A beautifully designed and crafted new font for St Swithun’s Church, Crampmoor, was blessed during their 10am Holy Communion Service on Sunday 25th February. The service, conducted by Reverend David Potterton, included invited special guests and supporters of this project.

The fine, contemporary design font stand, crafted in oak, was made by David Stephenson, of Weyhill, Andover and was paid for by a very kind and generous anonymous donor.

The beautiful blue glass bowl, crafted by Colin and Louise Hawkins of Loco Glass, Cirencester was donated by Stroud School and presented by their Headmaster Mr Joel Worrall and Games Teacher Mr EJ van Zyl, Head of House for the ‘Terriers’ section. It was the fundraising efforts of the pupils in ‘Terriers’ that led to the donation.

Highwood House Romsey, the home of Stroud School, was originally owned by the Suckling family, who with a group of other people, instigated the building of St Swithun’s Church. The foundation stone was laid by Florence Suckling in 1859. At the time, the building was called Crampmoor Chapel and was also a school for local children. Mr Worrall, Headmaster added that “Stroud School is delighted to be able to continue this association with the church; the font is a work of art in itself and will welcome children and newcomers to the church for generations to come.”

Richard Pratt, Chairman of the St Swithun’s Church committee, commented “This is the culmination of a long project of refurbishment of the Church to serve the local community. The font is a symbol of our historical association with Stroud School and is needed because of the popularity of baptisms. We look forward to welcoming more families to our church.”