From Vision to Reality – A Record of Achievement
Seven years ago we, at St James, set out with a Vision. We wanted to improve the facilities of our church for existing and future worshippers. We also sought to encourage greater participation by members of the community in the life of the Church and to expand amenities of the building to equip it to take an even more relevant and active part in the spiritual, cultural, educational and community life of the town.
This was undoubtedly a major challenge but, through the commitment and involvement of a high proportion of parishioners, the active and diligent involvement of the PCC, the support of Bishop Michael and the DAC, a lot of hard work by fundraisers and enthusiasts and careful project management and cost control - we have done it!
There have inevitably been many trials and tribulations along the way but these can now be forgotten as we celebrate the fact that the project is coming to its final conclusion. We can reflect upon the wonderful improvements that have been made to St James’s and the significant successes we have achieved over that period. In summary we have:
v Completely re-roofed the church.
v Totally redecorated the inside of the building.
v Moved the font and baptistry to its present, more appropriate, location.
v Refurbished the Tanner Chapel and added more comfortable seating.
v Commissioned a replacement altar for the Tanner Chapel with matching Aumbry door.
v Redesigned the Welcome area and the Childrens’ corner.
v Re-carpeted the Tanner Chapel and Childrens’ corner.
v Installed a beautifully designed custom-built Oak Tardis with service facilities.
v Constructed a new balcony above the Tardis and installed appropriate seating.
v Commissioned and installed a purpose-designed highly flexible new lighting system.
v Replaced poor sound equipment with an effective integrated modern system.
v Refurbished the choir’s robing room.
v Upgraded the bell-ringing tower with improved lighting.
v Raised over £400,000 to fund the project.
And there are just three ‘arts and crafts’ items specifically created for St James which are scheduled for installation later this year that will finally complete the project:
v The Welcome Mosaic set in the floor of the welcome area - Due May.
v The glass at the front of the balcony – Scheduled for May/June.
v A sculptured Reredos for the Tanner Chapel –Due July.
So there we are. A seven-year vision which, thanks to the unstinting commitment of all involved, has become a reality. A truly fantastic achievement, and one of which we can all be extremely proud.