Moira studied Classics at St Anne’s College, Oxford from 1971-1975, followed by a PGCE in History and Religious Education at Canterbury. Her career in education has involved pastoral and academic leadership roles in state and private schools, both junior and senior. She was an ISI inspector with special interest in the social, moral, spiritual, cultural aspects, and she has served as a governor at two schools.
After Canterbury she moved to St Albans and it was there that she became involved with the homeless charity, Martin House. Soon after arriving in Oxford in 1985, she became a trustee of Emmaus and helped to establish the Oxford Community by chairing the Events and Fundraising Committee. After the Community was built, she joined the Companion Welfare Committee. and more recently she has been involved with Oxfordshire Youth, where she has assisted with the organisation of fund-raising events.
Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire in April 2020, Moira is part of the group with responsibility for East Oxford and she is the Lieutenancy lead on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Moira has had close links with music and cathedrals for over forty-five years. She currently lives in Headington with her husband Dr Stephen Darlington MBE. They have three daughters and six grandchildren. Moira’s interests include music, theatre, art, and she currently juggles two book groups. Time permitting, she also likes to steward at the cathedral, welcoming visitors.
Moira says:
“Becoming a Deputy Lieutenant has afforded me the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of both the benefits of living in Oxfordshire and the disparity in access to those benefits for various reasons, disability being an example. I admire those who cope with any form of disability, physical or mental, and do not allow it to define them. In some countries they are termed not “disabled” but “people of determination,” which is a far better description, in my view, of their tenacity, adaptability, and positivity. I hope to be able to use the networking opportunities my role as a DL affords me to advocate for the “people of determination” supported by MyVision Oxfordshire and do my part to create a more equitable society.”
Guy Lawfull, Chair of Trustees says:
“I’m delighted that Moira is joining MyVision Oxfordshire as Co-Patron, sitting alongside our long-time Patron, The Countess of Macclesfield. MyVision has an established relationship with The Oxfordshire Lieutenancy, who have provided Patrons to our charity for over 20 years. I look forward to working with Moira in building awareness of our organisation among potential supporters, funders, and service users.”
We look forward to welcoming Moira to events and activities in the future.
