Local man joins Guild of Vergers

The verger plays an important role in religious processions

A churchwarden from Earlham, Norwich, has been awarded life membership to the Church of England Guild of Vergers.

Colin Websdell first became a verger in Lichfield in the 1960s and is currently churchwarden at St Mary's, Earlham.

The role of verger is a ceremonial role with management responsibilities.

"This is a most worthy honour to a man of loyalty, great courage and perseverance," said the Rev Canon John Minns, chaplain to the Guild of Vergers in the Diocese of Norwich.

"Colin Websdell is a generous man, who has overcome his disabilities and accomplished much in so many walks of life," he added.

Sometimes known as a Custos or Sub-Sacrist, the term verger refers to the rod of office (known as a Virge) carried before religious processions.

This was an important role in the Middle Ages and on some festivals there would be two vergers on duty making sure that the path of the procession was kept clear.

Today the role also includes behind-the-scenes management of worship and the care of vestments and other valuable objects.