The Reverend Sue Burchill was the vicar of St Leonard’s, Grimsbury, Banbury from 2014 until August 2021. Sue died following a short illness on 25 August 2021 just after she’d retired, aged 68. Around 50 people seated in a circle gathered to celebrate Sue’s life and ministry at 3pm on 20 August. Sue had been active in Banbury Christians Together and regularly met with the leaders of other Faith groups in the Grimsbury area. Further, Sue was committed to working with agencies working with those on the margins of society, including people caught-up in trafficking. Sue was also a governor of St Leonard’s Church of England Primary School and the current chair of governors spoke about her long-standing service and commitment to the children and the school’s work. Sue was an active Bell-ringer (with her husband Joe) and Choral Society member.

Gospel Bell loved playing at St Leonard’s – we played at a service on 30 July 2017 and at three fund-raising events for a new kitchen and toilet at the back of the church on 20 January and 19 May 2018 and then on 31 August 2019. At these three events, the St Leonard’s church family raised around £500 and really enjoyed dancing, singing with us and eating together. At the centre of it all was Sue who loved to see everyone enjoying themselves. We should like to thank Sheila James, Sue Ayliff and the other event organisers for happy memories of St Leonard’s party nights and for inviting us to play during the thanksgiving service and afterwards, during the serving of afternoon tea.