About All Saints Church
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All Saints Church was commissioned by Phillip Wrougton in 1861 as the old church could not accommodate the growing population, which then stood at 470. Next door to the Church is the original School House, both were designed by the diocesan architect G.E. Street. At the T-junction stands the WWI Memorial and to the north of the churchyard is the Old Rectory. 400 metres north east of the present church is the site of the old church and church yard which are partly surrounded by an old moat.
All Saints Church celebrated 150 years in 2013 and a commemoration booklet was produced to mark the occasion, copies of which can be found in the Church. The booklet shows the main features of the Church and gives an insight into its history. The Church is part of the West Downlands Benefice which includes: Brightwalton with Catmore, Leckhampstead, Chaddleworth, Fawley, Great Shefford, Welford with Wickham, along with the Churches of East Shefford and Shefford Woodlands. In 2016 village consultations started to look at modernising the Church to ensure it remains relevant and is used to its full potential. From this the ASPIRE project started... |
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The ASPIRE Project - All Saints Project in Reaching Everyone
We have a plan to develop All Saints Church so that it can be used more fully. Our aspiration is to breathe new life into our church, for generations to come.
We aim to provide space that will allow more informal forms of worship as well as improving the building for regular services. We will have areas for private prayer, for small meetings, for robing and for a créche. Choir practices will be comfortably accommodated and visiting choirs will be able to sing here too.
The whole ambience will be more welcoming. A beautiful historic building which says 'Come on in!' We see the future of the church as a space for villagers to meet, such as breakfast clubs, coffee mornings, community suppers, seasonal fairs and business events. The church will be a lovely venue for drama, concerts, exhibitions, social gatherings, adult education and events and presentation of various types.
Brightwalton C of E Primary School, immediately adjacent to the church and with safe pedestrian access, will be one of the main beneficiaries of the ASPIRE project. The development of the church facilities will enhance several aspects of school life, including collective worship, curriculum and parental engagement.
The local community will be able to participate in school life in a way that is note easy within the confines of the school building. Using the church as an extension of the classroom the school will capitalise on the ambience and sense of history. It will be used for lessons in Art, Religious Education and PSHE as well as History.
Phase one of the project is now complete with the new kitchen/servery and toilets installed at the back of the Church. The new organ has also been installed, furniture is in place and weekly services are in full swing.
Full plans and details are on display in the Church porch and we welcome all to view these, Events will take place to help raise funds for the project. Please see the event calendar for more details. If you would like to contribute towards the project you can now do so whilst doing your normal online shopping. Please go to www.giveasyoulive.com and enter Brightwalton to find the ASPIRE charity. By registering there and choosing ASPIRE every time you shop a donation will be made to the project.
Services
Brightwalton is part of the West Downland Benefice. Our new Incumbent, Reverend Michael Griffiths joins us on the 31st January 2024. In the meantime please contact the West Downland Administrator for information. sarah.westdownland@gmail.com
services can be found on A Church Near You
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5800/
services can be found on A Church Near You
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5800/
Weddings & Other Events
Being within easy walking distance of the modern village hall is a great advantage if you are looking for a wonderful rural location for your wedding or other events. If you would like to discuss your requirements further, in the first instance please contact the Brightwalton Parish Council Clerk on 07811 322994 or brightwaltonpc@btinternet.com.