A central Norfolk round tower church is looking to raise £10,000 to replace near-antique lighting pendants.
In 1927, St Margaret, Worthing, installed three pendant heaters, which have failed. Celia Daniels, churchwarden, said that these most unusual fittings no longer worked but they have given almost 100 years of service. It will cost about £20,000 to replace the heaters, so the church is looking for possible grants to fund the replacements.
The church holds its latest annual fund-raiser on Easter Sunday – the ever-popular 15th annual duck race. Starting at noon at Millstream Cottage, a total of 100 ducks will take to the water. As Holy Week approaches, organisers have got 90 ducks sponsored. Many supporters amd children turn up on “race day” morning to snap up their own ducks, so there’s plenty of opportunities to take part.
Two duck marshals will catch up the swimming ducks near Worthing bridge as a crowd of spectators watch the action, which normally lasts about an hour and a half.
Supporters are reminded that the clocks changed to British Summer Time – so don’t be late. A donation of £2.50 for each duck is suggested and the results will be announced in the April edition of the parish magazine. Contact Celia on 01362 668928 or Sharon on 01362 668622.
On Maundy Thursday, March 28, the St Margaret and Benefice Group welcome about 32 pilgrims on the Wensum leg to Walsingham as they walk through North Elmham, arriving about 11.30am.
Incidentally, visitors are always welcome at the church, which is open electronically between 9.30am and 4pm.
Main image of the interior of Worthing church by David Faulkner, taken on Februry 2, 2021.