Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Ride and Stride 2024

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.

Sandringham Flower Show 2025

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers for their incredible hard work before, on the day, and in the big clear up; for sharing their amazing talents, skills, kindness, and time. Too many people to mention individually, but each and every one made a huge difference to the day; welcoming our guests and raising funds for Sandringham and West Newton churches.

Sandringham Crafters

We have had some wonderful Friday mornings together making crafts for our church craft stall. Please do come and see us on Wednesday 23rd July, outside the church during the Sandringham Flower Show and don’t miss the opportunity to purchase some wonderful home made crafts, you won’t be disappointed!

Could you be the Sandringham Group of Churches Churchyard Eco Coordinator?

Our churchyards are havens for wildlife.  We have six in the Sandringham Group of Churches, all being cared for by dedicated people who know how important these spaces are for the church and village communities.   In accordance with the aims of the Church of England and Norwich Diocese, we are keen to ensure that we get the best out of our churchyards in terms of biodiversity, eco-friendliness and welcoming visitors.

In addition to the Church of England itself, there are a number of organisations (e.g. Norfolk Wildlife Trust, ‘A Rocha UK’) which offer advice and support to Churches about how best to care for their churchyards.  We are looking for a volunteer to promote and coordinate this work in our parishes.

If you have a heart for this type of work, please contact the Rev’d Canon Dr Paul Williams rector.sandringham@gmail.com

Windsor Trip 22nd October 2024

A wonderful day was had by all when a group of our parishioners were privileged to enjoy a private tour of The Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor Great Park and St George’s Chapel Windsor. Canon Martin and his team gave generously of their time at both venues. The Royal Chapel is a little gem, so beautiful but simple in construction inside and out, it is a peaceful oasis situated in a beautiful location. Following a super informative talk by Martin we had a look around the church with many being drawn to an engraved glass door through which the trees of the park glorious in their autumnal colours could be seen. The verger then gave us all a very welcome hot drink to have with our picnic lunch.
Then it was off to St Georges through the beautiful Windsor countryside. The chapel is spectacular, not only the grandeur and the magnificence of its construction and situation within the grounds of the castle but the history and the fact that so many of our Royal Family, have been laid to rest there for so many generations. As the chapel was closed that day we were given a private tour by our guides of the chapel which included seeing areas not usually shown to the general public, what a privilege. It was a very touching moment when we all had a chance to pay our respects at the last resting place of our beloved late Queen and her immediate family.
After a whistle stop but truly memorable in every way visit we left Windsor for home driven by our wonderful driver and arrived home safe and sound back at dear old Sandringham.
A huge thanks to everyone involved who made this memorable and special day possible.
Written by Jac C and Barbara P
Photos by Jac C