Great Finborough
Parish Council
Parish Council
Parish Council
The Victorian spire of St Andrew's is a prominent feature on the landscape of the area, drawing the eye to the virtually re-built parish church. It is one of seven churches in the Combs and Finborough Group, which comprises churches in Combs, Great and Little Finborough, Buxhall, Onehouse, Harleston, and Shelland. Like all the churches in the group, it joins together in various benefice services and activities whilst also maintaining its own unique personality.
The parish of Great Finborough: St Andrew is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSOs). The Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information, including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA), who advises our PSOs. Promoting a safer church - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
We have adopted and adhere to the House of Bishops Promoting a Safer Church policies and procedures. We are currently going through a Safer Recruitment process for the role of Safeguarding Officer. Until this process is complete and we have a named and fully trained individual in place, please direct all your safeguarding concerns to either Karen Galloway- Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (07785621319)) or Shelley Thomas- Assistant Safeguarding Officer (07795974734), email safeguarding@cofesuffolk.org
St Andrew's stands near the centre of the village near Finborough Hall. This is at least the third church to have stood on this site. Not many churches escaped unchanged in Victorian times. Some had only minor modifications, but what started out as necessary repairs to St Andrew's gradually became a total rebuilding by the architect R. M. Phipson. Only the south porch was retained, and even that did not escape unscathed. The 300ft spire can be seen from many locations in the beautiful countryside that surrounds Great Finborough, the spire is illuminated at lighting up time until 11pm every night of the year. As a symbol of hope for ourselves, our community and the wider world we live in would give a much-needed feel-good factor. St Andrew's has six bells, with the tenor bell weighing 12 cwt.
Families are always welcome to all the services, but those more suited to their needs have been specially highlighted. The building is the focus of our church community and notification of our services are available in the Great Finborough Newsletter.
We have strong links with Gt Finborough Church School catering for children from 4 to 11 from this parish. We welcome enquiries for Weddings and Baptisms which should be made to the Vicar. You will be most welcome to join us in our worship or at any of our events detailed in the Finborough newsletter or by contacting the Vicar or Churchwarden who will be happy to help.
There is some car parking available on the road in front of the church and a car park in the centre of the village.
Sometimes, seeing someone else baptized, deciding to have your own child baptized or being asked to be a godparent, can make you to think about your own journey of faith. If you were not baptized as a young child, you may be deciding now as an adult or teenager to make this commitment.
Whatever led you to this point, baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives.
Everyone is welcome to have their children christened in their parish church. During the christening service your child will be baptized and with the support of the church, you and godparents, your child begins an amazing journey of faith.
If you're interested in being baptized, or would like your child to be baptized at St Andrew’s, please contact:
Reverend Sarah Jenkins 01449 676065
Today more than a quarter of all marriages in England between a man and a woman take place in the traditional setting of a Church of England church. You're welcome to marry in church whatever your beliefs, whether you are baptised and whether you go to church.
St Andrew’s is a popular wedding location because of its quiet rural setting and magnificent views
To enquire about having your wedding at St Andrew’s, please contact:
Reverend Sarah Jenkins 01449 676065
Associate Priest: The Revd Canon Pauline Higham (01449 771791)
Churchwarden: Mr Nigel Brown (01449 675344)
Secretary Mrs Bernice Brown (01449 675344)
