THE PARISHThe Parish of Walton on Thames lies on the south bank of the River Thames, less than 25 minutes by train from Waterloo. It is bounded to the north by an attractive stretch of the River Thames and to the south by the main London-Southampton railway line.

Historically, Walton once formed part of the hunting grounds for Hampton Court and Oatlands Palaces. It mostly developed in the late 19 th and early to mid-20th centuries following the arrival of the railway. The parish church however dates in part from the 12 th

century and the 15th century Old Manor House was once lived in by John Bradshaw, who presided at the trial of King Charles I in 1649. The Diggers were also imprisoned in the church the same year, following their eviction from St George’s Hill. The former mansion at Mount Felix was used as a hospital for New Zealand soldiers during WWI.

Walton is a vibrant town which has enjoyed town centre regeneration in recent years. It boasts a wide variety of shopping and eating in and around The Heart shopping centre and the High Street.

We have three state primary schools, Ashley CofE, Grovelands and Walton Oak, with whom we have good links. The links with Ashley CofE have a particular impact on the Parish.

THE PEOPLEThe ministry team comprises;Joint Vicars; Rev Cathy and Rev Jonny BlairCurate (Ordained Local Minister); Rev Caroline MerrickLicensed Lay Ministers (LLM); John Muggleton, Tessa Badcock and John Badcock Children and Youth Minister; Mandy Watts

Parish Administrator; Katrina Henderson

Churchwardens;St Mary’s: Berenice Page and Dawn MaySt John’s: Sally Eckes

CHURCH SERVICESSt Mary’s and St John’s offer a wide variety of worship services but are always welcoming, worshipping God and applying God’s word to our daily lives.

St Mary’sSunday Services 8:00am Holy Communion. 9:15am Lively service with contemporary music. 11:00am Reflective service with traditional music.

7:00pm Informal service (3rd Sunday).

Weekdays2nd & 4th Thursday 10:00am Holy Communion.Friday 2:00pm Toddler Praise (Term time in the Church Hall).St John’s Sunday Services: 10:30am Morning Praise Service (3rd Sunday Holy Communion).

Weekdays 1st & 3rd Wednesday 10:00am Holy Communion. Friday 10:30am Toddler Praise (Term time).

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THE BUILDINGSThe Parish has two Churches – St Mary’s and St John’s. As a Grade 1 listed building, St Mary’s is the oldest building in the parish. Expanded over its life to date, it contains a large memorial to Field Marshal Viscount Shannon sculpted by Roubiliac, Victorian pews, a commemorative plaque indicating the parish’s WWI links with New Zealand and evidence of incendiary bomb damage from WWII.

There is also a large church hall, built in 1904, located close to the church. It houses the Parish Office and is used for Sunday school, church youth groups, after service refreshments and social activities.

St John’s is a comparatively modern church building, dating back to 1953. It was initially a planted church, built to accommodate the growth of

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the town to the east. The church itself is a multi-purpose building and includes a meeting room.

Vicars: Rev Cathy and Rev Jonny Blairemail: vicar@waltonparish.org.uk Tel: 01932 917 736

Church Office:St Mary's Church Hall, Church Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 2QS

Tel: 01932 224238 Email: office@waltonparish.org.ukwww.waltonparish.org.uk

Walton Parish @WoTParish

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