Friends of St Peter's

Hello Andy, have you always lived in Forncett?

Gosh no, I’m actually from Yorkshire and was brought up in Scholes, just outside Leeds. And looking further back, my surname Hogg originates in Scotland, so over the years the Hoggs have gradually moved southwards!

So, what prompted the move?

Well, that’s a long story, but my first move southwards followed on from my university degree. I did a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering at Salford University and being a car enthusiast applied for jobs in the motor industry when I graduated in 1983. I got a job at Land Rover and moved to Birmingham. Interestingly while at university I got involved with the Formula 2 racing team Maurer Motorsport and met their driver Stefan Bellof who went on to race in Formula 1, but sadly died in 1985 in a racing accident.

What were you doing at Land Rover?

Initially I was using my knowledge in aerodynamics to update Range Rover, but over the years I was involved in a number of other areas such as manufacturing engineering and ABS braking development. The latter took me to Sweden where I tested cars on a frozen lake at Arjeplog – one time the brakes didn’t work too well (as planned) and I ploughed into a snowdrift! I moved up the management ladder and started work in Product Planning which was very challenging as it involved planning bespoke military vehicles – on one occasion I found myself on Salisbury Plain with missiles firing off the back of a specially designed Land Rover!

Land Rover was also instrumental in bringing my wife and I together because I used to play squash with one of my colleagues, Jon, and through him met his sister-in-law Claire to whom I’ve now been married 37 years!

And what brought you to Norfolk?

In February 1988 I got a job at Lotus in Computer Aided Engineering. This took me around the world doing consultancy work for General Motors, Japanese car makers and Michelin, leading to trips to the USA, Japan and South Korea. When we first moved to Norfolk, Claire and I lived on Cheney’s Lane before moving to Mulbarton, then Forncett End and finally to our house on Low Road, not far from St Peter’s. We had two children in 1990 and 1992 and both went to Forncett School. Funnily enough with my Scottish heritage they both went on to universities in Scotland, Harry to Sterling and Megan to Edinburgh College of Art.

I left Lotus in 2002 after running their car programmes to do consultancy work for a while and then I spent 4 years working with CBS on digital advertising in the London Underground. This was challenging because we had to install over 15km of fibre optics to feed projectors, screens and install 30,000 advertising boards This also meant organising hundreds of installation staff over 3 years of working through the night when the trains weren’t running.

Commuting to London took its toll so in 2011 I started a company with an ex-colleague from CBS and we now develop goal setting software for small businesses using Xero and QuickBooks.

My goodness, you have been busy! I’m surprised you have time for any hobbies.

Well, coming back to Scotland again, I have a strong interest in whisky and have been to a number of distilleries over the years. I was introduced to whisky by my grandfather who had a tradition of toasting in the New Year. I’m also a Liverpool fan and have been delighted this season – they are 15 points ahead with two games to go, and now Champions. The other thing that interests me is Hi-Fi – my dad used to design and build his own speakers, some incorporating concrete to give the music a richer, more stable sound.  I am always tweaking mine when I’m streaming my music - which ranges from Mahler to Miles Davis to Led Zeppelin and even Sufjan Stevens!

What an interesting life you’ve had so far! Thanks for all the help and support you have for our campaign.

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Written by: Peter Schmidt-Hansen

Published: 22 May 2025

What is your involvement with Friends of St Peter’s?

I’m a member of the Friends Events Team and we plan and run fund-raising events such as quizzes, BBQs and of course our monthly Saturday markets. I regularly bake for the Saturday markets and cook for the village Hall events. Since we started these events, we have raised nearly £50,000. Of course, being married to Terry who is managing the project I get involved vicariously almost every day!

Have you always lived in Forncett?

No, but I have been here for nearly 30 years, since 1996. I became head teacher at Tacolneston Primary School in 1990, but was living in Norwich at the time, so moving nearer to the school seemed to make sense. I fell in love with Chestnut Cottage, moved to Forncett and haven’t looked back! We’re lucky to have a big enough garden for us to keep chickens and a goose.  The chickens are very good at supplying us with eggs which are much needed for the baking I do for the Friends Saturday markets!

And what brought you to Norfolk?

