Artists in the Countryside 2022

Artists will be gathering again for Artists in the Countryside on 16th and 17th July for an annual fundraiser in the small village of Newton Purcell to raise money for the beautiful church of St Michaels and All Angels. The event begins with the now famous Private Vew an dSummer Reception courtesy of the Markham family who have organised this event for the past 6 years. The old school hall, now the village hall, hosts a select collection of great local artists and their works of art that promises to be a real jewel in this years event calendar. During the weekend there's morning coffee and afternoon tea, lovingly produced by the villagers for visitors to enjoy whilst they browse the paintings, cards and works of art.

This year Newton Purcell will also host a bumper weekend of festivities with Shelswell History Festival on Saturday 16th July.  The event and Parking is fee and easy to access All the family are welcome to enjoy a packed day of entertainment including  food and local crafts, vintage cars and machinery,  history displays and much more.  

 An Ancient Church....

 Architectural evidence suggests that the Church of England parish church of Saint Michael and All Angels was a Norman church built in the middle of the 12th century. The earliest documentary evidence of the church's existence is slightly later, when Ralph Purcel granted the church to the Augustinian Bicester Priory in 1200. Of this original church little survives except a 12th-century Norman doorway and a 13th-century piscina. In 1813 the church was repaired and most of its original features were destroyed. In 1875, the architect C.N. Beazley restored the building and added the vestry, bell-turret and south porch. St. Michael's rectory was built in 1844. St. Michael's parish is now part of the Shelswell benefice.

The magnificent St Michaels and All Angels Church in the village  will also be open to free to visit