St Leonard's Church, Sunningwell

People have worshipped here for at least 700 years. Every Sunday we have Holy Communion at 9.30 am. On the first Sunday of the month there is an additional Holy Communion service at 8 am.

In 1990, Sunningwell and Radley were united to create a new benifice comprising the two distinct parishes which means that we share a priest, the Reverend Pam McKellen, and an organist, Mr David Beckett. We are sometimes able to share in each other's sevices and events; thus there are two LIFE weekends of special activities for all ages in May, the 13-15th and 20-22nd, details of which are in both churches and both church schools.

About every two or three months, we share a service with Bayworth Baptist Chapel, alternating between the buildings and sharing the choice of content and presentation ; details of this are given on the noticeboard in the churchyard.

The village was first mentioned in the ninth century, with reference to the original single main street, with the Church and the spring, which is the source of the present day duckpond which gives the village its name, in the centre.

As in most medieval churches, there is evidence of craftsmanship from various dates and periods. The Nave is 13th century, the East Window was rebuilt in the14th century, the Tower, the stone Font and the carved Poppyhead ends of the pews are 15th century. The 16th century seven-sided Jewell porch was often used for baptisms as well as affording welcome shelter for those waiting for services. It is named after a rector here who went on to become Bishop Jewell of Salisbury.

From 1877 there was a major restoration of the Church to the design of J.P.Seddon. He was responsible for the stained glass in the East Window, and new floors with Staffordshire tiles in the Porch, Nave, and Transepts and Godwins tiles in the Chancel.

In 2000-2001, restoration work was carried out on the Tower organised by the Friends of Sunningwell Church, and they have hopes of restoring the Jewell Porch when funds permit .

Thus there is a long history of love and care for this active place of worship.

Useful Contacts: The Vicar: Reverend Pam McKellen ,01235 554739; Churchwardens: Brenda Lennie, 01235 524651, Ann Walsh, 01865 735391; Treasurer: Mike Walsh, 01865 735391;

Organist: David Beckett; Captain of Bellringers: Brenda Thomas.