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Before the church was built
The town of Swindon rapidly expanded in the
1980s and was soon regarded as the fastest growing town in Europe. The community of West Swindon came into being through the
development of additional housing known as "the West Swindon expansion" and from 1979 until the new church was built in 1985,
the Catholic community met to worship in ecumenical surroundings, such as Toothill Shared Church and various local schools.
Daily Mass was said in Fr Liam O'Driscoll's garage, at 1, Liskeard Way, which had been made into a small chapel.
St Peter's Church
The foundation stone of the new building was laid by Bishop
Mervyn Alexander on 22nd February 1985 and the church was opened in time for Midnight Mass 1985. The building has served
the community well and has a purpose built parish centre attached, which has helped to foster community life within the parish.
Canon Liam O'Driscoll 1979 to 1990
Canon Liam O'Driscoll was responsible for building up the first Catholic
community in West Swindon. He was instrumental in the building of St Peter's Church. He left in 1990 to become Parish Priest
of St John the Baptist Trowbridge.
Father Tom Kelly 1990 to 2003
Father Tom Kelly came to us from St. Thomas More Marlborough. He
served our community for 13 years, becoming a very familiar face around the neighbourhood. Fr Tom was instrumental in installing
the modern stained glass in the church to mark the millennium.
Rev Dr Michael Saunders 2003
Fr Tom's departure paved the way for our present Parish Priest, Rev Dr
Michael Saunders. Fr Michael has come to us from Canada, although not a native of that land, and is already making his
mark on the parish as an excellent teacher and preacher.
| Our present parish priest |
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| Rev. Dr. Michael Saunders |
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