Western Flyer Wander

2013-09-04T13:20:50+01:00

Marking time…along the Western Flyer is an exciting participatory arts project being delivered by Create Studios in its 30th anniversary year. Led by artist Scott Farlow, the project is part of the new enhancements to the Western Flyer cycle and pedestrian route, funded through Swindon Travel Choices. Western_flyer_flyer_screen

The project aims to increase the profile of the route by raising awareness of the rich heritage and social history that it passes through, and using the archive of local photographer William Hooper.  …marking time…along the Western Flyer will involve three local neighbourhoods, the West Swindon, North Central and Town Centre localities throughout Autumn 2013. Residents of all ages are invited to participate in a series of imaginative activities that will explore the Western Flyer route to create and share new stories across Swindon. In Spring 2014 there will be a touring exhibition of short films, new photographs, web pages and a new app.

Western Flyer Wander2013-09-04T13:20:50+01:00

Autumn Fayre – 14th September 2013

2013-10-26T19:45:32+01:00

This year’s Autumn Fayre will be on the 14th September from midday to 4pm. Once again there will be

  • Craft stalls
  • Donkey rides
  • Tours of the Church tower and belfry
  • Traditional Victorian Swing boats
  • Bouncy Castle
  • Andy’s Animal Reptile Rescue
  • Tombola
  • Ice creams, barbeque and refreshments
  • Beer tent with selection of real ales & cider

Free admission – a fun day out for the family. All are welcome.

Download and display a posterAutumn Fayre 13 Autumn Fayre Poster 2013 v1

 

 

 

Autumn Fayre – 14th September 20132013-10-26T19:45:32+01:00

Community Centre needs volunteers

2014-01-20T01:08:06+00:00

The Community Centre @ Christ Church is due to open in Autumn 2013. We really need volunteers to help in the following areas:

  1. With the opening, closing and any on-going maintenance of the building. Training will be given.

    Chris Smith Community Development Manager

    Chris Smith Community Development Manager

  2. Help maintain the cleanliness of the building. This will be on both a regular and ad hoc basis.
  3. Meet and greet customers, answer the phone, take messages and make the centre a really welcoming environment. It is really important for us to provide a welcoming centre to all people of the community.
  4. Get involved in the organising of events and activities to encourage new users and income to the centre.
It is imperative that  the centre makes enough money to be sustainable going forward and provides this invaluable service for the people of Old Town.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities please contact
Chris Smith. Email: chris.smith@ccccswindon.co.uk Tel: 07582 305760
Community Centre needs volunteers2014-01-20T01:08:06+00:00

Notes from Community Centre@Christ Church Advisory meeting – 6th August 2013

2013-09-02T15:45:35+01:00

Present: Philip Richmond, Ailsa Palmer, Chris Smith, Lynda Fisher

Apologies: Simon Stevenette, Francis Maples, Rod Bluh, Margaret Clarke

Due to the absence of several members of the group we will carry forward the agenda to next month’s meeting, the date of which has been changed to Tuesday, 10 September, 8.30am at the CC@CC site.

Chris took Philip on a tour of the site, which is progressing although now subject to a completion delay of several weeks until the end of October.  Although the delay is disappointing it does give more time to plan the opening and have time to give more thought to policy and procedural issues.

We spent some time gaining Philip’s views on the mission statement, Chris had prepared.  The revision will be presented to members by email for comment so that this can be finalised prior to the next meeting. Chris updated us all on progress to date.  Chris has contacted Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS), re recruiting volunteers.  He has already received two responses and found Jo Banks at Involve Swindon very helpful and a useful contact to have made.  Others have also expressed interest in volunteering opportunities.  Nationwide will be tackling the garden area on 20th September and should be finished by end of the month.

Chris and Stephen Grosvenor are continuing to gain sponsorship for internal furnishings; £9925 having been committed to date.  This includes contributions from Richard Deacon, Hilliers, the Conservative Club, Friends of Christ Church (FOCC) and a £2000 grant from the Bernard Sunley Foundation towards the kitchen.  Both Chris and Stephen have other applications in the pipeline, including Awards for All.  Chris has secured office furniture already for no charge.

We discussed in some detail the access arrangements to the Centre.  Chris has arranged for Rosemarie Philips to provide her insight into accessibility and it was suggested we also contact a wheelchair user about their experience too.

We talked briefly about the Communication Plan; this will need a wider discussion next time we meet.  Chris is contacting Jahmene’s manager and Nick Hewer about their availability for the official opening, which is likely to be in November 2013.

