Current PATRONS

Martin Fiennes DL, 22nd Lord Saye and Sele, is a recently retired venture capital professional at Oxford Science Enterprises and the custodian of his family’s historic home, Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire. Appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire in 2018, he plays an active role in supporting community and charitable initiatives across the county. 

He succeeded his father as Lord Saye and Sele in 2024. Martin is the son of Nathaniel Fiennes, 21st Lord Saye and Sele, and Mariette, Lady Saye & Sele.

He has recently joined Dementia Active as a patron, supporting the charity’s work providing vital daytime care and respite for people living with dementia and their families. 

Martin says: “Dementia Active is a real benefit to carers and partners of people living with dementia. They supported my father, which made a great difference to both him and my mother. I’m only too happy to support them as a patron, as my mother did before me.” 

The Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry DL served as the Member of Parliament for Banbury for 32 years, following his election in the 1983 General Election. During his long parliamentary career, he held a number of ministerial roles and was a prominent figure in both national and local public life.

Since standing down from Parliament, he has continued to play an active role in the community as High Steward of Banbury and as a Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire. He has long been a committed advocate for improved dementia services, consistently calling for better funding, greater awareness, and stronger support for carers.

Sir Tony is also the convenor of the Age Friendly Banbury initiative, which works to make the town a more inclusive and supportive place for older people, including those living with dementia. Through this work, he remains closely involved in championing initiatives that enhance quality of life and community wellbeing.

Alexandra spent most of her early life pursuing a career in the arts. She had a small art gallery for twenty five years based at her Oxfordshire home. She is currently a Trustee of Banbury Museum and Art Gallery.
She has supported the Katharine House Hospice for many years helping with various fund raising events. More recently due to a major heart operation her husband had, she has fundraised for the Oxford Heart Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Her hobbies are art related and include opera, ballet, contemporary dance and music. 

Alexandra says, “If we don’t know anyone close to us now who has dementia, all of us are probably just a few years away from knowing someone with this awful disease. This is why I am so keen to support this vital Banbury based charity."

Surinder has for many years been actively involved in the Banbury community, both as a town councillor and a district councillor and was elected Mayor of Banbury in 2004. She has supported a multitude of local campaigns, for instance: Save the Horton; Woodgreen Swimming Pool; parking charges and Dial a Ride. 

For thirty eight years Surinder was an employee of Marks and Spencer at the town centre store. She chaired the store's Business Involvement Group, raising funds for many local charities, such that the work of this group was recognised at national level when both Surinder and the Group were finalists in Marks and Spencer’s national awards.  

In 2019 she was elected as the first female president of Banbury Rotary Club and used this opportunity to continue her fundraising efforts, culminating in her being presented in October 2020 with the Paul Harris Award. This is a recognition of exceptional service to Rotary and its core values. In March 2022 Surinder was awarded the British Citizen Award for helping to raise money for local and overseas charities including supporting young girls and working in the community for nearly forty years. 

Additionally she served as Trustee of Banbury Citizens’ Advice Bureau and as Governor of Banbury Secondary School. She was also an Oxfordshire County Councillor (2005-9 and 2013-7) serving on the Health & Overview Scrutiny Committee and Pension Fund Committee. 

Surinder is looking forward with energy and enthusiasm to working with Dementia Active as it expands in order to meet the support needs of people with dementia living in Cherwell. 

Julia has been a long-standing resident and contributor to the Banbury area, where she has lived and worked for many years. Together with her husband John, she manages a mixed farm that sustains both livestock and crops. Approximately thirty years ago, Julia diversified the farm’s activities by beginning to cultivate asparagus, which subsequently led her to establish and operate a Farm shop on the outskirts of Banbury.

Julia’s commitment to her community extends beyond her agricultural pursuits. She has served as an active Trustee of Banbury Charities for nearly forty years, demonstrating her dedication to local causes. In addition, she is a regular volunteer at the Horton General Hospital, further exemplifying her spirit of service and involvement in the welfare of others.

Julia’s mother experienced dementia in her later years, a journey that deeply impacted Julia. Following her mother’s passing three years ago, Julia has become increasingly engaged with Dementia Active. She recognises the organisation as an outstanding resource that has become a vital lifeline for many families facing similar challenges. Julia often reflects on how her mother would have greatly benefited from having access to such support within her own community.

Kevin Wilson, former professional footballer and manager, is an ambassador for us. 

Kevin has strong connections to Banbury being born and raised here. He also started his career with Banbury United Football Club. He has enjoyed a long career playing for Ipswich Town, Chelsea, Notts County, Walsall and Northampton Town, amassing 740 appearances and 207 goals. 

He was capped 42 times for Northern Ireland. Kevin has personal experience of a family member with dementia so was keen to become involved. With the increasing awareness of a potential risk of dementia through contact sport, Kevin has spoken at a number of sporting events on this subject recently. 

We were deeply honored to have had Lady Saye & Sele as one of our founding patrons. From the very early days of Dementia Active, she was not only a steadfast supporter but also an active participant. Mariette’s hands-on involvement with our members and her unwavering commitment to the cause made her a pillar of our community.

In 2019, her generosity took a remarkable form when she and Lord Saye & Sele offered the use of their historic castle and moat at Broughton for a much-needed sponsored swim fundraiser. This event raised the crucial funds that enabled us to purchase a minibus, which continues to serve our members to this day. Mariette also graciously guided our members on a special tour of the castle, sharing its history and beauty while further strengthening the bond within our community.

Mariette’s words reflect her deep connection to the mission of Dementia Active:
"Having experienced first-hand the great service Dementia Active provides, I understand how essential the support for husbands, wives, and carers is, who desperately need respite. When Dementia Active approached me to represent them as Patron, I was only too happy to step forward, congratulate them on their charitable status, and acknowledge all their hard work and efforts."

Her legacy as Patron of Dementia Active will continue to inspire and guide us, and we are forever grateful for her steadfast support.

Lady Saye & Sele passed away peacefully on the 6th April 2026