Sparham is a Norfolk village with a relatively small population – a few hundred people – but one which has been blessed with a group of local residents who care deeply about their church.
The dedicated PCC for St Mary the Virgin do all they can to maximise engagement and fundraising potential; organising several events each year which routinely prove very popular.
PCC Members Judith Pryke and Fiona Sayer, alongside PCC Secretary Tracey Hughes, play a pivotal role in arranging fetes, art exhibitions, quizzes and much more – all with the goal of supporting the church’s present and future.
“We always play to our strengths,” explains Judith. “Whether it’s cooking, flower arranging or cleaning, everyone from the village who is willing and able to help can pitch in.”
Fiona credits Judith as being integral to the process, due to her renowned organisational skills: “Every church needs that person who sparks these things into life. Judith’s the one who organises everything and everyone – she’s always sending out an email in the village when we need volunteers.”
Tracey adds that the team’s priority is always to create a lasting positive memory for all those who visit the church or one of its events. “We don’t try to do too much each year, we just make sure that everything we do is done well.”