Peter Ford has begun work on a logo.  Philip provided comments on this.  Stephen will ask his son for advice, following email correspondence. We all agreed that the logo, letterheads, and uniform approach are really important to get right so that we are communicating the message of CC@CC.

Philip invited Chris to speak at the Okus Road Residents’ Association meeting on 10 September, which will provide a good opportunity for Chris to talk about the new Community Centre, potentially find volunteers as well as spreading the word.

Notes from Community Centre@Christ Church Advisory meeting – 6th August 20132013-09-02T15:45:35+01:00

Carol’s Nijmegen success

2013-09-02T12:38:54+01:00
Carol2

The I’ve done it 3 times medal

CarolSOur own Carol Simmons has returned from her challenging 4 day walk at the International Nijmegen Marches. Carol completed a gruelling 200km (128 mile) course over 4 days. Elise and Beth her daughters did the 160km (100 mile)route. Whilst the actual walk itself is a major achievement, it is well worth mentioning the massive commitment and discipline that all 3 put into training for the event. The highly structured programme of practice walks start back at the beginning of the year in the snow and rain and increasingly longer walks in shorter times to build up strength and fitness.

This is the 3 Nijmegen that Carol has completed so she was awarded a special medal. This year she dedicated the walk to the memory of David Cummings a former choir member and good friend to Christ Church. She walked in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and has so far raised over £1,065 from the generous sponsorship of our community.

You can still contribute on line via her Just Giving Page or by catching her at church on Sunday.

Well done Carol.

 

 

 

Carol’s Nijmegen success2013-09-02T12:38:54+01:00

Community Centre Delayed

2013-08-18T00:32:48+01:00

Although we have made some dramatic progress with the build over the past 3-4 weeks, we have just had an update from the Timberworks Project team  that puts the completion date back to the end of OctoberStructure.

This news is rather disappointing but cannot be helped. It  is largely due to the very difficult nature of our site – between 2 conservation listed walls and in the middle of a burial ground. In normal circumstances the wall panels are pre-constructed in the factory and thus the build can be very quick. We have provided some especially challenging conditions for the team and they have been forced to re-evaluate their timetable. They will, of course, do all they can to recover some time if possible.

Expect to see a roof appearing in the next 2-3 weeks and do keep an eye on our photo gallery of the build progress here.

Community Centre Delayed2013-08-18T00:32:48+01:00

On your bike

2013-07-23T14:04:44+01:00

Swindon families are being invited to mark the end of the first ‘Tour de Swindon’ with a Grand Finale cycling fun day at Coate Water Park on Sunday 21st July.bikes

‘Tour de Swindon’ has seen a series of free walking and cycling events put on by Sustrans and Swindon Travel Choices, to celebrate the Tour de France locally.

Coate Water Park will host the final event, with a range of activities for all the family, including a chance to make your own pedal-powered fresh fruit smoothie, family cycle orienteering, ‘Bike Doctor’ checks and bicycle security marking. All activities are free.

Festivities will be held near the café, close to the car park, from 10am. The day’s events will draw to a close at 3pm with a prize giving ceremony for winners of the day’s events, and the ‘Active Swindon Challenge,’ which started during Bike Week.

Full details of the all the events during ‘Tour de Swindon’ can be found at: www.sustrans.org.uk/events/tour-de-swindon.

For more information email amy.martin@sustrans.org.uk or call 01793 600772.

On your bike2013-07-23T14:04:44+01:00

Minutes of Site Development Meeting 17th July

2013-07-23T14:05:11+01:00

Present :  Stephen Grosvenor, Mike Palmer, Reg Hardwick, John Plaister,

Aplogies: Kevin Penfold, Daniel Pitt, Mark Antell,

Item 1. SG said a short prayer.

Item 2. Minutes of last meeting – reviewed –

All outstanding items have been included in the agenda.

Item 3. –Budget Summary  – see cumulative spend at the end of these minutes

Item 4. – Christ Church

 

a) West porch Project. AFK has now been to measure up and has started to design the porch. We will produce a plan that we can use to submit to the DAC for a faculty application. This will include the removal of some of the pews at the rear of the church to create a better circulation space. We aim to submit a DAC application in September/October.

 b) LED Lighting – We have awarded a contract to Binary electronics and have paid a deposit and officially commissioned the new lighting scheme for the Lady Chapel trial. The work is due for completion sometime in September. We will seek the opinions of the congregation and interested parties over the winter and consider our options early in the new year.

 c) AV update – Various trials have been carried out to optimise the microphone placement in the choir area. These have been largely inconclusive –more tests will be done in due course although this is not currently a priority.

 d). Damaged South transept window/Repointing. Dan Pitt has contacted AFK for advice and has the names of some masons to approach for quotes. Our advice is that the repair should be done in the next 18 months or so. The Friends have already offered to help to offset some of the costs for this project but this is subject to ratification from the new chair of the Friends. JP has also identified an area on the north transept wall which needs re-pointing/repair. We intend to approach Rob Flemming to quote for this work with a view to carrying it out prior to winter.

 f) Asbestos removal from old boiler room. This action is carried forward. We have already had an estimate and this work should now 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 storage.

