About Keith Morris

Please help us to tidy up litter in Wreningham, Top Row and Penny’s Green by joining the Big South Norfolk Litter Pick on Sunday April 21, at 2pm.

Volunteers are needed to help us keep our lovely village tidy by taking part in South Norfolk’s Big Litter Pick 2024.

We will provide litter pickers, bags and holders and high-vis jackets (you can bring your own). You just need to bring yourself and, ideally, some gardening gloves or similar.

We will start at 2pm in the Witch & Wren bar at the Village Hall and finish off with a free first drink from the bar and cake in the Social Club from 3.30pm onwards.

If you have any queries, or to confirm you are coming, please email Keith Morris at keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk, or ring 01508 488318 – but you can just turn up. If you are happy to bring a cake please let Keith know.


There will be a splash of colour in Wreningham in mid June when village gardens open their gates to visitors following a colour run at the village school, to make up a fun-packed community weekend. 

The open gardens, ranging from small cottage plots to larger landscaped gardens and woodlands, will be open to visitors on Sunday, June 16, Fathers’ Day, from 10am until 4pm.

The event will be raising funds for the historic All Saints Church in the village and a refurbished kitchen in the Village Hall.

One of the organisers, Karen Nunn, said: “Our Open Gardens event is being organised by a group of volunteers and, as well as raising funds for good causes in the village, we hope that it will also bring the community together in a celebration of summer.

“In addition to the Open Gardens we are planning a range of other attractions for visitors, including lots of dads we hope. These will includes games such as welly throwing, bug hunting and giant Jenga for children and their dads in each garden and a gnome hunt. There will also be art displays and sales from talented artists within the village and a plant sale at the church.

“For those who work up an appetite while wandering around we will have tea and cakes at the church, a South African barbecue in one garden and light lunches, cakes and a bar at the village hall.”

Entry is £5 per person with accompanied under 12s free of charge.  Please note that this is a cash only event.

To start the community weekend in the village, the Friends of Wreningham School will be holding a fete, and colour run on the village playing field on Saturday June 15.


A family in Wreningham suffered their worst nightmare when seven-year-old Nathanael was run over by their own car and suffered catastrophic life-threatening head and brain injuries. Keith Morris reports.


The horrific split-second accident happened in April 2022 and changed the lives of Nathanael and parents Alan and Lindsay Howes for ever.

Despite a devastatingly traumatic past 18 months the couple are praising God and thanking Him for saving their son and for the miraculous healing journey He is taking them on. They, along with Nathanael and their two adult daughters, Gabriella and Leila, are keen to share their story of suffering to offer hope and encourage to others, and have been doing so in churches across the region. 

It was the end of just an ordinary Monday back in April 2022. Nathanael was running along a verge of a private road near their home in the South Norfolk village of Wreningham, when he tripped, fell and went under the back wheels of their car which was driving slowly down the driveway. Nathanael sustained critical injuries and was attended to at the scene by East Anglian Air Ambulance and the emergency services. 

Nathanael was flown straight to Addenbrookes paediatric intensive care unit and major trauma hospital for the region, where he was put into an induced coma for four weeks and underwent two brain surgeries and many procedures. Nathanael’s traumatic brain injury left him unable to sit, stand, walk, talk, eat or drink. 

The family spent three months in Addenbrookes Hospital and were then transferred to The Children’s Trust, specialist neuro rehabilitation centre for children with brain injuries, in Surrey, where they spent a further three months undergoing an intensive 12-week neuro rehabilitation programme. 

During this time hundreds of Christians prayed locally, nationally and internationally for Nathanael. 

“We are incredibly grateful for all the support of family and friends and many, many, Christians known and unknown to us,” said Alan. “We have seen some miraculous answers to prayer as Nathanael has overcome every prognosis put upon him from quadriplegia to remaining on a ventilator. By God’s miraculous healing and grace, Nathanael has relearned to sit, stand, play, drink, eat and is taking steps with support. In August he said ‘mum’   a first word we pray of many more to come.” 

