|
Gorleston church-worker’s High Sheriff award
Gorleston church-worker’s High Sheriff award
Sue Loades, who was Community Link worker at St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston, has been given an award for her services to the community by the High Sheriff of Norfolk.
Sue retired from her role on Friday 30 January, and the church has been giving thanks for her ministry and service. The award was presented by Patrick Lines, the High Sheriff, for her “great and valuable services” to the community. The award recognises not only Sue’s professional contribution, but a life shaped by service. When presenting the award, Patrick commented that he had only handed out a handful of such awards during his entire year as High Sheriff.
Through her role at St Mary Magdalene, Sue lived out the church’s calling to love its neighbours in practical ways. She walked alongside individuals and families facing crisis, liaising with other charities and statutory services, to offer compassionate listening, wise advocacy and practical support, helping many find renewed stability and hope.
Rev Matthew Price, Vicar of St Mary Magdalene, said, “Sue has embodied the values of our church in the most tangible way. She has had a Christlike ministry of empathy and empowerment, grace and truth, listening and advising, compassion and challenge, helping so many people at points of real crisis onto more secure footing.
“We thank God for her ministry among us, and for the blessing she has been to our community. Sue has been a key part of working out our vision to end the need for foodbank in our community.”
Sue brought to the role a lifetime of experience in community service. She helped to found GYROS (which supports migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the East of England) and also worked with the Girls Friendly Society and the Ormiston Families Trust. Across each setting, her work was marked by dignity, justice and deep care for those often overlooked.
Whilst her retirement marks the end of a chapter, her impact will continue to be felt across the Gorleston community for many years to come.
The photo shows, left to right, Rev Matthew Price, Sue Loades, and Patrick Lines, and is courtesy of St Mary Magdalene Church.
|
Tony Rothe, 10/02/2026
|
|
|
|
