St. Mary’s Church, Hillington, won the £1000 prize for the ‘most improved church [money raised] over previous years’. Hillington Church raised £1651 in sponsorship, with the money being divided equally between Hillington Church and Norfolk Churches Trust.
The prize was presented by Patrick Lines, High Sheriff of Norfolk, at King’s Lynn Minster on 24th August 2025.
Accepting the prize on behalf of Hillington Church, Churchwarden, Mary Nichols, said:
I’d like to express my huge gratitude to the Norfolk Churches Trust for this award. It has boosted our finances and our spirits at a time when we are facing tremendous challenges as we consider the future of St. Mary’s Church building.
Winning this award was not a solo achievement. I received sponsorship and encouragement from near and far, from family, friends and well-wishers. Six people joined me on the 14½ mile walk in glorious sunshine. We started with prayer in Castle Rising Church and were blessed with hospitality along the way, visiting all eight church buildings in the Sandringham group and ending at Hillington. I’d like to record Hillington Church’s thanks to everyone who made it possible for us to win this award. Thank you to them and to the Norfolk Churches Trust.