Vera Elward was 92 when she flew in a microlight to help raise funds for the restoration and enhancement of the organ in Saint Mary The Virgin Church in Bampton. Vera always gave much of her time and love for the church. She ran the Sunday school for about 20 years and would gather the children from their houses as she walked to the Sunday School class. She died peacefully at home on April 9th 2020
The Flower Guild put on a wonderful flower festival through the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May and on the Monday they also sell sandwiches, quiche slices, cakes, tea, coffee and squash.
On April 18th 2015 the choir of St Mary's went to Lichfield to sing Sung Evensong. It was a lovely sunny day which made the journey a delight and several family members and friends came on the coach to enjoy the day.
PDF copy of the Service celebrating 40th anniversary of the sharing of St Marys Church with the Roman Catholic Church in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio The most Reverend Antonio Mennini, Contains an interesting account of the history Roman Catholic Services held in Bampton from The Eagle Pub, The Town Hall, and the Old Grammar School before moving to St Mary's
A large section of wall in Church Close fell and badly damaged at least two vehicles. The wall was eventually repaired and a new opening created where a gateway was made.
The Friends of Saint Mary’s try to offer three talks each spring to raise funds for the church. This flyer was one of those talks. The Role of Wine in the Church by Robin Shuckburgh
The Friends of Saint Mary, Bampton as part of their fund raising have in recent years organised a series of two or three talks, one a month, in the springtime. Robin Shuckburgh was to talk on the Role of Wine in The Church but sadly, due to dreadful weather this had to be cancelled and it is hoped Robin can do this another year.
On February 17th 2016 work began to dismantle the old pipe organ in St Mary's. Douglas Clare, one of our two churchwardens in April 2019 wrote the following article for the May issue of Contact.
Newspaper article and Leaflet asking for donations to help with the restoration of the Church Organ which was originally made by William Gray in 1812 at a cost of £460 guineas. Estimated cost for the project was £175,000 which would comprise of £75,000 grant and £100,000 from donations. Work was eventually carried out by Cousins Organs in Coalville North-west Leicestershire, after the company Peter Collins Ltd of Melton Mowbray went into administration. Douglas Clare -churchwarden and treasurer and choirmaster - David New