Fundraising appeal for St James' Church in Dursley comes to an end (From Gazette Series)

Fundraising appeal for St James' Church in Dursley comes to an end

9:30am Tuesday 27th July 2010

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FIVE years, £466,000 in grants and donations and a lot of hard work came to a close at the official end of the St James' Church Appeal.

Although the work in Dursley’s parish church is not totally complete and a small amount of cash still needs to be raised the congregation regarded St James’ Day, on Sunday, as the end of their long appeal.

When the church launched the appeal back in 2005 the congregation couldn’t see an end in sight and yet with enthusiasm, perseverance and help from the local community they edged closer and closer to their target.

"The five years have been five fantastic years," said Rev Janet Bromley, who led the appeal from the start.

"Everyone put their heart and soul into it and no single person can be mentioned because everyone has worked hard."

Along the way fundraisers came up with quirky ideas to raise the cash including selling roof tiles to pay for the desperately needed roof repairs and popular cheese and wine nights.

Mrs Bromley didn’t shy away from work either serving pints of ale behind the bar at the Old Spot each year to raise money.

There has been music, plays, arts events, coffee mornings and much more.

"It has been a lot of hard work," said Mrs Bromley. "But it hasn’t just been members of the church, it has been a whole community effort. It has been a totally town thing, and we feel truly blessed."

Over the weekend the church celebrated with a raft of events starting off with the annual march through the town by the Bristol Pipe Band. The evening was topped off with a sell-out performance by Dursley Male Voice Choir and the Shimmering Flutes.

On Sunday the congregation was joined by members of the community, the mayor, local councillors and business owners for a special service with the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Michael Perham, who blessed the church refurbishments, which are almost complete.

The unique 13th century chapel area is being converted into an place for private prayer, the font has been moved and the west end of the church has been completely renovated with the addition of a welcome area, a children’s area, kitchen, toilet and grand entrance for brides.

They await the arrival of their handmade mosaic, wooden sculptures and decorative glass for the balcony.

Mrs Bromley added: "We now have a beautiful church and we just feel so grateful for that."

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