Friday 10th July 2026

Our Fabulous Window

We see it every Sunday, the magnificent backdrop to our services, admired by all who step into the hall and look up to the alter. I had no idea of the background or story behind its creation until producing the 14 anniversary boards to celebrate St Martin’s Centre’s 20th anniversary. You may have seen the 2 dedicated St Martin’s Church boards and read the small caption accompanying the picture of the window. I was told there was a story behind the creation of it but no one seemed to remember quite what it was. Peter Robinson filled in much of the history of it. The design of the church window was put out as a competition and the winner was renowned glass artist Cate Watkinson. In fact if to visit her website www.watkinsonglass.com you will see it as part of her gallery of work. Cate has been reluctant to specify meanings behind the shapes and graphics rather having people interpret them themselves. She does say, ‘The decorative glass work in the chapel expresses quality, confidence, creativity and trust and is experienced positively by the people who use the new centre’. The general consensus is that as well as the Christian faith symbols, the circle represents the rising sun over the green and blue waves of the River Tyne. Whatever people’s interpretations it stands as a wonderful icon of art and faith.

Kevin.

Friday 3rd July 2026

St Martin's Centre 20th Anniversary Event

This celebration on the 11th is a special by invitation only event and of course all church members are invited to come along. It’s sure to be a great day. There will be many people coming along who a lot of us will fondly remember and won’t have seen in a long while including Stephen, Peter Robinson and Rae. It all starts here with a short celebratory ervice at 12.00am and will continue in the garden (weather permitting) with refreshments and entertainment. Suzanne and the St Martin’s Centre team have worked tirelessly to organise a week of special events to celebrate this 20th anniversary milestone. Many thanks to them all.