Service of Celebration and Rededication of Ruins

On 15 July 2018, in glorious sunshine, St. Andrew’s competed with the Wimbledon Final, Latitude, and individual preparations for the World Cup Final to hold a Service in the Ruins celebrating the completion of the impressive conservation work. Such pleasure no longer to have to Stay Away from them!

Just over 100 villagers and friends populated the space for a Songs of Praise Service including 6 well known hymns and the rededication of the Ruins by Bishop Mike (of Dunwich), who sprinkled both the space and the congregation with holy water. Bishop Mike gave an address on the need for an “attitude of gratitude” in our lives, and included several genuinely funny jokes. This was followed by a general picnic.

A brass band conducted by John Flack accompanied the hymns, played incidental music, and provided an impressive fanfare for the cutting of the celebration cake. Even more impressive was the way all 6 musicians achieved this so nonchalantly while balanced on just 2 conveniently placed gravestones. The fruitcake, much complimented, was kindly baked by Celia MacCarthy, bore the saltire of St. Andrew, and clearly contained a fair amount of brandy.

The Revd Simon thanked all who had worked to make the occasion a success, as well as those who worked on the conservation project, and in particular Historic England and the Wren Charity for their funding.

A special collection was held for the Suffolk Community Foundation, a charity which in turn supports local charities, voluntary and community groups tackling disadvantage and need in Suffolk. We were pleased to raise almost £400 for this good cause.