About Us

The Winfarthing and Upper Waveney Benefice represents a group of ten churches in rural South Norfolk. The benefice focuses on mission and evangelism within the community, offering various activities and services throughout the year. Please find more details of the history and regular activities at each of our churches under the “Churches” tab.

Our Benefice represents the following churches:

St John the Baptist, Bressingham, IP22 2AE

St Mary the Virgin, Burston, IP22 5TP

St Andrew’s, Fersfield, IP22 2BL

St Mary the Virgin, Gissing, IP22 5UJ

St Nicholas’, North Lopham, IP22 2LP

St Remigius, Roydon, IP22 5RU

All Saints’, Shelfanger, IP22 2DG

St Andrew’s, South Lopham, IP22 2LH

St Margaret’s, Tivetshall, NR15 2BD

St Mary the Virgin, Winfarthing, IP22 2EA


Services Around the Benefice this Month

Latest News

Mid-week Holy Communions starting in September

Please join us at St Remigius Church, Roydon on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for a mid-week Holy Communion at 10am, followed by the usual coffee morning from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. All welcome, we look forward to seeing you. Starting from Wednesday 9th September.

Centenary Celebrations for the Bells at North Lopham

Join us on 5th September to celebrate 100 years since the augmentation and the re-hanging of the bells at St Nicholas Church, North Lopham. Bellringers welcome to ring the bells from 1.30pm, a special service will take place at 4pm, followed by refreshments in the church. All welcome.

Festival of Flowers Weekend at Tivetshall St Margaret

All are welcome to St Margaret’s Church at Tivetshall on the weekend of 5th and 6th of September where we are aiming to fill the church with flowers. Refreshments available. Open from 11am til 4pm each day. Flower donations are being accepted on Friday 4th September – any questions please call Maggie on 01379 674116

Welcome to The Reverend Tracey Caswell

The Reverend Tracey Caswell was licensed and installed as Rector to our benefice at St John the Baptist Church, Bressingham, on Thursday 18th June. We welcome Rev’d Tracey to our Benefice and look forward to working with her.

The Reverend Tracey Caswell being led out by The Right Reverend Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich at the end of the Licensing and Installation Service. Bressingham 18th June 2026

The Reverend Tracey Caswell and members of the clergy, including The Right Reverend Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, and The Venerable Steven Betts, Archdeacon of Norfolk. The Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Mr Mike Hallowven was also in attendance.

Tracey’s first Benefice Holy Communion Service was held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Gissing on Sunday 21st June 2026. Such a lovely service.

Safeguarding and Policy Documents – Winfarthing and Upper Waveney↗