What’s happening at the side of the Church?

2023-08-15T10:57:37+01:00

Visitors to the grounds may have noticed some work being carried out on the North side of the church.

Originally, there was a path linking the West end to the East end thus avoiding visitors to the burial grounds and Memorial Gardens having to do so via the car park.

As part of our plans to improve access, we have decided to re-instate the path.  The newly laid tarmac path will provide level access to the rear of the church by adding a small spur that will make disabled access easier by avoiding the 3 steps that currently link the path.

The work is being carried out by kind donation from a friend of Christ Church. In the future,  we would like to extend the lighting to include the path.

If you would like to support this work with a donation then please contact the parish office on 01793 522832 or christchurchswindon.co.uk

What’s happening at the side of the Church?2023-08-15T10:57:37+01:00

Autumn Programme 2023

2023-08-15T10:37:03+01:00

Please join us this Autumn as we consider together what it means to be part of a healthy, growing community here at Christ Church with St Mary’s, building new friendships

Download the full programme here

For more information please contact The Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette  01793 529166 Simon@christchurchswindon.co.uk

Autumn Programme 20232023-08-15T10:37:03+01:00

Jubilee Memorial Garden Update

2023-08-09T10:41:42+01:00

We are delighted to have received permission from the Diocesan Faculty Office to continue work on our renovation of the Memorial garden. Work will now begin on removing the two gravestones to the North of the garden so that the path can be extended to the East. This will enable level access to all parts of the area. The stones will be replaced against the Community Centre wall.

Steel edging is being put in place to retain the weed suppressing mulch which will form a level surface for the centre of the garden. Later in the year, fine turf edging will be laid, continuing the edge ( shown above) around the south side of the garden.

Read a summary of our proposals

All the work will be carried out under the close supervision of Ian Handy, our project leader. Our permission states that the works must be completed within 12 months but we are keen to be ready for the Autumn season to allow planting and preparation at the best time of year.

We will minimise any disruption to the plaques whilst the works are carried out but if you have any concerns please come and visit and let us know or contact us, The garden is for everyone and it’s important to us that our visitors understand and are happy with what is being done.

Support the Jubilee Memorial Project with a donation

If you or your family members have any concerns or questions or would like to contribute to the cost of these works, then please contact Carol in the parish office.

You can also contact us via the Parish Office ( 01793 522832)for other ways to donate.

We have a Just Giving Campaign page where you can read more and securely give towards the completion of the project.

Thank you for your support.

Jubilee Memorial Garden Update2023-08-09T10:41:42+01:00

2023-06-11T18:13:20+01:00

Chris & Co – Three Peaks Challenge

Ben Nevis 27th May 19.24

Scafell 28th May 05.32am

Snowdon 28th May 14:25hrs

As you are aware, our site manager Chris and his friends took part in the 3 peaks challenge over the last weekend in May. Scaling the heights of the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Snowdon (Wales).

We are delighted to advise you that they completed the challenge in under 24 hours, 23 hours and 20 minutes to be exact!

They are delighted to have finished and are nearing their sponsorship target for Dementia UK.

Chris will also be taking part in a 100k ultra marathon (Race to the Stones) in one day on 8th July.

Please sponsor him if you can – https://www.justgiving.com/page/clare-smith-1678227120147

2023-06-11T18:13:20+01:00

Our commitment to our environment.

2023-05-18T13:21:38+01:00

Care for God’s Earth

As part of our commitment to an overall ecological strategy, we are continuing to implement some key measures, we believe, will promote biodiversity and sustainability in our churchyard and grounds. We use A Rocha, a Christian based organisation to help us to work through ideas that will have the most beneficial impact. So far, we have achieved silver status. The structured approach they advocate, allows us to plan how we might continue to develop our thinking in years to come.

As a guiding principle, we seek to plant native species. Replacing non-native species with native ones to provide food and habitat for local wildlife. We choose plants that are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, which reduces their need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides.

We have cleared some areas of invasive non-native laurel from the embankment to the North of the car park. Underplanting native shrubs in the UK is an excellent way to create an attractive and biodiverse landscape. Native shrubs provide essential habitat for wildlife and can help to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Shrubs or hedging such as hawthorn and blackthorn can also help to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention, making them great for keeping soil healthy and preventing flooding. Additionally, native shrubs are hardy, meaning they are more likely to survive extreme weather conditions, and require less maintenance than non-native species. By underplanting native shrubs, we can create a lush, colourful, and diverse landscape that is beneficial to both wildlife and the environment.

We also encourage flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures. This will help increase the local pollinator population, which is important for the health of the ecosystem.

We have installed birdhouses across our site: This will provide shelter and nesting sites for local bird species. They will help to control insect populations and encourage diversity. We already have evidence that some are being nested in.

pyramid orchid

Pyramid orchid

Certain areas of our grass contain rare and at-risk species of grasses and other native wildflowers. Once again, this year, we intend to implement a programme of controlled mowing which, we hope, will encourage the growth and development of these species which in turn will provide nutrients for the soil and shelter for small animals and insects. These areas are not neglected, but deliberately left to grow and seed until later in the summer when they will be carefully mown giving the rarer wildflowers the opportunity to establish next year.

