On the evening
of
23rd June, the unveiling of an amazing painting took place at St Nicholas' Church in Great Yarmouth to mark the
800th Anniversary of the King John Charter. The service was conducted by the Team Rector, Revd Christopher Terry,
The service began with a welcome to the Mayor and the High Steward of Great Yarmouth from Revd. Terry and the Charter Celebration Group.
Jane Ratcliffe, who is the Executive Director for Great Yarmouth, spoke about the Charter which was instituted 800 years ago in 1208. King John sealed the future of the borough by making it a
‘free borough for ever’ in return for an
annual fee of £55. This was considered to be quite a substantial amount of money in those days. King Joh
n leased to the town the administration of justice (in certain matters of common law and local custom), the right to establish a merchant guild, exemption from paying tolls on goods brought to other towns and cities excluding London, and the right to appoint bailiffs to govern the town.
The Artist, Ernie Childs, said that it took
2 years to complete the painting which became 20 foot in length. He only used the very best paint and materials and it
was designed to last. Depicted in the painting are peop
le from
all walks in life and ordinary people are standing next to millionaires.
Ernie put a great deal of time and work into the painting even working through the night time. He thanked ever
yone who helped and gave their support especially his wife Carol.
The High Steward of Great Yarmouth, Michael Falcon CBE read the 44th chapter of Ecclesiastes.
The Revd Peter Paine, spoke about the painting. He said that he had viewed it 2 years ago when it was in its very early stage. The committee discussed ways in which they could commemorate the 800
th Anniversary and decided that they wanted to
create something that would be for everyone. The faces in the painting are of local people dressed in medieval costumes. On view there were photos of the people who took part in this remarkable painting. Peter said that it was like a huge jigsaw puzzle and that tonig
ht’s service was the final piece of that jigsaw.
Peter mentioned the time when the Princess Royal came to Great Yarmouth and how the streets were lined with people all the way up to the town hall. He said that the church will take care of the painting and it will be there for all people to see what went on during the 800th Anniversary celebrations.
Whilst the official party proceeded towards the painting there was a musical item by ‘The Plough Jockeys Shanty Singers’. The congregation stood to face the painting and the High Steward of Great Yarmouth removed the covering which was the Seafarers Mission Flag.
The service was
brought to a close by
his worship the Mayor, Councillor Michael Jeal. He thanked everyone for coming to this event and also the committee who had organised all the events including this service. He said that
Ernie was the salt of the earth and that he is a good steward 
for this borough.
The Mayor said that he had known Ernie and Carol for many years and he thanked him for his work and also thanked his wife for all the support that she had given. The congregation stood to applaud Ernie and a bouquet of flowers was presented to Carol.
The service closed with the singing of the national anthem. Finally the Team Rector prayed and gave thanks.
