WitneyBenefice

26/08/2026

Witney Youth Café Needs You!

We’re looking for local people who want to make a positive difference in the lives of young people right here in our community.

The Youth Café at **St Mary the Virgin, Church Green, Witney OX28 4AW** is a safe, welcoming space where young people can connect, make friends and grow in confidence, and we’d love you to be part of the team.

💛 **No experience needed**
💛 Full training provided, including safeguarding, youth work and autism awareness
💛 **The Café opens every Friday from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm**

If you’re enthusiastic, caring and passionate about supporting young people, simply scan the QR code on the flyer and fill out the volunteer form: https://www.canvaqr.com/RGQ9Hf_Rt9.

Let’s build something amazing for Witney’s young people together.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with at the Youth Cafe at St Mary's Church in Witney.

06/08/2026

Welcoming our new Churchwardens

We are pleased to welcome Ruth Smith and Kirsty Morgan as the new Churchwardens for the Parish of Witney.

Churchwardens are elected lay leaders who work closely with the clergy and congregations, helping to support the worship, mission and practical life of our six churches.

We are grateful to Ruth and Kirsty for taking on these important roles and pray for God’s blessing as they begin their service.



The Parish of Witney comprises six churches:

St Mary the Virgin, Witney
Holy Trinity, Woodgreen
St John the Baptist, Curbridge
St John the Evangelist, Hailey
St Kenelm’s, Minster Lovell
Windrush Church, Windrush Place

05/08/2026

Welcoming our new Deputy Wardens

St Mary’s has welcomed Ash Arnold, Helen Broadbent, Andy Sparkes and Linden West as its new Deputy Wardens.

Deputy Wardens help with the practical life of the church, ensuring that St Mary’s is welcoming, ready for services and events, and well cared for.

We are grateful for their willingness to serve our church and community in this important role.

05/08/2026

Update: The Parish Office is closed from today until Friday and reopening Monday 10th August

04/08/2026

Giving Thanks for Francis Rumsey’s 15 Years of Musical Leadership

After 15 years as Organist and Choirmaster at St Mary’s, Francis Rumsey is stepping down from the role. During that time, Francis has made an enormous contribution to the worship and musical life of the church. Through his faithful leadership of the choir, his playing at services and concerts, and his commitment to St Mary’s distinctive musical tradition, he has enriched the life of our congregation immeasurably.

At his final service in the role, Francis thanked the congregation and choir for their friendship and support. He assured us that he is taking “a backseat, not a no seat” and will continue to play for services as an occasional organist.

We thank Francis for all he has given to St Mary’s and are very glad that he will remain part of our worshipping life.

03/08/2026

Giving Thanks for Julia Bee’s Ministry

At the Sung Eucharist on Sunday 2 August, we gave thanks for Julia Bee as she stepped down from her long standing role as Anna Chaplain.

Julia’s ministry has brought faithful and generous pastoral care to many people, particularly older members of our churches and wider community. We are deeply grateful for all that she has given to this work.

Julia will continue her licensed ministry as an authorised funeral minister. We prayed for God’s blessing on her as she begins this next chapter of ministry.

22/07/2026

Memorial Safety Inspections at St Mary’s Churchyard

Witney Town Council is carrying out memorial safety inspections in St Mary’s churchyard to identify any memorials that may present a risk to visitors, volunteers, contractors or staff.

Temporary safety measures, including fencing, supports or warning signs, may be put in place where necessary while the work is carried out.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

For further information, please contact Witney Town Council on 01993 704379 or [email protected].

01/07/2026

A reminder that Parish Office will be closed Wednesday 1st July to Wednesday 8th July.

29/06/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Holy Trinity's barbecue such a fun and successful evening raising £384.50 for Apollos Clothing - a Witney based charity Apollos Clothing that gives donated clothing, shoes and school uniforms a second life by supporting people in need across Oxfordshire. See https://www.apollos.uk

It was a real pleasure to welcome Heather from Apollos Clothing, who gave such an interesting and inspiring talk about the charity's work and the difference it is making to people's lives.

A special thank you to the Holy Trinity Charities and Outreach Committee, who worked so hard behind the scenes in very warm conditions to make the evening run so smoothly. And particular thanks those who spent the evening bravely tending the barbecues in the heat!

Thank you to everyone who came along, supported the event and helped raise money for such a worthwhile cause.

apollos clothing eliminating clothing poverty 10Tonnes of textile waste saved from landfill! ~ 2265 individuals served with clothing! ~ 10Tonnes of textile waste saved from landfill! ~ 2265 individuals served with clothing! ~ 444 kids given school uniform! ~ 457 coats given away! ~ 444 kids given sc...

22/06/2026

History of St Mary's Part 1 talk postponed

The talk planned for Thursday 25 June, Part 1: from Saxon times to the Reformation, has been postponed because of the red weather alert from the Met Office.

Part 1 will now take place on Thursday 2 July, 7.00–8.30 pm, in the Wi******er Room, St Mary’s Church, Witney.

A new date for Part 2: from Reformation to Victorian revival will follow.