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 we’re getting at last.

Dick Millard

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

Mission and Evangelism – meeting notes

2013-04-19T20:56:43+01:00

Meeting held on 12.2.13 in the Parish Office

Present:  Norma McKemey,  Margaret Williams, Angela Wirdnam, Martin Lee, Roger and Maria Morcumb

Christianity Explored – A very good follow up meeting was held in January and 5 of the 6 attendees are joining the Confirmation group with the 6th a home group.

Bible Study Group – This began very successfully running a five week course on the book of Esther.  The group will reconvene on March 1st to study Ecclesiastes.

Partnership Christian Aid Project –  The launch service on 24th February at Bath Road has been planned and Anna Potts will speak.  Margaret reported disappointment in the number of entries for the logo competition.  The winner will be announced at the service.  Margaret will write a letter to all groups in the three churches asking each group to run a fund raising event to support this project.  This project will run until the end of 2013.

Pet Service – this service is now to be included as part of an all age service on 7th July so is not within our remit.

Angel Ridge – Norma spoke with Gareth about the best way to contact and meet the people of Angel Ridge.  He agreed this was difficult with no central meeting place, however, he suggested a residents’ barbecue on the green by the children’s playground.  However, he also felt this would be better organised by residents themselves.  He may well do this himself.

Roger will continue to take posters to the surgery to advertise events – need to take Messy Church poster.

Good Friday – there will be a walk of witness and an open air service.

Neighbourhood Prayer – Martin is to work out a strategy for informing people about this for our next meeting.

Date of next meeting – Tuesday 9th APRIL 2013, 7.30 p.m. in the Parish Office

Mission and Evangelism – meeting notes2013-04-19T20:56:43+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

Notes from meeting of ‘Church Family’ sub-group

2013-04-13T12:58:29+01:00

Held Monday 18th February 2013

Present: Anne McMillan, Pam Bridgeman, Angela Ruck, Lucy Hayward, Patrick Williams

Absent: Sue Rush & Nitin Shinde

Events:

HG Social – Jan 26th 2013

Anne/Pam reported that the first Home Groups Social Eve held on January 26th 2013 was a great success – despite freezing weather, almost 70 people attended and the ‘bring & share’ approach worked very well

We were also under budget for the social – and it was agreed that we would submit receipts and make donations in lieu – so that an accurate record can be kept of costs.

Anne will arrange for photos from the event to go on the website and in the next issue of the magazine with a few accompanying words to describe the evening.

The request for ideas & suggestions on how we could improve similar events in the future yielded the following:

  • Some sort of activity to encourage people to ‘mix & match’ more – we had in fact planned this – but the number of people and room layout made it difficult to implement – but definitely something to bear in mind for next time.  Taking a number to determine a table seems a simple way to accomplish this.
  • A planned ‘in situ’ exchange of HG members/ideas – the opportunity to attend other house groups on a one-off basis and see what they are doing.  Clearly, this could get out of hand if not managed well – but maybe an idea to arrange a single representative from each HG to visit others in turn – need to give this more thought.
  • ‘More of the same’ – the event was enjoyable and people want more opportunities to meet and socialise in an informal way.  We are already planning our next event!

Summer Social – possibly July 14th 2013

  • After some discussion – it was agreed that a ‘late afternoon/early evening’ event would be good – based on a ‘bring & share’ picnic and followed by some music.
  • Pam suggested the grounds of Holy Rood in the Lawns and the team agreed this sounded lovely.  Lucy offered to make some enquiries about feasibility with Ailsa at the CC Office, (done).
  • There is no electricity or water at the site – so we may need to arrange for Portaloos as a minimum – Patrick will look into costs.
  • Pam suggested a string quartet as this wouldn’t require speakers/electricity.

Parish Weekend Away – possibly Sep 2014

  • There was a great deal of discussion about this event, the potential location/programme and the ‘lessons learned’ from the last one in 2012.
  • In a nutshell, it was agreed that Lea Abbey offered a stunning location, ready made programme for both adults and children and was well like by most.  Only ‘cons’ were seating arrangements at meal times, (picking numbers again????) and travel time.  Lucy has agreed to investigate possibility of coaches and various other aspects of the weekend to put together some suggestions.
  • Pam & Anne provided details of two other potential locations – Hebron hall and Lindors.  Lucy will contact these and others and draw up some comparisons for discussion at the next meeting

AOB

Pam raised the matter of lifts to church, (and potentially other functions) for less able parishioners.  Following the disbandment of the ‘100 Club’ there will no longer be automatic funding for ‘access taxis’ or normal taxis.

  • A number of ideas were discussed: repaying taxi receipts for the more able, (or 50%) or other sum TBD
  • Any issues to do with insurance – Patrick believes that ‘volunteer’ drivers would just need to declare this fact to their insurance companies – but we need to check.
  • It seems that there are 6 main CC events that this applies to: 4 x Choral Evensong; Carol Service; ‘St James at 4’, (usually held in the summer).
  • There may also be some demand for the Weds 10.30am service.
  • Anne agreed to contact Daniel Pitt for a list of those who may require the service & Pam suggested that we ought to contact people directly to ask what  they would like – for example, outings for shopping, garden centres may be welcome.
  • It was agreed to re-visit at next meeting

 

NEXT MEETING DATE – Monday April 29th 2013 at Pam’s house.

Written by Lucy Hayward

February 19th 2013

Notes from meeting of ‘Church Family’ sub-group2013-04-13T12:58:29+01:00

Children & Young People Committee Meeting Notes

2013-04-13T13:04:43+01:00

Meeting Notes C & YP – 18th February 2013

Present:  Trudie, Janice, Liz, Frances, Tracy, Elise, Jim & Alistair

Apologies:  Verity & Katie

Trudie opened the meeting with prayer

Review of Action Points from Meeting on 11 October 2012

 Purchase of Bibles for Church:  These have been bought and a bookcase is being sought to place them just outside the lady chapel.  A generous donation had been made towards these so the money allocated for this purchase remains in the budget.   Trudie recently visited Commonweal School with a placement at SYFC.  Some of the young people there would like a bible and it was proposed and agreed that £50 from last year’s C & YP budget be given to SYFC towards the purchase of Youth Bibles for these young people.

ACTION:  Liaise with Ian re £50 for SYFC towards purchase of bibles        Trudie

Budget:  Trudie has spoken to Ian [Treasurer] and agreed that any outstanding purchases which had been allowed for in last year’s budget can be claimed but claims need to be presented asap:  Jim for purchase of Xbox, Christmas BBQ and Doom painting materials [approx £130] and Janice for purchase of storage boxes [£37.50].  This will then complete purchases from the 2012 budget with approx £200 unspent.

A budget of £1,000 has been agreed for C & YP for 2013.  Ideas of how this might be spent to be discussed at next meeting.

ACTION:  Receipts to Ian for 2012 spend                                                               Jim & Jan

Ideas for 2013 spend                                                                                   All

Growing Young Leaders:  Mahima Patole’s name had been put forward but the course will not start in Swindon until September 2013.  It is possible that other names may be considered then too.

Hot Chocolate Rota:  It has been decided that, due to lack of space, hot chocolate will not be served in church during the reordering of the church centre. 

Welcome Rota:  Trudie has spoken to some families and it is often difficult for families to arrive early but they are happy to be asked to assist if they are in time.   Children and young people are noticeably more involved in handing out service sheets, etc and bringing the offering forward.

Special Needs Coordinator:  Verity working on this and to carry forward.

ACTION:  Produce form and collate information                                                               Verity

Communion before Confirmation:  PCC have agreed that Communion before Confirmation proposal is taken forward.  Jim has volunteered to help present this with Trudie and work through the process and guidelines.  The timing of this was discussed – three to four months to process and a month to prepare children.  Important that Simon is present whilst this happens so need to consider whether it will take place before or after his extended study leave later this year.

