A joy to visit the stunning new St Athanasius Coptic Church on the outskirts of Norwich. Another generous welcome. From Fr Shishoy and his community. Much appreciation for the CofE commemorating the 21 Coptic martyrs of Libya. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” - Tertullian.

Given my passion for globally rare chalk streams (85% of the world’s 200 chalk streams are in England), it was good to spend time with the River Glaven Conservation Group in North Norfolk looking at their river habitats and the threats to them - signal crayfish, silt, nitrate & phosphate pollution.

Recalling waking up in Israel three years ago to news of rocket attacks, only to discover as the hours passed the full horror of the atrocities unleashed that day. I learnt more when I visited the Nova Exhibition & met relatives of those who died & were kidnapped. Praying urgently for peace.

Great visit to Norwich Research Park meeting scientists at the Sainsbury Laboratory, John Innes Centre, Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development, Earlham & Quadram Institutes. Much discussion about precision breeding, value chains, grasspea genetics, enhancing diet & good gut health - & poo!

Last week it was a privilege to visit Oyster Yachts to catch up with apprentices I first met at the Royal Norfolk Show. I had no idea that these incredible top range luxury sailing yachts are fitted out in the Norfolk Broads. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is superb.

Good to join harvest festival at Hardingham St George, as well as experience Bubble Church. Great outreach to families.

Good as this year’s President to be at a ‘thank you’ to supporters of the Royal Norfolk Show. This year 16,000 school pupils attended 173 trophies awarded 326 volunteer stewards gave their time 710 business exhibitors 1000 years of service by farm workers marked £25M to Norfolk’s economy

A day out in some of @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social rural parishes. Visited Weasenham’s two church & met the folk who do so much to care for them. At Gateley and Guist a descendent of Thomas Cook proud to show me the diary entry of the clergyman who baptised him: “The brat kicked up an awful row.”

Good to be with the folk at St Helen’s Costessey for their harvest festival this morning. Many gifts for the Norwich Food Bank.

Earlier this week it was good to spend time with the team at Norwich Youth for Christ. It is a privilege to be the charity’s patron and a joy to learn more about their current work.

A fascinating day meeting some of the incredible Church Commissioners’ tenant farmers around Ely. Learnt much about bringing land forward for housing, soil health, issues of water and labour shortages, and leeks being grown for Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.

Morning light @norwichcathedral.bsky.social on my way to the Dean’s monthly breakfast for Norwich’s community and business leaders.

In 2025 the 140 licensed Lay Ministers in @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social • conducted nearly 2000 Sunday services – some alone and some shared. • preached 1956 sermons. • took 159 funerals. • brought Holy Communion 330 times to people at home / nursing homes. • led over 500 online services. Thank you.