The Friends of Saint Michael’s Annual Lecture, concert and cream tea in October was a great success. Jon Whiteley, the respected art historian of the Ashmolean Museum gave a fascinating, illustrated presentation about Oxford and the Pre-Raphaelites. He talked without notes for over an hour and captivated his audience with his joy and enthusiasm for his subject.

Some of us remembered being captivated during his brief career as a child actor in the 1950s in such films as The Kidnappers (1953) for which he was awarded an honourary Juvenile Oscar, Moonfleet (1955) and The Spanish Gardener (1956). The huge nave of the church was full, new members joined, old members renewed and funds raised mean that our first restoration project will be carried out very soon.

There is much more to be done and in 2011 we hope to increase our membership and raise more money. So far the outline programme for 2011 is: 25 February Spanish Evening; 24 June Grand Dinner; 8 or 15 October Annual Lecture. If you would like to know more, contact the Parish Office (01273 822284) or visit the church on a Saturday between 10am and 4pm, look around and pick up a form.

Ann Smith