“Now is the month of Maying, when merry lads are playing, fa la la..”
The month of May is unique in that no other month in any given year starts and
finishes on the same days as the first and last days of May.
No U.S. President has ever died in the month of May. At least one President has died
in every other month (at time of writing!)
In Old English the name for May meant the month of three milkings, which meant
farmers could milk their herds up to three times a day during the month of May.
In the Anglican Church, the lives of three saints are celebrated during the month of
May. St Philip, patron saint of laughter, joy, comedians, artists and writers and St
James (the less) patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters and tailors are celebrated on 2nd
May. St Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot, is the patron saint of Apothecaries,
milliners and fullers and is celebrated on 14th May.
These three men had jobs and responsibilities and left their everyday lives behind to
follow Jesus. After His death and resurrection, they travelled to places far and wide to
tell others the Good News. In the 6th century the Good News of Jesus Christ reached
this country and spread to every town and village. Churches were built and priests
continued the good work. Now it is incumbent on us to share this knowledge and
Good News. You will find us every Sunday in a church near you!
Lynda Savage
Authorised Worship Assistant
Weddings, Baptism and Funerals
It is our privilege to be involved in many of the significant moments of people's lives. Here at The Waterside Group of Churches we will do our best to guide you through what Christians mean by baptism, marriage and funerals.
In the light of recent Government advice on non-essential contact, you should also check the Church of England's website FAQ's for up to date guidance on Weddings, Baptisms and Finerals. Click following link to view
Safeguarding
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and ensuring their wellbeing.
If you have any concerns for a child or vulnerable adult then please contact :
All Saints, Catfield - Judith Gardiner - tel 01692 580391
St Catherine's, Ludham - Helen Middleton - tel 01692 678072
St Nicholas, Potter Heigham - Judith Gardiner - tel 01692 580391
As part of The Church of England, The Waterside Benefice, its clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
‘The Church of England is called to share the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The life of our communities and institutions is integral to how we address this task. The good news speaks of welcome for all, with a particular regard for those who are most vulnerable, into a community where the value and dignity of every human being is affirmed and those in positions of responsibility and authority are truly trustworthy. Being faithful to our call to share the gospel therefore compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has’.
From ‘Promoting a Safer Church’, The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy Statement.
Below is a link to the Norwich Diocesan Safeguarding page with contact details for Diocesan Safeguarding.
You can also speak to the ChildLine helpline - call free on 0800 1111
or click on the link below to find out how they can help.
The Friends of St Benet's Abbey
It is our privilege to be involved with The Friends of St Benet’s Abbey.
The Abbey has stood for over 1,000 years on the site near Ludham/Horning in Norfolk.
Founded in 1019 on land close to the meeting place of the rivers Bure and Ant in Norfolk, St Benet's Abbey was the only Benedictine monastery in Norfolk, founded in the Anglo-Saxon period which continued in use throughout the Middle Ages.
Photos & Video
Take a look at some photographs and video clips from past events and services on our media page, click on the link below.
Waterside Scratch Band
We are the church band for the “Waterside” group of parishes.
We meet for practice, fellowship, fun and a tea break every
Thursday evening at 7.30pm to around 9.30pm in Ludham Church Room.
Singers and players of all sorts of instruments,
and all levels of ability are more than welcome to join us.
For more information contact: David Frost, Tel 07981 002144
or Helen Middleton, Tel 01692 678072 Email helenmiddleton315@btinternet.com
Would You Like To Be More Involved In Your Local Church
All are welcome. We need musicians, readers, singers for the
choir/worship group, people who would like to pray, worship
assistants, help with buildings and maintenance.
People to help
with youth and children's work, people who would like to help
with pastoral care, fundraising people.
Would you like to host a house group or fellowship group?
There are many opportunities for all.
Please come along to one of our churches and speak to a Churchwarden.
The Waterside
Church Support Hub Website