Swindon

Old Town Partnership of Churches

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In 1968, Rev'd. Derek Palmer made the move from his church in Hartcliffe, Bristol, where he had been vicar, and found himself in the rapidly expanding town of Swindon as vicar of Christ Church. Amid all the fact-finding he carried out, he discovered that within a few weeks, a new Superintendent Minister was to move into Bath Road Methodist Church only a few hundred yards away from Christ Church, and surprisingly, just down the hill, Immanuel Congregational Church had earlier that year made a call to a new minister who was to take up his role in November. Never one to hold back, Rev'd. Palmer made contact with these other incoming ministers. Thus it was that all three newcomers to the town found themselves in post within a short time of each other: Derek Palmer, Arthur Bott and Norman Charlton and they were ready to make changes.

What followed was a long, inspiring, pioneering journey of innovation and collaboration among Christians in the Partnership to bring the love of Jesus Christ to the whole community of people in Old Town right to the present day.

Partnership Fundraising

Home and abroad

Projects have included:

2014 - a charity to help people with disabilities as a result of conflict in Palestine

2017 - the Foyer Project, Old Town.   To provide training I basic life skills for young people resident in the Foyer.

The 50th Jubilee Golden Pledge was renewed by the clergy on behalf of the Partnership congregation on 20 January 2019 at 11.00 at Bath Road Church in the United Birthday Service.

2021 - The Desai Memorial School in Kenya.  Raising much needed funds to help educate youngsters who have so little.

2023/24 - Swindon Youth for Christ and Swindon Street Pastors.   Click on the arrow for more details.  Target: £6,000