Kidlington Voice Magazine

LOCAL ARTICLES

ARTICLE Photo Gabriella Blakey

The fine art of Marquetry by Gabriella Blakey

Gabriella studied graphic design in Rome, where she worked as a book illustrator, before going on to do graphic design work in Paris. After that, she moved to Edinburgh, where, in 1984, she became a member of the Scottish Craft Centre, exhibiting painted furniture and objets d'art with pictorial compositions at several galleries including the Solstice Gallery in Edinburgh, Broughton Gallery near Biggar, and the Carnell Exhibition, Kilmarnock in aid of the Red Cross. Gabriella then came to Oxford, where she joined the Oxfordshire Craft Guild in 1993, and the Ashmolean Museum as Gallery Lecturer.

For her painted furniture she uses acrylics on wood surfaces which have been thoroughly prepared beforehand to protect and preserve the design: a silky smooth finish of varnish and then wax is applied. In addition to her paintings, she has introduced a new interest: intaglio, appliqué and inlay using coloured veneers on wood to create a decorative effect. Gabriella says: I love the feel of wood when I work. Trees have brought us the first fire, the first wheel, the first house and a surface to paint on. And I like to be part of this tradition. My graphic design background enhances harmony and symmetry in the designs I create.

Discover more about Gabriella's Marquetry work, here.

Snippets September 2026

▶ Thames Valley Police Stay informed here.

▶ Kidlington Snippet? Do you have a local snippet of news about Kidlington? Send yours to alice@kvoice.co.uk.

▶ Kidlington Adult Education Part-time and evening courses: Creative Writing | Speaking Spanish | Photography | Drawing & Painting | More ... See the local list for Kidlington organised by Abingdon & Witney College here.

▶ Kidlington Library See What's On and What's Coming Soon at Kidlington Library here.

▶ New Bridge Plans for a new walk bridge from Kidlington's Parkway railway station to an Oxford University data centre. Discover more here.

▶ Local Writer 'The Silent House' by Lynda Renham is available from the Amazon bookstore. Read the book's blurb here.

▶ Kidlington's Wikipedia Page Visit the town's entry here.

▶ Be a School Governor? Contact Kidlington's Edward Feild Primary School here.

▶ Kidlington Art Group meets at Kidlington Baptist Church. Members bring their own art materials, share ideas, and work alongside like-minded people in this small, friendly group of mixed-ability artists. To find out more, please email Kate Ovenden: kat3oven@gmail.com

▶ Kidlington Eco Group Follow Kidlington Ecology Group's activities here.

▶ Local Writer 'The Oxford Chair' by Paul Humphreys is available from the Amazon bookstore. Sample pages here.

▶ Kidlington Town Council Contact local councillors here.

▶Oxford Mail Newspaper Journalists reporting about Kidlington here.

KV ARTICLES TO READ AGAIN
— some previously featured articles:

➥ SE-Solicitors Law Firm
➥ Grass by Paul Humphreys
➥ Marquetry by Gabriella Blakey
➥ Lincroft Meadow Care Home
➥ Miller & Carter Steakhouse
➥ Rescue at Kidlington Lock

HIGHLIGHT Kidlington Art Group

This small friendly mixed-ability art group meets at Kidlington Baptist Church

You are welcome to join the art group, bring your own art materials, and meet like-minded people to share ideas and stimulate your creativity.

To find out more about the group, about when and where we meet, please email Kate Ovenden: kat3oven@gmail.com

HIGHLIGHT Kidlington News Printed Magazine

The September 2026 edition of the printed magazine is available from local outlets

The Kidlington News magazine is published locally under the auspices of the Churches Together in Kidlington.

To arrange for an annual subscription including the magazine's delivery to your door, please email kidnews@btinternet.com

HIGHLIGHT Kidlington Voice Online Magazine

Boost online awareness of your enterprise by promoting it here on Kidlington Voice

Submit an article about your organisation – tell us what you do and what's what. Advertise your business. Notify your upcoming event – months in advance, so we can all see it coming.

