Silver anniversary celebrations for Friends of Christ Church

The event raised funds to support the future of the historic Swindon landmark.
The celebrations began with a special anniversary quiz night, and organisers said it was particularly fitting that a quiz was chosen to mark the occasion, as the first fundraising event organised by the Friends in September 2001 was also a quiz night, organised by the late Maggie Bird.
A total of 18 teams took part in this year's quiz, which included rounds on general knowledge, Swindon trivia, music and '2001 – The Year That Was.' 
The In the Dark and All the Kings Men teams finished level on 79 points, with All the Kings Men eventually taking the title following a tie-break question.
Guests also enjoyed a fish and chip supper provided by Graham and Lizzie from Food for Thought, while a raffle and bar raised more than £500 for the Friends.
The evening proved such a success that several attendees were already asking when the next quiz would be held – with some joking that they hoped they would not have to wait another 25 years.
The celebrations continued on Sunday with a special afternoon tea for Friends members and their families. Around 80 people attended, including former committee members and long-standing supporters.
Among them were Paul and Teresa Squires, who were closely involved in the creation of the Friends 25 years ago as founding members.
The afternoon began with a talk on the history of Christ Church and Swindon by Andy Binks of the Swindon Society, followed by a prayer from Christ Church Vicar Rev Simon Stevenette before guests enjoyed a spread of sandwiches, cakes, scones and other refreshments, with many of the cakes generously provided by Friends members.
The event was also attended by local MP Heidi Alexander and the Deputy Mayor of Swindon Gayle Cook, who showed their support for the work of the Friends and Christ Church.
Around 50 volunteers helped to organise and run the two anniversary events, ensuring the weekend was a success.
Friends Chair Chris Smith said: “Reaching 25 years is a fantastic milestone, but this weekend has really been about celebrating the people who have made the Friends what they are. It was particularlyspecial to recreate our very first quiz night from 2001 and then bring together so many Friends, families and former committee members for the afternoon tea.
“Over the past 25 years, the Friends have contributed more than £100,000 to projects at Christ Church. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved, but our focus is now on the future and continuing to support this important part of Swindon's heritage for generations to come.”
The Friends of Christ Church was established to help preserve, maintain and enhance the historic church and its surrounding site.
Over the past quarter of a century, they have supported a wide range of projects, including repairs and restoration, improvements to the church and grounds, memorial benches, choir support, stained glass projects and new facilities. 
Recent projects include support for the restoration of the South Aisle Window 8 and the installation of two new memorial benches.
The Friends have contributed more than £100,000 to projects at Christ Church. Membership is open to everyone and costs £10 a year for an individual, £20 for a family or £125 for life membership. 
Benefits include an annual newsletter, free entry to the annual lecture, access to educational tours and activities, and discounts on individual building and event hire. Most importantly, membership helps support the ongoing preservation and improvement of Christ Church and its grounds.
For more information about becoming a Friend, people are welcome to email [email protected]
 

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