Church of St Nicholas, Dersingham
St Nicholas Church in the village of Dersingham was originally a rectory. Peter de Valognes (who came to England with William the Conquerer) gifted this wonderful Church to the village.Dersingham's St Nicholas Church was built on the site of a Norman Church. It is is one of the great churches of the 14th century, Decorated period, where all the nave windows have been altered in the Perpendicular period. Whether an Anglo-Saxon church preceded the Norman church on this site is open to conjecture, but it is known that in the 7th Century Saint Felix introduced Christianity to this area via Babingley and Shernborne. Saint Felix may also have visited Dersingham.
The walls of St Nicholas contains the most marvellous chest which has survived from the Decorated period and has been used to preserve useful documents of the people of the parish of Dersingham. The local carrstone has been used to build this church. The S porch is entirely 15th century, Perpendicular period, with a big entrance doorway and tiny trefoil windows, E and W. The 4 aisle windows and 6 beautiful clerostory windows on each side are all late Perp, but the walls are basically earlier as can be judged by the N and S period doorways. Of particular architectural interest to the visitor are the ancient 14th Century walls, windows, stained glass, squint, the Gothic pointed arches, handsome tower with six bells, headstops - with a variety of shapes and faces - poppy head pews and octagonal columns. The front, church chest and gilded rood screen, along with the sedilia and piscina, are all Medieval.
The parish of St Nicholas is a very friendly fellowship offering a warm welcome to all. The church is very attractively built in local carrstone with many interesting features and is a popular venue for weddings.
During the Summer months St Nicholas is open from 12noon to 4pm for visitors
Families at St Nicholas Church, Dersingham
Dersingham's St Nicholas Church welcomes and rejoice in people of all ages !
Baptisms – please contact the vicar to arrange. Baptisms normally take place during one of the Sunday morning services – however special arrangements can be made where appropriate.
On Sundays we offer Creche for 0 - 3 year olds – with toys etc. - in our Children’s Corner in church
All Stars Sunday Club (4 – 11 year olds) with games, craft, story and song – this happens in term times – we meet at the Church Hall at 10.20am, returning for the end of the service in church.
Contact: Ruth Thorpe 01485 544539
Family Service – held on the second Sunday of the month – informal worship aimed at children of all ages !
On Tuesdays in term time Parent and Toddlers in St Nicholas Church Hall, Manor Road 8.30am – 11.15am. You are very welcome to join this friendly group. Toys, simple activities, and refreshments are provided.
Contact: Pat Williams 01485 540671
On Saturdays (second Saturday in the month) Kidz Klub (5 – 11 year olds) gives a fun, action-packed Saturday morning with a Christian message.
Contact : Alan Crawshaw
We also run a 3-day Holiday Club in the summer (usually at the end of July). For 4 - 11 years. This is packed with games, challenges, Bible story, song, craft and more. Publicised through the two schools.
Contact: Alan Crawshaw 01485 543836
Also look out for our special services eg. Christingle Service, and Crib Service in December, Mothering Sunday in March, and Harvest Festival in October, and schools services every term for Dersingham Infants School, and St George’s School For family social events, and for other children’s activities and events please see in our Church Magazine and the weekly Church Notices.
Choir Practice
Choir practice is every Thursday evening at 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Church - ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.Friends of St Nicholas
Although many of us use the church to mark significant moments in our lives, it is there for the enjoyment and appreciation of everyone.
St Nicholas was built and furnished by our ancesters to very high standards which should be preserved and passed on to future generations. The sole aim of the Friends of St Nicholas is to help the Vicar and Churchwardens maintain the church building and its contents and not for any other purpose.
To become a Friend of St Nicholas you need not be a member of the church or even a regular worshipper. However being a friend does mean that you will have the satisfaction of joining in the valuable task of helping to sustain one of Dersingham's chief assets and thus allow the work of dedicated church carers to continue.
All that is needed is a donation of £5.00 (or more!) as the first donation. Each Gift Declaration will enable our charity to claim back an additional 28p for every £1.00 that you give. For further details about joining Friends of St Nicholas please contact Mr Edgar Cooper Tel: 01485 540865.