Tell us more about your local enterprise. If you don't have a website, that's okay – you can publish your news here on Kidlington Voice Online. Write to alice@kvoice.co.uk

LOCAL ENTERPRISES

▲ Top

KV September 2026

LOCAL ENTERPRISES

Please enquire about advertising to alice@kvoice.co.uk

Amateur Operatic Society
Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society

KAOS provides local performances and a fun, friendly, inspiring environment in which people — regardless of age, gender or experience — can learn and perform a wide variety of vocal music.

Care Home
Lincroft Meadow Care Home

Lincroft Meadow provides 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care for the elderly in an elegant and spacious home incorporating numerous thoughtful and practical features which ensure the home can meet the changing needs of its residents.

Oxford Solar Lighting
Oxford Solar Lighting

Oxford Solar Lighting is the new Oxfordshire-based supplier of solar lighting for outside your property and around your garden.

Property and Lettings Agency
Finders Keepers

Finders Keepers is a highly regarded property agency that has been serving Oxfordshire for over 50 years. With eight offices spread across the county, it is a trusted and reliable source for anyone looking to rent, let, buy, sell or invest in property.

Roofing Specialists & Property Maintenance
MLJ Roofing Limited

Business or home, bungalow or garage — whether its a new roof installation, repair, or maintenance, look to MLJ Roofing Limited for your domestic or commercial roofing requirement carried out in Kidlington and the wider Oxfordshire area. To discuss your project, telephone Matthew on 07739-391873 or email info@mljroofingltd.co.uk

Based in Kidlington
Oxon City Drainage

Oxon City Drainage understands the urgency of a drainage disaster, which is why it offers a 24-hour service. The firm's experience, skillset and know-how allow it to identify and clear all kinds of blockages, as well as ensuring long-lasting reliability. The company's number one goal is to provide an effective solution with a first-class service.

AC Drives & Landscaping Services
AC Drives & Landscaping Services

AC Drives is a local, independent family run business with years of experience. The company prides itself on the quality of its work and the long-lasting relationships it has built with customers over the years. So, whether you are looking for that beautiful driveway, that fabulous patio area, or for some secure fencing, AC can help.

Marquetry — Art in wood
Gabriella Blakey Marquetry

Marquetry is the decorative art and craft of applying thin slices of wood, called veneers, to a surface like furniture or decorative objects to form intricate pictures or patterns. Visit Gabriella's online book for examples of her extensive range of work.

Legal Services
SE-Solicitors

'SE-Solicitors is the leading law firm in the heart of England with offices in Summertown and Bicester, as well as Banbury, Brackley and Bourne End. Recognised as Top Tier in the Legal 500, we're proven specialists in supporting clients nationally and internationally to manage complex, multi-dimensional personal and business interests, with a particular focus on private wealth, property and commercial matters.'

Work By Paul Humphreys, Tattoo Artist
Kidlington Tattoo Artist

For Paul's most recently created tattoo images visit his website and click on the links to his Instagram and Facebook pages.

Kidlington Voice Online Magazine
Kidlington Voice Online

Promote your local enterprise here on Kidlington Voice Online — local articles by local writers for local readers; local enterprises and businesses advertised; local events notified with upcoming notable dates. Free to view. Contact: alice@kvoice.co.uk

Kidlington & District Information Centre
The Good Neighbour Scheme

The Good Neighbour Scheme is based at the Information Centre at Exeter Hall and has been operating since June 2010. Its voluntary services are open to those in the area who are aged 60-years or over, or who are disabled.

Estate Agent
Thomas Merrifield

'As an independent local estate agent, we have a wealth of neighbourhood property knowledge and our experienced, friendly teams, working across our network of eight branches, are always happy to give you free impartial advice whether you are thinking of selling, buying, letting or renting a property.'

LOCAL
EVENTS & NOTABLE DATES

LOOK AHEAD

To include your upcoming event in the following list, please notify its date and details to alice@kvoice.co.uk

▲ Top

KVUpcoming Events & Notable Dates

♣ Kidlington Adult Education
For part-time & evening courses held in Kidlington, including Creative Writing; Speaking Spanish; Photography; etc; organised by Abingdon & Witney College – see here.

