Christ Church, Old Town Swindon, has celebrated the launch of a new digital display, made possible through a generous donation from local organisation the Guardians Group. Marked with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, the display will help the church and Community Centre communicate more effectively with worshippers, visitors and community groups.
The ceremony brought together key representatives from the Guardians Group, including founder and CEO Rob Firmin and COO Matt Bull. They were joined by Ailsa Palmer, Christ Church Minister, and Chris Smith, Site Manager at Christ Church, who officially received the display and led the launch.
The new display will provide a dynamic and flexible platform to promote church services, seasonal worship and community centre activities as well as local events, festivals and partnerships.
Following the ribbon cutting, Chris delivered a short presentation using the new digital display itself, showcasing its capabilities while expressing heartfelt thanks for the donation. The presentation highlighted how the display will be used to inform, engage, and welcome all who visit Christ Church and its Community Centre.
Chris Smith, Site Manager at Christ Church, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Guardians Group for this generous and forward-thinking gift. This new digital display will transform the way we communicate with our community—allowing us to share timely information, promote our events more effectively, and create a more engaging experience for everyone who walks through our doors. It also supports our commitment to sustainability, helping us significantly reduce printed materials while giving us the flexibility to update content instantly.”
Supporting Community Through Partnership
This event also marked the beginning of a three-year sponsorship partnership between the Guardians Group and Christ Church, supporting a range of fundraising and community events.
The Guardians Group is based in Swindon and provides support for local communities through several partnerships. Through its social care arm, Bespoke Guardians, the group provides vital support to vulnerable young people, helping to create safer and more stable futures. Alongside this, Guardians Training delivers high-quality training to professionals across the healthcare sector, equipping them with the skills needed to provide excellent care.
The partnership between Guardians and Christ Church represents a meaningful investment in the Church’s vision to build, support, and strengthen the local community, enabling the church and its Community Centre to continue hosting inclusive, engaging, and impactful events for all.
This support includes backing much-loved initiatives such as the Old Town Beer Festival, now in its 13th year, which continues to grow in popularity. This May will see the launch of its biggest ever celebration—the Centurion Edition, featuring the largest selection of beers to date.