Witney Benefice runs a wide range of groups and activities across our six churches, from Bible study and choirs to social clubs and community projects. Please email the office if you have any questions about a group below.
Benefice-wide Groups
Benefice Environment Group
Oversees Wild Churchyards, Eco Church awards, the Riverside Blessing service and more.
Contact: office@witneyparish.org.uk | Location: St Mary’s Winchester Room | When: Quarterly meetings
Book Circle
Join a discussion about a different book each month, fiction and non-fiction.
Contact: Bridget Walton (via the office) | Location: St Mary’s Winchester Room | When: 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2:30pm
Collective Worship in Schools
Bible lessons, values and worship in churched and unchurched schools.
Contact: Kirsty Morgan and the Collective Worship Team (via the office) | Location: All schools | When: Monday–Wednesday (various times)
Nurture Group
An opportunity to study the Bible, ask questions and discuss issues.
Contact: Jacky Bone | Location: St Mary’s Winchester Room | When: Every Monday during term time, 2:00–3:30pm
Mothers’ Union
Members meet for prayer, fellowship, and tea.
Contact: Lorna Whitehouse (via the office) | Location: St Mary’s Winchester Room | When: 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2:00pm
Prayer Shawl Ministry
A group prayerfully knitting or crocheting items for those in need of comfort.
Contact: Lorna Whitehouse (via the office) | Location: Members’ homes | When: 1st Tuesday of the month, 2:00–3:45pm
Witney Eco Forum
St Mary’s hosts monthly talks by experts on different areas of climate change.
Contact: Kate Banks (via the office) | Location: St Mary’s Winchester Room | When: 2nd Thursday of each month. Bar 7:00pm, talk 7:30pm
Witney Festival of Food & Drink Committee
A group helping to organise the Witney Festival of Food & Drink: hospitality in action.
Contact: Kate Banks (via the office) | Location: St Mary’s Winchester Room | When: 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm for 45 minutes
St Mary’s Church Groups
Ah Men
A monthly informal social meeting for men to share ideas, news and views.
Contact: David Taft (via the office) | Location: Coffee: Blanket Hall, Witney OX28 6HL · Evening meal: various venues | When: Coffee: 1st Wed/Thu of the month · Evening meal: 3rd week of the month
Doyennes
A monthly informal social meeting for ladies to share ideas, news and views.
Contact: Linda Taft | Location: Coffee: Blanket Hall, Witney · Evening meal: various venues | When: Coffee: 1st Wed/Thu of the month · Evening meal: 3rd week of the month
St Mary’s Choir
Our friendly four-part choir rehearses before, and sings at, Sunday and special services.
Contact: office@witneyparish.org.uk | Location: St Mary’s Church | When: 9:45am Sunday rehearsal before the 10:45 service
St Mary’s Church Cleaning Group
Have fun ensuring our sacred space remains welcoming and respectful for all worshippers. Cakes, coffee and chat after cleaning.
Contact: Deputy Wardens | Location: St Mary’s Church | When: First Saturday morning of each month
Supporting Sunday Services
Help make coffee, read a lesson, welcome worshippers, count the collection and much more.
Contact: Linda Taft | Location: St Mary’s Church | When: Every Sunday service
Witney Bell Ringers
A group that rings St Mary’s eight bells for services and special occasions.
Contact: Andrew Goldthorpe (via the office) | Location: St Mary’s Church | When: Practice Tuesday 7:30–9:00pm · Ring before Sunday services 9:45–10:45am
Holy Trinity Church Groups
Holy Trinity Choir
A friendly four-part choir which sings at Sunday services and other occasions.
Contact: paul@witneyparish.org.uk | Location: Holy Trinity, Woodgreen | When: Choir practice every Wednesday 7:30pm, then the Three Pigeons pub · Sunday Eucharist 10:45am
Hailey Church Groups
Hailey Village Lunch
A cheerful get-together for all ages — all are welcome.
Contact: Elpie Lewis (via the office) | Location: Hailey Village Hall, OX29 9UA | When: 3rd Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. Cost: £7
Churchyard Working Group
Managing St John’s churchyard for people and wildlife.
Contact: Clare Musson (via the office) | Location: St John the Evangelist Church, Hailey OX29 9UB | When: Approx. every 6 weeks in winter, ad hoc in summer. Saturday mornings 10am–12noon
Windrush Church Groups
Windrush Tots and Carers
Details to follow.
Contact: Jacky Bone | Location: Windrush School, OX29 7DL | When: 9:15–11:00am
Community Choir
A popular choir with around 30 members, all ages welcome, no auditions or need to read music — singing popular music from across the eras.
Contact: Jacky Bone | Location: Windrush School, OX29 7DL | When: Monday evenings, September to August