July 2023. Somewhere near Westhall.
My blog views have been up a bit lately, increasing my career earning from the blog from zero to nowt.
I put that down to my recent foray into church scoring, and while in Westhall completing Suffolk I took a look at a real classic.
Of course, Simon got there first, reviewing St Stephens in Winfrith Newburgh when his bus to Chaldon Herring was delayed. And where BRAPA leads, Retired Martin will follow. At a safe distance, obviously.
The Southworths had recommended this one on their Suffolk saunter,
and frankly Dave says it all in three words, but that won’t stop me, I’ve got a Campaign for Rural Church Photography to satisfy.
The chap at the bar in the Racehorse confirmed the church would be open, and there’s even signs pointing you to a huge-ish field behind the church where there’s views to eternity (well, Beccles).
Normally at rural pubs I’ve just missed a live show by the Komplete Killers or Karaoke with Kaz. Here I’ve arrived too late for the Bishop of Dunwich. Some of you may be surprised to learn that Dunwich still exists.
If you’ve read PD James’ “Children of Men” (ignore the film) you’ll know the hero visits isolated Suffolk churches and enjoys a pint of Adnams Southwold because the world is ending.
I seriously wondered if, on entering that doorway, I’d ever get out. It’s the pub equivalent of the Rifle Drum in Northampton.
St Andrews’ has a contactless card reader that merrily takes a fiver off me for a quality guide that would win “Programme of the Year” in the Championship if this was a football club.
St Andrews’ is simple rather than ornate, and the draw is the detail rather than the colour.
Frankly, the finer details of church architecture are above my head, and best left to the Americans.
But I can admire these carvings, even if in places someone has chopped their heads off.
I believe the fellow second left below with the giant hands played for Ipswich Town in the ’60s.
I haven’t a clue what’s going on here,
and sometimes it’s best not to ask.
I stayed 20 minutes to get my fiver’s worth, and left before an enthusiast arrived to give me a guided tour.
Essential. NCSS 4.5.
retiredmartin 
After our church visit the barman at the Racehorse told us he and his wife are the key holders. Small world. Plug for a great website: http://simonknott.co.uk/
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That really is a great website !
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Does “light refreshments” signify an absence of alcohol?
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Probably still better than you got at the Institute of Beer Writers Annual Meeting sponsored by Heineken, Paul !
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Next items on your list should be the Doom painting at Wenhaston Church and a visit to the Star followed by the Retable at Thornham Parva Church .
The doom painting is the earliest entry in Andrew Dixons “A history of British Art” “as the oldest British painting as opposed to Fresco or manuscript art.
When next in Norfolk the rediscovered and restored Romanesque wall paintings at St Marys in the deserted village of Houghton the hill bear Castle Acre are a must see.
On a less serious note is the Bishop of Dunwich issued with a diving Suit?
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I wondered about a wet suit for the Bishop, Alan !
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Great idea Alan. I can attest that these two are outstanding. Simon’s top Suffolk churches list is a really safe guide.
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Grateful for the tips, Alan, though they’ll have to wait till the new GBG !
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