The Bale & Stiffkey Benefice LANGHAM EPISCOPI
Home	Bale & Stiffkey Benefice	Binham Priory	Glaven Valley

In recent years Langham has developed from a typical Norfolk agricultural village to a place where 40% of the inhabitants are retired people and commuters, who have moved into modern housing developments.  Many of these people have professional or business backgrounds.  20% of all properties are second homes and there are also seven newly built affordable homes.  All residents join together in the villages many activities, including organising fundraising efforts for the church.  A very popular and lively Street Fayre takes place every second year and raises a substantial amount for village organisations.  The church plays a prominent part in this event, and others, like coffee mornings and bring and buy sales.

The 14th century church and its well maintained churchyard are at the very heart of the village.  The landmark church tower houses a much appreciated working clock, which tolls the passing hours. The flag pole flies the appropriate ensign on state and church occasions.  The church has notable stained glass windows and an early 13th century font, presumably from an earlier building.  The Langham Church Building Trust is very well supported by local residents and the church is in good repair, with efficient heating and lighting.  The church is used for varied well attended concerts.  It also hosts craft fairs, some parish council meetings and school services.  Langham has a popular village school with 84 pupils and an enthusiastic and motivated head master.  The children’s corner in the church, furnished with tables and chairs has books, print outs from the ‘Young Church Mag’ and coloured pens for drawing and colouring.

The Sunday service pattern before the interregnum had three Eucharist’s each month.  The Stiffkey congregation joined us for one of these and we attended their family service on the fourth Sunday.  During the interregnum the two churches will share all Sunday services each month, two in each church.  Like many other churches, our congregation is now smaller.  We have found it difficult to recruit PCC members and fill the more time consuming positions.  For two years we have had no secretary or churchwarden.  Facing these realities the PCC welcomes opportunities to share services, and possibly some administration, with other churches.  We believe this will improve attendance and increase the church’s activities.