Historic Norfolk Church Staithe Restored: A Waterway to Faith and Community

In a heartwarming story of community resilience and ecclesiastical support, St Peter’s church in Belaugh, Norfolk has once again opened its doors to visitors arriving by boat following extensive repairs to its parish staithe. Last summer, the historic landing stage suffered significant damage when a hired Norfolk Broads boat collided with it, creating not just structural problems but also financial concerns for the small parish. The damage led to a notable decrease in water-based visitors, which had a direct impact on the church’s tourism revenue – an essential income stream for maintaining this historic place of worship. This picturesque church, perched on the banks of the River Bure, has welcomed faithful visitors and curious tourists via water for generations, continuing a tradition that connects Norfolk’s spiritual heritage with its famous waterways.

The plight of St Peter’s church might have gone unnoticed if not for a thoughtful initiative recently launched by the Diocese of Norwich. The diocese has embarked on an ambitious program to make personal pastoral phone calls to all of its 550 parishes, creating direct lines of communication between the central ecclesiastical administration and even the smallest congregations within its care. It was during one such call that Danica Rice, the Parish Support Adviser leading this “call-out” initiative, discovered the staithe predicament while speaking with St Peter’s PCC Secretary. This fortuitous conversation set in motion a chain of support that would ultimately restore this vital access point. The situation was promptly relayed to the Diocese’s Care of Church Buildings team, who not only provided practical advice on arranging repair work but also allocated financial assistance through their Minor Repairs and Improvements grant program, demonstrating how modern church administration can effectively support historical preservation.

The completion of the repairs was marked by a touching ceremony to celebrate the staithe’s reinstatement, with Reverend Liz Jump symbolically arriving by boat to lead a thanksgiving service on the banks of the River Bure. The occasion beautifully embodied the connection between faith and the natural landscape that has characterized worship at St Peter’s for generations. “St Peter’s church Belaugh, who reinstated the Staithe with help from both the Belaugh community and the Diocese, are delighted to have it available for use again,” Rev Jump reflected. “We have now formally reopened the Staithe with a service at the church, and it was great fun to arrive by boat! We blessed the Staithe, and gave thanks for all who had managed to bring the plan to fruition, and can’t wait to see it in full use for visitors next season.” The restoration represents more than just a practical repair; it symbolizes the church’s ongoing commitment to welcome all, whether they arrive by land or water, maintaining traditions that have defined this parish for centuries.

St Peter’s church holds a special place in England’s cultural and literary heritage, with one of its many claims to fame being that an eight-year-old John Betjeman, who would later become Poet Laureate and one of Britain’s best-loved architectural writers, was inspired by the site during a family holiday to Norfolk. This early encounter sparked what would become Betjeman’s lifelong obsession with Norfolk’s churches, eventually influencing his celebrated writings on English ecclesiastical architecture. The restored staithe ensures that future generations of visitors, perhaps including tomorrow’s poets and writers, can continue to be inspired by approaching this ancient place of worship from the water – experiencing the church much as Betjeman did nearly a century ago. The church stands as both a living place of worship and a preservation of cultural memory, its staithe serving as a literal and metaphorical bridge between past and present.

The Diocese of Norwich’s “call-outs” program, which facilitated the discovery and resolution of Belaugh’s staithe problem, represents an innovative approach to parish support in an age when many rural churches face mounting challenges. Established with the aim of offering customized support to every church and PCC (Parochial Church Council), the initiative harnesses the simple yet powerful tool of a friendly phone call to connect parishes with vital guidance and potential funding sources. Tim Sweeting, Diocesan Secretary and CEO of the Diocese of Norwich, explained the philosophy behind this approach: “We are dedicated to ensuring each and every parish knows we are here to help, no matter the issues they may encounter. Whether the call-outs lead to a friendly chat, an offer of guidance on how funding can be accessed, or an in-depth discussion about how a church may need to utilize the Parish Support Team’s expertise; all these conversations are hugely valuable.” This personalized outreach strategy recognizes that each parish has unique needs, challenges, and opportunities, defying one-size-fits-all solutions.

The success story of St Peter’s staithe restoration illustrates how traditional church structures can adapt to meet contemporary challenges while preserving historical continuity. “The quick progress made at Belaugh, and several other churches since we began this project, gives me great cause for hope that this, allied with all the other ways we actively communicate as a diocese, will continue to improve the lives of all our churches,” Sweeting noted. The repaired staithe now stands ready to welcome visitors for the upcoming tourism season, ensuring that the church can continue its ministry both to its regular congregation and to the thousands who visit Norfolk’s waterways each year. As boats once again moor at the restored landing stage and visitors climb the path to discover the church that inspired a young John Betjeman, they participate in a living tradition that connects spirituality, community, and the distinctive landscape of the Norfolk Broads. Through the combined efforts of the parish, the local community, and the wider diocesan support system, this small but significant access point has been preserved, ensuring that St Peter’s church can continue to be a beacon of faith and heritage, accessible to all who travel East Norfolk’s fabled waterways.