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The Parish of Wollaston with Strixton

Profile

The Parish of Wollaston with Strixton comprises two communities, both sitting on the A509 from Wellingborough (the nearest town) to Milton Keynes. It is in the Wellingborough Deanery.

The Community

Wollaston is an industrial village of approximately 3,600 population, with a history of boot and shoe making, which has declined over recent years. Our claim to fame is AirWair International, the Doc Martens boot makers. Wollaston is also home to Scott Bader, the co–operatively owned chemicals company. Many people commute from here to Milton Keynes and London — an increasing trend. There has recently been a new housing development (approx. 100 houses), and further building is anticipated on a smaller level. There is a mix of social groupings in the village, across all ages, with few ethnic minorities represented.

Wollaston has a Co–op store, with Post Office, and there is one newsagent/general store. There is a Fish and Chip shop, Library, four public houses, and three social clubs. The village has two doctor's surgeries and a Dispensing Chemist.

There is a large Playing Field which hosts the village Cricket Club, the Football Club, tennis courts and a new Sports Pavilion. It is also the venue for the annual Carnival in June, in which the Church usually joins. A Pocket Park has been opened near St Mary's Church. The village also has two meeting places: the Village Hall and the Parochial Rooms. There is an active village Walking Club. Girls Brigade, Scouts, Guides and Brownies operate for the children of the village. Only the Girls Brigade has church affiliation (to the Baptist Church). There is a small village Museum, where the Wollaston Heritage Society is based.

Wollaston School (approx. 1200 pupils) provides Comprehensive Education for a large catchment area of surrounding villages. There is a Community Primary School of approximately 200 pupils. We welcome both schools to St. Mary's Church for Christmas events and as a curriculum resource. There are two Pre–school Playgroups in the village, each catering for 25–30 children.

Other churches represented in the village are: a Baptist Church, Methodist and Salvation Army. These along with the Anglican Church form the Churches Together in Wollaston. Throughout the year a variety of events and joint services are organised by the team. Relations between the churches are friendly and supportive.

Strixton is a very small rural village about 1 mile South of Wollaston off the A509, comprising 1 working farm and 10 houses. It has a fairly static population of about 30 (adults and children).

Church Buildings

St Mary's, Wollaston

St Mary's (Wollaston) is the Parish Church, situated prominently in the village, seating 250 people. The building dates from the 13th Century, but the nave and chancel are later additions, the nave having collapsed in the 18th Century. We are currently in the process of submitting plans for the re-ordering of the West end of the church. The churchyard is closed to burials, but still accepts the interment of ashes. There is a village cemetery.

St Romwald's, Strixton

St. Romwald's (Strixton) is a small, simple 12th century church, substantially rebuilt in the mid 19th century. It seats up to 100 people.The churchyard is open for burials.

 

Both churches are well cared for, with the aid of a Fabric Officer, and are in good repair. Quinquennial inspections are carried out on both buildings.

The Parochial Rooms is our Church Hall. It funds itself with letting fees to outside organisations (Playgroup, Whist Club, Theatrical Society). The Vicar and Churchwardens are Trustees of the building.

Church Life

Our current service pattern is:

There is no regular Evening Service. Wednesday 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion service (except the first week of the month).

St. Romwald's churchmanship is Middle/Low, with a little, but growing, lay involvement in services. There is a Junior Church with up to 6 children. The thriving congregation represents all age groups, with the exception of teenagers, and is made up mostly of Wollaston residents who prefer a more traditional style of worship. Average attendance is 25–30 people. There are very few Occasional Offices. We use Hymns Old and New at St. Romwald's. Two major fund-raising/social events are organised each year.

St. Mary's has a more lively open evangelical style with a great deal of lay involvement. We have lay worship leaders, people who read the Bible, lead intercessions and assist with the administration of Communion. Members of the Parish Ministry Team pray for individual needs at the end of each service. There is a Junior Church with 16–20 children. The average weekly congregation is 60–70, with an encouraging growth in young families attending the monthly Family Service. Our hymn book is Songs of Fellowship, and we occasionally use the overhead projector for songs (but the pillars get in the way!). We are open to using different forms of service patterns. The 6 bells are rung weekly by a band of enthusiastic learners, under an experienced Tower Captain. There are about 10 Baptisms a year, 4–8 weddings and 6–8 funerals. Socially, we meet for occasional "Bring and Share" Sunday lunches and social evenings.

Alpha courses take place regularly in Wollaston. Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening setting over twelve weekly sessions, with a day away. For more details see the Alpha link or contact Adrian & Louise on 01933 664256 or Chris & Linda on 01933 388163.

Both Strixton and Wollaston use the same form of Common Worship Morning Prayer and Holy Communion service, with Eucharistic Prayer H. NIV Bibles are in the pews.

There are two licensed Readers, one Parish Evangelist and a Pastoral Assistant who work actively and enthusiastically across the Parish.

The Parish supports the work of the various charities by tithing its income. We have an established a link with Chwele, a parish in Bungoma.

The Church is supported in its work and mission by:

Church groups meeting during the week are:

The Vicarage

The vicarage is a short walk from St. Mary's church in Wollaston, in Irchester Road. It is a traditional brick and tile detached house with single garage, built in the 1920's.

Our Incumbent

"Before training for the ministry I spent 10 years working on high-speed computer network development for BT at their development site in Suffolk. Following my time with BT I trained for 2 years at Ridley Hall theological college in Cambridge before moving from rural Suffolk to be with Christ the King at Kettering.We were in Kettering for three and a half years. My wife, Louise, is a Lay Reader and we have three children — Matthew, Peter and Joanna. I enjoy playing most sports but am particularly keen on cricket and football. Other hobbies would include IT and riding a motorbike".

Rev. Adrian Morton

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