Friends of Christ Church Calendar 2014

2013-09-02T12:39:53+01:00

 The Friends are again producing a calendar for next year. Please send in your favourite scenes, landscapes, or anything which tells a story preferably in digital format by J Peg or Tif Files to Peter Ford at peter_ford@sky.com

2013cal

2013 winner

Good quality prints are also very acceptable and these should be sent to the Parish Office for the attention of the Friends. Pictures should be in landscape format with a minimum of 300 DPI.

The winner will receive a small prize and the picture will feature on the front cover of the calendar.

We hope to receive entries from anyone within the Ecumenical Parish.

Closing date will be Sunday 18th August 2013

 

Richard Van Roon – 10th May 2013

Friends of Christ Church Calendar 20142013-09-02T12:39:53+01:00

Annual Report & Accounts Published

2013-08-08T13:30:54+01:00

Our Annual Parochial Church meeting was held on Sunday 28th April. Our annual report and accounts can be seen below and paper copies will be available next weekend.  Daniel Pitt was elected as church warden.

Christchurch

This year’s highlights:

  • Our average Sunday attendance was 200
  • We christened 46 babies
  • Married 22 couples
  • Shared 11 confirmations with our Partnership friends
  • Conducted 70 funerals

Read the Annual Report for 2012

View the accounts for 2012

Annual Report & Accounts Published2013-08-08T13:30:54+01:00

From the Friends of the Railway Path

2013-06-03T13:01:13+01:00

You might remember that we have been working to define the projects that we would like to get done along the Path.  FORPAfter a bit of a delay, we now have outline descriptions of the projects on our web site at

http://www.friendsofthepath.org.uk/projects.htm

We would welcome any feedback about them.  For example:

·       What do you think our priorities should be? Do you have a favourite project?

·       Have we missed a project that would make a difference to you or to where you live?

·       Do you have any comments on the detail of your favourite projects?

·       Are there some projects that you would like to help with, or for which you could suggest sources of help or funding?

Please take a look, and let me know what you think.

You might also have noticed that we have begun some of the work involved in some of the projects.  For example, on our workday in October last year, we started on Project 10: Ogbourne St George play area and grassland.  And in February of this year, we laid a section of hedge, as described for Project 1: Curly Wurly Bridge.  We will continue to use our regular workdays to do some of the work, but hope to get some work going separately on higher priority projects.  Our provisional list of priorities is:

·       Project 3 – Ridgeway Crossing

·       Project 7 – Whitefield Farm Grassland

·       Project 10 – Ogbourne St George play area and grassland

·       Project 15  Marlborough

I hope you enjoy the Path in the spring weather which were getting at last.

Dick Millard

From the Friends of the Railway Path2013-06-03T13:01:13+01:00

Join the Old Town Spring Clean

2013-05-04T15:24:05+01:00

A group of concerned local residents and businesses are hoping to get support for a clean up Old Town campaign. On Sunday 28th April everyone is invited to join in a spring clean and planting session between 2 – 4pm.

CleanupThis is our chance to show that we are proud of our local area and want to keep it neat and tidy.  Meet outside Tony Knowles Interiors Shop on the corner of Devizes Road and help to make a difference.

Why not invite your friends and make an afternoon of it – if you can print out the poster and encourage others to take part that would be great.

If you can’t make it but would like to support the event with donation or a gift of plants then please ring 07798 787450.

 

 

 

 

 

Join the Old Town Spring Clean2013-05-04T15:24:05+01:00

Christ Church in the news

2013-04-24T17:01:17+01:00

The demolition of the old Centre was firmly underway when we were visited by a number of local dignitaries including the Mayor Councillor Mick Bray. Their visit marks the start of the project to put a new Community centre into the heart of Old Town Swindon. (read about it here). Funds for the project have been made available through grants from Swindon Borough 106 Development Funds, the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) which is administered for Hills by Community First, the Rural Community  Council for Wiltshire and the Garfield Weston Foundation. The church itself is meeting more than half the costs from the sale of its former Church Hall in Devizes Road and from donations and fundraising.Demolition1

The provision of this Community Centre is central to our overall strategy to ensure that Christ Church remains at the heart of Swindon. Whilst continuing to provide all the expected public services such as christenings, weddings and funerals, we recognise that our church needs to work harder at helping our local community to grow. The new Community Centre plays an important role in this – using our high profile site to help local people understand how Christ Church can help to create and strengthen local networks, be a centre for local volunteer engagement and offer entertainment, solace, friendship and hospitality to those visiting the Old Town, the church itself and its surrounding burial ground

We believe that by demonstrating this practical and positive attitude to the community, they will come to value the church more and better appreciate the real and practical role it can perform in creating stronger and more self-supporting communities.

Read what the Advertiser said about the demolition.