In October, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of many friends and supporters, the couple were able to buy a powerchair for Nathanael, giving him some freedom and independence.

Back in July, after almost a year back at home and reconnecting with their family and church friends at Servant’s Church, Alan and Lindsay began to feel that their story of suffering should be one to share with others to offer hope and encouragement. 

A Christian brother and friend offered to design and build them a website which launched back in July. Now they are writing weekly blogs on various topics, reaching out to others with their testimony and sharing questions and insights about suffering. They are beginning to speak and share their story together as a family in churches across Norfolk and beyond and are working on publishing a book to offer hope and encourage others who are in the midst of suffering.
 
“Our suffering journey is ongoing as we come to terms with the effects of Nathanael’s traumatic brain injury, but God is with us every step of the way, His strength and mercy keep us moving forward and we pray and believe that Nathanael will continue to heal,” said Alan.
 
“We are Jesus followers and suffering survivors, we want to share the hope, encouragement and strength we have personally experienced with others in need.

“Life isn’t actually free from pain and suffering for the majority of us, and yet it is through these very experiences that we can find hope, encouragement and even joy from God who promises to carry us, sustain us and give us strength in suffering.”

To contact the couple or read their blog visit: www.strengthinsuffering.com

Pictured above are Lindsay, Nathanael and Alan Howes at their South Norfolk home.

Article courtesy of www.networknorfolk.co.uk


A bird’s-eye video view of the Wreningham Village commemorative photo has been published.

The Parish Council collaborated with the Village Hall Committee, All Saints Church and the Wreningham Heritage Group to stage the group photograph on the village playing field on Sunday June 11, following a shared lunch in the village hall.

A video of the occasion has now been published online, taken by photographer and drone operator Graeme Taplin.

The people in the picture were (in no particular order):

Val Keel, Hilary Tinner, Jean & Peter Levis, Anne & David Osborn, Hilary & David Gauthier, Graeme & Helen McAndrew, Christine Minns, Pat and David Tinsley, Michael Hill, Steven, Alison, Elsie, Austin, Sandra, Raymond Turner, Andrew, Elizabeth, Harriet, Ottilie Groat, Ben, Sarah, Connie, Erin Liddiard, Ian Macrae, Sue & Mick Ryder, Keith & Helen O’Neill, Sue & Chris Brighton, Kym, George, Farah, Austin Tufnell, Oliver & Sarah Holgate, Annelies & Barry Hall, Emma Lindop, Lewis & Oakley Knight, John & Jenny Bligh, Lloyd, Katherine, Florence Baxter, Paul Askham, Christine Moss, Alex, Alice, Ophelia Hunton-Wood, Tim & Leesa Groucott, Keith & Nicky Morris, Jill Maidment, Jim Cooper, Dave & Mary Loader, Bill & Masha Smith, Lydia, Leo, Alexander, Peter Grant, Ian & Kim Priestley, Nick & Sue Pink, John & Sue Knight, Cathy & Mason Paul, Allan & Heather Bond, Lis & Mike Whalley, Janet & Stephen Richardson, Karen Nunn, Brenda & Stuart Merchant, Sue & Tony Wright, Claire, Talula, Hermione & Willow  Rennie, Katie, Florence & Beatrice Burrell, Valerie Banham, Jean Lambourne, John & Ann McIlwham, Malcolm & Lynda Craig.

You can download high quality pictures from the Flickr picture gallery here or view and download the video on YouTube here. If you would like a higher resolution version of a single picture, please email keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk


More than 100 Wreningham residents gathered for a commemorative village photograph on a sunny Sunday afternoon on June 11.

The Parish Council collaborated with the Village Hall Committee, All Saints Church and the Wreningham Heritage Group to stage the group photograph on the village playing field in brilliant sunshine, following a shared lunch in the village hall. The photos have now been published online and are available to download for free.

