Beacon of Hope shines over Norfolk village
- By Elaine Bird
- 1 month ago
- Snettisham
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The 175 foot spire of St Mary's Church Snettisham is lit up each evening spreading a ray of light that on a clear evening can be seen for miles.
Church Warden Andy Gee said: "For the past four years we have illuminated the Spire of St Mary’s church Snettisham as a beacon of Peace, Hope and Joy for the village."
The decision to illuminate the church as a Beacon of Hope was taken during the darkness of the Covid pandemic and since then it has become a popular attraction for villagers and visitors from all over the county and beyond. It gets many village families wrapping up warm during the darker winter evenings and walking in the fresh air up to the church to watch the display. Also, many village residents drive their elderly neighbours up who otherwise wouldn’t see the lights, it has become a truly community event.
"As a church, we are eternally grateful to the local businesses and the parish council who have donated over the years, but would like to say a special Thanks to Matt Hallard of Event Design who is the creative director, Kim Cairns Classic Cars, Anthony and Jeanette from The Rose & Crown and Guy Playford from Supreme Carpets who have supported us over the past 4 years, without their generosity we would not have been able to put on the show.
“Our church is something to be admired at the best of times, but the illuminations make it even more spectacular and it is a pleasure to be involved in something that brings so much joy to so many”, Andy added.
Inside the church there are more lights that reveal the stunning stained glass windows when viewed from the outside. Visitors will see the enormous, and very famous, West Window of six lights and exuberant decorated tracery in the top half. The window, by William Warrington, is filled with twelve scenes from the Old Testament, including Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac, Moses with the brazen serpent and Jonah in the mouth of a whale.
Each evening for the rest of 2024 the lights will shine from 4.30pm-11.30pm.
All photos by Ian Burt