View our Picture Gallery of the Community Centre Project’s Progress

 

 

Christ Church in the news2013-04-24T17:01:17+01:00

Easter Worship

2013-04-09T17:32:37+01:00

Easter is a busy time at Church and much preparation goes into the services and into decorating  the church. A band of silent volunteers magically transform the austerity of the Lent season with beautifully arranged flowers. The fragrances and the sunlight streaming through the windows on Ea20130331_122012ster morning all combine to remind us of the Christian message of resurrection and new life. A group of hardy souls met at 5.30am on Easter morning at the old Holy Rood church in the Lawns to celebrate a sunrise service. It was -5 degrees but the sun made its appearance and the worshippers were fortified by hot coffee and bacon rolls afterwards.

IMAG0453

Worshippers at the sunrise service on Easter morn

It was great to see the church so full at our joyful Easter morning Communion service.  We presented Aileen Britt with flowers and a memento on her retirement from the choir in recognition of her loyal service to music at Christ Church over the years. It is some time since Aileen has been able to get to church following an accident that left her unable to get about. It was wonderful to see her back with us.

 

 

Easter Worship2013-04-09T17:32:37+01:00

Wiltshire Bishops on Bicycles

2013-04-12T23:46:42+01:00

Christian-Aid_0April 12th & 13th 2013 – visiting a place near you. Bishop Ed Condry (Ramsbury) and Bishop Lee Rayfield (Swindon) will cycle more than 165 miles in two days for Christian Aid, visiting Christian Aid supporters on their way. bishop edbishoplee

Make a donation to Christian Aid at: www.justgiving.com/bishopsonbicycles and come and welcome them at Queens Drive Methodist Church – Saturday 13th April 2013. They are expected between 9:50 – 10:20. Coffee and biscuits for all supporters. Please come and join us as we say hello and encourage them on their way.

 

 

Wiltshire Bishops on Bicycles2013-04-12T23:46:42+01:00

Community Centre Progress

2013-04-12T23:47:22+01:00
20130320_161453

Work underway on the new Western entrance

The building process is now fully underway. You can find out more details about the building and its features on an information board at the rear of the church. We also have an Photo gallery showing the progress of the build. For the period of the build Timberworks, our contractors will do everything they can to minimise disruption caused by the works. Unfortunately however, demolition, drilling and general ground works will inevitably be noisy and sometimes disruptive as vehicles come and go around the site.Please also be aware that site works can be hazardous so please obey all signs, warnings and instructions given by the Contractor’s staff – they are responsible for ensuring the safety of the site. If you have any queries please contact Tom Marriott our Project Manager, on his mobile; 079006 720 45

View the picture gallery.

 Timetable of Works

  • Contract Signed – February
  •  March 18th – Timberworks, our contractor, take over the site
  • Work starts to move gravestones and prepare Western access for build and demolition.
  • April 1st   – Demolition of the old centre and site clearing begins.
  • April 15th – Boreholes for Ground source heating.
  • May 1st     –  Ground works – creating foundations for the new building.
  • May 21st   –  Building commences
  • End  August – Building work complete.
  • September  1st – Open for business
Community Centre Progress2013-04-12T23:47:22+01:00

Buildings and Site Development Committee – March 13

2013-03-19T10:22:39+00:00

Present :  Stephen Grosvenor, Mike Palmer, Daniel Pitt, John Plaister

Aplogies: Mark Antell,Kevin Penfold

SG said a short prayer.

 Item 2. Minutes of last meeting – reviewed – agreed.

All outstanding items have been included in the agenda.

Item 3 –Budget Summary ytd £596.00

Damp solution – redecoration 31 Cricklade £54

Boiler Checks – £156

Action SG to add 2013 costs to each minute to build up a complete history of costs per year.

Item 4 – Christ Church

 a) West porch plan. We have now received an outline proposal from AFK which broadly establishes that the restoration of the west porch is feasible. He has supplied some sketches which we will use as part of a broader consultation exercise with the congregation. ACTION:SG to discuss possible costs with AFK.

b) We will need DAC faculty for the porch – the plans incorporate removing a small number of pews at the rear of the church to increase the circulation space and to accommodate a new position for the Audio visual console.

c) LED Lighting AFK and Binary electronics have had a fruitful collaboration and have created a new design proposal for an LED based pendant lighting scheme. We will use this to communicate the proposed LED trial in the Lady Chapel to the wider congregation and initiate a discussion on lighting in general. ACTION: MP to complete temporary licence application – SG to write to the DAC and advise them of our intentions re the lighting and seek their support. SG to forward the designs and proposal to PCC (Peter Ford) for a resolution to commit to the LC trial

d) AV update. MP updated us on the latest quote and advice from SMS. They have quoted an overall figure of £12k to cover our basic requirements plus a new mixing console. Their advice was however that we could probably do the installation of new radio mikes and receivers ourselves. Bernard Oxborrow has been thinking about how this could be done. Proposal to replace 2 of the broken radio mikes with new ones accepted– this will solve our immediate problems. We can then review performance and decide on the next steps.

e) South transept window repairs – No further progress on this at this time. ACTION SG to follow up with AFK for his suggestions on masons and with Rob Fleming who is going to be doing some of our monument moving.

f) Asbestos removal from church undercroft. We have had a quote and this work should be done as soon as possible. ACTION MP to find quote and confirm costs – proposal is to proceed to get the works completed so we can continue to safely use the storeage.