That’s a long story! I was actually born in Dundee, lived in Leeds for a short time before being adopted by my parents who moved to Hampton in West London. When I left school, I decided I wanted to become a teacher and studied at the Church of England Teacher Training College in Fishponds, Bristol.

While studying we had a trip to Coventry Cathedral. My friend Bridget and I decided we’d apply for jobs in Coventry and we were both successful so that’s where I started my teaching career in 1964 at Bell Green School. Would you believe my monthly first pay check, which I’ve still got, was for £41 6s 3d! The school was situated in part of community centre in an area of newly built flats and totally unsuitable as a school, with large sliding windows and small rooms where the desks were wall to wall with very little space to move around.

As is often the case, it was love that prompted my move to Norfolk when my first husband Michael got a job at Keswick Hall.

And what about you – did you continue teaching?

Yes, I got a job at Trowse County Primary School. When Michael and I separated I was able to buy my first house because in those days teachers were offered the chance to get 100% mortgages. I took in student lodgers to help pay the mortgage. It was a busy time because I also volunteered with the Samaritans. My next job was as deputy head of the newly built Hethersett Primary School. When I was interviewed for the job, the school was just a circle of bricks in a field! It was officially opened by Mrs Thatcher when she was Minister for Education. I remember the day very well with protesters outside the school shouting “Margaret Thatcher Milk Snatcher” but she was very professional and also really good with the children. I was asked to get publicity for the school. My idea was to keep pet guinea pigs in the class, which was unusual at the time. It did get a lot of attention and led me to giving a talk about it at How Hill.

By now I was in a new relationship and had two children, which meant I had to give up teaching because in those days there was no maternity leave. When the children were old enough, I returned to teaching, this time at Angel Road First School in Norwich. It wasn’t long before I was encouraged to apply for a headship and I really liked the idea of running a small village school, so that’s how I came to be head of Tacolneston First School. I was there from 1990 to 2007 and under my headship it grew to become a Primary School.

Did you enjoy your time there?

I have many fond memories, not least meeting my wonderful husband, Terry. The school needed rebuilding and the architect appointed to manage the project was Terry who despite my initial impatience, always stayed calm with a warm smile on his face! I had met the children’s author James Mayhew when I was living in Norwich and he became a regular visitor to the school delighting the children with his drawings and story-telling. He’s now a lifelong friend whose partner Toto cooked wonderful Spanish tapas for my 80^th birthday last year.

I believe you’ve also got a passion for dancing?

Yes! I’ve had a lifelong love of dance going to ballet, tap, modern and National dance classes till I went to college. So, when I was out of teaching after my second daughter was born, I joined a contemporary dance class at the Crome Centre. This was a brilliant time as we met weekly and became a really good group, doing performances at the Cathedral, St Andrews Hall and other venues plus the weekly classes. This led to many lifelong friendships which add so much joy and delight to life. 

Wow, what an interesting life story you have! And thank you so much for all you do for the Friends of St Peter’s!

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Written by: Peter Schmidt-Hansen

Published: 21 May 2025

Hello Mary. When did you move to Forncett? 

Ainslie and I moved here from London in 2007. Ainslie had been Head of Sculpture at Kingston University, but following retirement wanted more space to pursue his passion as an artist and sculptor. We wanted somewhere in the country, well connected to London. We had friends in Norwich, found Riverside Farm and it was an easy decision to make.  

Mary Yule. Photo: Phil Whiscombe

But you were involved in the art world too Mary, weren’t you?  

Yes, I’d always had an interest in art, but originally did a BA in social studies at Manchester University, going on to be a psychiatric social worker working with children and families. It was hard work at the best of times and the political climate at the time didn’t help so eventually I burnt out. It gave me the impetus to follow my interest in art and I took a part-time degree in Art History at Birkbeck College, followed by an MA at the Courtauld Institute. 

And that led to a career in art? 

Yes, I starting working for The Art Fund, a wonderful charity which connects people, museums and art. Initially I worked as an archivist and cataloguer and ultimately as Assistant Director. I also worked after retirement as a lecturer for The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS) mainly talking about sculpture in public places. I’ve been lucky enough to give talks all over the UK, and to visit sculpture parks throughout Europe and the USA. 

And you’ve been involved with the Friends of St Peter’s since the start. 

