By Geoff Fisher 
Around 100 people came together at Haveringland Parish Church on Friday 15 May for a full day of sharing, learning and encouragement focused on the future of rural churches.
Delegates heard thought‑provoking keynote talks from the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen, and Cambridge architect Nigel Walter, before joining panel discussions covering everything from church buildings and governance to community well-being and the environment. Representatives from the National Lottery Heritage Fund were also on hand to explain the funding opportunities available to churches.
Lunch was provided by Cawston’s All Things Nice, and the day ended with a contemporary take on the traditional Rogation service – prayers for the land, farmers and local communities.
Cawston Vicar, Revd Andrew Whitehead, said it was “amazing to see people streaming in to this isolated rural church” for the event.
“So much wisdom was shared in the addresses and in the panel discussions. Everyone came away having learnt something new, and we hope we’ve inspired delegates to return to their own churches with a refreshed sense of enthusiasm.”
He added his thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting both the conference and the wider project at Haveringland, saying he hoped “the legacy of the day will live on and continue to encourage the people of our rural churches”.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Alan Duff, from Stiffkey, described it as “a fantastic day… run very professionally” and said the content had provided “much food for thought and above all inspiration to seek out new ideas”.
Much of the event was recorded, and video highlights will soon be available on the project website. Delegates also enjoyed live graphic recording by Andy Gray of Onegraydot, whose artwork from the day will be shared online.
The conference took place in the newly restored Haveringland Parish Church & Community Hub. It marks the culmination of a £500,000 project that has transformed the once‑dilapidated building into a welcoming, well‑equipped space serving the community in fresh and imaginative ways.
See our earlier story:
Free conference to tackle the future of rural churches
Photos: Rebecca Whitehead
Geoff Fisher