No matter how little time you can spare, there is a role for you and your gifts today in our community. 

There is a whole range of groups and activities with which you can get involved in the Abbey, from bell-ringing, to taking part in house groups, from flower arranging to helping with the Parish magazine.

If you would like to put yourself forward, please contact us or speak to a member of the clergy or anybody wearing a name badge at a service you attend; they will be pleased to point you in the right direction.

Welcoming visitors

  • Abbey Guides – lead tours of the building for 3pm Wednesday weekly tours (April to October) and group tours
  • Abbey Stewards – on hand to welcome visitors in person
  • Book and Gift Stall – selling books and souvenirs to visitors

Spiritual and social groups

  • Home groups – prayer, Bible study, discussion and fellowship
  • Julian meetings – contemplative prayer groups
  • Meditation group – based on the teachings of the World Community for Christian Meditation
  • Womens’ group – meets fortnightly for talks and other events
  • Sewing and knitting group – making garments for various charities
  • Social Committee – plans and organises a varied programme of events for all ages

Pastoral

  • Sunday Schools – activities for young people whilst the 10am Sung Eucharist is in progress
  • Baby and Toddler Group – meets every Wednesday morning during term-time
  • Youth Group – meets Tuesday evenings during term-time.
  • Lego Church – meets monthly (except August) to offer food, faith, and fun for families at noon

Local branches of national charities and organisations:

Catering groups

  • Parish Lunch – held in the Church Rooms on the second Thursday of each month (booking required)
  • Parish Tea – held in the Church Rooms on the last Sunday of each month from 4pm
  • Catering Team – helping to prepare and/or serve food and drink for Abbey events and services

Looking after the Abbey

  • Flower arranging
  • Bellringers
  • Saintly sweepers – keeping the Abbey spick and span
  • St. Swithun’s committee – helping to manage the Abbey’s daughter church
  • Servers – taking part in processions and other ceremonial duties during services

Technical

  • Video team – providing big-screen projections in the Abbey at major services
  • Parish magazine – distributing our award-winning monthly magazine