I’m the Reverend Joanna Haywood and I’m really looking forward to moving to the Coltishall Benefice in February. I officially start on 23rd February, with a licensing service, where the Bishop of Lynn and Archdeacon of Lynn will institute and install me as Rector at the start of my ministry here. Please do join me at this service at 3.30pm at All Saints’ Hainford, and I’ll be back in Hainford the following Sunday at 9.30am leading a service of Holy Communion. And, of course, there will be the usual Family Service at 10am on the 2nd March. Further services will be publicised in the March Marlpit, so watch this space.
In the meantime, I thought I’d introduce myself – and you may well see me around the villages before then. If so, please do stop me and say hello. It would be good to meet you.
I moved to Norfolk nearly 8 years ago, following a career in education, where I worked in multicultural community schools in Croydon, before moving into School Improvement work and then to into school leadership. Prior to that, I’d had a variety of careers in Nursing, Office Administration and a stint studying Architecture. Variety is the spice of my life, and I enjoy the challenge of new things, and really enjoy meeting people.
I moved here in 2017 seeking a new start, and maybe a quieter life. Settling in a converted cow-shed between Antingham and Bradfield, which wasn’t exactly a pin in the map, but not far short, I pondered, what next? I worked in Waitrose, volunteered for the National Trust at Felbrigg and enjoyed welcoming visitors and the wide open spaces which surrounded my new home. A far cry from Croydon!
I’d been here just 6 months when God tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘I’ve not finished with you yet!’
This led to conversations, discernment and eventually to training with the Eastern Region Ministry Course, based at St Nicholas, North Walsham. All through the rigours of Covid. I learnt a great deal, including how to conduct services online, and the importance of keeping people connected to each other. I was ordained in June 2021, and commenced my curacy in the Trunch Group of Parishes, a rural group of 7 churches on the coast. I was extremely happy there, and felt as though I’d come home, really enjoying the delights and challenges of rural ministry. Half of the time I spent there (2½ years) was during a vacancy, and I relished the opportunity to develop my understanding of leading a rural group. In January 2024 I moved to Cromer to complete my curacy, developing my experience in a larger vibrant town church, working as part of a team.
I’m passionate about mission, social justice and community, so you’ll see me out and about, learning about the local community and taking part in local activities. I’m a keen walker, enjoy sewing and knitting, and drinking good coffee!
I have a grown up son, Will, who is married to the lovely Helen and they have a beautiful son, Alex – so I’m also a proud Nana! They live in Leicestershire and I enjoy having them to visit, and they are looking forward to getting to know Coltishall too. My mum and sister live close by in North Walsham, and I also have siblings overseas in New Zealand and the USA. We are a large, but close-knit family who are very important to me. I share my home with my cat Phoebe, a demanding, vocal rescue Bengal, who is great company and will, I know, enjoy the Rectory garden and may well venture further afield!
I look forward to making Coltishalll my home and to exploring the surrounding area. And most especially, I look forward to meeting you!