News and Events

Restoration Work Completed!

An architectural survey of our Parish Church of St James the Great in 2021 showed that it needed considerable repairs, including to stonework, roof tiles, windows, the tower stairs and other features. Once Covid had receded, the Parochial Church Council agreed to fundraise for this work, to ensure that the Church is maintained and preserved for today and for future generations of Stonesfield residents.

With the help of our architect Nick Cox and heritage builder Peter Hawkins, the work was costed at £120,000 + VAT, and fundraising began in 2023, in the church’s 800th year. An appeal was made to the village and many members of the church and village community responded generously. Grants were received from the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, Benefact Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, National Churches Trust and AH Lynall Foundation which, together with a generous legacy to the Church, enabled the full cost of the repairs to be covered.

After careful preparation the work began in the summer of 2024 and was completed on time at the end of November 2024, and within our final budget of £132,500 plus VAT. Scaffolding and boarding was removed, to the joy of the whole community, revealing beautifully restored stone and roofs, topped with a renovated and re-gilded clockface and weathervane.

We are so grateful to all who supported this important restoration work and are delighted that the church is now is such a good state of repair. It is the oldest building in Stonesfield and with our continued care it will continue to serve the community and will be a welcoming place of worship for many centuries to come.

Revd Ralph Williamson

Ladies’ Breakfast

The next Ladies’ Breakfast will be held on Saturday 8th February, 9am, in the St James’ Centre. Reserve the date – more details to follow.

Benefice Housegroup

The Housegroup meets on Thursdays at 2.30pm in St James’ Centre. We are looking at the Letter to the Ephesians. Everyone is most welcome.

Church Newsletter

If you would like to receive the weekly church newsletter by email, please contact stonesfield@stonesfieldparishchurch.org