On Wednesday 6th March 2024, PPS Chartered Accountants will once again host their PPS Business Charity Lunch.

The charity event, which is open to all business professionals in the Swindon and Wiltshire area, will provide a fantastic opportunity for attendees to network, listen to inspirational talks, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

Our speakers for the event are Revd Canon Simon Stevenette of Christ Church and Chris Smith, Community Centre Development Manager who will give a talk about the running of a significant Church in the UK, South West Region and Swindon plus the huge community outreach programme and charitable work across cultures and society.

Christ Church was built in 1851 and is affectionately referred to as the Beacon on the Hill. Their mission and ministry is all about reaching out to the lost, the lonely, and the least. 

As a church they work hard to provide a warm welcome to those who visit for services, concerts, festivals and events which are many and varied throughout the year. Annually they host the Swindon Cares Charity concert which raises a lot of money for local charities. Each November they also run the Christmas Charities Market which includes over 30 local charities. Their festivals range from the Beer and Cider Festival to the Jazz and Soul Festival.

Revd Canon Simon Stevenette is the Vicar of Christ Church with St Mary's Swindon in the Old Town Partnership of Churches and has been for the last 25 years. Since they moved here as a family in 1998 he has also been the Chaplain to Swindon Town Football Club, which has seen plenty of highs and lows!! Past roles also include being a member of Swindon Rotary Club, and School Governor at King William Street Church of England School.

Chris Smith, Christ Church Community Centre Development Manager is employed at Christ Church for just over 10 years as Community Centre Development Manager and has more recently taken on responsibility for the whole site of Christ Church Swindon including the church building and grounds. As well as running the community centre Chris is also in charge of the site events including the Old Town Beer and Cider festival, Autumn Fayre, Christmas market and Alone at Christmas.

Tickets cost £18 plus VAT and a small booking fee.

There will also be a fun raffle at the event, supported by PPS and other businesses.  Raffle tickets will be sold on the day for £5 each with some amazing prizes, and all proceeds will go directly to the outreach charity.