Please also use the telephone numbers 01380 724264 or 07968 224421 for enquiries.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY and RECENT NEWS
7th July 2024 2.45 pm:- SUMMER CAROL SERVICE. A traditional Carol Service with a difference and led by Monks Chapel Minister The Reverend Gary Gotham. Mince pies, tea and light refreshments will be on offer after the Service in the Chapel garden weather permitting.
31st March 2024 2.45pm:- EASTER SUNDAY
25th December 2023:- NO SERVCE
17th December 2023 2.45 pm:- CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE with the story of Christmas told through chocolate.
29th October 2023 : NO SERVICE
17th September 2023 2.45pm HARVEST SERVICE.
RECENT NEWS:
Wiltshire United Area Picnic and Sing-along 8.07.2023: This took place at Monks Chapel on Saturday afternoon 8.07.2023 in rather unsettled weather, however it remained sufficiently dry to allow our 45 visitors to enjoy their picnics with the tea and soft drinks provided free by members of Monks Chapel. The afternoon concluded with an energetic sing-along in the Chapel organised by The Reverend Tracey Lewis. During this time she invited Rev. Dr Peggy Kabonde to teach us how to sing a Zambian local language song. £121 in donations was raised towards essential Chapel repairs. Note:- Pictures can be viewed from the PHOTO ALBUMS tab.
Summer Carol Service 2.07.2023: This year’s Summer Carol Service at Monks Chapel United Reformed Church was enjoyed by about 45 people. While the weather was a little blustery, following the carols, we happily indulged ourselves with tea, mince pies, sausage rolls and even Christmas cake in the Chapel garden. Some attending had travelled from as far away as Gloucester and Swindon. The service had been well advertised in advance as both the Gazette and Herald and the Swindon Advertiser had run articles prior to the day. In addition Wiltshire Radio pre-recorded an interview with the Chapel’s Minister, the Reverend Gary Gotham which was broadcast over several days during the preceding week. Further interviews and a recording of the service were conducted by Jonathan Fido of the BBC and clips from these were broadcast the next day on both Wiltshire Radio and Points West. Further coverage was given on Radio 5 Live, Radio 4 & Radio 2. The Chapel is thrilled to have gained so much media attention and welcome everyone to our services and special events. We are now very proud to announce to the World “We are Monks Chapel ‘As seen on TV!’ ” Note:- The Points West video and various pictures can be viewed from The VIDEOS and PHOTO ALBUMS tabs
2nd July 2023 2.45 pm SUMMER CAROL SERVICE. A traditional Carol Service with a difference and led by Monks Chapel Minister The Reverend Gary Gotham. Mince pies, tea and light refreshments will be on offer after the Service in the Chapel garden weather permitting.
9th April 2023 2.45pm EASTER SERVICE: Supporting DOORWAY a local charity for homeless and marginalised people, led by Monks Chapel Minister The Reverend Gary Gotham. Light refreshments and an Easter Egg for every child will be on offer after the service.
18th December 2022 2.45pm Christmas Carol Service: A Christmas Story told through chocolate
25th September 2022 2.45 pm INDUCTION of The Reverend Gary Gotham as Minister of Monks Chapel. The Reverend Ruth Whitehead, moderator will be leading the Service. (Their pictures following the induction ceremony can be viewed in photo albums)
18th September 2022 2.45pm HARVEST SERVICE. (Pictures from this service can be viewed in photo albums)
RECENT NEWS: Carol Service
It has been estimated about 7o – 75 attended the service. Our thanks to Reverend Tracey Lewis for leading us in worship. There are a few pictures from the afternoon in Photo Albums. Below is a very light hearted synopsis of the afternoon celebrations as written by Liv one of the congregation:-
This afternoon I had the honour of attending the 17th century Monks Chapel for their “summer carol service” which my dear friend Alison Penn put so much effort into promoting, resulting in an amazingly high turn out. She even found time to lay on a delicious lunch beforehand for me, Jane and Andrea. It was amazing to be part of this eccentric yet joyous event which was sparked off in 2010 because bad weather stopped the winter time carol service from going ahead. It was also delightful to meet and be licked by Sailor; and one guy, Tom, even took the initiative to wear a Christmas shirt and bring sleigh bells! He said while we were tucking into our tea and home made mince pies that he thought it would be too hot for a Christmas jumper, so instead opted for a shirt. A totally bonkers but wonderful afternoon that I won’t forget in a hurry! I’m looking forward to the actual Christmas carol service in December.
Monks Chapel Summer Carol Service
Sunday 24th July 2022 at 2.45 pm
All welcome
A traditional Carol Service with a difference and led by the visiting Minister The Reverend Tracey Lewis. Mince pies, tea and light refreshments will be on offer after the Service in the Chapel garden weather permitting.
Free Parking at Stephens Industries 75 yards down the hill in Monks Lane
For further enquiries telephone 01249 712991
During the Big Freeze of 2009/2010 it was not possible for the Chapel to hold its usual Carol Service on the last Sunday before Christmas 20.12.2009 and with adverse weather continuing into January of the following year the Service was postponed to the Summer of 2010. Such was the enjoyment of that occasion an additional Carol service has been held since then each Summer and become an increasingly popular feature of chapel life at Monks.
MONKS CHAPEL OPEN DAY
Saturday 21st MAY 2022 11am to 3pm
Visitors are welcome to view this historic Grade 1 listed building. Light refreshments offered. Free Parking at Stephens Industries 75 yards down the hill in Monks Lane
A great loss for us all
Sadly Richard’s death was announced on 29th August 2021. He first came to Monks Chapel in 1983. After a few years he began to arrange visiting preachers and in the last eight years was voted in as secretary. During that time he edited tapes recorded at the Chapel services for worldwide distribution, this earned him a spot on the BBC’s “Songs of Praise” programme (from which the picture on the left was taken), if you would like to see the full interview click here . Richard solely managed Chapel life maintaining a consistent active congregation much to the appreciation of all the attendees. He will be greatly missed by both preachers congregation and all that new him. A memorial service was held at Monks Chapel on Saturday 7th May 2022.