This is probably the Church that inspired the Historic Churches Group!

It was 2021, and the Young Christian Climate Network organised a walk from the G7, in St Ives, Cornwall, to the COP26 in Glasgow; it was a relay, and came though Oxford. Young at heart, I joined them in Oxford at the Station, and we walked along the Canal, stopping at St Peter's Wovercote for lunch, then on to Kidlington Baptist where some of them bedded down for the night. Then, onwards --- a longer walk --- through Bletchingdon, Kirtlington, Lower Heyford (Lunch) and Somerton, the final destination for the day was Deddington - a 15 mile walk for me and just two others completed that leg of the walk.

Lower Heyford, and more Somerton are both rich little churches - tradition and carvings and so on and I realised that there were huge heritage legacies in these buildings, which speak of Faith, art, culture, history and life generally.

And Somerton, with its amazing last supper frieze, carved in the 14th Century, hidden from the "Iconoclasts" by being buried for 122 years, then returned to the Church and now rightly taking pride of place behind the Communion Table; who were the people carved - the Disciples, but probably modelled on villagers or friends of the sculptor; and who was he (she?). There is a narrative in the scupture - St John has his head in Jesus' lap. One is pouring wine, another gesturing "not for me, I ve had enough" - there is bread, fish on plates. We were met, I think, by Ruth, and welcomed - the church has self guide cards, and these were read by Hilary - this added much to the visit, and stimulated discussions about all sorts.

It was a glorious visit to a glorious little jewel!