Wellington, All Saints with Eyton (St. Catherine)
About our ParishAll Saints is located close to the centre of Wellington, once an independent Market Town. Whilst it became incorporated within the New Town boundary it has retained much of its own identity and character and it still has a thriving indoor market, which was awarded its charter in 1244. Wellington continues to benefit from a wide network of business services including solicitors, banks, accountants and building societies. It is, however, fair to say that the centre of Wellington has been overshadowed by the development of the Telford Centre complex, but it is now beginning to re-emerge and re-define its identity.
A Wellington Partnership, within which the Church plays an active role, has been in place for a number of years – its prime focus being to attract funds towards the regeneration of the town. Funding of £500,000 has been obtained from Advantage West Midlands under the Market Towns Initiative, which together with local authority and other contributions will give a total package well in excess of £1,000,000. There is now a greater degree of co-operation between the Town and the Borough with some real progress being made towards Wellington’s revival as a Market Town. The town has its own council and Mayor with the Churches sharing responsibility to serve as chaplain.
The population of Wellington is approximately 18,000 of which 14,000 live within the Parish. There is a broad mix of population, some families going back generations, others from all over the country giving the place a good lively feel with a sense of rootedness. Within Wellington, housing is varied, extending from Victorian terraces, substantial houses in leafy suburbs, 50’s and 70’s ex council estates and many more recent developments of all types. The area covered by the Parish is now almost fully developed with the exception of some limited infill housing. However, further extensive development is still being planned within close proximity to the Parish boundaries.
There are seven excellent schools within the Parish – 3 secondary, 2 primary, 1 junior and 1 infant, Wrekin College Public School is also situated in the parish and is shortly to be joined by the Old Hall Preparatory School. None of these are Church Schools but All Saints enjoys a good relationship with most of them. Our previous Youth Minister had active involvement in one of the secondary schools by taking R.E lessons. We are well represented on school governing bodies. In addition Telford’s principal sixth-form College and the College of Arts and Technology are nearby, as is a modern General Hospital. There are several examples of sheltered accommodation together with a number of nursing homes to which we regularly take communion. We have links with day hospice located in Wellington and there are plans for an expanded residential hospice next to the local hospital.
Population: 18000
For Genealogical Enquiries the local Diocesan Record Office is:
Shrewsbury
For Parish enquiries please contact:
Parish Administrator - 01952 248554
The Parish Office, 11-13 Whitchurch Road, Wellington, TF1 3DS
Churches in our Parish or Benefice