We are also committed to educating ourselves and our wider community about environmental issues aiming to inspire us all to act. We will look to provide resources, host events, and partner with local schools and other interested organizations to promote environmental sustainability.

We believe that by implementing these strategies, our church and its environment can become a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that supports local wildlife and promotes ecological health.

To talk to us about our grounds, help us with observations or work parties on our site contact us ecogroup@christchurchswindon.co.uk or contact the Parish office on 01793 522832.

Our commitment to our environment.2023-05-18T13:21:38+01:00

Why a Beer Festival in a Church?

2023-05-18T12:18:09+01:00

Our decision to host the Old Town Beer Festival at Christ Church is rooted in our commitment to fostering community engagement, offering hospitality to all, regardless of race or creed, and providing a space for open dialogue and understanding.

We recognise the importance of connecting with our wider community beyond traditional religious activities. By hosting concerts, festivals and other events on our site, we seek to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that appeals to a wide range of visitors, including those who may not typically engage with religious institutions. These events serve as a bridge between the church and the community, promoting dialogue, understanding, and unity.

We have celebrated 10 years of beer festivals on our site and always seek to ensure that our visitors respect the church and grounds. We employ professional security to remind people of the sensitivities involved and regularly assess how we can improve our organisation and communication.

The church and its grounds are for everyone. Outside of Festival days, we are open every day for visitors to come and remember, reflect, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere. For a few days of the year, our grounds host a joyous and vibrant gathering of local people who enjoy local beers, music and meeting friends. We do advertise the events widely so that our community knows what to expect. We don’t receive grants or subsidies from the Anglican church or Government. All the funds needed to keep our church and its work in the community going, are provided by regular donations, legacies and fundraising. Our congregation, Friends and event supporters provide vital funds each year to ensure that the Church is always available for everyone. Whether it be for regular worship, weddings, funerals, christenings, festivals,concerts or just quiet reflection at a loved ones resting place. Events like the Beer and Jazz festivals provide a large portion of our income. Without them and the significant contribution made by the Community Centre itself, we would struggle to survive.

Each year, we meet, following the festival, to discuss how we can improve our organisation and what we could do differently. We hosted more than 1,200 local people to this year’s festival and the vast majority have been very positive about the event. We do take note of those who disagree and do everything that we can to explain what and why we are doing it.

Why a Beer Festival in a Church?2023-05-18T12:18:09+01:00

Coronation weekend in Christ Church

2023-05-18T12:41:31+01:00

Watch Simon’s video telling us all about the upcoming Coronation weekend

Coronation weekend in Christ Church2023-05-18T12:41:31+01:00

Jubilee Memorial Garden Public Consultation

2023-03-11T14:05:05+00:00

With Spring and warmer weather in our sights, we have now submitted an application to the Church authorities (Diocesan Advisory Committee) for permission to continue with the refurbishment of the former Rose Garden (now the Jubilee Garden).

Following the success of the first phase of the project, the North South Section of the garden, we are keen to start this final phase.

We have worked hard to keep families, who remember loved ones at Christ Church, informed of our plans. You can sign up here to join our Jubilee Memorial Garden Email Update. No major works can be completed without the final permission of the DIocese Consistory Court. This is to protect the heritage and sanctity of church property as well as to ensure that proper public consultation is carried out

As part of this process, our proposals are now subject to a period of 30 days formal public consultation. The formal notice of our intentions and the process by which to comment or question them, are available by clicking the buttons below. You can also request copies of the notice and plans by contacting the parishoffice@christchurchswindon.co.uk (01793 533832) or visiting the church noticeboard.

Formal notice and public comment process
Read a summary of our Proposals

We are also delighted to say that our project team, led by Ian Handy, have been awarded a DAC award for our project to refurbish the former Rose Garden. This recognises the exceptional standard of workmanship.

Read about the Opening Ceremony

Our Gardens for all

Bereavement & Memorials

Our Memory Books

Support the Jubilee Memorial Project with a donation

We have a Just Giving Campaign page where you can read more and securely give towards the completion of the project.

You can also contact us via the Parish Office ( 01793 522832)for other ways to donate.

Thank you for your support.

Jubilee Memorial Garden Public Consultation2023-03-11T14:05:05+00:00

Jubilee Garden Update

2023-02-25T12:56:25+00:00

Over the past couple of week’s, we have been completing some winter maintenance to the grass verge on the South side of the garden. This is to prepare for new fine turf to be laid as soon as the weather permits. This will then continue the turf edge from the North South section creating a more unified and attractive perimeter.

 

We have submitted our draft plan to the Bristol Diocese for their approval and we are expecting an inspection and discussion with them soon. ( Read it here if you have missed it)

To help reassure and let affected families better understand what we are attempting to do with the East West Section of the garden, we will be marking out areas to show the intended access paths and demonstrating proposed ground covering materials. The intention is to enable access, within the garden, to those plaques which previously have been obscured ( and sometimes buried) by weeds and wild growth. We also want to create safe and level access to the garden for our many visitors.

