Christ Church Community Centre is inviting people who may be spending Christmas Day alone to join them for a festive meal, friendship and companionship, while appealing for volunteers to help make the day special.Christmas can be a joyful time, but for many people it can also be a lonely and isolating experience. At Christ Church, Swindon, we believe no one should have to spend Christmas Day alone.On Friday 25th December, from 12 noon to 3.30pm, the Community Centre at Christ Church will once again open its doors to welcome guests for a special Christmas Day Dinner.The event will bring together people from across the local community to enjoy a delicious three-course Christmas meal, festive carols, laughter and conversation, as well as a chance to watch The King’s Speech together.The Christmas Day Dinner will once again welcome over 100 people to the Community Centre, with meals also delivered to the homes of those who are housebound.Chris Smith, Christ Church Site Operations Manager, said:“Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are on their own, and we want everyone to know that they are welcome here. Our Christmas Day Dinner is about much more than providing a meal. It’s about creating a place where people can feel included, enjoy good company and share in the joy of Christmas.“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make this event possible, and we are looking forward to welcoming our guests for another special day.”Volunteers neededWith preparations already underway, Christ Church is appealing for a few more volunteers to help make the day a success.Helpers are needed in the kitchen to prepare and cook the meal, assist with washing up, and serve food and drinks to guests at their tables.The team is also looking for volunteer drivers who can help collect guests and take them home afterwards, ensuring that people who might otherwise struggle to attend can still enjoy the day.Anyone who can spare a few hours on Christmas Day is warmly encouraged to get in touch.Book your placeThe Christmas Day Dinner will take place at the Community Centre at Christ Church, Swindon, on Friday 25th December, from 12 noon to 3.30pm.There are a limited number of spaces available, with a suggested donation of £10 per person. However, everyone is welcome, regardless of their ability to contribute.To reserve a place or find out more about volunteering, please call 01793 267500 or email chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk.Christ Church Swindon is a church and community centre in Old Town, Swindon, committed to building community, reducing isolation and providing a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.The Christmas Day Dinner is part of the church’s ongoing work to support local people and create opportunities for friendship and connection
Christ Church Swindon’s website was the subject of a cyber incident last week, resulting in unauthorised messages being displayed on the site.The website was temporarily taken offline while the incident was investigated, and the site was thoroughly checked and cleansed. This work was carried out by our church staff and hosting provider, with appropriate measures taken to address the vulnerabilities identified. The website has now been restored and is back online.There is no evidence that personal or other sensitive data has been accessed. The website contains several databases with information pertaining to burials and memorials.There was no demand for money or other form of ransom, and there is currently no indication that the incident was financially motivated.We are taking the incident seriously and have completed a review to ensure that all appropriate security measures have been put in place.The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities.We are sharing this information openly with our congregation and church partners because we believe it is important to be transparent about the incident and the steps being taken in response.The incident is also a reminder that cyber threats can affect organisations of all sizes and come from a wide range of sources. Christ Church will continue to review and strengthen its digital security as part of our responsibility to protect the church, its congregation and the wider community we serve.The website is now operating normally at: https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/blog/
Saturday 12 September 2026Next Saturday, 12 September, cyclists, walkers and riders across Wiltshire will be taking part in Ride & Stride, raising money to help preserve and maintain our county’s historic churches.Christ Church is putting together a team this year, and we would love you to join us!Ride & Stride is organised in support of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, with half of the money raised by our parish coming directly back to support our local churches. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a walk, get active and explore some of the area's beautiful historic churches, while helping to look after them for future generations.Join one of our group walksWe are organising two walks starting from Immanuel URC on Upham Road:11.00am – Parish Churches WalkA walk of approximately 40 minutes, visiting local parish churches, with the option to return to Immanuel URC afterwards.3.00pm – Shorter WalkA shorter walk of approximately 30 minutes, also starting at Immanuel URC, with an optional return afterwards.Both walks are open to anyone, so bring along friends and family and join the Christ Church team for a sociable afternoon.Prefer to plan your own route?You don't have to join one of our organised walks. You can take part in Ride & Stride in your own way, whether walking, cycling or riding, and visit participating churches across the area.The most up-to-date list of participating churches and further information can be found on the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust website:View Ride & Stride information and participating churchesJoin the Christ Church teamIf you would like to take part, please sign up to the Christ Church team on JustGiving:Join the Christ Church Ride & Stride teamEvery person who joins the team helps us raise valuable funds towards the preservation of our historic churches.Can't take part?You can still support Ride & Stride by making a donation to the Christ Church team.Make a donation to the Christ Church teamWhether you walk with us, organise your own route or simply make a donation, thank you for helping to care for our historic churches and keep them open for future generations.We hope to see you next Saturday!
