St Andrew’s church on Tadpole Lane in North Swindon is taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days event by opening its doors on Saturday 13 September from 10am-4pm.
The historic church and churchyard will be open to the public, and local historian swill be on hand to inform and entertain. There will be family-friendly activities, games and crafts, and a second-hand book fair.
Local history and stained glass talks will start at 10.30am, followed by a tour of the churchyard. In the afternoon, the guest speakers will be available to answer questions and give tours.
Complimentary tea, coffee and cake will be served all day, and a simple lunch will be available from 12-1.30pm.
“We are delighted that local historians will be joining us to give talks and answer questions,” said Revd Sally Robertson, vicar of St Andrew’s.
“Come and hear stories of the tragedy of Blunsdon Abbey, the conundrum of the back-to-front window, and see our ancient pilgrim graffiti”.
St Andrew’s is a small Grade 2* listed building, dating back to the 13th century but renovated by architect William Butterfield in the 1860s.
The church boasts some excellent examples of Victorian and 20th-century stained-glass windows. Although it is now surrounded by modern housing estates, being off the main road down a track, the church remains an oasis of tranquillity.
It is surrounded by a picturesque churchyard where many generations of local families are buried.
The church is not just a historic building but continues to be a worshipping community serving the parish of North Swindon.
There is worship every Sunday at 10am and at other times during each month. People can find details of these and other events in the life of our church on our website.
Open day visitors are asked to walk or use public transport if possible as on-site parking will be limited to a small number of disabled bays.
The church is located on Tadpole Lane, between Lyall Close and Abbey Caravan Park, with foot access from Fontmell Close, Lyall Close and Tadpole Lane, SN25 2DW.
The Number 4 Stagecoach bus route passes the church, and the What3words address is ///stage.clattered.serious
For further details, people are asked to contact please contact Sally Robertson on 07588 594410, visit www.nschurch.org.uk or message the church through our Facebook at standrews.northswindon.
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