The outbreak of Coronavirus in 2020 has caused devastation to the way of life all around the world. New restrictions and advice were being given daily by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and two specialist advisers each day at 5pm from the week beginning Monday March 16th 2020.

It was announced during this week that all schools were to close but the pupils of key workers could still go to nominated schools to allow their parent to continue with his or her essential job. Also, pupils who would normally have free school meals would be able to go in order to have at least one square meal per day.

On Friday, the list of key workers was published and this article from the on-line Witney Gazette lists those key workers.

An instruction from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York this week said there would be no services until the risk of catching coronavirus has passed. Weddings can take place with a maximum of 5 people attending but that did not say if it was the bride and groom and the clergy plus two, or those 3 plus 5. Not helpful.

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 September 11th 2010 I spotted this large, white fungus growing on the lime trees outside the North side of St Mary's. I found it to be very hard, it was impossible to make a dent in it.

This is the Service program for the Thanksgiving Service for Victory held in 1945. As the service sheet was printed in London it was probably a standard service to be held across the UK

Vera Elward aged 92 took a flight in a microlight to help raise money for the restoration of the beautiful pipe organ in St Mary The Virgin Church in Bampton. Vera ran the Sunday School for over 20 years and has always worked for the church

This pathway is now grassed over, which is perhaps, a pity. It runs from the gate on the south side of St Mary's up to the Norman door.

This picture shows the spire of St Mary The Virgin Church in Bampton seen across Sandford field. It was taken early in the twentieth century. Today, a hedge obscures the view of the houses in the foreground but not all still exist.