In the picturesque town of Fakenham, North Norfolk, a unique collaboration is brewing between the local parish church and a nearby brewery. Reverend Tracy Jessop, the Rector of Fakenham Parish Church, has teamed up with Barsham Brewery to create a special “church ale” for the upcoming Fakenham Gin and Beer Festival. This innovative initiative aims to foster community engagement and challenge traditional perceptions of the church’s relationship with social events. By embracing the town’s vibrant festival scene, Revd Tracy hopes to show that the church is an integral part of the community, willing to engage with people in new and creative ways.
Revd Tracy’s inspiration for this project came from her first visit to the Fakenham Beer Festival last year. As she walked into the community center, she was struck by the lively atmosphere and the surprising presence of a silhouette of the church building on each glass. The festival goers were equally surprised to see their local vicar in attendance, challenging the common notion that the church would not approve of such an event. However, Revd Tracy believes that meeting and talking to people is fundamental to the church’s mission, whether it’s over a pint of craft beer or a cup of communion wine. This experience sparked an idea in her, drawing from the rich history of church ales in medieval times. During this period, churches in England would host festivals and brew their own beer and mead to raise funds for the poor and incentivize community engagement.
The history of church ales dates back to medieval Europe, where churches and monasteries would brew their own drinks to provide a safer alternative to water. In those times, clean drinking water was not always readily available, and fermented drinks like beer and mead were a staple for people of all ages. The parish ale or church ale was an essential part of community life, often serving as a means to collect funds for the parish and distribute alms to those in need. Revd Tracy saw an opportunity to revive this tradition and create a unique beer that would not only raise funds for the church but also bring the community together. By partnering with Barsham Brewery, she aims to create a delicious and memorable brew that will appeal to both beer enthusiasts and those looking to support a good cause.
The new beer, named “Two Apostles” after the church’s patrons St Peter and Paul, will be available at the Fakenham Gin and Beer Festival, which takes place on March 21-22 at the Fakenham Community Centre. Revd Tracy is excited to share this new initiative with the community, highlighting the church’s commitment to spiritual support and community engagement. She believes that this collaboration with Barsham Brewery is an excellent way to remind people that the local church is still a vibrant and relevant part of town life. By embracing the town’s love of craft beer and good company, the church hopes to build bridges and foster a sense of community that transcends traditional boundaries.
The Fakenham Gin and Beer Festival promises to be an exciting event, featuring a wide range of craft beers, gins, and other local produce. With the addition of the “Two Apostles” beer, festival goers will have the opportunity to sample a unique and historic brew that supports a good cause. Revd Tracy and the team at Barsham Brewery are eager to share their creation with the community, and they hope that it will become a staple of the festival for years to come. As the church continues to evolve and engage with the community in new and innovative ways, initiatives like this demonstrate its willingness to listen, adapt, and respond to the needs of the people it serves.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Fakenham Parish Church and Barsham Brewery is a heartwarming example of community engagement and creative problem-solving. By embracing the town’s passion for craft beer and good company, the church is able to build bridges and foster a sense of community that is both inclusive and supportive. As Revd Tracy and her team look to the future, they are excited to see how this initiative will unfold and how it will contribute to the rich tapestry of community life in Fakenham. With the “Two Apostles” beer set to make its debut at the Fakenham Gin and Beer Festival, the town is in for a treat, and the church is poised to make a lasting impression on the community it serves.