Item 5. St Mary’s Church – no current issues

Item 6 Community Centre update

a)   Works timetable –  as part of the general communications on D&R planned for next Sunday, SG has produced a comms board explaining the order of work, timetable, information on the design, GS heating & Solar panels etc.

b)   Kitchen Design – We are unable to claim kitchen equipment (Cookers, Fridges etc as zero rated under the main project so we have elected to source the equipment and design ourselves. The intention is to have a well-equipped, good quality, finishing kitchen capable of delivering community style catering requirements. Designs are being developed and consultation with interested parties will start in the next couple of weeks.

c)    Contractor. Timberworks has been selected as main contractor for the works and the contract was signed in February as planned. The contract value is £612k but the outstanding quotation from Southern Electric to provide 3 phase electric power to the new centre has now come in at £12,745 making a total estimated spend of £624k.

d)   Burial Ground lighting proposal. As part of the contractors quote we have included an external lighting ring. We intend to install suitable low level lighting to the pathways around the churchyard to ensure safe access. Details of the installation will be finalised later in the year.

e)   Hall contents and reclamations. In line with our previous proposals to sell off or donate the unwanted hall contents MP reported a contribution of £172 to D&R funds from the sale of assorted tables, screens and redundant electrical equipment – thanks go to Mike and ebay. The wooden floor has been comprehensively reclaimed and donations have been received from the new proud owners of a bit of CC history – this has earned around £800 so far.

f)     Rubbish arrangements – Once we have cleared the existing burning pile ready for the new Garden, it will be important to establish a new regime for rubbish and recycling in the burial ground and church. We have made provision for a new hard standing area for rubbish bins at the N.E .end of the car park but we need to finalise the refuse policies and supplier as soon as possible. This is being done in partnership with the Burial Board. ACTION MP to follow up with Bernard and Pam.

g)    Access – there may be some difficulties with access to the church during busy periods on site – the Alms house residents may be affected as the drilling for the GS heating is done. MP has spoken to Harry – Timberworks will be circulating contact details of the site foreman so that everyone knows who to talk to if there are any issues.

Item 7 Property Checks –

Annual Property check carried out on 32.

a)   Re-plastering required following difficulties with
damp and mould in the dining room. ACTION MP to recommend some plasterers to occupant so that she can arrange for them to visit and quote.

b)   PV Front door may need replacing as it doesn’t fit properly and is very drafty – SG suggested it might be fixable – ACTION – SG to hand details of Double glazing doctor to occupant to see it he can fix it. If not we will need a quote for a new door.

c)    The light fitting over the stairs is broken and cannot safely be replaced due to its position. ACTION: Find electrician willing to move the fitting to a more accessible position

d)   The boiler has failed and has a leak – it is recommended to replace – we have a proposed plumber – Gary Hall. ACTION: Get quotes

e)   Thanks are owed to Daniel P who has sorted out the reported damp in 31 The room has been de-moulded and the wall paper stripped and repainted.

f)     New smoke alarms fitted in 31 but are needed in 32.We also need to fit Carbon Monoxide monitors.

Item 8 Any other business

  1. Weshould review the PAT testing process/ fire extinguisher checks

Next Meeting: 8th May 7.30 – 51a Broome Manor Lane, SN3 1NB

Buildings and Site Development Committee – March 132013-03-19T10:22:39+00:00

Buy the Choir’s New CD

2013-03-01T12:18:36+00:00
The recording sessions

The choir record their new CD Skyline III

The choir’s new CD is on sale. Listen to samples and buy online.

Skyline III is now available from our Shop or from the Friends of Christ Church (Caroline Pitt 01793 521732) or carolinempitt@googlemail.com.

Watch a video of how the recording was made here.

All proceeds go towards the work of our church – at home and further afield.

 

 

Buy the Choir’s New CD2013-03-01T12:18:36+00:00

Our new Partnership Project is launched

2013-04-18T09:44:55+01:00

This project was launched at our joint service at Bath Road on February 24th when Anna Potts from Christian Aid came to speak to us.  We were all inspired when we heard Anna tell us about the determination of  people who are disabled in Palestine and Lebanon to live a life as fulfilling as possible and with the money we hope to raise, this hope will become a reality for more people.  We have pledged to raise at least £5,000 and our fund raising has already begun.  The offering at the service amounted to just over £257 and  with other efforts Partnership Project 2103 we are now well on the way towards our first £500.

If you have some good ideas for fund raising we would love to hear about them.  You can contact me at margaretwilliams111@gmail.com and I will pass them on.

Watch this space for more fund raising events.  All our events and activities will bear our logo designed by Thomas Read so congratulations to him on a splendid logo!

His explanation of it is below.

Margaret Williams

” I made this logo with a mixture of the two flags of Lebanon and Palestine with the shaking hands to symbolise our friendship towards the two countries and us being able to help them. The heart shape is there to symbolise that they are in our heart and in our prayers every day.” – Thomas Read

Our new Partnership Project is launched2013-04-18T09:44:55+01:00
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