in Wilby. The church remains closed until the formal handover, cleaning and refurbishment have taken place. When the church opens again, all will be able to view the glorious celestial artwork, so kindly created by David Ord Kerr of Wilby. He spent over 2 weeks on scaffolding in the chancel creating and then gliding the stars, at his own expense.Those with a church connection or who live in the village, are being invited to sponsor stars. Details from Kate Midgley PCC Secretary.
