St George's Colegate, one of the Broads' Open Churches

The famously serene Norfolk Broads will be brought to life next week as hoards of locals and visitors gather to explore the idyllic parishes bordering the rivers Yare and Wensum.

Set in the Broads area, Norfolk’s third Open Churches Week runs from August 2 to 10 2008, with more than 100 churches taking part. This year promises to be better than ever, with special events and exhibitions for all.

“Open Churches Week is a wonderful initiative,” said Lydia Smith, from Norfolk Tourism. “I hope the churches have a busy week as local people and visitors to the county explore these architectural and historical gems and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of these beautiful buildings.”

Celebrations kick off with a Classic Car Rally, running from Norwich’s Anglican Cathedral on Saturday 2 at 10.30am. Car enthusiasts will be keen to catch the ensemble of over 40 cars; including a 1930 Austin 7 and a 1932 Windover Limousine Rolls Royce.

'Norwich 12' building, St Andrew's Hall, where Norfolk Churches Building Opportunities Conference will be held. © Norwich HEART.

The cars lead the way along the parish church trail, past St Mary’s of Wroxham’s impressive Norman Doorway. The backdrop of the Valley of the River Bure adds to the charm of Jerusalem linked Hoveton St John’s, as the convoy trails along, off the beaten track towards Ludham.

Open Churches week offers the chance to sample traditional and modern activities. Events range from country crafts, flower festivals and organ recitals to children’s activities, Roman history exhibitions, and family activity days.

“Norfolk is blessed with the largest collection of historic churches in the world," added The Right Reverend Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich. Without churches we would lose a key element of the Norfolk countryside. I am very keen for people to visit our rural churches and our Open Churches Week provides a perfect opportunity.”

St Lawrence's Church from the river. © Norwich HEART

Open Churches Week leads into a whole summer of special events in Norfolk, some of which will be hosted by Norwich’s internationally acclaimed collection of medieval churches.

Both academics and local people are invited to celebrate local heritage. Whatever your interest in the church and chapel buildings which surround us, orgainsers say, there will be something for you.

Throughout the summer look out for a series of talks, entitled The Parish Church: History and Landscapes, at St Lawrence’s Church in Norwich city centre. Named after the 3rd Century Roman Deacon, St Lawrence, who was martyred by being roasted alive in a gridiron, the church has both medieval and Victorian architectural features.

Other talk topics range widely including The Parish Church and the Sea, the Pilgrims, and the Early Modern Parish Church. The talks are open to all, free, and will take place on Wednesdays at 6pm, with an additional ‘Heritage Open Days (HODs) Special’ on Sunday 14 September.

Talks will be held at St Lawrence's Church, Benedicts Street. Photo taken by George Plunkett of Norwich in the 1930s, © Jonathan Plunkett

HODs 2008 will also see two church conferences take place. 'Archaeology of Post-Medieval Religion for church archaeologists and historians' runs at the Maids Head from September 12 to 14.

'Norfolk Churches Building Opportunities', aimed at those who care for and use historic churches, is on Friday September 26. St Andrew’s Hall, one of the Norwich 12 group of outstanding heritage buildings, will house the conference.

For further information:

Open Churches Week:www.norwichanglican.org
St Benedict’s Talks: www.uea.ac.uk

Conference details and booking forms:
Maids Head Conference www.spma.org.uk or
www.britarch.ac.uk
St Andrew’s Conference www.norwich.anglican.org

Katie Brinkley is the 24 Hour Museum/Norwich HEART Student Writer in Norwich. Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is the groundbreaking initiative to regenerate, manage and promote one of the most remarkable heritage resources in the UK and in Europe.