♣ Kidlington Library
To see what's coming up at Kidlington Library, including Rhymetime; Lego Club; Digital Helper; etc; – click here.

♣ Kidlington Lincroft Meadow
For a list of open events held at Lincroft Meadow Care Home, including Little Ones at Lincroft; Coffee Mornings; Live Music; etc; please get in touch in advance with Lincroft to reserve your place – details here.

▶ September 2026

4 Sep 2026 • Fri
School Governor Applicants
9.00am. Applications close for School Governor at Kidlington's Edward Feild Primary School.
▶ 6 Sep 2026 • Sun
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
5.00pm to 6.45pm at St Mary's Church Kidlington. A theatrical event organised by the Friends of St Mary's. Book early!
▶ 14 Sep 2026 • Mon
Kidlington Photo Group
The photography group reconvenes at Foresters Hall (above Tesco) after the summer break. New members welcome.
▶ 24 Sep 2026 • Thu
Oxfordshire Flood Preparation Event
Between 2.00pm and 7.00pm at Exeter Hall, Kidlington. Organised by Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, this free event will bring together flood risk experts, local professionals and specialist suppliers to offer practical advice on preparing for flooding and protecting homes and businesses. Entry is free and no booking is required. Everyone is welcome.
▶ 24 Sep 2026 • Thu
Gosford Hill School: Open Evening

6.00pm to 8.00pm at the school, for the September 2027 intake, this event is open to prospective parents and their children in Year 5 and Year 6. During the Open Evening there will be an opportunity to explore the campus, see plans for the new build, and take part in fun activities led by the school's subject teams. The evening will conclude with a presentation in the Hall at 7:30pm. No pre-booking is required.
▶ 26 Sep 2026 • Sat
Banbury Early Music Festival
Saturday and Sunday 27th. Participate in inspiring workshops, listen to world class concerts, and try out early instruments.
▶ 27 Sep 2026 • Sun
Kidlington Concert Brass
2.00pm at Exeter Hall. Family Concert. Tickets available online, click link above.
▶ 28-29-30 Sep 2026 • Mon-Tue-Wed
Gosford Hill School: Open Mornings
9.15am to 10.15am at the school, for the September 2027 intake, these morning events are open to prospective parents and their children in Year 5 and Year 6. During the Open Morning there will be an opportunity to explore the campus, see plans for the new build, and take part in fun activities led by the school's subject teams. No pre-booking is required.
▶ 29 Sep 2026 • Tue
Fashion Show at Blenheim Palace
8.30pm to 10.00pm. Local designers; sustainable fashion show presented by Cherwell Collective.
▶ October 2026

21 to 24 Oct 2026 • Wed to Sat
KAOS Presents: Sister Act

Get ready to raise your voice and rejoice with Sister Act The Musical presented by Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society at Gosford Hill School. Based on the hit film, Sister Act tells the hilarious and heartwarming story of nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is placed in protective custody in a convent.
▶ November 2026

8 Nov 2026 • Sun
Remembrance Sunday
▶ From 19 Nov 2026 • Sat – for Christmas & New Year!

ILLUMINATE OXFORDSHIRE – this year at Millets Farm – Open daily from 4.00pm to 9.00pm

Experience Oxfordshire's newest winter light trail at Millets Farm. Follow a 60-80 minute route filled with beautiful light installations that transform the farm into a glowing seasonal display. Walk through the grounds and take in the sights as you explore areas designed to highlight the differing landscapes. For tickets & more information, click the image above.
▶ 26 Nov 2026 • Thu
Christmas Lights Switch-On. Kidlington Centre.
▶ December 2026
▶ January 2027

The fine art of Marquetry by Gabriella Blakey

Snippets September 2026

KV ARTICLES TO READ AGAIN — some previously featured articles:

KV September 2026LOCAL ENTERPRISES

KV ARTICLES TO READ AGAIN
— some previously featured articles:

KV September 2026

LOCAL ENTERPRISES