Almost three dozen delegates attended the Society’s latest conference/ study day.
The one-day event at Rickinghall village hall on Saturday, October 22 also made a modest surplus of about £400, said chairman and organiser Stuart Bowell.
Speakers included the leading Norfolk church architect Ruth Blackman. Her hour-long presentation on the restoration of St Mary, North Tuddenham, was fascinating. The final repairs to the church were completed in mid-October – having cost almost £450,000. This church, which has a tower that dominates the surrounding countryside, can be seen from the A47.
Richard Barham, talked about “Princes and Paupers.” The society’s honorary life vice president shared his knowledge of Royal Arms and poor boxes gained during many years of visiting churches and co-leading the society’s tours.
Neil Wiffen will outline a brief architectural history of Broomfield Church, Essex in a talk entitled “And the Bishop gave his approval.” A local historian, he has worked at the Essex Record Office and is also honorary editor of the Essex Journal.
‘Lyn Stilgoe, the Society’s secretary, led a tour of Rickinghall church after the morning session.