Working Lives in Bloom – A Flower Festival & Heritage Open DayDiscover the working lives and local history of Swindon through flowersSaturday 19 September 2026 | 1pm–4pmChrist Church & Community Centre @ Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3HGFree admissionThis September, Christ Church in Old Town will be transformed into a celebration of flowers, local history and the working lives that have helped shape our town.Join us for Working Lives in Bloom – A Flower Festival & Heritage Open Day on Saturday 19 September, when the church and adjacent Community Centre will be filled with colourful and imaginative floral displays created by local organisations and community groups.The theme of the festival is everyday working lives, giving participants the opportunity to explore the occupations, trades and organisations that have played a part in our local history. From the butcher and the baker to the candle stick maker, the displays will bring these stories to life through flowers.🌸 Explore the Flower FestivalCome along and enjoy a wonderful variety of floral displays throughout Christ Church and the Community Centre.The festival is a chance to see how local organisations have interpreted the theme and to discover some of the stories behind the people and occupations that have helped make Old Town and Swindon what they are today.And if you can’t make it on Saturday, the flower festival displays will remain in place and will be open for viewing only on Sunday 20 September from 8am–4pm.⛪ Discover our historic churchAs part of the Heritage Open Day, visitors on Saturday will also have the opportunity to explore our beautiful 1851 church and its fascinating history.There will be opportunities to:🔔 Visit the bell tower🪟 Admire the church’s incredible stained glass⛪ Explore the historic church building🌳 Discover the surrounding churchyard🪦 See the 23+ war graves within the churchyard📖 Learn more about the history of Christ Church and the local areaWhether you’re a long-time resident or new to Swindon, there’s plenty to discover.🌼 Enter the Flower Arranging CompetitionFancy getting creative yourself?Our Flower Arranging Competition is open to all and features four different classes:1. Window DisplayTheme: Jobs that Shaped Our TownCreate a display inspired by the occupations and industries that have helped shape Swindon’s history.2. Pedestal ClassTheme: Working TogetherShow us what collaboration and community mean to you through a floral arrangement.3. Table ExhibitTheme: Market Town PlaceInterpret the idea of the market town through flowers and floral design.4. Children’s ClassTheme: Baker’s BasketA fun opportunity for younger flower arrangers to get creative and produce their own interpretation of a baker’s basket.Everyone is welcome to enter, so whether you’re an experienced flower arranger or simply fancy having a go, we’d love to see your creation.How to enterTo enter the competition, download the Flower Festival Entry Form and follow the instructions for the class you wish to enter.👉 [DOWNLOAD THE FLOWER FESTIVAL ENTRY FORM HERE]☕ Refreshments and craft stallsWhile you’re visiting, take some time to enjoy refreshments and browse our craft stalls, making it a great afternoon out for all ages.📅 Event detailsWorking Lives in Bloom – A Flower Festival & Heritage Open Day📅 Saturday 19 September 2026⏰ 1pm–4pm📍 Christ Church & Community Centre @ Christ ChurchCricklade Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 3HGFree admissionFlower Festival viewing – Sunday 20 September🌸 The floral displays will remain in place for an additional day and will be available for viewing only on Sunday 20 September, 8am–4pm.Come and celebrate our local heritageWorking Lives in Bloom is more than a flower festival. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the people, trades, organisations and working lives that have helped shape our community, while discovering more about one of Old Town’s historic landmarks.Bring your family and friends, explore the displays, discover the history of Christ Church and perhaps even be inspired to enter the competition yourself!We look forward to welcoming you. 🌸🌸 Flower Festival Entry Form HERE📍 Christ Church & Community Centre @ Christ ChurchCricklade Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 3HG