 Item 5. St Mary’s Church – This action carried forward – the paintwork in St Mary’s is in a poor state of repair. We will add it to the work in progress list and review options for getting it done. ACTION MP to see if Community Service Volunteers would do it also discuss options with Dan re using students from the college.

 Item 6 Community Centre update

a)   Foundations were completed at the end of June and the building arrived in storage just outside Swindon. The East end of the car park has been sectioned off to accommodate the building materials for the next 6-8 weeks. Despite some delays, the building skeleton is now up and the new opening for the main entrance has been cut. We have applied for some amendments to the faculty as the entrance is further east than expected. This involves relocating the Keylock memorial – an enquiry has already been made to the diocese for this. It will cost extra. The Morris memorial has been successfully moved to its new location in the garden of reflection.

 b)   Parish office & Kitchen designs – We are in consultation with all interested parties to confirm the final designs and specification of the office and kitchen. A change to the existing plan has been proposed to move the ante-room to the east so that it is adjacent to the main entrance. Plans are being prepared to create an office layout and Chris Smith and Mike have been to the council resources department and identified some desks that can be used. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring that parish office activities can be properly supported in the new facility.

 

c)    Rubbish arrangments – The contract with Biffa seems to be working ok and the rubbish from the burial ground is under control at the moment. We will need to review the situation once the centre is operational.

 d)   Paths & Lighting – we await a quote for the restoration of the roadways and paths ( the main path from the car park and the front path). We have approached Binary Electronics for ideas for low level lighting for the paths – ACTION – MP to follow up with Colin to remind him

 e)   Garden of Reflection – we need to confirm with the burial board if they require the area to the north of the Garden of Reflection for their purposes – if not we should consider using it to erect a shed to act as a supplementary store.  Also we need to liaise with Ian Handy re the garden itself. ACTION – MP to discuss with Bernard Oxborrow and follow up with Ian Handy – budget >4k.

 f)    Area outside the East end of the centre. – we don’t have a plan for this space but it does need to be thought about and planned as it will be a major part of the garden room/public entrance. ACTION – MP to discuss options with Ian Handy

 g)    Archaeology – As part of our planning permissions we hired an archaeologist to complete a watching brief as we start foundation digging – this contract has been subsumed into the Timberworks project to save VAT costs. The work has been completed and billed at £2,600.      

Item 7 Property Checks –

As a  result of Annual Property check carried out on 32. Points a & b & c are outstanding

a)   Work Outstanding – 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)   Work outstanding  – PV Front door may need replacing as it doesn’t fit properly and is very drafty – SG suggested it might be fixable – details of the Double Glazing doctor have been passed on to Karen at the same time as MP recommends plasterers – Double Glazing doctor   01793 431788.

c)    The light fitting over the stairs has been repaired as has the leaking radioator – COMPLETE.

Item 8 Any other business

Next Meeting: 4th Sept 7.30 – 51a Broome Manor Lane, SN3 1NB

 Deferred Jobs list

Job

Quote

 Date

Rated A/B/C/D
SW door repair and draft exclusion Defer to D&R 20/01/2010

C
Pressure washing the vestry steps    

C
Flooding under the clergy vestry   25/03/2010

C
Cycle Racks Defer to new hall 27/07/2010

C
Wall mounted Notice board at West door £95+VAT 31/03/2011

C/D
Free standing Noticeboard at West door £375+VAT S&I 31/03/2011

C/D
Sign for Church Centre (maybe directional signage rather than the name) Defer 31/03/2011

D
New fireproof ceiling in the undercroft Defer 20/02/2012

B/C
Asbestos removal – church awaiting 14/11/12

B
South transept S &West window repairs Seeking quotes 14/11/12

C
Remove nave screens from the front pews to aid flow from familys and young people during services. Defer- issues identified with H&S and costs. 19/01/2013

D
Repainting St Marys Reviewing options 09/05/13

D
New smoke alarms 32 ? Carbon monoxide monitor? Reviewing options 09/05/13

C

 A- Assessed as high risk

B- Legal requirement

C- Best Practice.