No ashes will be disturbed and plaques are restored as closely as possible to their original positions. Our friendly team will always take the time to explain what is happening. It has always been the case that self planted shrubs are not permitted. This is necessary both to enable us to keep control over the maintenance and management of the garden but also to ensure that all families are treated equally. If you or members of your family have planted rose bushes, then please contact us (01793 522832) with your details. We will be happy to transplant any bushes for you to enable you to take them away.

As Spring approaches, the Jubilee Memorial Garden will start to erupt with colour and new growth. We are fully committed to creating a beautiful, safe and sustainable memorial garden for everyone to enjoy and remember in. If you have any questions, fears or suggestions please contact us parishoffice@christchurchswindon.co.uk (01793 522832) We are always ready to listen.

Jubilee Garden Update2023-02-25T12:56:25+00:00

Holocaust Memorial Day

2023-01-21T10:28:26+00:00

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY at 12 noon on Friday 27 JANUARY 2023

There will be three parts to the day.

First, at 12 noon on Friday 27th January at the Cenotaph in Regents Circus there will be a short (20-minute) ceremony, including talk and wreath-laying.

Next, at 12.30 pm the same day, Friday 27th January, at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill, there will be a gathering for readings and reflection. Light lunchtime refreshments, including sandwiches and hot drinks are provided. This gathering is expected to last an hour, with readings and presentations by members of many of Swindon’s faith groups and community groups, as well as contributions from individuals.

Finally, at 6.30pm in the Auditorium in the Sixth Form Centre at The Commonweal School, The Mall, SN1 4JE there will be a free showing of the award-winning documentary film Final Account made by the late Luke Holland, a former pupil of The Commonweal School. The film looks closely at the involvement of ‘ordinary people’ in the mid-European mid-twentieth century genocide. It comprises interviews with the last living generation of Hitler’s Third Reich and raises key questions about authority, conformity, obedience, national identity, and people’s roles in the decisions and directions taken by their own government, questions that may still be relevant today.

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qobRIgAyQiY

NOTE. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is ORDINARY PEOPLE, which chiefly acknowledges two things. First, that genocide is facilitated by ordinary people, who may turn a blind eye, believe propaganda, and join murderous regimes. Second, that those who are persecuted, oppressed, and murdered in genocide are not persecuted because of crimes they’ve committed – but simply because they are ordinary people who belong to a particular group, class, or race of which others disapprove. Ordinary people still suffer such persecution today.

The aftermath of the Holocaust and of subsequent genocides continues to raise challenging questions for individuals, communities, and nations. H.M.D. 2023 asks people to think about what happens before and after genocide, war, and persecution, and of our own responsibilities in relation to such matters of life and death.

Holocaust Memorial Day2023-01-21T10:28:26+00:00

Jubilee Garden Plans

2023-01-14T13:59:14+00:00

With Spring and warmer weather in our sights, we are preparing a draft submission to the Church authorities for permission to continue with the refurbishment of the former Rose Garden ( now the Jubilee Garden).

Following the success of the first phase of the project, the North South Section of the garden, we are keen to keep momentum in this important work.

All work to the church and its grounds are closely managed by the Dicocesan faculty office which acts as a planning authority. We have submitted proposals for the final section which involves repairing and restoring path and turf edges, creating safe, accessible access to the garden and removing self sown holly trees and shrubs. You can download the draft proposals here.

Support us

The works to create the Jubilee Memorial Garden have been financed by donations from our Community. If you would like to support this project you do so on our Just Giving page here or by contacting the Parish office (01793 522832)

Jubilee Garden Plans2023-01-14T13:59:14+00:00

Racial Justice

2023-01-14T12:20:25+00:00

With increasing numbers of people from other countries joining our congregation we have invited The Revd Cathy Okoronkwo, Racial Justice Adviser in our Bristol Diocese, to lead two Unconscious Bias training sessions on:

  • Monday 13th February 11-12.30pm on Unconscious Bias – in the Community Centre.
  • Tuesday 14th February 2pm -3.30pm on Welcome and Hospitality – in the Large Meeting Room or in Christ Church if numbers are large.

I very much hope that you will be able to attend both sessions. This will be very helpful in enabling us to develop and grow our ministry this year on solid foundations.
The sessions will be open to our whole congregation and to friends from across the Old Town Partnership. Please pass the word around.
An RSVP would be appreciated. Simon (simon@christchurchswindon.co.uk) 529166

Church Commissioners Report

The Church Commissioners of the Church of England have published their full report into historic links to Transatlantic Slavery. They have also announced a new £100m funding commitment in response to the findings, saying “The Church Commissioners’ Board has committed itself to trying to address some of the past wrongs by investing in a better future. Read it here.

Racial Justice2023-01-14T12:20:25+00:00

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