Dear Friends, neighbours, and supporters of St Mary’s.
I’m writing to share a little about who the Friends of St Mary’s are, what we do, and why I’m personally committed to this wonderful community.
The Friends of St Mary’s exists to celebrate, protect, and bring life to our beautiful 800 year old parish church; its heritage, its grounds, and its role as a gathering place for Kidlington. I am part of a group of local people who care deeply about ensuring that St Mary’s remains not only a place of worship, but a vibrant centre of community connection, shared history, and collective belonging. The friends focus not on the worship aspect of the church, but rather the community building aspect.
Our work ranges from supporting the upkeep of this historic building, to organising events that bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Whether it’s music, talks, seasonal celebrations, or simple moments of connection, the Friends aim to create spaces where relationships deepen and community spirit thrives.
I choose to be involved because St Mary’s has always been more than a church to me. It is a place where people meet, find support, and feel part of something larger than themselves. In a world that can feel increasingly fragmented, the Friends offer a way to nurture connection, preserve something precious, and create experiences that strengthen the fabric of our village life. Supporting The Friends of St Mary’s offers me meaningful opportunities to build and strengthen community and business.
With that in mind, I’d love to invite you to our next event in January, where we’ll be coming together once again. Lennox Cato who is the furniture expert on the BBC Antiques Road Show will be with us to share his passion for antiques and his career experience and the setting up of a new business in the Cotswolds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet others who care about St Mary’s, learn more about our plans for the year ahead, and enjoy a warm start to 2025
Thank you for your interest and I very much hope you, your colleagues and your family will join us. .
With warmest wishes,
Cheryl
Kidlington Connections
Link to Friends of St Mary’s: fosmk.org.uk
