Who let the dogs out for Norwich church service
St Andrew’s Trowse recently held its first pet service, welcoming dogs, cats, fish, and parrots to their church. The service, organized by Sarah Toothill, was meant to celebrate the love for all creation and included pupcakes for the furry congregation. The vicar adapted a pet service for the church, and it was well-received by all attendees, with plans to make it an annual event. Additionally, the church will be hosting a joint fundraiser in October with Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, featuring a talk by local speaker Mary Alexander on the history of greyhounds in art.
Mary Alexander, a trained art historian, will be presenting a talk on greyhounds in art at St Andrew’s Trowse on October 25th. Tickets for the event are limited, ensuring that everyone attending can fully enjoy the presentation. Mary has a background in history and history of art, graduating with honors from University College London. Since moving to Norfolk in 2000, she has become a freelance lecturer, traveling extensively to share her knowledge of art history with audiences in the UK, Europe, and beyond. The fundraising event will also include refreshments, a raffle, and merchandise from Norfolk Greyhound Rescue.
Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, a local non-profit organization, focuses on rehoming Irish greyhounds, specifically ex-racers and those that never made it to the track. The fundraiser at St Andrew’s Trowse will help support their mission of finding caring homes for these animals. The event aims to raise awareness about the history and significance of greyhounds in art, with Mary Alexander offering insights into how these animals have been depicted throughout history. Attendees can enjoy the presentation while supporting a worthy cause and potentially winning prizes through the raffle.
Overall, St Andrew’s Trowse is embracing its pet-friendly ethos by hosting a variety of events that celebrate our connection to animals and the natural world. From the successful pet service to the upcoming fundraiser with Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, the church is dedicated to engaging the community in meaningful ways. By combining elements of art, history, and animal welfare, the church hopes to bring people together in support of a common cause while also providing educational opportunities for all attendees. With plans for future events and initiatives, St Andrew’s Trowse continues to be a welcoming and inclusive space for both humans and their furry companions.