Young Volunteers Help Historic Church Prepare for 700th Anniversary
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, pupils from All Saints CEVA Primary School in Stibbard have been actively participating in cleaning their local parish church as it approaches a significant milestone. All Saints Church, located near Fakenham, is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year, and the year six students have enthusiastically taken up brooms and dusters to ensure the historic building looks its best for the upcoming commemorative celebrations. This initiative not only helps maintain an important community landmark but also creates meaningful connections between the younger generation and their local heritage.
The clean-up effort was thoughtfully organized by Clare Budgett, a dedicated teacher who has been with the school since 2008. She arranged multiple cleaning sessions for her students, combining the practical work with educational activities that helped them learn about the church’s rich history. This approach exemplifies experiential learning at its best, where children gain historical knowledge while simultaneously developing a sense of community responsibility. The blend of practical service and historical education provides these young students with a well-rounded understanding of their local heritage and the importance of community involvement.
The enthusiasm shown by the pupils was remarkable and touching. Poppy, one of the year 6 students, expressed her feelings about the experience by saying, “It’s really enjoyable when the whole community comes together. This church has been open for over 700 years, so it feels like an honour to tidy up a place that is so special.” Her classmate Jacob shared similar sentiments, adding with endearing sincerity, “I would definitely recommend this to all other year 6 classes. This is God’s palace and we need to keep it clean!” These heartfelt comments reveal how deeply the children connected with the project, understanding both the historical significance of the building and the value of contributing to their community.
For the pupils, this volunteering opportunity offered benefits that extend well beyond simply helping with church maintenance. Mrs. Budgett highlighted the educational value of these visits, explaining: “It’s a brilliant chance for the children to learn more about the church and the village’s history, while also giving back to the community.” She noted that the experience has different meanings for different students – some live in Stibbard itself, while others travel from surrounding areas, creating varied connections to the historic building. This diversity of experience enriches the educational value of the project, as children share their unique perspectives and develop a collective appreciation for local history and community service.
The collaboration between the school and church represents an innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by many historic churches in maintaining their buildings and relevance within modern communities. All Saints Church in Stibbard, like many parish churches across the country, relies heavily on volunteers for its upkeep and operation. PCC Member Susan Moore has been particularly forward-thinking in her efforts to attract new support, not only through the school partnership but also by utilizing social media and organizing fundraising events such as “Bring-and-Buy” sales within the church. This multi-faceted approach to community engagement ensures that the church remains a vibrant and sustainable part of village life.
This story of intergenerational collaboration in Stibbard offers a model for how historic institutions can remain relevant while providing valuable learning experiences for young people. As All Saints Church prepares to celebrate seven centuries of existence, the involvement of these enthusiastic young volunteers ensures that its legacy continues to resonate with new generations. The pupils’ participation not only contributes to the physical preservation of the building but also fosters a sense of pride, belonging, and historical continuity within the community. Through their service, these children are learning that they too have a place in the long history of their village church, creating memories and connections that may well inspire them to remain engaged with their community heritage throughout their lives.
