All Saints Church in High Kelling is preparing to celebrate its hundredth anniversary with a series of events and a flower festival. The church will be open to visitors from Friday 28 June until Monday 1 July, with themed floral displays reflecting on the church’s history. Events include a classical concert on Friday, morning coffee and afternoon tea on Saturday, and an open-air concert featuring the Sheringham Shantymen on Saturday evening. Sunday will feature a Morning Eucharist and an open-air Songs of Praise accompanied by the Cromer and Sheringham Brass Band, with special guests including the Bishop of Lynn and the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk. Tickets for events can be purchased from Lynn Morgan.
All Saints Church originally served as a chapel for the Tuberculosis Sanatorium for Children and Bramblewood TB Sanatorium for Women when it held its first service in August 1924. By 1955, advancements in TB treatment led to the closure of the sanatoriums, and the chapel was offered to the residents of High Kelling. Fundraising efforts allowed the chapel to be renamed All Saints Church and hold its first service in 1955. Over the years, the church has become a significant part of the community, with a strong connection to St Andrews Church in Holt and being formally recognized as a District Church within the Parish of Holt in 1978.
Despite its small size, All Saints Church has been well cared for by the local community, with features such as a memorial garden for cremated remains and a license for weddings for the past 30 years. Flowers have always been a prominent feature of the church, with impressive displays for major festivals attracting many visitors. The church’s centenary celebration will offer a chance for the community to come together and commemorate its history, with events ranging from concerts to open-air services. The church’s rich history and strong connection to the residents of High Kelling make it an important part of the local area and a centerpiece for community events.