Organiser Keith Morris said: “The last time a village photograph took place was back in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and we wanted to mark a decade since then, and King Charles’ Coronation, with an updated picture.

“This time we were able to get some aerial pictures from photographer and drone operator Graeme Taplin, and a video as well. I hope everyone likes them.”

The people in the picture were (in no particular order):

Val Keel, Hilary Tinner, Jean & Peter Levis, Anne & David Osborn, Hilary & David Gauthier, Graeme & Helen McAndrew, Christine Minns, Pat and David Tinsley, Michael Hill, Steven, Alison, Elsie, Austin, Sandra, Raymond Turner, Andrew, Elizabeth, Harriet, Ottilie Groat, Ben, Sarah, Connie, Erin Liddiard, Ian Macrae, Sue & Mick Ryder, Keith & Helen O’Neill, Sue & Chris Brighton, Kym, George, Farah, Austin Tufnell, Oliver & Sarah Holgate, Annelies & Barry Hall, Emma Lindop, Lewis & Oakley Knight, John & Jenny Bligh, Lloyd, Katherine, Florence Baxter, Paul Askham, Christine Moss, Alex, Alice, Ophelia Hunton-Wood, Tim & Leesa Groucott, Keith & Nicky Morris, Jill Maidment, Jim Cooper, Dave & Mary Loader, Bill & Masha Smith, Lydia, Leo, Alexander, Peter Grant, Ian & Kim Priestley, Nick & Sue Pink, John & Sue Knight, Cathy & Mason Paul, Allan & Heather Bond, Lis & Mike Whalley, Janet & Stephen Richardson, Karen Nunn, Brenda & Stuart Merchant, Sue & Tony Wright, Claire, Talula, Hermione & Willow  Rennie, Katie, Florence & Beatrice Burrell, Valerie Banham, Jean Lambourne, John & Ann McIlwham, Malcolm & Lynda Craig.

You can download high quality pictures from the Flickr picture gallery here or below. If you would like a higher resolution version of a single picture, please email keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk

1Wreningham group_1Cropped3


As part of our coronation activities we have planned a commemorative Wreningham Village photograph. You and your family are invited to come to the village hall on Sunday June 11 and enjoy a community shared buffet before gathering for the photograph. 

The Parish Council, Village Hall Committee, All Saints Church and the Wreningham Heritage Group have collaborated to stage the group photograph on the village playing field (or inside the village hall in the event of poor weather).

The last time a village photograph took place was in 2012 for  Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee (see image). We would love to do this again for 2023 with all our Wreningham Parish residents, which includes Wreningham, Penny’s Green and Top Row.

All are warmly invited to gather in the Witch & Wren social club, which will be open from 11.30am, for a shared lunch from 12.30pm and then the set-piece photograph at 1.30 prompt.

If you are coming for the shared lunch, you are asked to bring a plate of food – either savoury or sweet.

We are hoping to use a drone to get an aerial view as well, weather permitting.

Everyone who takes part will receive a free digital copy of the photograph.

If you have any questions, please contact councillor Keith Morris at keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk or on 07712 787762.


Dozens of Wreningham residents turned out for the Big Help Out on Bank Holiday Monday (May 8) to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

Around 40 villagers and school parents gathered to spend the morning clearing paths and gardening at All Saints Church, filling rabbit holes and cutting hedges on the village playing field, litter picking on village roads and carrying out repairs and gardening at Wreningham Primary School.

The community effort was organised by parish councillors Andrea Tancred, Keith Morris and Michael Hill.

Keith said: “It was heartening to see so many people turn out to give up their morning for the Big Help Out. It was a sunny day with a great community feel and to top it all the Witch and Wren social club generously gave all helpers a free drink to thank them for their efforts.”

Pictured above are some of the helpers at the village playing field.


Residents of Wreningham will be hanging out the flags and celebrating in style over the Coronation weekend in early May.