Yes. When the 2018 quinquennial report highlighted the dire condition of St Peter’s, the churchwarden Gilly Barnes and I felt that something had to be done. Together with others we set up the Friends of St Peter’s and at the Easter service in 2019 gave out flyers outlining what was needed and what the Friends were hoping to achieve. It’s been hard work, but the thing that keeps us going is the wonderful support from the local community and from grant givers. We are now in the process of submitting our major bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for money to carry out the crucial repairs - wish us luck!

What drew you to get involved? 

I come from Durham and seven years of walking to and from school in the shadow of Durham Cathedral was a formative experience. It has always fascinated me – the thought of how many people had been there over the centuries, their stories, their triumphs and tragedies.  And I feel just the same about St Peter’s – its so much more than simply a beautiful building. 

Mary, we are so very grateful for all the work you have done in driving forward the Friends and for all the money you have helped raise. Thank you!

Since this interview Mary has stood down from the Committees as she's in the process of moving to be nearer family. Also since this interview we have received the National Lottery Heritage Fundinggrant - Read about it here 

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Written by: Peter Schmidt-Hansen

Published: 22 August 2024

We think Ethel is Forncett's oldest resident. Ethel is well known for many reasons, some of them of course being that she is well-loved, charming, wise and has been involved with village life for decades. She is also mum to Andrew, with whom she lives opposite the school, and David and Jill. Jill lives just along the road.

Ethel on her 90th Birthday   Photo: Su Leavesley

Ethel was born in 1928 (she told me to 'do the maths!') So at 94 she has many memories which reach back to a world which was very different to what we know today. Ethel spent her young life, until her marriage, in Great Moulton, moving to Forncett in 1953. She was the eldest of 5 and grew up on a farm. Her father, she told me, was 'incredibly kind, but strict.' I thought that sounded a perfect combination. Ethel talked to me of a child's world of great freedom and hard work. If something was needed around the farm, then the family would bring ingenuity to bear on whatever materials were lying about and make it themselves. Dad was particularly practical, able to extend the home as the family increased. Families were larger then, 5 children was not thought of as unusual. The village school took pupils from 5 years until they were 14 and the building still stands in Moulton, although these days it is no longer a school.

There were always jobs to be done on the farm, and children would help as soon as they were able; but the countryside was idyllic - these were the days of flower meadows, even the road verges and banks had a profusion of sweet scented wild flowers. It was only necessary to cut the hay meadows just before harvest. There was very little traffic, most people cycled or caught the bus. Ethel's father did have a car however and would regularly take produce to Norwich, returning with fresh orders from shops and boarding houses. Harvest would have been one of the most important times in the farming calendar and would not have looked substantially different when Ethel was young to harvest hundreds of years ago. The world of farming used the power of horses, supremely important on the land. Also, many hands were needed for harvest, nobody would have been idle. Her father however was an early pioneer, as he had a tractor, and would help other local farmers.

When Ethel did get married, it was on the day of the Cup Final, 1953. Ethel's husband was a keen football fan, as was the Reverend Bridges, who announced that he would conduct the marriage on that day on condition there was a radio at the reception! I asked Ethel if her husband minded missing the match. "Well, she said, he was a devoted fan, but..........." She stopped and smiled. It was clear that he was more devoted to his young bride-to-be.

Later, Ethel worked in the Post Office. She would take telegrams and cycle regularly to Thorpe Abbott with the wages of American Airmen. I asked her about her memories of World War 2 and she said that it was possible on certain nights to see a line of German bombers on their way to Norwich following the river, or railway line. She said that there was a period of 3 nights when the sound and flashes of explosions in Norwich were particularly severe. Italian prisoners of war would be seconded to help on farms and Ethel recalled that her father insisted that their own Italian prisoner eat with the family; "for", he said, "I would like to think that if my son were a prisoner in a foreign land, that is how he would be treated."

Later, Ethel worked for many many years at Forncett School, as secretary, sometimes doubling as dinner lady and pitching in generally while bringing up her own family. She concluded her reminiscences, after a moment's reflection, by saying, "It has been a joyful life."

