1000 candles will be shining out in celebration of the dedication of the new Molly Long Community Room at Aylsham Parish Church on Sunday 29th January 2017.

At a special service the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick will dedicate the room in memory of Molly Long who left a legacy to the church following her death in March 2014.

Revd Canon Andrew Beane, Team Rector of the Aylsham Team of Churches said:

“The Church will look amazing lit with a 1000 lights each shining brightly in memory of someone special. What makes it even more special is that at this time in the Church we celebrate Candlemas. Candlemas marks the end of the Christmas season and is a time when we particularly think of different generations coming together in the community.  Our wonderful new Community Room was made possible by Molly’s amazing legacy of £70,000. The room is already being used by our baby & toddler group, our children’s Sunday Club, a children’s choir, a community choir, the U3A Technology Group, our bereavement support group and other community and church groups.  We’re only just beginning to see what a difference this facility is making.”

Aylsham church are inviting people to ‘sponsor’ each of 1000 lights for £1 in memory of someone or in celebration of a special event.

Currently they have reached a quarter of their target but are hoping to reach the £1000 target. The money raised from the ‘sponsorship’ will then be split between the Aylsham church and Nelson’s Journey, which works with bereaved families.

Sophie Berry, Funding & Marketing Manager at Nelson’s Journey said: “We incorporate the lighting of candles in memory of those who have died into a number of our therapeutic interventions and events so it is very fitting that Aylsham Church have chosen to support us in this special way.  We are sure that providing the opportunity to remember those who have died in such a special space will be of comfort to those who take part.  Funds raised from this special event will support our work with Norfolk’s bereaved children, helping us to bring back smiles.”

Anyone can sponsor a candle by visiting Aylsham Church’s webpage at www.aylshamparishchurch.org.uk

Everyone is welcome to come to the dedication service on Sunday 29th January, 4.30pm at Aylsham Parish Church when Bishop Jonathan will also be Confirming seven people and admitting 5 children to receive Communion before confirmation.

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The Community Room is a two story facility building into the North Transept of the Church and includes a kitchen area, a choir vestry and open gallery with views across the church and churchyard.

It was designed by local Church Architect Matthew Thomas and built by local contractor NF Coverdale.  The total cost was around £90,000 the extra funds being found through money raised at the weekly Aylsham Monday Sale.