A packed programme of events will centre on the village hall and begin with Coronation-themed cocktails and mocktails in the Witch & Wren Social Club on Thursday May 4, from 7pm.

On Friday May 5, from 6pm, an exhibition of Coronation-inspired artwork from village school children will be open to visitors in the village hall and a Right Royal Quiz will take place in the bar from 7pm. You can register your team of up to six people at mardlewren@gmail.com

On the day of the Coronation, Saturday May 6, bells will be rung at All Saints Church in the village.  Live screening of the Coronation and Processions will be available in the W&W Bar from 11am, followed by The Big Lunch from 12 noon. A barbecue will be run from 4 to 6.30pm and there will be live music from JacksBack from around 6pm, with free entry.

On Sunday May 7, there will be live country music from 2 to 6pm in the village hall. Bells will be rung again at All Saints Church from 6.15pm with a special service at 6.30pm.

On Bank Holiday Monday, May 8, volunteers are welcome to join the Village Big Help Out from 9am to 1pm, meeting in the village hall. Tasks will include maintenance and tidying up at All Saints Church, the school and playing field and village litter pick. Everyone is welcome and a free first drink will be available to volunteers in the Witch & Wren Bar afterwards, courtesy of the village hall.

David Tinsley, one of the organisers, said: “Wreningham has had a long tradition of bringing the community together to celebrate royal occasions. In 1897 we were celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria with food, drink, music, games and awards. So come along and join us as we continue that tradition for the Coronation of King Charles.”

For any more information visit www.wreningham.org. or email wreninghamnorfolk@btinternet.com

Pictured above are some of the organisers of the Wreningham Coronation Weekend activities, from the left, Sue and Mick Ryder, John Knight, David and Pat Tinsley. Picture by Michael Hill.


A community archaeology project in Wreningham has restarted after a four-year gap with a test pit on Wymondham Road, to be followed by two others and a talk by Historic Environment Officer, Steve Hickling. 

Following on from eight test pits dug in private gardens around the village back in summer 2018, led by Steve and archaeologist colleagues, a further test pit was dug at Shelley Cottage on Wymondham Road on Sunday June 26.

Further test pits are due to be dug on Sunday July 3 at The Old Homestead in Toprow and on Sunday July 24 at Willey’s Croft on Church Road. Anyone who wants to join in is welcome to turn up at 10am. No previous experience necessary – but please bring a shovel / spade / mattock or pickaxe and a trowel or sieve if you have them.

In addition, there is a meeting of the Wreningham Heritage Group at 2pm on Wednesday July 13 in the Margaret Preston Room at the Village Hall – all are welcome.

The meeting agenda includes a talk by Steve Hickling on Test Pitting – incorporating information from recent and planned test pits around the village.

Test pits enable us to discover and record artefacts from our village’s history.  Some of these can date back to the Middle Ages – or even earlier!

The last set of eight Wreningham test pits were dug in 2018.  The plan has been to test pit in diverse locations around the village.  It’s hoped this will provide evidence for determining historic patterns of settlement etc.

An Interim Report from the 2018 test pits can be found here. 

Pictured above and below is the test pitting at Shelley Cottage earlier today.


A dozen or so enthusiastic volunteer litter pickers helped to tidy-up Wreningham, Top Row and Penny Green as part of the Big South Norfolk Litter Pick on Sunday May 15.

The volunteers spread out from the Village Hall to clean verges, paths, playing fields and other public locations across the Wreningham Parish area.

Items including windscreen wipers, clothes, lots of tin cans, plastic and glass bottles and sweet wrappers.

The effort was part of the annual Big South Norfolk Litter Pick, organised by South Norfolk Council, who lent equipment for the event.

If you would like to litter pick in Wreningham, equipment can be loaned at any time from members of Wreningham Parish Council.

Please contact Cllr Keith Morris at keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk for details or ring 01508 488318.

Pictured above are some of the volunteer litter pickers outside Wreningham Village Hall.