In September we will begin trialling our new Sunday service rota (see below).  Please note, that whilst restrictions have now been lifted, many individuals may wish to continue to wear face masks to services and remain suitably distanced from others outside their immediate household in order to minimise risk.  We will also continue to have hand sanitiser available and a QR code for scanning.   

As we are still in uncertain times, please keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and church notice board/noticesheets in case of any last-minute changes.   

Duns Tew church continues to be open for private prayer, generally between 9am and dusk. For opening times of other churches in the benefice check the website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk.  Please continue to scan the QR code when visiting our churches and make use of the sanitizers provided.

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group will re-start on Tuesday, 7 September at 7.15 pm.  For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826 studythebible@bartonbenefice.org.uk. 

Coffee and Prayer Group on Zoom

A Zoom Coffee and Prayer Group meets on Wednesdays at 11.30 am.  An informal group for parishioners in the Barton and Cherwell Valley Benefices lasting about half an hour.  Information on joining the group, queries or prayer requests can be emailed to prayergroup@bartonbenefice.org.uk or by contacting Frances or Sally Anne on 01869 345689. 

Benefice Facebook Page:  Do look at our Facebook page (you don’t need a Facebook account) and follow us on www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/. 

Churchyard: Any gardeners who can spare an hour or so to help weed/tidy the churchyard are very welcome.  There is a list of suggested jobs on the noticeboard in the porch.

Benefice Facebook Page:  Do look at our Facebook page (you don’t need a Facebook account) and follow us on www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/. 

Thank you

A huge Thank You to everyone who came, to those who donated funds, food and wine and to those who helped at our Summer Drinks fundraising event.  It was a glorious summer evening set in the magnificent grounds of Duns Tew Manor with music provided by the talented Rey and Gordon of CedarWood. 

We would especially like to thank Gavin and Fiona McAlpine for allowing us the use of their beautiful garden.  Thanks also to Martin, Debs and the team at the Manor for being on hand to help us make the evening run smoothly.  A very enjoyable event which raised £920 from tickets, the raffle and donations on the day towards much-needed repairs to the church tower.   Thank You. 

(If you enjoyed the music by CedarWood and may be interested in having them play at one of your events then please contact Rey on 07901 584630 reylear7@gmail.com. You may also be interested in their other band Scarecrow at  www.scarecrowband.co.uk.)

Building Works Update

The PCC is eagerly awaiting the painted backplates to give detail to the faces of two angels and St John and the new stainless-steel window guard which will complete the planned works to the windows.  

Other parts of the Grade II building are now in need of some TLC – not least the Tower where one of the stones at the top is badly cracked and needs replacing. Other stone is blistered on all four sides and an area of stone on the East side needs replacing.  Additionally, the putlog holes need protection from birds nesting.  The well supported Summer Drinks has made a good start to raising the funds needed for this work to the tower 

As can be seen from archival records, previous generations of villagers have also had to face doing repair works to the tower as the upper stages of the C14^th tower fell in 1647, destroying part of the nave.  Repairs were carried out in 1664-65 using some of the old materials and an inscription in the porch gable reads “Tower and Porch Rebuilt Anno 1665/The Church Restored A.D.1861”.  Not so easy to see is the inscription on one of the crocketed pinnacles “This bee built 166(?)”.  

Fundraising:.  After a busy few months, the fundraising team of Clare, Carol, Sarah and Maria are taking a short break in September. We have truly valued the village’s amazing support in all our ventures to date, especially during these difficult pandemic times, and with your help we have raised over £5,000 this year.  

As the church is self-funding, getting no direct support from either the Church of England or the government, we are always open to new ideas and offers of help – if you would like to organise a fundraising event for either the work of the Church or for the upkeep of the building then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any one of us.

Ride & Stride Sponsored Bike Ride – Saturday 11^th September

The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust Ride & Stride event is going ahead this year! The website gives further details including some suggested routes. Whatever sponsorship you raise, half will go to our church in Duns Tew and half to the Trust who help all churches with grants for repairs.  The OHCT has recently agreed to grant Duns Tew PCC £6,000 towards the cost of the current window works and the future tower costs, provided the work is all carried out within the next three years.

Please register using the Sign up on the Ride + Stride website https://ohct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/ or ask Sarah Taylor, 340827, for a sponsorship form or for more details.

Save the Date

Moonrakers concert in the Church on Saturday 30^th October in the evening. More details next month.

Our Charities 

Charity of the Quarter (July-Sept)

Samaritans (Banbury) This quarter we are supporting the Samaritans (Banbury). We will be welcoming one of their speakers, to our 9.15am service on 26 September, when we will hear more about their work.   If you would like to donate on line, payments can be made to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No: 00096480 reference ‘Sams’, or drop off a cheque payable to Duns Tew PCC to Carol Rigby, Nonesuch, Hill Farm Lane.  If you would like to Gift Aid your donation please ask for a form.

Polly 

Polly continues to work with the homeless and vulnerable in Banbury. She would really appreciate any food items suitable for someone living in one room or sleeping rough (tins/biscuits/packets etc).  Please make sure they are all in date. Otherwise cash or cheques (payable to Polly Preedy) are also welcome. Alternatively you can donate to the PCC Bank accounts details above, reference ‘Polly’.  Please bring any items to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane, Duns Tew, OX25 6JH or ring Clare on 01869 347382. Polly has enough clothing at the moment. Please do not leave items outside the church if it is locked. Any queries: Clare 347382 DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk .  Thank you for all your help. 

For more information on how to make a donation through the PCC, please contact Carol Rigby (dunstewpcc@gmail.com) or phone 340632.

Fundraising Supper on Saturday, 25 September 2021, 6.30pm

at Duns Tew Village Hall, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, in aid of the

Spafford Children’s Center, Jerusalem

www.spaffordcenter.org

Supper based on recipes from celebrity Palestinian chef Joudie Kalla’s famous book, Palestine on a Plate (signed copies available to buy). 

Tickets £30 to include two courses and mint lemonade; wine available to buy or BYO.

Booking details to follow.  Inquiries to Sara Bristow sara.cunningham3@btinternet.com or Susie Partridge susie@thepartridges.com 07974 916444