St Matthew’s Church Today

(The Parish Magazine, “Ridgeway Broadsheet”, records the general activities, and so they are not mentioned here).

Early in December there is now a traditional Toy Service; children bring toys which are given to the Church of England Children’s Society or a similar organization. On a Sunday near Christmas “Carols by Candelight” is a very popular tradition. On the first Sunday in January a Christingle service has been held in recent years.

A Science Festival was held for some years between late May and early June; the first of these was held in 1979; it was felt that such a festival in Harwell was as relevant as a Harvest Festival, since more parishioners worked in scientific establishments than on the land. An exhibition was mounted in the Church, to which a number of the scientific establishments contributed and the local primary schools also participated. A service was held on the Sunday evening, and someone was invited to preach who has particular qualifications or interest in science.

In 1975 a new addition was made to the Church to provide a small multi-purpose meeting room.