North Swindon church celebrates heritage day

St Andrew’s church on Tadpole Lane, North Swindon, will be taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days event.

The historic church and churchyard will be open to the public, from 10am-4pm on Saturday 14 September, with talks at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Complimentary tea, coffee and cake will be served all day and a simple lunch will be available from 12-1.30pm. Donations to church funds will be gratefully received.

Local experts will be on hand to inform and entertain, and there will be family friendly activities, games and crafts.

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. It contains some excellent examples of Victorian and 20th century stained-glass windows.

Although it is now surrounded by modern housing estates, it is set off the main road down a track and remains an oasis of tranquillity. It is surrounded by a spacious churchyard where many generations of local families are buried.

A spokesperson said: “We are excited that local experts in the history of the church and churchyard, in stained-glass windows and the stories of the families buried there, will be joining us.

“Come and hear stories of the tragedy of Blunsdon Abbey, Catherine Wayte’s silver chalice and the conundrum of the back-to-front window.

"The church is not just a historic building but continues to be a worshipping community serving the parish of North Swindon. We worship every Sunday at 10am and at other times during each month. You will find more details of these events and others in the life of our church on our website."

Please 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 10 bus route passes the church, stopping outside Blunsdon Abbey.

For further details, please contact Sally Robertson, tel: 07588 594410, visit www.nschurch.org.uk or message us through our Facebook page: standrews.northswindon.