God, our heavenly Father, make, we pray, the door of this church wide enough to welcome all who need human love and fellowship and a father’s care,
but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and lack of love.
Thomas Ken
Over the years, I personally have been, and still am, involved with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young adults having to deal with difficulties and traumas way beyond their years which an adult would find hard to cope with. I am passionate about trying to help improve the lives of such children, albeit it in my limited capacity, and I know that if I can raise funds for The Children’s Society, the money will be well used.
I appreciate that I am not giving you much time to donate, but thankfully this page will be open for a month after the Marathon has taken place, should you wish to donate after The Big Day!! There have been a few setbacks along the way which have made me wonder whether I would be able to run again, the last being a fall a few weeks ago where I broke bones in my hand! I hasten to add, I was not running and it was not in the snow or ice!! Just a local pothole in the dark!! But having seen and read about so many inspirational running friends of mine, training in all weathers and circumstances, I told myself to “Man UP! and give it my best shot, even if a tad undertrained, for an incredible charity.Last year, some of you may know I lost a very dear running buddy who made me promise not to give up running when she was gone, not least the London Marathon which I pulled out of last year when she was going through aggressive treatment. So this VLM 2018 I will be running the 26.2 miles for Jo in her memory. Amongst other things, Jo inspired me in my work with children and young adults and encouraged me to take up the baton so to speak in so many great causes.
Additionally, I will, as I have done in the past, dedicate each individual mile of the marathon to a very special person or persons, past or present, including my dear husband’s late brother Richard Maples who died unexpectedly last Christmas. (Richard always encouraged me in my marathon persuits and is greatly missed by us all). Each mile will be in their honour as they inspire me to get through the tough course. I will write their names down on a list and tick them off as I complete each mile (I jokingly said it was my Sainsbury’s list to a fellow runner in the 2016 VLM at the Start Line… he thought I was serious!). Some of the children and adults I have run with in their wheelchairs/racing buggies, some have passed on from this life to the next, some are still battling through many hardships…each and every one of them has made an impact on my life and when the going gets tough I know they will spur me on. (I hope to get photos of some of these dear folk in my gallery on this page). I could not do the marathon without them or without the support and encouragement of so many of you…I am blessed with an amazing family and incredible friends…something the children The Children’s Society are trying to help do not have.
If you are able to donate to this awesome charity I know they will be really grateful…as will I!!
Thank you all SO much for reading this!! You are all part of my marathon team!
Verity x
You can read our Annual Report here. Final Signed Annual Report 2017
We invite you all to contribute ideas for us together to build two new engaging Vision and Mission Statements that will take us into the future.
Whilst all contributions will be reviewed, we do not promise to use your contribution but rather to get a collective set of ideas that we can draw on from across our various congregations, our friends and visitors.
You can do this by writing any ideas you have below and handing to any member of the Staff Team, or by emailing them to Helen at the Parish Office, parishoffice@christchurchswindon.co.uk before the end of April 2018, please.
VisionMissionRequest (PDF)
We have provided some examples on the back of the sheet If you like any of them, please say so, or write your own.
Thank you,
Simon, the PCC and Staff Team
In the light of the report of the Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to all members of the Church of England
You can read the letter here, Letter from the Archbishops
We recently recieved a letter of thanks from Bishop Lee for our contribution to the Diocese.
You can read the letter here Thank you for your Parish Share in 2017
See how the Diocese spends it’s income.
Most of the way is on footpaths/bridleways. Some on quiet minor roads. Two short (300 yds) sections on the Ramsbury/Marlborough road, where there is no footpath.
Appropriate footwear is essential – wellies, trainers or walking boots. There are a few short sections which are muddy and, if wet, will be very slippery and will require care. Bring warm clothes and waterproofs. The full walk is 7 1/2 miles. Bus fares between approx £5 and £8.50. Short option – 3 ½ miles to Axford. Then either the 15.23 bus (service 48A) to Marlborough or 15.49 (service 48) to Swindon (or taxi share).
Please let the walk leader know in advance if you would like to join the walk, and if you would like to be included in a sandwich lunch at the Red Lion (extra cost – to be confirmed).
Organiser and walk leader (c/o PCC Christ with St Mary’s, Swindon) – Daniel Pitt Swindon (01793) 521732 Mob 07834 704350 fdpitt@yahoo.co.uk
Walk from Ramsbury to Marlborough along the River Kennet 
(Alternative buses Thamesdown Service 80 or Salisbury Red, X5. NB – need Wiltshire Day Rover for X5).
As part of our continuing renewal work this year, we intend to make extensive repairs to the church roof and organ as well as repair the South Transept window,improve exterior lighting and make repairs to St Mary’s church.
The major works to the organ require us to obtain a faculty – effectively permission from the Diocese to carry out the work.
As part of this, we are required to advertise the scope and nature of the works for a period of not less than 28 days to allow public objections to be heard by the Dicoese.
You can download the notice on the link below or view it on the church noticeboards. Full details of who to apply to are provided on the notice, The expiry date for objections is 17th April 2018
We have a full programme of services and events during the Easter week.
Click to download the Holy Week 2018 flyer
or from Community Centre@Christchurch 01793 617237
Tickets Adults £5 Children £3 available from the Community Centre @ Christ Church,
tel. 617237 and online from: www.christchurchswindon.co.uk.
