There’s a long way to go on all the repair works needed to St James Church and a lot more funds to be raised and grants to be applied for, but we are delighted to share with you that we have been awarded two grants worth £10,740 towards the much needed repairs of the church’s tiled roofs, gutters and downpipes.

It may be a drop in the ocean that is needed, but the grants have been awarded as a result of all the community activities we are doing ourselves to raise funds for the restoration project of St James Church. So far we have raised approx £6,500 and this has been used to match-fund grants from Coventry Diocese and the National Churches Trust. Grant applications aren’t always successful and so it’s been a great encouragement to the team to have received two towards some of the works.

We know that St James church holds so many connections and stories for people who live, or have lived, in Southam and surrounding areas. The Grade 1 listed building has stood in place for hundreds of years and has been a place of worship, a place of tears and loss, a place of celebration, a place of laughter and a place of love. And it’s our hope that the church is there for generations to come. So thank you to all of you who have donated, volunteered, attended events, made cakes, stewarded, served refreshments, prepared crafts and fun activities for the children… the list is almost endless! Without you, our hope that the church is there for generations to come would not be possible.

In addition to the grants, last Autumn our efforts were also recognised when we were shortlisted for the National Churches Trust Church & Community Volunteers Award. All of these things have been such an encouragement to us!

We know there is still a lot of work to do and a huge amount of money needs to be raised for the major building repairs and for the upkeep, so if you’d like to get involved in some way please get in touch. This year we are planning more events and activities to continue ‘having Fun whilst Fund Raising’ and with your continued support, we will be applying for more grants to tackle the bigger repair projects as well as to improve our facilities and accessibility for the wonderful community of Southam.

Watch this space!

With thanks,

Rev Vikki