D – Nice to do.

 Cost Schedule 2013

Job Date Contractor Sum paid
LC Toilet repair Jan D.Hobbs £60.00
Damp fix – 31 Feb In house £54.00
Boiler Checks Feb D Hobbs £156.00
Boiler replacement -32 May G Hall £3,000
Tree Pollarding May N Freshwater £650
Leaking radiator/Light 32 July GV £282.00
New post code for centre July SBC £60.00
       
       

 

Minutes of Site Development Meeting 17th July2013-07-23T14:05:11+01:00

New Community Centre @ Christ Church – Manager appointed

2013-09-02T12:39:23+01:00

Chris Smith

My name is Chris Smith and I have just started in the role of Community Centre Development Manager @ Christchurch. Building on the success of all that happened in the old Leisure Centre, I see this as a really exciting opportunity to develop something from the beginning with the real potential to develop a facility for the people of Swindon and in the catchment area of Old Town. The new centre will be able to accommodate more events and activities. This is what really drove me to apply for this exciting challenge. I am passionate about people and would really like to help create a new identity for this facility making it accessible for all.

Prior to starting in the role, I came along to the 1st Old Town beer festival. I would never before have expected such a thing to happen in a church. This is the kind of innovative activity that can really help to promote community spirit in Old Town and I am excited about becoming part of such a creative group of people.

I am a Swindonian so really do care about the place that we all live. I have been married to Clare for nearly 9 years and have 3 children, Joshua is 7, Hope is 4 and Jacob is now 3 weeks old. I also have a black Labrador called Archie.

I have previous experience of managing a facility having worked at Dorcan Recreation Complex for 13 years. I was responsible for managing the Centre’s bookings and I really enjoyed being able to engage with people of all ages. In my most recent role, I have been working in the localities team for Swindon Borough Council. I will still be continuing this on a part time basis and the two jobs will really complement each other. The Localities team is all about building community capacity and encouraging people to do more for themselves and to make the most of the area they live in.

I am keen to work with people to develop relationships and build partnerships. In order for this centre to be created for the community, it is very important that people come along and get involved. I am looking for a number of volunteers to help with the running of the new centre when it opens around September/ October time. If you think that you would like to get involved then please do get in touch with me. There will be a number of tasks that I will need help with from admin to cleaning duties.

You can contact me by email: chris.smith@ccccswindon.co.uk or by telephone: 07582 305760.

I really look forward to hearing from and meeting up with you!

Chris

New Community Centre @ Christ Church – Manager appointed2013-09-02T12:39:23+01:00

Iconic Places Walk with Cilla Slipper and Laurie Plant

2013-07-23T14:06:52+01:00

You are invited to a stroll around Old Town Swindon, accompanied by Cilla Slipper, Blue Badge Guide and Laurie Plant, Artist on Tuesday 16th JulyLaurie P

The walk, which will take approximately 1 hour, will visit the various buildings and features in Old Town which may be included in the painting by Laurie commissioned to grace the entrance to the new Community Centre @ Christ Church.

During the walk, Cilla will provide a commentary on the history of the buildings and Laurie will sketch and comment on their artistic and  architectural features.  The walk is completely free.

The starting point for the circular walk will be at 7.30pm at Christ Church.  At the end of the walk there will be an opportunity to stop for coffee and meet with Laurie and Cilla.

His website will provide you with some of the other work that Laurie has produced http://laurieplant.com

Iconic Places Walk with Cilla Slipper and Laurie Plant2013-07-23T14:06:52+01:00

Community Centre Update

2013-08-08T13:26:03+01:00

As maStructureny of you will have seen, the new centre is progressing well. The foundations were laid at the end of June and the skeleton of the new building is in place. For those of you puzzled by the  framing that appears just above the stone wall level ( see picture) this is how the Timberworks team intend to clad the walls. Due to the constricted site between the two boundary walls it is very difficult to create the insulated wall panels. Once the walls have been clad and insulated they will be dropped into place behind the stone wall.

A solid run of windows along the north side of the centre will afford a lovely view of the church and will create a light and airy space inside. The new main entrance has been cut in the wall and the Morris Memorial has been successfully relocated in the new (soon to be) Garden of Reflection at the east end of the centre. The Garden has been designed by our competition winner Rachel Titcombe and we hope it will be created in the next 2-3 months.

You can follow the progress of the new building in our photo gallery which is kept regularly updated.

 

 

Community Centre Update2013-08-08T13:26:03+01:00
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