Aylsham Parish Church dedicates new jubilee window in special service

Aylsham Church service to marked the finishing of repairs to the windows blessed by the Bishop of Lynn.Photo by Mark Bullimore (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

More than 150 people attended a Candlemas service held to mark the occasion at Aylsham Parish Church, where the new windows were dedicated by the Bishop of Lynn, Rt Rev Jonathan Meyrick.

The church's vicar, Rev Andrew Beane, said the town had chosen to repair the north aisle windows and include the tribute after their diamond jubilee party in 2012.

He added: 'We wanted a lasting legacy for that celebration.'

The work, completed by Ian Pocklington, repaired the glazing which had become loose and potentially dangerous. Three complete windows were replaced in clear glass to let in more light.

The middle window contains a scroll to mark the dedication.

'It was a lovely service,' said Mr Beane speaking after the Sunday event. 'We displayed a picture of thousands of people in the market place to remind everyone of the event in the town.

'The Candlemas service is when we think of different generations. We had a procession with candles for older and younger members of the congregation.'

The south aisle windows had been repaired after the Queen's silver jubilee in 1977.

The repairs were paid for from the church's fabric fund, which is raised from donations.

At the service Bishop Jonathan also dedicated the reordering of the Lady Chapel, made possible by a legacy left by Mabel Weston, who had been a long-standing member of the congregation.

The chapel was furnished with new chairs to replace the old pews, which is aimed to make the space more flexible.

A collection was held for the Leprosy Mission.