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Written by: Claire Jordan

Published: 25 May 2022

Members of the Committee:                                                                                                      

Gilly Barnes Church Warden, Chair. Please contact for all general enquiries, offers of help
Southgate Lodge, Station Road, Forncett St. Peter, NR16 1HZ
Tel: 01508 813055 / 07703 584 123
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April Carlin Administrator. Please contact for Friends Membership and Donations
Tel: 01953 788775
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Terry Hickman-Smith Architectural Advisor
Ally Rae Deputy Chair
Mary Yule Secretary

Ex-officio
Rev Lydia Avery Priest in Charge
Christine Minns PCC Treasurer

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Written by: Ally Rae

Published: 27 February 2020

We now meet Ally Rae, one of the Friends of St Peter’s committee.

Photo: J Rae

 Hello Ally, how did you get involved in our campaign?

I’ve had a deep interest in history and conservation ever since I did a degree in Fine Art at Reading University in the ‘70s. We studied many things including painting, print making, sculpture and art history. For my final year project, I researched gothic sculpture which involved visiting churches and cathedrals around the country.

And did this interest continue after you graduated?

Yes! While I was still a student I volunteered as a conservator at Reading Museum. Conservation mixes art and science and it really appealed to me. Once I graduated, I got a job as a conservator at The British Museum focussing on organic artefacts such as wood and textiles. I specialised in feathers which play a really important part in every culture around the world.

How did you end up in Forncett?

I’d met my partner Doug and we decided we’d like to live further from London so in 2006 I took the plunge, went freelance and we moved to Forncett. I worked for a number of organisations including Norwich Castle Museum and the National Trust until I retired a couple of years ago. We now live in Ashwellthorpe, but still have strong links to Forncett and its wonderful community.

 What is your involvement in Friends of St Peter’s?

I’m deputy chair of the main committee and chair of the publicity sub-committee. Publicity is so important, because we need support for St Peter’s from near and far. There’s a lot of work to be done, but I feel really optimistic that we’re making progress. The more I learn about St Peter’s, the more fascinating it becomes and the more important it is to secure its future.

 Thank you Ally – your experience, passion and skills have helped us so much already!

Ally was Deputy Chair of the FoSP committee from October 2019- October 2023 and chaired the Publicity sub-committee until October 2023. She was Secretary to the Project Steering Group until October 2023 when changes in personal circumstances meant she needed to step back. She helps with aspects of campaign publicity including social media.

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Written by: Ally Rae

Published: 19 March 2022

We now meet Greg Jordan, Graphic Designer for the Friends of St Peter's

What motivated you to become a graphic designer?

I’ve always been interested in both science and the arts and did an unusual combination of A-levels – maths, physics and art – which led to my BA degree in Scientific and Technical Graphics at Cornwall College and Plymouth Polytechnic back in the early 80s.

Greg Jordan. Photo: A Rae

 And you’ve been working in graphics ever since?

Yes. Following my first job at a firm of printers in London I worked for the BBC World Service at Bush House on The Strand. I didn’t stay long because I was ambitious and a job came up at Brent Council to run my own team of designers producing leaflets and a weekly newspaper. After 11 years there I decided to set up my own design business, Applejuice Design, in 1994. http://www.applejuicedesign.co.uk

Has the job changed much over the years?

Yes, the advent of computers has led to significant changes, not always for the better. The process of design has speeded up, but unless carefully managed, can lead to the production of too many design alternatives which can confuse clients. Part of me still yearns for the old days of pencils and pens!

And you swapped London for Norfolk.

Yes, we came here in 2000 because with a young family we wanted to bring them up outside London. Forncett appealed because we’d heard about the sense of community and the school had a great reputation. The children have all grown up now and moved away, but it was a great start for them.

How did you get involved with Friends of St Peters?

I was asked by Donna Humphreys who is on the Publicity Sub-Committee. Friends of St Peters was looking for a logo for its publicity material which is the type of work I’ve spent my career doing. I was delighted to be asked because I’ve got very fond memories of the church - it’s where I got married!

 How did you approach the brief?

I felt it was important for the logo to show the church. Having looked at images of the church it soon became apparent that any design should reflect its iconic shape, emphasise the round tower and be easily recognisable – I hope that’s what I’ve achieved.    

Thank you Greg – you’ve definitely achieved that - we love the design!

 Our new information panel, designed by Greg is now in St Peter’s to raise understanding of and support for the campaign with all visitors. Do pop in. 

