Although we can’t hold events in the church at the moment, the summer looks more hopeful:
Pub Swainswick first Friday of the month 6.30 – 8.30 pm- likely to start again on 2 July, outside.
for further info email swainswickchurch@gmail.com
A community pub with a full bar including excellent Abbey Ales. A perfect place to meet up with friends and make new ones with occasional live music from local musicians. Sometimes it is a small gathering which means more chance to chat properly and sometimes it’s lots of people of all ages – in summer spreading out into the churchyard.
Saturday 4 September: BEERFEST –more details later
Cafe Swainswick – should be back in September, we hope.
Cafe Swainswick takes place twice a month on the second and fourth Friday morning in term time, for people who drop their (older) children off at school and for anyone who would like a good cup of coffee and with an interest in cakes and community.
Fair trade tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes. Any profit made is for Swainswick School
every other Friday morning in term time from 9 to 11 am- see also school website
Bell Ringing
We normally meet on Thursday evenings, from 7 to 8 pm. Complete beginners, novices and experienced ringers are all very welcome.
For more information please email swainswick@bath-wells.org or call 07824861091
The Guardian news paper had an article by Simon Jenkins asking what happens to its buildings if the church goes online (Simon Jenkins, Boxing Day 2020) Swainswick’s response was published (in letters to the Guardian) and here it is:
Open a pub
For the last seven years, the church in this village has boasted a monthly pop-up pub. As there is no pub or hall here, there was no-one to offend and, from the start, it has been a resounding success, open to anyone, providing a meeting place, and serving the best draught beer.
Candlelit in winter, and spilling into the churchyard in the summer, with numerous children alarming Health and Safety, the popularity of the pub has spawned an annual beer festival.
Inspired by this success, and after three months of building work, the church opened its doors last week in time for the Christmas services; there is now greatly increased space for drinkers, concerts, classes, jamborees and, most importantly, worship. And, although not the original intention, the pub provides an excellent income for the church.
Reverting to the medieval tradition of Church ales may not be the panacea for some churches but it seems to have worked in this case. And the Bishop, who turned up a couple of summers ago, stayed until closing time, so relieved he was to be offered a glass of decent beer rather than a cup of milky coffee.
Elizabeth Charrington Swainswick, Somerset
Swainswick Parish Council
For more information about Swainswick, visit the parish council website: