A Soldier's StoryI was 15 when my journey started when I got on that train to Aldershot, I was a bit scared but excited all at the same time and wondered what the future had to offer.After my training my military career not only took me to some wonderful places, I met people who I not only owe my life too, but they will always be in my thoughts, and I owe them everything and that created a bond that will never be broken.At the age of 28 I was injured serving and had to be airlifted out of conflict, which I felt was letting my comrades down. That feeling hasn’t left me and after months and months of rehabilitation unfortunately I was medically discharged which devastated me as I was leaving the only thing I knew from school.My fighting didn’t end here as I was torn from something I loved which has taken its toll on my mental health. At the time I was in denial and stuck my head in the sand. It took me until I was fifty years old to realize with the help of wonderful friends and people, I met at church that I was suffering and needed help. I reached out to the charity Help for Heroes, and they have been amazing in helping me overcome my past which will only make my future very positive. So, on remembrance weekend have a thought for all those veterans and families who are still fighting every day with trauma and injuries. I am so proud that I served, and I owe everything to the armed forces and that bond I will have for life.https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/By Paul Flounders, a member of our congregation, who served in the Royal Logistics Core and Royal Green Jackets.
In the absence of a Bishop of Swindon this year, Simon has been asked by the Bishop of Bristol to lead the townwide services of Remembrance in his capacity as Mayor’s Chaplain.Please remember our Mayor, Councillor Barbara Parry in your prayers along with all those taking part.There are two services at The Cenotaph, firstly on Armistice Day Saturday 11th November at 11am and secondly on Remembrance Sunday 12th November.Please gather from 10.30am for the services.We also have our 10am Family Holy Communion with Act of Remembrance at Christ Church this Sunday – led by The Revd.Norma McKemey with Genny Williams preaching.In addition, please can I encourage you to visit the Field of Remembrance at Lydiard Park any time over the next fortnight. It is an amazing site. There are short services every afternoon at 2pm. This was featured on Points West on Wednesday 1st November.Please remember our colleagues Clive Deverell and Trevor Day in your prayers as they lead this outreach.You can find out more about the Fields of Remembrance at: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/remember-a-loved-one/fields-of-remembranceThank you gratefully, Simon.#christchurchswindon #remembranceweek2023
As part of Remembrance Week why not visit our War Memorials in the church and the Commonwealth War Graves in our burial groundsChrist Church Burial Ground houses the graves of more than 20 servicemen from World War I and II, and other conflicts.Janet French has taken a lead in managing our War Graves liaising the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to ensure those remembered at Christ Church are properly honoured. Janet has worked to produce a list of those remembered, along with some local research about them.You can find out more and download copies of the information at the bottom of the page.You can also find out more and search our memorial database on our website at: https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/blog/history-2/There is also a folder with this information, on the war memorial inside the church, which can be read whilst visiting#christchurchswindon #remembranceweek #wewillrememberthem
In this video, Simon looks to the week ahead in the life of Christ Church and Swindon with Remembrance Day on Saturday and Remembrance Sunday this coming weekend; the services in church and at the cenotaph, and also encourages us to visit the Field of Remembrance at Lydiard Park walled garden. He also looks forward to the Fever Candlelight Concerts at Christ Church this coming Saturday.Simon then closes in pray; particularly for peace in Gaza and Israel.You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNEMeC1kfIU#christchurchswindon #churchlife #weeklynews #weeklyupdate