Update: We are very sad to announce that Greg died suddenly in 2022. Our heartfelt sympathy go to his family and friends.

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Written by: Peter Schmidt-Hansen

Published: 30 August 2021

In the next of our occasional series on people involved with Friends of St Peter we meet Terry Hickman-Smith.

Photo: R Kemmy

How did you become involved with Friends of St Peter?   I’m an architect and, although retired, I hope some of my experience will be useful. I want to be a ‘critical friend’ making sure that we follow correct processes, untangle the jargon, ask the right questions and end up with a building which will serve the community for the next 1000 years!

What has been your experience over the years?  I graduated from Liverpool University and after working for a year on the development of Redditch New Town, moved to Edinburgh joining a large practice. Over the next 10 years I focussed on Herriot Watt University designing sports facilities, residences and core buildings including lecture theatres. In 1977 I moved to Norfolk, set up my own practice and developed my abiding interest in historic buildings.  This gave me the opportunity to work on many projects including winning the contracts for Dragon Hall in Norwich and The Pennoyer Centre in Pulham St Mary.

 Did these two projects pose particular challenges? Yes, and so it is with St Peters. Working with old and historically significant buildings can complicate matters. We have to conserve the existing structure making sure that any repairs are compatible with the old fabric of the building whilst using both traditional and up-to-date materials and techniques. Often these new materials are visible and are known as ‘honest repairs’. 

As well as repairs we’re hoping to install toilets and a kitchen at St Peters – what are the issues about building new on old?  In working with Ruth Blackman, our talented and highly experienced architect, it is possible, amongst other potential ideas, that a south porch is added.  If so, the new addition may use modern materials but in a way that is harmonious with the church and pays respect to the original building in terms of design, proportion and scale. These were the guiding principles when I worked on the new elements of Dragon Hall and the Pennoyer Centre.

It sounds like a tough challenge. We’re lucky to have you helping us Terry – many thanks!

Terry was on the Building and Grants sub-committee until it was subsumed into the Project Steering Group which was formed in 2022 to manage the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant application process.  He took on the role of Project Manager in January 2023.

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Written by: Ally Rae

Published: 17 July 2021

We meet Trevor Smith, a bell-ringer at St Peter’s

How did you get into bell-ringing? In 1977, when I was 13 a friend of my father’s asked if I wanted to have a go. I thought it might be fun, so I had a go! I learnt at Tasburgh and TharstonChurches and was so lucky that the person who taught me was Paul Cattermole. Paul was one of the leading experts in bells and bell ringing and learning from him was a real privilege.

So, you’ve been ringing for over 40 years? Not quite! In 1980 I decided I’d like to try amateur dramatics and joined the Tasburgh Players and I didn’t have time for both. For over 20 years I focussed on am-dram but when Tasburgh Players folded I was asked if I’d take up bell-ringing again. The funny thing is that it was just like getting on a bike again – the old magic was still there. One person asked who’d taught me and when I said Paul Cattermole he said ‘I thought so, I recognise the style!”.

Is there much to bell-ringing - isn’t it just pulling a rope? Oh, there is more to it than that! It requires teamwork, timing, subtleness, and sometimes stamina and strength! It’s further complicated by the fact that bells are different weights from a small treble to the big tenor. You have to be very careful when ringing a bell because you take it up 180° where you need to make it gently come to rest on a wooden stay and then down again and up 180° the other way – if not done carefully the stay could break. Then there’s the fact that different churches have different numbers and weights of bells.

 How many bells has St Peter’s got? St Peter’s has six bells, whereas others have fewer, like Forncett St Mary’s which has one, but St Peter Mancroft has 14. The tenor bell at St Peter’s weighs about ¾ tonne.

Do you miss bell-ringing now that Covid has restricted church ceremonies? Yes I think we all do. I did toll the bell for Prince Phillip’s death and funeral, but it would be really great to again ring bells at weddings at St Peter’s – then we can ‘fire’ the bells which is when all the bells ring at the same time as the bride and groom leave the church – it’s a magical moment!

Thank you Trevor – we can’t wait till you can get back to cheering us all up with the beautiful sound of the bells!

You can see Trevor ringing the toll for the Duke of Edinburgh at St Peter's

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Written by: Peter Schmidt-Hansen

Published: 06 October 2021