In april we encouraged members of the congregation to start growing sunflowers - with Sunday Club and the adult members of the congregation "Growing together". How are yours doing? Lillian seems to have the magic touch!

After weeks of planning the day for the Parish Picnic arrived on Sunday with wet and windy weather. We decided to abandon our trip to High Lodge and picnic in the Church Hall instead. There weren't very many of us but we had a great time - and stayed dry!

The Vintage Sports Car Club had their Norfolk Tour on Saturday. The day got off to a wet and blustery start resulting in the refreshments and registration being moved from the town car park to the Church Hall. St Mary's provided Coffee and Bacon Rolls for the participants and stewards. The cars then set off on their tour around Norfolk, with stops at High Lodge and the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum. The day ended with afternoon tea at Besthorpe Church. By this time the sun had come out and there was an opportunity to have a look at the wonderful cars.

With just a week to go until 'Any Questions?' is broadcast live from St Mary's on BBC Radio 4 we can confirm three of the four panelists.

They will be: Rt Revd Graham James, Bishop of Norwich; David Orr, Chair of the National Housing Federation and Nikki King, former managing director of Isuzu Trucks.

All the tickets have now gone. If you haven't got one you can still be part of things by listening to Radio 4 at 8.02pm next Friday.

It's our monthly Choral Evensong on Sunday. Stopford Queen's Service Responces; Purcell in G minor Canticles; Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace - Wesley. A prayerful way to finish a Summer Sunday!

The Book Group meeting last night celebrated Bastille Day. It looks like it was a fun evening. Andrea says, "Of course we only tucked into the French goodies to complement the lively discussion on our book, Madame Bovary."

A BIG thank you to everyone who helped to organise and run our Summer Fete yesterday. Thanks too to everyone who supported us. It was wonderful to welcome so many people from our community and we raised somewhere in the region of £2300.

This afternoon was the annual Mother's Union Strawberry Tea. We were joined by members from Uppingham MU. Blessed by lovely sunshine a good time was had by everyone.

We had a lovely time last weekend with Richard's Ordination as a Deacon at the Cathedral on Saturday and a lunch to welcome him after his first Service with us on Sunday. Please pray for Richard as he begins his new ministry with us.