Five benefices working together for faith and the future
Cherwell Valley Benefice
Cherwell Valley Benefice is a group of six parishes: Ardley with Fewcott, Fritwell, Lower Heyford, Upper Heyford (including Heyford Park), Somerton and Souldern. Click on the map to enlarge.
The Licensing of Revd Dr Robert Gilbert as Team Rector of Cherwell Valley Benefice took place on 16th April 2026.
Rob was previously Professor of Biophysics and Director of Graduate Studies, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford and Fellow and Tutor in Biochemistry, Magdalen College, Oxford. Alongside these academic roles he served Associate Priest, Holy Trinity Headington Quarry, and St Michael and All Angels New Marston, Oxford.
Revd Kath Cooke has been appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity Formby and St Michael and All Angels, Altcar, in the Diocese of Liverpool. She and her husband Revd Phil Cooke will be saying their farewell to the Cherwell Valley Benefice on Sunday 30th August.
Churches in Cherwell Valley Benefice
St Mary’s Church in Ardley with Fewcott
St Olave’s Church in Fritwell
St Mary's Church in Lower Heyford
Heyford Park Chapel
St Mary’s Church in Upper Heyford
St James the Apostle Church in Somerton
St Mary's Church in Souldern
Explore circular walks around the Cherwell Valley benefice:
St Mary's Church, Lower Heyford serves as the starting point for a pilgrim path walk:
Route 2: Circular walk from Lower Heyford – 3.25 miles