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The Parish: its context and setting

The ecclesiastical parish is a relatively small, densely populated area of approximately one mile square, situated one-and-a-half miles from Northampton town centre. The parish is predominantly residential and the housing consists of Victorian terraces, in-between the Wars semi-detached dwellings, and some large Edwardian houses in the vicinity of the church building. Overall the population is stable, though demographically is slowly shifting down the age spectrum as terraced housing in particular comes on to the market. The housing is broadly indicative of the social diversity to be found in the area. Several ethnic minorities are represented, in particular those of Afro-Caribbean and eastern-European origin. Both these ethnic groups are represented in the congregation. There are several marked sub-communities and the Kettering Road signifies an important psychological watershed within the community. Unemployment is low.

The parish boundaries are extremely 'porous' and within Northampton worshippers routinely attend a church of choice often geographically removed from their home. Our congregations are thus a mixture of the communal and gathered, though the majority of worshippers live within the township of Northampton. They are also quite diverse in terms of ecclesial background, though there is a preponderance of assenting Anglo-Catholics. Whilst worshippers come to St Matthew's for many different reasons there is general goodwill and support for the parish's theological and liturgical stance. Approximately 10% live outside Northampton.

Apart from shops and essential services most people travel out of the parish to work. Many work in education, the service industries and commerce, though a full range is represented.

Public transport links within the locality and for further afield are very good. There is one primary school within the parish and several just over our borders who look to us in specific ways. A campus of the University of Northampton, Unity College C of E Secondary School, and the County Cricket Ground are near by, as are the General Hospital and Cynthia Spencer Hospice. We minister to a significant number of residential and nursing homes in the parish. There are two large parks nearby which attract many family based atractions and activities.

St Matthew's has instigated combined services with our nearest Anglican neighbours for Patronal and other feast-days, mindful of the practicalities of gathering a sufficient congregation on weekday evenings. There remains a spiritual strength within the parish that underpins midweek worship. We have twice yearly combined services with Kingsley Park Methodist Church and make available our facilities to them for specific events. (We also - unintentionally - share in each others worship on other occasions due to an apparent conflict of interest between our respective sound systems!) We participate in combined services marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. During Lent, Stations of the Cross alternate between St Matthew's and St Gregory's Roman Catholic Church.