21st Century
On Sunday 11th February 2001 at a special evening service in St Michael's Church, the Highworth and District Royal British Legion Branch Standard was laid-up. The Standard was fixed in the South Transept near the window that commemorates the four Brown Brothers from Eastrop Grange who were killed in World War One.
British Legion Representatives and Standard Bearers from Chiseldon, Faringdon, the RAF Association, Swindon, Penhill as well as the Ladies and Men's sections of the Highworth Branch were present
Following a welcome by the Reverend David Stevens, then Vicar of Highworth, the Standard to be laid-up was presented by the President and Chaplain of the Highworth and District Royal British Legion, the Reverend Alan Homer. The vicar then carried the Standard to the South Transept and the Bugler sounded the "Last Post".
To celebrate the Millennium a new stained glass window was installed in the north wall in 2002. This was designed by Andrew Taylor and was largely funded by the Highworth Festival 2000.
This depicts in modern style the history of Highworth from creation, with fossils at the base leading upwards to the present, with the tower of St Michael’s and our other town churches and buildings. All are established in a changing world but under God’s light at the very top of the window.
The chancel kneeler completed in 2006 reflects the design of this window and echoes the colours of the kneelers designed for the Warneford Chapel.
Additional improvements included an improved sound system, CCTV cameras and new Vicars Board.
In the autumn of 2005 the low level internal plaster was replaced and the whole of the interior of the church was decorated to begin to restore this magnificent 15th century building to its ‘ancient beauty’ enhancing its lofty character and graceful pillars to re-create a welcoming place for the glory of God.
The most significant change during the early part of the 21st Century has been the Re-Ordering of 2018/19 when the interior was refurbished to provide modern facilities for both Worship and Community use whilst retaining the inherent historical and architectural character of the original building.
