Chedgrave is an ancient village on the banks of the river Chet. Today it consists largely of 1960s residential properties. When the 2001 census was taken it had a population of 985 in 430 households (338 of which were owner occupied). Most of the houses in Chedgrave are bungalows and this has led to quite a high proportion of older people in the village (30% of the population were over 65: 294 out of 985).
The village is quite compact (although there is also a large stretch of marshland near Haddiscoe which is technically part of Chedgrave church parish). On its outskirts there are a number of small boatyards and a caravan site, which serve the Norfolk Broads holiday trade. There are also a number of small businesses, offering local employment opportunities.
Chedgrave has a useful number of shops including a baker, greengrocer, general store and launderette; a nursery; community rooms; and a Nursing Home. The local pub, the White Horse, is popular and we hold a well-attended carol service there on the Sunday before Christmas.
All
Saints, Chedgrave is almost certainly Saxon in origin, according to an
archeological survey carried out in 1986. The fine archways at the North and
South doors are later Norman embellishments dating from about 1157 AD. The
survey also revealed that the church was originally cruciform in shape. The east
end extended some 3m beyond the present east window and there was a south tower
or chapel. In the unusual thatched tower at the north east end of the church is
a very old wall decoration, possibly dating to Norman times. The east window is
unusual, having been glazed with glass from continental Europe, much of it
having come from the abbey at Steinfeld in Germany.
In 1993 a two-storey extension was built onto the west end of the church, giving a flexible and useful space, including kitchen and toilet. It was dedicated on the 18th June 1993. These church rooms are used by a number of church and community groups including Monday Mardles, Art Group, Photography Group, Chedgrave & District W.I., South Norfolk Conservative Association Ladies Section, Flower Arrangers, Chet Patchworkers, Rock Solid Youth Group, Chedgrave Parish Council and Girl Guides. We also hold the benefice fresh expression, Xpressions Café, here on the first Sunday of the month.
All Saints, Chedgrave has been part of the Chet Valley Benefice since 1997. Prior to that it had its own Rector. The PCC meets every other month, with a standing committee meeting in between full meetings. All Saints has been able to pay its parish share in full for the last few years and has recently undertaken two major projects: the purchase of a splendid new organ and the restoration of the stonework of the east window, together with the cleaning of the unique stained glass. As a result, funds are now quite low.
We are a Fair Trade Church and take our faith seriously. The congregation is small but committed, with a very strong sense of community. We have recently lost several long standing members of the congregation and also had our Tudor silver stolen last year, which left many of us feeling bereft, but we are still very positive about our role as Christians in this place.
Number on Electoral Roll: 37 (usual Sunday attendance 22 - except Xpressions Cafe on 1st Sunday which usually has between 50 and 70 present)
Chedgrave along with Hardley and Langley has been part of the Chet Valley Benefice since 1997. Prior to that it had its own Rector.
1st Sunday 09:00 Holy Communion - Informal
09:30 - 12:00 Xpressions Cafe
2nd Sunday 09:30 Holy Communion (BCP, traditional language)
3rd Sunday 09:30 Service of the Word (Contemporary language)
4th Sunday 09:30 Holy Communion (CW, contemporary language)
5th Sunday See Benefice services
Weekdays Tuesday 09:00 Informal Morning Prayer
Wednesday 10:00 am: Holy Communion (except 3rd Wednesday)
Saturday 09:00 Morning Prayer
See what the
Norfolk Churches site has to say.