ACTION:  Liaise with Simon re timing of taking forward                                 Trudie & Jim

 Messy Church:  Fantastic response to request for volunteers and volunteers’ meeting held at King William Street School.  Head teacher extremely supportive and plans going well for the launch on 21st April.

Child Protection Update & Review:  Discussion took place about the role of nominated persons for child protection [there are three people sharing the nominated person role at Christ Church: Julie Tucker, Janice Titcombe and Ailsa Palmer].  It was affirmed and confirmed that overall responsibility for child protection is with the nominated persons.  Child Protection guidelines have recently been reviewed by the nominated persons and Dan Jones has approved them.  The use of photography in church services and activities involving children and young people is currently being reviewed and guidelines are awaited.

ACTION:  Keep C & YP Group informed and updated                                      Janice

 Key Training:  Trudie and Elise have attended Key 1.  No dates yet available for 2013.

Review of C & YP Targets

Y1 Welcome:  Children and young people on the welcoming rota happening a little more often.  Provision of hot chocolate has been successful.  Announcements re child provision at the start of services is not really happening.  Notices are now given at ‘the Peace’.  Trudie to request that child provision info is given as part of the general welcome at the beginning of services.

ACTION:  Liaise with staff team re notices                                                           Trudie

Y2 Raising profile: General feeling that this is improving.

Y3 Involving C & YP in life of church: Active part in planning and delivering is hit or miss.  Two ‘champions’ appointed for all age: Margaret Williams and Genny Williams.  It is hoped that others will be more involved with ideas, planning, etc.  Tracy willing to coordinate a music group for C & YP.

It was felt that the survey of children, young people and parents would be best left until September or even later in the year when groups have been re-established in the new church centre.

Jim reported that the youth group will still meet during the re-ordering of the church centre though Charlotte Mews Hall is not suitable for this and it is hoped to meet at Bath Road Church.  Trudie will liaise with Mark Barrett about this.  Numbers vary from week to week and it is hoped to re launch once the new centre is available for use.  Planning to offer more games [Xbox and ?table tennis or pool table] to create more of a youth club feel.  Information to be taken into schools, especially Commonweal, where Elise and Ali will visit with Trudie when Youth Bibles are taken in.  Youth team would like to visit Sunday Club to speak to the older children about the Youth Group and also speak about their work as part of a Sunday morning service.

ACTION:  Purchase of Youth Bibles                                                                          Trudie

 Arrange visit to Commonweal School                                                 Trudie, Ali & Elise

Janice reported that, following discussion with leaders and parents, it had been decided that Sunday Club would not be relocated at Charlotte Mews Hall during the re-ordering of the Church Centre.  It had been proposed and agreed that the children’s groups would be accommodated in church [South Transept, North Transept and Canon Thomas corner].  Where possible the children would also spend some time outside.

Y5  Support and prayer for local schools:  Chocolates taken in for staff at Christmas and Trudie will ensure that chocolate is taken in at Easter.  School assemblies are going very well.

Y6  Explore outreach to C & YP:  Launch of Messy Church well underway.  Advent Angels a successful event.  Plans for this year’s Summer Holiday Club also underway.  There will not be a Good Friday Workshop this Easter due to re-ordering of Church Centre.

Child Friendly Church Award:  Ongoing.  Have fulfilled criteria for Bronze and working towards Silver.

Date of next meeting:   Wednesday 8th May, 7.30pm at the Parish Office

Children & Young People Committee Meeting Notes2013-04-13T13:04:43+01:00

Church Family’ sub-group – held Monday 7th January 2013

2013-04-13T12:57:18+01:00

Present: Anne McMillan, Pam Bridgeman, Angela Ruck, Lucy Hayward, Patrick Williams, Nitin Shinde

Apologies: Sue Rush

Anne/Pam reported that the Christmas ‘Lessons & Carols’ service was very successful – with some 350 people in attendance.  Not everyone stayed for Mulled Wine but would definitely repeat for next year.  The use of disposable cups etc worked very well and no one seemed to mind!

