ST. PETER' S CHURCH , EARSHAM
Hedenham, the smallest village in the benefice, is situated on the northern boundary, straddling the main B1332 between Norwich and Bungay which offers a regular bus service to Norwich.
The village provides a mixture of housing ranging from the Grade 1 Hedenham Hall to the listed council properties in Smiths Knoll, and borders onto the Ditchingham Estate Park. The majority of the village is within a conservation area, and the surrounding woods and agricultural land are part of either the Earsham or Ditchingham Estates.
As with many small villages, many traditional facilities have slowly been eroded, leaving only the Mermaid Public House and the Church, both of which play an important role.
The Church is a fine medieval Grade 1 listed building in good repair. It is particularly famous for the wonderful Victorian angels in the chancel roof, as well as some notable monuments. The bells are a unique Victorian set made from one casting.
The interior has a lovely light feel and is immaculately kept. The churchyard has been extended to include an addition of half an acre to solve a space problem.
Hedenham opted to continue with traditional services and hence celebrate Prayer Book Holy Communion and Sung Evensong. This has filled a niche in the benefice and offered the full spectrum of services across the six parishes. Generally morning congregations are small, but the Sung Evensong attracts a loyal following from around the benefice. Main festivals are well attended by the village and these are normally followed by a social event. During the Christmas season, Hedenham traditionally hosts Midnight Mass which is candlelit and very popular.
The challenge for the small and dedicated parish team is to engage the young and widen the appeal of the Church to the whole village.
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