The next event for the Group is the Home Group’s Social Evening – Sat January 26th 2013 – 7.00pm for 7.30pm – in the Church Centre.  Each HG will be asked to make a short, (5 mins max) presentation about what they do/plan to do in 2013.  Our team will try and arrive for 6.00pm to get organised!  Remember to try and take photos for the web and board in Church!

  • The evening will be informal – but will consist of:
    • Welcome drink/nibbles & chat time
    • First half of the groups present
    • Grace & Supper – ask people to move and sit at different tables
    • Second half of groups present
    • Anne Macmillan will introduce resources
    • Groups will be asked to write and suggestions/ideas on ‘post-its’ and place on board
    • Thanksgiving Prayer

One notice has already been placed in the weekly news-sheet and Lucy agreed to contact Ailsa for a reminder on Sunday 13th Jan (done).

Pam will also send a reminder email to HG Leaders – asking for them to co-ordinate one savoury and one sweet donation per group.

Lucy offered to donate mulled wine and to take care of buying wine and soft drinks – receipts will be provided afterwards.  We will buy from Magnums in Wood Street and also ask for loan of glasses.

Anne offered to take care of buying nibbles and cheese & biscuits

Nitin will find out what music machines are available and organise

Patrick will get a board for collecting ideas and will also supply bin bags

Pam will make small flower decorations, take responsibility for the tea urns and will also get milk and tea/coffee.  Also, ‘Post-It’ notes and pens.

Angela will buy paper plates and napkins and will write table numbers from 1-6 on the back to encourage people to move around.

Anne mentioned to the group an idea from Sue Rush regarding ‘Lent Lunches/Supper’ to raise money for Christian Aid.  After some discussion, it was agreed that we would suggest/support HG’s in holding such events – but that it would not be appropriate to open up individual homes to people.  It was felt possible to have a single, lunch-time event – maybe at St Mary’s if a date can be found – that would be open across the Parish.

  • Lucy agreed to ask Sue Rush for more info
  • Anne reported that the PCC had asked the group to take responsibility for the ‘Away Weekend’ in 2014 – possibly at a location in Wales suggested by Margaret Williams.
    • Plan to make some enquiries about venues.
    • Further discussion on topic will be held at next meeting. 
    • Pam has compiled a list of people willing to help with teas, coffee and baking cakes on an occasional basis.

    

NEXT MEETING DATE – Monday February 18th 2013 at Pam’s house.

 

Lucy Hayward

January 11th 2013

Church Family’ sub-group – held Monday 7th January 20132013-04-13T12:57:18+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

Concert in aid of Women’s Refuge – 4th May

2013-05-06T21:46:40+01:00

refuge concertREFUGE is a celebration of female music talent, which raises money for an excellent cause – Swindon Women’s Aid. It will bring 4 brilliant acts to Christ Church Swindon on Saturday 4th May
2013.

The headline act for this unique event is Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo. Hailing from Bridgetown, Western Australia, Emily Barker is a compelling songwriter with a gift for weaving melody and words. Her talent is perfectly complimented by the magnificent arrangements of her band The Red Clay Halo, whose rootsy ensemble playing underpins Barker’s agile vocal blend of strength and fragility. This is the first time she’s playing in Swindon.  You can find out more about her and the band here.

Tickets are now on sale via www.seetickets.com, search for REFUGE. Tickets cost £8 each (plus £1 booking fee, enforced by see tickets)

There will be complimentary wine and cake available to every ticket holder. Tickets will be available on the door at £10 each. Every penny of the ticket price will go directly to Swindon Women’s Aid.

The doors will open at 7pm, with music starting at 7.30pm on Saturday 4th May.

The event page is www.facebook.com/refugeeventswindon, and the charity website is www.swindonwomensaid.org

 

Concert in aid of Women’s Refuge – 4th May2013-05-06T21:46:40+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
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